A healthy dog is a happy dog. However, just like humans, some dogs have a sensitive stomach and they need special food and care. You need to ensure that the dog is feeling better and you can start the process by picking out the right food for him.
Finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs and skin can be a tricky job as there can be so many underlying reasons. If your dog shows signs of a sensitive stomach or skin then you should immediately consult a vet to get him diagnosed. It can be a simple digestive problem or a serious chronic disease. Once the vet has figured out the reason for the illness, it’s time to pick the right food for him.
A simple change in diet can bring a massive change to your pet. Dogs are blessed with a hearty appetite but it’s your duty to find the best food for them. Well, we have picked the 10 best foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin so that your fur baby can live a healthy happy life.
List of 10 Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach and Skin
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food
- AvoDerm Natural Dog Food
- Halo Natural Dry Dog Food
- Natural Balance LID
- Nutro Wholesome Essential
- IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Minichunks Dry Dog Food
- CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
- Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Our Recommendation
Top Pick
AvoDerm Natural Dog Food
Because of its premium quality and health-centered formulation, you could easily see why we chose the AvoDerm Natural Dog Food as our overall top pick.
From its name, you can instantly tell that its main ingredient is avocados – a fruit that’s rich in healthy types of fat and other vitamins. It also contains a mix of premium meat, fruits, and vegetables to provide your favorite canine with a balanced diet. That’s how AvoDerm keeps our dogs healthy and ridiculously good-looking.
Without a doubt, this dog food from AvoDerm will make your dog look and feel at his best. And that’s why it deserves the top spot on this list.
Budget Pick
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a dog food that is budget-friendly and won’t put a dent in your wallet, then look no further than the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food. Just because we’ve put this on our best budget category, doesn’t mean it lacks quality. This dog food brand is well known for its specialist formulations.
Hill Science specifically labels their dog food, so we know exactly what it contains. This makes us confident that we’re only feeding our canine buddies with food that’s healthy and good for them. We also love how balanced the formulation is, and that guarantees that our dogs get the nutrition they need every day.
1. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Key features
- Prebiotic fiber
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Salmon and rice formula
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach is an excellent food choice for dogs that are dealing with sensitive skin and stomach.
In this dog food, real salmon is the first ingredient. Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and fatty acids; which are essential for a dog’s growth. It’s a great alternative source of protein as most dogs have allergic reactions to chicken, beef, and other more common sources of protein.
As we’ve mentioned before, salmon contains fatty acids; which in turn consists of a tiny percentage of saturated fats. This saturated fat can help maintain your dog’s skin and fur, therefore making them bouncy and shiny. It can also repair its skin and fur that are already beginning to flake, itch or dry up.
Apart from salmon, it also includes ingredients like barley, ground rice, canola meal, oatmeal, etc. These ingredients can promote digestive health for supporting your dog’s total well-being.
Pros
- Serves healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Low in saturated fats
- Contains zinc
- No preservatives
Cons
- Salmons are raw
Verdict:
Overall, Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach is fine for most dogs, especially those who’re prone to stomach and skin issues. Though it’s better than most dog foods, it’s nothing compared to higher-quality brands.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Key features
- Promotes digestive health
- Highly digestible
- Packed with Vitamin E
- 1 veterinarian-recommended
The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food offers a uniquely formulated diet that provides the precise nutrition your dog requires. So, if your dog is having issues with its stomach and skin, this is the product you should pick.
This dog food can promote your dog’s digestive system while nourishing its skin; thanks to it being highly digestible. It comes packed with a source of prebiotic fiber. Therefore, it’s able to support a balanced gut microbiome in your fully grown dog. It can ensure optimal nutrient absorption and easier stool pick up.
It’s also packed with high amounts of vitamin E, along with omega-6 fatty acids. As a result, with this dog food, you’ll be able to help your dog get a lustrous coat, as well as healthy skin. Moreover, almost all veterinarians recommend it to dogs prone to sensitive skin and stomach.
Pros
- No artificial flavors or colors included
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Uses whole foods
- Clinically proven formula
Cons
- Contains grains
Verdict:
Overall, the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food makes an average option and can be good enough if your dog starts liking it. Its price is reasonable and most of the dogs prefer the flavor it comes with.
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food
Key features
- Deboned turkey
- Easily digestible carbohydrates
- Omega 3 and 6
- No poultry by-product meals
The Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food offers a limited-ingredient diet formulated for minimizing food sensitivity-based issues dogs usually experience while maximizing the nutritional value they’re receiving. It’s made from only the finest natural ingredients.
It’s equipped with a recipe that starts with real turkey as the first component. Elaborately speaking, this dog food consists of a single animal protein; which is turkey along with potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. These ingredients are essential for gentle digestion; which is why this product’s a good choice for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
It also consists of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that can support your dog’s skin and coat health, therefore gradually improving its skin condition. It doesn’t come with any chicken, beef, corn, or any other elements that possess a threat to dogs with food sensitivities.
Plus, it features small bite kibble and is specifically formulated with a balance of carbohydrates and protein. This is the main reason why it’s perfect for small breed dogs as it’s capable of meeting the unique needs.
Pros
- One protein source
- Enhance with vitamins and minerals
- Supports immune system health
- Maintains a healthy oxidative balance
Cons
- A little pricey
Verdict:
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for dogs suffering from bad stomach and skin.
4. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food
Key features
- It contains premium sources of protein.
- It does not contain potential allergens like corn, wheat, soy.
- It contains all-natural ingredients.
- It is proudly made in the USA.
This natural dog food from AvoDerm is maid from healthy all-natural ingredients, so you don’t have to second-guess its quality. Aside from avocado, it is also rich in whole grains which helps improve your dog’s digestion. It’s also specially formulated for all adult dogs – regardless of size and breed.
Even if your pup has allergies, this dog food tells you that there’s nothing to worry about. It doesn’t contain common allergens such as soy, wheat, or corn, and that surely gives you peace of mind.
The AvoDerm Natural Dog Food also contains a healthy amount of protein for healthy muscles that keep him going throughout the day. To ensure flavor, this dog food also contains herring – a taste that dogs simply cannot resist.
Aside from proteins, this dog food also contains a balanced amount of carbohydrates. It contains ground oatmeal and rice, giving him his daily needs to keep him energetic and happy.
We also love how the AvoDerm Natural Dog Food helps your canine buddy maintain a healthy and shiny coat. It contains healthy omega fatty acids which help with improving your dog’s skin and coat.
Without a doubt, this dog food from AvoDerm contains a well-balanced meal that has everything your dog needs and more.
Pros
- Promotes overall health
- Wholesome savory taste
- No artificial colors and flavors
- Balanced nutrition
Cons
- A little expensive
Verdict:
Overall, AvoDerm Natural Dog Food boasts a highly recommended recipe, especially for those who’re searching for one that comes with a lot of healthy alternatives for their sensitive pups.
5. Halo Natural Dry Dog Food
Key features
- It provides dogs with a satisfying crunch and an equally satisfying flavor.
- It is especially formulated for adult dogs.
- It helps boost digestion.
- It offers a 100-perfect satisfaction guarantee.
If there’s anything we want in dog food, it’s to ensure that it’s from healthy and responsible sources. And with that said, we’re really happy when we found the Halo Natural Dry Dog Food.
One of the key reasons we love this dog food is its naturally sourced ingredients. Its main source of protein are seafood and meat from natural forms, while its vegetables are the non-GMO kind. That’s how you know you’re feeding your adult dog with only the best food.
The Halo Natural Dry Dog Food contains high amounts of protein, paving the way for healthier muscles and bones. Protein can also help your dog gain more weight, especially if he’s a little underweight.
To mimic the natural diet of dogs, this dry food also contains chicken fat for that healthy dose of Omega-6. Fortunately, Omega-6 helps fight bad cholesterol to improve your favorite canine’s overall heart health.
While the Halo Natural Dry Dog Food has a high-protein formula, it still contains the right amount of daily nutrients and vitamins that your dog needs. That’s why we believe it’s one of the best dog foods for sensitive stomach and skin.
Pros
- Reduced fat and calories
- A good amount of fiber
- Supports digestive system
- Maintains strength and energy levels
Cons
- • It may be a little flavorless for some dogs.
Verdict:
Overall, the recipe for this dog food is unmatched. It is free from harmful ingredients and packed with vitamins and minerals that your dog wants and needs. With the Halo Natural Dry Dog Food, he’ll surely thank you after each meal.
6. Natural Balance LID
Key features
- Grain-free
- Uses novelty meat
- Limited ingredients
- No artificial additives
If you’re looking for a product that has a more natural source of vitamins and minerals for your dog, you should consider buying the Natural Balance LID. It’s made with 52% beef and 45% plant-based ingredients.
This food is produced with all-natural elements, in addition to limited ingredients. This is why it’s recommended the most for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach. It can help them prevent from experiencing any negative reactions to any portion of the product.
It presents a strong beef flavor which will encourage your dog to consume this food more. So, even if your dog doesn’t feel like eating, it’ll start feeling hungry once it smells the flavor. It comes with an easy-to-read chart. With the help of this chart, you’ll be able to figure out how to get your dog used to this formula.
Pros
- Prevents negative reactions to certain elements
- High fiber content
- Ensures healthy digestive system
- Doesn’t contain harmful substances
Cons
- Expensive
Verdict:
Overall, the Natural Balance LID is suggested for any dog that has moderate to severe stomach and skin sensitivities. It features all-natural ingredients, along with beef as the main ingredient which is taken from real beef. Therefore, your dog will keep on looking forward to its eating time throughout the day.
7. Nutro Wholesome Essential
Key features
- Farm-raised chicken
- No chicken by-product meal
- No artificial flavors
- Cooked in USA facilities
The Nutro Wholesome Essential can act as a more natural and affordable option for your dog. It volunteers several different flavors. All of these different flavors will encourage your dog to consume the entire food this product comes with. So, with this product, you can easily provide your dog with nutritional benefits.
Its recipe doesn’t contain any GMO ingredients, so don’t worry about your dog having to experience any negative reactions from this dog food. The recipe features a mix of chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato which will keep your dog coming back for more. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient of its recipe.
It not only comes with a great diet for adult dogs but also for puppies as well. It’s formulated with 3 omega fatty acids like DHA to support healthy development and growth.
Pros
- Delivers rich taste
- Builds strong muscles
- Maintains a strong immune system
- Builds strong bones and joints
Cons
- Not enough for grown-up dogs
Verdict:
If you have a smaller dog with digestive and skin problems, then the Nutro Wholesome Essential is the one you should pick. With this product, you won’t have to spend much money on feeding your dog.
8. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Minichunks Dry Dog Food
Key features
- Veterinarians recommended
- Contains 3657 kcal/kg
- Real chicken as a primary constituent
- Weighs 15 pounds
The IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Minichunks Dry Dog Food, without a doubt, is considered to be the best dog food for dogs with stomach and skin sensitivity. It incorporates a recipe that includes generous
amount of protein, carbohydrate, and minerals constituents, which will aid in the overall wellness of your pet.
It’s enriched with quality protein which is essential and important for building strong muscles. It can maintain a healthy digestion system thanks to the premium blend of fiber and prebiotics it comes with.
Moreover, since this product is equipped with a lot of antioxidants, your dog will start developing a strong immune system after consuming this. Also, it comes formulated with L Carnitine that is effective at maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Pros
- Endorsed as a safe option
- Ensures formation of strong muscles
- Boosts resistance and immunity against ailments
- Incredibly affordable
Cons
- Bag packed
Verdict:
Overall, we highly recommend the IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Munchkins Dry Dog Food for beloved canines dealing with stomach and skin issues. You won’t even have to worry about spending a lot of time when it comes to buying this.
9. CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
Key features
- It contains an optimized diet for all dogs, regardless of age, size, or breed.
- It comes in large packaging. Perfect for multi-dog homes
- It is formulated by experts in dog health and welfare.
- It is packed with nutrients.
If you have multiple dog breeds in your home, the Candidae All Life Stages Dog Food will be your best friend.
This special dog good contains healthy ingredients that provide all canines with the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need every day. It uses a multi-protein formula mixed with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that can be eaten by all dog breeds, regardless of age and size. And the fact that it’s vet-formulated will give you peace of mind.
The Candidae All Life Stages Dog Food is one of the best dog food for sensitive stomach because it does not contain allergens like soy, corn, or wheat. It uses dog-friendly probiotics to protect his digestive tract for improved digestion.
And if you think all of these ingredients are good enough already, wait until you hear more. It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 to ensure a healthy and shiny coat, while the added glucosamine and chondroitin help improve his joint muscles. Without a doubt, the Candidae All Life Stages Dog Food is formulated for your dog’s overall health and welfare.
Pros
- Contains live probiotics to assist digestion
- Antioxidants to enhance the immune system
- Suitable for all life stages
- Made in the USA
Cons
- It is a little too expensive.
Verdict:
Overall, the CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food makes a great choice for dog parents with multiple fur babies. Since it’s made from premium ingredients, you know that it’s here to nourish and protect your beloved dogs.
10. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Key features
- High-quality proteins
- Grain and poultry free
- Added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- All-natural formula
The Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food is perfect for those whose dogs only prefer to eat all-natural food. The food of this product includes only natural, high-quality ingredients.
The Whole Earth Farms Grain takes a holistic approach when it comes to dog food. It makes use of a formula that contains 100% all-natural ingredients. For added flavor, it includes blueberries and rosemary. The recipe also uses plant-based ingredients like dried and sweet potatoes, peas, etc.
Though most of the ingredients in this product are plant-based, you’ll find meat meals in moderate amounts like pork, beef, and lamb. Besides, it’s completely grain-free. Moreover, you’ll be glad to know that the entire product is cooked in the US. So, you don’t need to be skeptical about using this.
Pros
- Keeps your dog energized
- Doesn’t include artificial preservatives or flavors
- Maintains complete and balanced nutrition
- Ensures easy digestibility and healthier skin
Cons
- Kibble might be too big for smaller breeds
Verdict:
With the Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food, you’ll be able to nourish your dog with wholesome, natural, healthy dog food; which will drastically improve its overall stomach and skin sensitivities.
Factors to Consider before Buying the Dog food
Every dog has different dietary needs and you should get their foods based on those requirements. Feeding your dog the right kind of food will help it live a long happy life. Finding the right find is not an easy task, especially when it has sensitive skin and stomach issues. These are some factors that will help you choose the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.
Age
Age is one of the primary considerations when you’re looking for dog foods. Different life stages require different types of food intake. If you’re buying for a puppy less than one year then the food needs to have a balanced ratio of protein to fat. This will ensure that the puppy grows steadily with proper bone and joint development.
The food for adult dogs aged between 1 to 6 years should contain a balanced ratio of protein, fat, carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals to facilitate a healthy lifestyle. Make sure that you give the dog a well-proportionate balanced diet so that it doesn’t gain extra weight.
Senior dogs are at risk of a variety of diseases and they need special food and dietary supplements to live a healthy life. As they grow older, their bones get weaker. You need to ensure that the food contains all the vital nutrients and anti-oxidants so that the dog remains healthy.
Dietary Needs
The dog parents need to choose the food based on the dog’s dietary needs. It’s even more vital for dogs who have sensitive stomachs and skin. You need to figure out which type of diet works the best and helps to reduce the sensitivity through a trial-and-error process.
Monitor the dog’s behavior and health condition with the change in diet. Through the elimination and addition process, you can figure out the diet that works the best for your dog. Also, make sure that you consult with the vet before bringing up any changes in their diet.
Breed and Size
Different breeds and sizes of dogs have different health issues and concerns. The food intake is closely associated with their lifestyle. You should always pick foods that comply with the requirement of the breed and the size of the dog.
Larger dogs have more nutritional needs due to their massive sizes. They are also more prone to suffer from hip, bone, and joint problems due to their large size. However, these problems are also quite evident in smaller dogs. You need to feed the dog the recommended number of calories, protein, and vitamins to ensure healthy growth and to keep away from stomach and skin sensitivity.
Types of Dog Food
Dog foods are available in different types and forms. Canned dog foods are also known as wet dog foods. These foods have somewhat a liquid-y consistency, however, they’re not completely liquid. Canned dog foods are a great source of hydration as well because they contain water. Wet dog foods are a great choice for older dogs as it’s tastier and more flavorful than other forms.
Dry foods are known as kibble and they also contain the essential nutrients needed for the dog. However, they don’t contain as much water as wet food. You should always keep a bowl of water if you feed your dog kibbles.
Important Ingredients for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach and Skin
Every dog is different and so is their diet. Some dogs can digest rock where many suffer even with the slightest change in their diet. There are few vital factors of dog nutrition that you should keep in mind to choose the best dog food for sensitive stomach and skin. Make sure you consult with the vet before adding or removing any source of ingredient from the dog’s diet.
Fiber
Just like their human parents, dogs also need an optimum level of fiber in their diet to live a healthy life. Commercial dog foods contain inulin and psyllium as a source of fiber. However, if you want to give the pupper a natural source of fiber then beet is an excellent choice.
Protein
Protein is a staple in a dog’s diet. Sadly, some dogs have trouble digesting protein. If your dog is currently on a chicken-based diet then try introducing other protein sources like beef, lamb, or fish to see if it helps to reduce the skin and stomach issues.
Fat
If the diet is richer in fat instead of protein and carbohydrate then it will be harder for the dog to digest it. You can check the amount of fat in commercial dog foods by examining the ingredient label. If fat is listed among the first four ingredients then it means that the food is rich in fat. You can compare different dog foods with varying levels of fat to see if that brings any changes to the dog’s health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Dogs need an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals to live a healthy life. Commercial dog foods are generally rich in vitamins and minerals. If you feed your dog home-cooked foods or raw foods then it might lead to vitamin deficiency which can cause skin or stomach problems. You should consult with your vet to ensure that the foods you’re providing contain all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Reasons behind Sensitive Stomach and Skin
There are many underlying reasons for which the dog may suffer from stomach and skin sensitivity issues. One of the most reasons is that the food contains some allergens which cause sensitivity issues. You can resolve this problem by simply eliminating that specific ingredient from its diet.
Many of us have this habit of giving table scraps to our fur babies. It can be intimidating to avoid those puppy eyes while you eat but it’s only for their betterment. You should avoid giving table scraps to dogs as foods cooked for humans contain spices that are harmful to dogs and may cause sensitivity in their stomach or skin.
Stress and anxiety are also known to cause distress to the dog’s digestive system. If the dog is upset, for example, if the dog has separation anxiety or any other issues then it can have a direct effect on the dog’s digestive system. Give the dog as much time as you can, take him to walk, and play with him.
FAQ:
Just like humans, dogs can also experience emotional pain and sorrow. Anxiety or stress can have a major impact on their appetite that can lead to stomach or skin sensitivity.
A drastic transition in the dog’s daily diet may backfire and upset the stomach or skin even more. You need to start with 20-25% of the new food while the rest remains the old food. You should slowly progress and introduce a new food in the dog’s diet and reaching 100% of the new food over the course of 7-10 days.
Yes, diarrhea is indeed a sign of stomach illness. However, it doesn’t always mean that the dog is intolerant to the food you’re giving. Diarrhea can be a sign of parasite and bacterial infection as well.
Hypoallergenic dog foods are a godsend for dogs who suffer from allergies. The hypoallergenic dog food doesn’t contain any ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction to the dog.
Final Verdict:
It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see your pet suffer in pain and agony. Choosing the right food will bring a world of change to the dog’s health and lifestyle. We have picked the best food for sensitive stomach and skin so that you can pick the best one for your fur baby.
We have also listed the important ingredients that are staples in their diet and the ones you should avoid. Also, make you take a peek at the buying guide before making the ultimate purchase decision.