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Dogs can develop sensitive skin due to various factors, the most common is due to food allergies and intolerances. Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.
Some dogs can suffer environmental allergies from pollen, dust mites, mold and grass.
Low humidity, excessive bathing, or poor diet can lead to flakiness and itching too, along with yeast infections, bacterial infections, or conditions like hypothyroidism.
A lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can contribute to skin sensitivity, so look for foods which contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (for skin hydration & anti-inflammatory benefits) and found in ingredients such as salmon, sardines, flaxseed and fish oil.
Novel proteins in duck, venison, rabbit, kangaroo, salmon can help reduce allergic reactions if your dog is sensitive to common proteins. Hypoallergenic diets for food sensitivities are also beneficial. Limited-ingredient diets (LID) with a single protein and carb source can help identify allergens. You could also consider hydrolyzed protein diets, which break down proteins into smaller molecules, consequently reducing immune reactions.
Antioxidant-rich foods containing ingredients like blueberries, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and turmeric help reduce oxidative stress and support skin healing. And probiotics and prebiotics supplements for gut health, which affects skin health, can help balance gut bacteria, which reduce skin flare-ups.
Best Dog Food for Dogs with Sensitive Skin March 2025
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Best Food for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Salmon Recipe
Earthborn Holistic’s Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog Food features real, sustainably sourced salmon which is 100% free of hormones and antibiotics.
This recipe contains five ancient grains including chia, buckwheat and quinoa to provide your dog with plenty of fiber and amino acids.
Crafted with 18 superfoods like carrots, spinach, blueberries and kale, it is naturally packed with omega fatty acids to support healthy digestion, skin and a lustrous coat.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this food has a protein level of 27%, fat of 17% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 49%. The fat-to-protein ratio is 63%.
Read our review of the full Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Crafted with superfoods
- Rich in fiber
- Omega 3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Salmon, oats, salmon meal, barley, pumpkin, butternut squash Texture Dry Type With grains Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"One of my dogs periodically would get bouts of diarrhea. This food has cleared up the diarrhea and enabled him to gain weight finally."
We also highly recommend
Just Food For Dogs Fresh Frozen Joint & Skin Support
This food is made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients like wild-caught fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin. Its balanced formula includes essential nutrients like vitamin E and zinc, which promote a strong skin barrier and overall coat health.
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Best Fresh Food for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, Texture Fresh Type With grains Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
"My dog is such a picky eater that I have gone through hundreds of dollars worth of dog food in the 4 months I have had her trying to find something she would eat. I ended up making all of her meals until I found Nom Nom. Now she is so happy for mealtime and the stress is off of me having to worry about her. Hopefully she doesn't get sick of it!"
We also highly recommend
The Farmer's Dog Pork recipe
This is great for dogs with sensitive skin because it uses limited, whole-food ingredients and avoids common allergens like chicken or beef. The high-quality fats and omega fatty acids support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat.
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Best Affordable Food for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Taste of the Wild Prey Trout Formula
Taste of the Wild Prey Trout Formula is great for dogs with sensitive skin because it features limited ingredients, with trout as a novel protein that reduces the risk of common protein allergies.
This recipe also includes omega fatty acids from fish, which help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat while reducing inflammation. Plus, it’s grain-free and free from artificial additives, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause skin irritation.
Our dry matter analysis reveals a dry food with a protein level of 33.3%, fat of 16.77% and a carbohydrate content of 42%. The fat-to-protein ratio is around 50%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Omega fatty acids
- Limited ingredients
- Free from artificial additives
Main Ingredients Turkey, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My GSD loves this food all the flavors! It has helped his bowels tremendously. I will continue to buy this. I was buying the original Taste of the Wild and thought I would try the limited ingredient and he liked it and it’s helped him. No need to say more"
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Best Dog Food for Large Breeds with Sensitive Skin
Jinx Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato & Carrot Recipe
Jinx Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Carrot dry dog food provides plenty of protein and omega 3s to build strong muscles and boost your large breed dog’s heart health.
It’s packed with natural fiber and antioxidants for a healthier gut and heart healthy, alongside essential vitamins A, E, and C to support a dog’s skin and immune system.
This grain-free recipe has no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, fillers, or by-products so is a good choice for large breed dogs with allergies and food sensitivities.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 30%, fat of 16% and carbohydrate content of 46% . . . leading to a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Natural fiber
- Antioxidants
- Essential vitamins
Main Ingredients Salmon, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Ground Peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Just trying Jinx for the first time, trying to find something my picky Great Pyrenees with stomach issues will eat. So far she is eating this and hasn't gotten sick. For us, this is a win."
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Best Dog Food for Small Breeds with Sensitive Skin
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Small Breed
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Small Breed is great for small dogs with sensitive skin because it uses high-quality, freeze-dried raw ingredients that retain essential nutrients for skin health.
The food is made from real meats like turkey, beef, salmon, and duck, providing a rich source of highly digestible proteins that help support skin repair and overall health. It also contains fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and carrots, which supply antioxidants to combat inflammation and promote skin healing.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 39.4%, fat of 28.7% and carbohydrate content of 23.9%. This leads to a fat-to-protein ratio of 73%.
Read our review of the full Dr. Marty Dog Food (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here
Things we like
- High in fiber
- Real meats
- Antioxidants
Main Ingredients Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver Texture Freeze-Dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39.4% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at https://drmartypets.com/"I changed my 12 year old rescue dog from partially cooked frozen to Nature's Blend Small Breed 6 months ago and my precious Darla is now so bouncy with so much energy! One very happy dog who loves her food - thank you Dr. Marty! Expensive for Canadians to buy with a low exchange rate on the dollar, but well worth it."
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