The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is usually the first line of defense in the body against external effects. It is also a good indicator of your dog’s general health. Dogs are afflicted by skin conditions just like humans.
Skin sensitivity is usually as a result of both genetics and environmental factors. In terms of genetics, some dogs may be naturally sensitive to certain foods e.g. gluten, corn-based diets, etc. In such cases, it’s advisable to feed the best dog food for sensitive skin according to your dog.
Other dogs are sensitive to changes in the environment or weather. For example, allergies are quite common during spring and summer while dry skin symptoms during fall or winter.
Excessive scratching, hair loss, dry skin, and flaking are common symptoms of skin irritation and should be treated as soon as they are noted.
Best Dog Food For Sensitive Skin
1. Diamond CARE
This dog food formula is made from limited hypoallergic ingredients recipe especially for dogs with sensitive, itchy, and prone to food allergies.
Key Features
- Made from limited hypoallergenic ingredients
- Made from high quality low molecular protein in the form of hydrolyzed salmon
Pros
- Has added omega 3 essential fatty acids which contribute to improving the health of skin and a shiny hair coat
- Contain Vitamin E, zinc, and selenium which acts as antioxidants to boost immunity
- Contains peas as a source of carbohydrate which is hypoallergic
- Contains prebiotics (live and active K9 strain) which help indigestion
- Contain no gluten, corn and wheat, fillers, and food additives which are common food allergens
- Contains no food coloring and preservatives
- Recommend by veterinarians
- Rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber to help indigestion
Cons
- Contains high sodium levels
Diamond care sensitive recipe is made from high-quality limited ingredients. It contains salmon being the main source of protein and peas as the main source of carbohydrates. It’s also rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E which act as antioxidants.
2. Royal Canin HP
This is a prescription dry dog food diet specially formulated for dogs with stomach and skin sensitivities for both puppies and adult dogs. It is made from hydrolyzed proteins and hypoallergic ingredients.
Hydrolyzed proteins are in the form of amino acids making the original allergen ‘invisible’ to the dog’s immune system. It is also easily absorbed into the bloodstream without causing any adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.
Key Features
- Made from hydrolyzed soy proteins
- Made from hypoallergic ingredients
- Contain rice as the main source of carbohydrates
Pros
- Contains hydrolyzed soy proteins that in hypoallergic and easily digestible
- The hydrolyzed proteins are also of low molecular weight making them invisible to the dog’s immune system, therefore, no allergic reaction
- Fortified with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help boost immunity and promote healthy growth of skin and hair.
- Contain a healthy blend of fibers which help promote digestion
- Rich in vitamin B and amino acids that support the growth of a healthy skin barrier.
- Manufactured under high safety standards to avoid contamination
- Comes highly recommended by veterinarians
- Contains chelated minerals that are easily absorbable into the bloodstream
- Contains rice as the primary source of carbohydrates which is hypoallergic and easily digestible
Cons
- Price is a bit on the higher side
This dry dog food comes highly recommended by veterinarians. It boasts using hypoallergic ingredients that are also easy to digest. The hydrolyzed soy proteins are in the form of low molecular peptides incapable of eliciting an immune reaction.
They are also easily absorbable into the bloodstream as they are in the form of amino acids. It can be fed to both puppies and adult dogs.
3. Merrick L.I.D.
This is a natural limited ingredient dry dog food diet with salmon as its main source of protein. It is formulated for dog with food sensitivities as well as stomach problems.
Key Features
- Contains deboned salmon as the main source of protein, vitamins, and amino acids
- Contains limited ingredients
- Free of grains
- Contains no potatoes, soy, or gluten
- Poultry free
- Formulated for adult dogs only
Pros
- Contains limited ingredients
- Contains salmon, a rich source of protein and easy to digest
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy that are common allergens
- Contain no poultry ingredients
- Free of grains therefore easily digestible
- Fortified with vitamins as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that useful for the growth of healthy skin and hair as well as boost immunity
- Contains glucosamine and chondrotin that help in relieving inflammation especially in arthritic dogs
- Contains easily digestible carbohydrates
- Free from artificial colorings, preservatives, and additives
- Made in America under strict sanitary conditions
- Can be bought over the counter. Does not require a prescription
Cons
- Suitable for only adult dogs
This dog food is good for adult dogs with food sensitivities as well as sensitive stomachs. Deboned salmon is a rich source of easily digestible proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. It is also enriched with glucosamine and chondrotin which are beneficial to arthritic dogs due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
4. CANIDAE PURE
This dry dog food is formulated using limited ingredients for dogs with both skin and stomach sensitivities.
Key Features
- Limited ingredients food formulation
- Contains salmon as the main source of protein which is nutrient-rich and easily digestible
- Other protein sources include peas and menhaden fish meal
- Formulated for adult dogs only
- Contains canola oil rich in essential fatty acids e.g. Omega 3 and 6 and a good source of energy
- Contains sweet potatoes which are complex carbohydrates that are broken down slowly for sustained energy levels throughout the day. They are also rich in vitamin c and potassium
- Contains sun-cured alfalfa a rich source of calcium and also aids in the absorption of other minerals and trace elements
- Peas also found among the ingredients in rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber
Pros
- Rich in both animal and plant protein
- Rich in easily digestible carbohydrates that are also hypoallergic
- It is grain-free
- Rich in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
- Free of preservatives, artificial color, and flavorings
- Rich in fiber found in alfalfa and peas
- Contains chelated minerals for easier absorption
- Contains probiotics that help in stimulating digestion
Cons
- Formulated for adult dogs only
- Contains peas which some dogs may find hard to digest
This dry dog food though containing limited ingredients is high in protein and fats and low in carbohydrates.
5. Hill’s Prescription Diet
This is a prescription diet for dogs with skin and stomach sensitivities. It is the best dry dog food for skin allergies and comes highly recommended by veterinarians.
Key Features
- Made from limited ingredients with single animal protein
- Free from soy protein
- Gluten-free and grain-free
- Contains high amounts of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
- Made from single source carbohydrates
Pros
- The single-source animal protein and single source carbohydrates is highly digestible and hypoallergic therefore reducing chances of food sensitivities
- Contain Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which help in the healthy growth of the skin and hair
- High in antioxidants that also promote a good skin protective barrier and boost immunity
- Comes in four novel protein sources, therefore, offering more variety in managing skin sensitivities
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Improves digestion and stool quality
- Suitable for both puppies and adult dogs
- Free from preservative and artificial flavorings
Cons
- Kibble sizes are a bit large for puppies
This dry dog food comes highly recommended by veterinarians. Not only does improve the health of your dog’s skin and hair, but it also promotes digestibility, stool quality, and improves the overall immunity of your pet.
It’s single-source animal protein and carbohydrates help to avoid common food sensitivities. It comes in four different novel proteins to allow you to choose what best suits your dog.
6. Purina Beyond
This is a hypoallergic dry dog food made from nine natural ingredients with chicken as the main source protein combined with vitamins and minerals.
Key Features
- Made from 9 main ingredients
- Contains chicken as the main source of protein
- Free from any poultry by-product meal, wheat, soy, and corn
- Contains rice as the main source of carbohydrates
- Contains oatmeal and barley which are rich sources of carbohydrates and fiber
- Contains sunflower oil a rich source of omega 6 essential fatty acids and linoleic acid
- Contains natural liver flavor which enhances palatability
- Has chicken meal which 4 times high in protein compared to chicken used in other pet foods
- Made in the USA
Pros
- It has limited ingredients (9 natural ingredients)
- High in protein sourced from chicken meal and chicken itself
- Very palatable and tasty owning to rich liver flavor
- Rich in Omega6 fatty acids and linoleic acid that help promote healthy skin and hair and a good source of healthy fats
- Contains an easily digestible carbohydrate source (rice)
- Rich in fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement
- Free from corn, soy, and wheat
- Affordable
Cons
- Kibble size may be too small for big dogs
If you’re looking for quality dry dog food that’s high in protein, low in grains and at a really good price this is a sure bet.
7. Blue Buffalo Basics
This is a limited ingredient dry dog food formulated for dogs with food sensitivities of high nutritional value.
Key Features
- Contains salmon as the single source of protein
- Contains easily digestible protein sourced from peas and potatoes
- Rich in fiber to ease digestion and bowel movement sourced from pea fiber and pumpkin
- Rich in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which promotes healthy growth of the skin and hair
- Made from limited natural ingredients free from common food allergens
- Rich in vitamin E and C which are antioxidants. They help boost immunity as well as promote healthy skin
Pros
- Made with limited ingredients to minimize food sensitivities
- Contain salmon as the main source of protein
- Contains highly digestible carbohydrates
- Rich in fiber to help indigestion
- Rich in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
- Rich in Vitamin E and C which acts as antioxidants
- Free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and colorings
- Contain no grains, gluten, corn, dairy or eggs
- Contain no poultry by-product
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains peas which may be hard to digest in some dogs
- Contain animal fat which causes an allergic reaction in some dogs
This is favorable for those looking for a limited ingredient dry dog food diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It also works for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
8. Natural Balance L.I.D.
This is a limited ingredient dry dog food made from high-quality protein formulated for dogs with skin and stomach sensitivities.
Key Features
- Formulated from limited ingredients to prevent food allergies
- Made from chicken as the single source of high-quality protein
- Made from sweet potatoes as the main source of carbohydrates and potassium. It is also easily digestible
- Rich in fiber derived from peas, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and potatoes which aid in digestion
- Free from grains
- Contains no fillers
- Contains no artificial flavors and additives
- Contains essential amino acids and minerals
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids that improve the health of the skin and hair
Pros
- Made from limited ingredients
- Rich in high quality easily digestible protein
- Contains hypoallergic easily digestible carbohydrates
- Rich in fiber to stimulate digestion
- Rich in zinc, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
- Contains no fillers
- Free from preservative and artificial flavors
- Grain-free
- Rich in amino acids which act as a building block for muscle growth and minerals
- Maintains digestive health
Cons
- Formulated for adult dogs only
This dry dog food diet is made from high-quality protein and carbohydrate sources with the use of a few natural ingredients. It promotes healthy skin and hair and promotes bowel movement and digestion. For senior dogs, it also promotes joint health
9. Rachael Ray Nutrish
This is a limited ingredient dry dog food diet formulated for dogs with food sensitivities.
Key Features
- Made from a limited number of ingredients; Lamb, brown rice, rice meal, beet pulp, chicken fat, and natural pork flavor. This ensures the avoidance of food sensitivities
- Contains lamb as the primary source of protein. This is a source of valuable amino acids which are the building blocks of lean muscle.
- Brown rice is a rich source of complex carbohydrates that are broken down slowly by the body for sustained energy levels. It’s also a rich source of fiber.
- Contains beetroot pulp a source of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Contains no poultry by-product meal
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, and artificial preservatives
- Contains zero wheat, corn, or filler ingredients
Pros
- Made from limited ingredients
- Rich in high-quality proteins derived from lamb
- Contains highly digestible carbohydrates
- Contain fiber that helps in digestion
- Has natural pork flavor to increase palatability
- Free from corn, wheat, and fillers
- Contains no artificial flavors and preservatives
- Contains chondrotin and glucosamine which help in promoting joint health and mobility
- Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- contains prebiotics which promotes gut health and digestion
Cons
- Formulated for adult dogs
This dry dog food diet is made from quality wholesome ingredients that provide both nutrition as well as preventing food sensitivities.
10. Earthborn Holistic
This brand of dog food is made from limited ingredients namely turkey meal and butternut squash.
Key Features
- 95% of ingredients are sources of protein namely chickpeas, butternut squash, and turkey meal
- Turkey constitutes the main source of protein
- Free from grain and gluten
- Rich in fiber derived from butternut squash
- Rich in folate and betacarotene
- Fortified with vitamin C and minerals
- Contains omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which promote healthy skin and a lustrous haircoat
Pros
- All ingredients are natural with no GMO products
- Food is kept in 30% plant-based plastics that are resealable and help to keep the food fresh
- Rich in protein essential for the growth of lean muscle
- Contains no fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives
- Does not contain grains or gluten
- Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E which are rich in antioxidants that promote healthy skin and hair.
- Rich in fiber to help indigestion
- Affordable
- Can be eaten by dogs of all ages and sizes
Cons
- Kibble sizes are small for large breed dogs
This dog food is rich in proteins, fiber, and vitamins sourced from natural limited ingredients. It also promotes digestion and joint health and mobility. It’s free from common food allergens. It is also suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages.
11. ACANA
This is a limited ingredient dog food containing a single source of animal protein. It comes in various flavors to cater to picky eaters as well as those with food sensitivities.
Key Features
- Contains single source of animal protein
- Comes in various flavors e.g. duck and pear, pork and squash
- Contains 60% raw, dried, or fresh animal protein is sourced from grass-fed lamb, free-run poultry, Yorkshire pork, and ranch-raised meat, and then infused with freeze-dried liver
- The food is also supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and probiotics that make the rest of the 40% of the food composition
- It suitable for dogs in all life stages
- Does not contain any grains, gluten, or plant protein
Pros
- Comes in various flavours for picky eaters and those with food sensitivities
- Contains limited ingredients
- Contains 60% protein and 40% vegetables and fruits
- It’s grain-free, gluten-free, potato and plant protein
- Contains probiotics that help stimulate digestion
- Suitable for dogs in all there life stages
- High in fiber to ease bowel movements
- Does not contain any GMO products.
- Contains omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin and hair. They also help to boost immunity
Cons
- Price point is on the higher side
- Contains preservatives
When purchasing this dry dog food be assured you are getting an all-natural product with all ingredients sourced directly from the farm.
12. Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan
$71.98
This dry dog food is a specialized diet for dogs with both sensitive skin and stomach. It formulated for adult dogs only.
Key Features
- Specialized diet for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
- Contain salmon as the 1st ingredient and the main source of protein
- Contain Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids that aid in the growth of healthy skin and hair
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy which are common food allergens
- Free from preservative artificial flavors and colors which are common carcinogens and also cause digestive upsets
- Contain rice as the main source of carbohydrates. It is also easily digestible
Pros
- Rich in high-quality protein
- Rich in easily digestible protein
- Has a quality limited ingredient formula
- Contain prebiotic fiber which promotes digestion and bowel movement
- Rich in antioxidants which help to boost immunity as well as improve the health of the skin
- Contains no corn, wheat, or soy
- Free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors
- Contains no poultry by-products
- Rich in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids and zinc that help in improving the health of the skin, joint health, and mobility as well as boost immunity
- Affordable
Cons
- Formulated for adult dogs only
Purina Pro plan comes highly recommended. Though using a limited ingredient recipe, it is nutrient-rich and free of common food allergens.
Bottom Line
When sourcing for the best dry dog food for sensitive skin always go for those with limited ingredients as they are free from common food allergens that cause skin sensitivities.
It also advised going for food containing hydrolyzed protein since they are of low molecule weight therefore easily absorbable and are invisible to the immune system, therefore, cannot elicit a reaction.
Foods made from hypoallergic ingredients are also best suited for dogs with sensitive skin. These are free from common allergens such as grains, gluten, soy, poultry by-products, dairy, and eggs.
Food containing additional benefits such as those promoting digestion, immune-boosting, joint health, and mobility among others is a big plus. The more value for your money.
Go for food made from wholesome natural ingredients free from preservative and artificial flavors as they are of high nutritional value and have a lower risk of causing cancer later in your dog’s life.
The Review
Best Dog Food For Sensitive Skin
Here's our review of the best dog foods for sensitive skin on the market today.
Review Breakdown
- Diamond CARE
- Royal Canin HP
- Merrick L.I.D.
- CANIDAE PURE
- Hill's Prescription Diet
- Purina Beyond
- Blue Buffalo Basics
- Natural Balance L.I.D.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
- Earthborn Holistic
- ACANA
- Purina Pro Plan
Best Dog Food For Sensitive Skin DEALS
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