Best Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food

When your dog struggles with skin flare-ups or tummy troubles, finding the best dog food is more than a preference - it’s essential. Whether it’s chronic itching, vomiting, or digestive upsets, these symptoms often point to food sensitivities. As modern pet parents, we want our dogs to eat food that’s just as premium as what we eat as humans.
This is where California Dog Kitchen comes in. With human-grade ingredients, our gently-cooked meals are perfect for your dog's sensitive stomach and skin. Each recipe is carefully designed for dogs of all life stages, including adult dogs. It is also designed to give your dog healthy skin, support joints, and promote digestive health. Every meal is specially formulated to support the specific needs of dogs with sensitivities and to help them thrive on the right diet without triggering an adverse reaction.

Let’s take a look at our best recipes for dogs who need a little extra care at mealtime.

Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Below are our top gently-cooked recipes for dogs with a sensitive stomach and skin. Each one is crafted using human-grade proteins, organic produce, and no fillers or artificial additives. You’ll find a stomach-friendly solution for your dog below, starting with our most flavorful pick. Every recipe is designed to improve digestive health, reduce irritation, and support overall health, especially in adult dogs.

Lamb & Squash Recipe

This high-protein, gently-cooked recipe is ideal for your dog's sensitive stomach. It's made with Australian-raised lamb and organic vegetables. It’s designed to be both nutritious and easy to digest. The addition of quinoa – a complete plant-based protein – also makes this a great option for picky eaters who need a little extra encouragement at mealtime.

Why We Love It:

• Single-source animal protein: Australian lamb.
  
• Organic squash and quinoa support digestion.
• Designed by a veterinary nutritionist for complete nutrition.
• 98% of non-meat ingredients are USDA Certified Organic.
• No preservatives, wheat, corn, or soy.

Shop our Lamb & Squash Recipe today.

Venison & Zucchini Recipe

Fresh proteins like wild-hunted venison can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. This recipe uses venison sourced from free-range deer in Texas, paired with organic vegetables and quinoa for a balanced, easy-to-digest meal.

Why We Love It:

• Wild-hunted venison: a novel protein less likely to trigger allergies.
• Organic zucchini and quinoa support gut health.
  
• Perfect for dogs with food intolerances or sensitivities.
  
• Designed by a veterinary nutritionist for all life stages.
• Zero preservatives, wheat, corn, or soy.

Shop our Venison & Zucchini Recipe today.

Grain-Free Turkey Recipe

This recipe is made with human-grade, USDA-inspected turkey, including organ meats for extra nutrients, with no grains at all. It’s about 65% protein and 35% vegetables, making it a great option for dogs who need a high-protein, grain-free diet for their digestive health.

Why We Love It:

• Grain-free and easy to digest.
• Includes organ meats for natural vitamins and minerals.
• 100% human-grade turkey from USA farms.
  
• Organic vegetable mix for balanced nutrition.
• No preservatives or common allergens.

Shop our Grain-Free Turkey Recipe today.

Grain-Free Fish Recipe

For dogs with poultry sensitivities or who need extra omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe combines wild-caught pollock and salmon skin with organic veggies. It's gentle on the stomach and has natural anti-inflammatory properties that support healthy skin, joints, and cognitive function.

Why We Love It:

• Lean white fish and omega-rich salmon skin.
• Grain-free and high in essential fatty acids.
• 60% fish, 40% USDA Certified Organic vegetables.
• Great for dogs with itchy skin or inflammation.
• Designed by a veterinary nutritionist for a complete, balanced diet.

Shop our Grain-Free Fish Recipe today.

Organic Chicken Recipe

This is one of the only USDA Certified Organic gently-cooked dog foods available, and it’s perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Made with Mary’s Organic Chicken from Southern California, plus organic quinoa and vegetables, this recipe is clean, wholesome, and carefully crafted to meet the highest standards in pet nutrition.

Why We Love It:

• Made with GAP-certified (Global Animal Partnership) organic chicken from Mary’s
• Organic Chicken Farm.
• Fully USDA Organic – not just the ingredients, but the kitchen and packaging too.
• Limited-ingredient formula with no artificial additives.
• Designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
• Individually frozen cubes for easy portioning.

Shop our Organic Chicken Recipe today.

Beef & Quinoa Recipe

This high-protein, gently-cooked recipe features human-grade, USA-raised 80/20 ground beef paired with organic quinoa and vegetables. It’s a complete and balanced option designed to support healthy digestion, especially in picky eaters. Thanks to its rich, meaty flavor and soft texture, this is the dog’s choice recipe for many California Dog Kitchen pups.

Why We Love It:

• Made with USDA-inspected, preservative-free ground beef.
• Organic quinoa provides a second source of complete protein.
• 98% of non-meat ingredients are USDA Certified Organic.
• Great for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs.
• No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial additives.

Shop the Beef & Quinoa Recipe today.

The Link Between Sensitive Skin and Stomach Issues in Dogs: Everything You Need To Know

At first glance, your dog’s itchy skin and occasional bouts of upset stomach might seem unrelated, but in many cases, they’re deeply connected.

Both skin and gut health are regulated by the immune system, and many sensitivities begin as an overreaction to your dog's diet. When a dog consumes ingredients their body doesn’t tolerate well, it can lead to two main outcomes:

• Digestive distress, like diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence.
  
• Skin irritation, such as rashes, excessive licking, or ear infections.

The gut and skin both serve as first-line defense systems in your dog’s body. If the digestive system is inflamed or damaged by poor-quality food or ingredients the dog is allergic or hypersensitive to, the skin often is affected too. This is why dogs with sensitive stomachs are frequently dealing with itchy, inflamed skin – and vice versa.

The gut-skin connection isn’t just anecdotal. Veterinary studies increasingly show that inflammation and imbalance in the gut (sometimes called “leaky gut syndrome”) can lead to increased allergens circulating in the body, which show up as skin reactions. Paying attention to your dog's symptoms early on can help you make better dietary decisions and avoid long-term health issues.

Why Sensitivities Matter When Choosing Dog Food

If your dog has either digestive or sensitive skin issues, the food you choose can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life. While topical treatments or medications may provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause. Diet is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve your pet's health from the inside out. Therefore, it’s important to select your dog's food with care.

Choosing a high-quality, easily digestible food like our gently cooked dog food made with fresh proteins (such as lamb, venison, or fish) and clean, organic vegetables helps avoid common triggers like beef, chicken by-products, dairy, or wheat. These ingredients are often overused in commercial dog food and can irritate sensitive systems.

At California Dog Kitchen, we avoid the top offenders – corn, soy, preservatives, and artificial additives – and instead focus on whole, human-grade ingredients that nourish rather than harm. Our recipes were developed by a veterinary nutritionist and are balanced for dogs at all stages of life.

By feeding your dog real food designed for sensitive systems, you’re alleviating your dog's current hypersensitivities and supporting long-term wellness and resilience, helping your dog avoid dietary upsets.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensitive Skin and Stomach

Food sensitivities in dogs often manifest in ways that seem unrelated to food at first glance. You might notice your dog scratching more than usual, turning up their nose at meals, or having inconsistent bowel movements – but not realize that their diet is the root cause.

Here’s how to tell if your dog may be reacting poorly to its food:

Digestive Sensitivities: What to Watch For

Dogs with sensitive stomachs typically show signs after eating, but the reaction may not always be immediate. Some symptoms are acute (like vomiting), while others are chronic and harder to catch.

Common signs include:

• Frequent diarrhea or soft stools: One of the clearest indicators – if your dog’s poop is rarely firm, it’s worth evaluating what’s in their bowl.
• Vomiting or regurgitation: This can happen right after meals or sporadically. Frequent vomiting may point to an intolerance or poor digestion.
  
• Excessive flatulence: While some gas is normal, chronic bloating or foul-smelling gas often signals a food-related issue.
• Loss of appetite or pickiness: Dogs who associate food with discomfort may become increasingly choosy or skip meals entirely.
• Nausea-like behavior: Lip-smacking, drooling, or eating grass obsessively can be signs of stomach discomfort.

These signs usually indicate that your dog’s digestive tract is inflamed, overworked, or irritated by certain ingredients.

Skin Sensitivities: What They Look Like

Dog food allergy symptoms are one of the most common indicators of a poor diet. Food-related inflammation often targets the skin, and because your dog can’t tell you they’re itchy or sore, they show it through behavior.

Signs of skin sensitivities include:

• Itchy paws, bums and anal glands: Persistent scratching or licking in these areas is a red flag. Dogs often chew or lick their paws raw.
  
• Chronic ear infections: If your dog regularly needs vet visits for ear inflammation or excessive waxy buildup, it may be diet-related.
• Rashes or red, inflamed patches: Often seen on the belly, underarms, groin, or face. These can be hot, painful, or lead to secondary infections.
• Dandruff or dry, flaky skin: Poor-quality food can lead to poor skin hydration and reduced naturally moisturizing oil production.
• Oily or smelly coat: Imbalances in gut health can lead to changes in the skin’s microbiome, which may produce a greasy, “doggy” smell.
  
• Hair loss or thinning coat: Nutritional deficiencies or chronic inflammation can lead to shedding or patchy bald spots.

These skin issues often go hand-in-hand with digestive problems, because the skin is another outlet through which the body tries to expel irritants and toxins. And because your dog’s previous food is made largely of protein, poor nutrient absorption affects its quality and shine.

You can also check out the following dog foods: best novel protein for dogs, chicken-free dog food, or human-grade protein dog food, if your dog is suffering from a sensitive stomach or allergies and needs special attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomach?

The best dog food for sensitive skin and stomach is free from common allergens (such as corn, soy, and artificial preservatives), includes novel proteins, and is designed with digestibility in mind. 

California Dog Kitchen’s Lamb & Squash or Grain-Free Fish recipes are excellent choices. They’re made with gently-cooked, human-grade ingredients and have no fillers or chemical additives. Plus, they’re formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balance and long-term health.

What is Best to Feed a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often thrive on simple, limited-ingredient diets made from high-quality proteins and easy-to-digest vegetables. Look for recipes that use ingredients like lamb, turkey, quinoa, or squash, and avoid grains, by-products, and synthetic preservatives.

Gently-cooked meals are ideal, as they’re easier on the digestive system than heavily processed kibble. They are the best dog food for your pet, especially when portioned according to your dog’s body weight.

What Breed of Dog Has the Most Sensitive Stomach?

While any dog can develop sensitivities, some breeds are more prone to digestive issues. Breeds known for sensitive stomachs include:

• Yorkshire Terriers
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
  
• Irish Setters
  
• German Shepherds
  
• French Bulldogs
  

It’s worth noting that breed alone doesn’t determine sensitivity – lifestyle, food history, and gut health also play big roles. Regardless of the breed, switching to a high-quality, clean diet can help almost any dog feel better.

Does Sensitive Skin Dog Food Really Work?

Yes – when the right ingredients are used. Dog food designed for sensitive skin can make a big difference, especially when it eliminates known allergens and includes anti-inflammatory nutrients. Look for omega-rich foods (like California Dog Kitchen’s fish recipe), as omega-3 fatty acids are proven to reduce skin inflammation. When combined with clean proteins and organic produce, these recipes offer real relief for many dogs.

What is the Best Raw Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs?

Raw feeding can be beneficial for some dogs, but it's not right for every pet's health. If you go raw, choose single-protein recipes with no additives or synthetic supplements. 
However, gently-cooked foods – like those from California Dog Kitchen – often offer the same digestibility as raw, with a lower risk of bacterial contamination. They’re also easier for owners to handle and serve.