Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin in Australia (2025 Guide)

Itchy skin, red paws, patchy fur and recurring tummy upsets are some of the most common problems we see in-store – especially in Melbourne’s spring and summer allergy seasons. The good news? The right dog food for itchy, sensitive skin can make a huge difference, particularly when it supports both the gut and the skin at the same time.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the best dog food for sensitive skin in Australia, compare some of our most trusted formulas (Prime100 SPD Range, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Black Hawk Sensitive Skin & Gut, LifeWise Biotic Skin, Big Dog Sensitive Skin and Proudi Ocean Combo & Turkey), and share real-life tips from an independent Melbourne pet store.

1. Why Sensitive Skin Problems Are So Common in Australian Dogs

Sensitive skin is rarely “just” a skin problem. In our experience, it’s usually a combination of:

• Environmental triggers – seasonal pollens (spring grass, wattle, flowering plants), grass allergies, dust mites and fleas.
• Food intolerances – very commonly to chicken or beef, or to heavily processed multi-protein diets.
• Poor gut health – if the gut is inflamed, the skin barrier often suffers as well.

Typical signs that your dog might benefit from a specialised skin & gut dog food include:

• Persistent paw licking or chewing, especially after walks on grass or in spring.
• Flaky dandruff, dull coat or a “yeasty”, musty smell.
• Soft stools, on-and-off diarrhoea, excess gas or tummy noises.
• Red rashes in the armpits, groin or belly.

A simple way to think about it is: a healthy gut builds a stronger skin barrier. That’s why this guide focuses on foods that support both digestion and skin health, not just the surface symptoms.

2. What Makes a Good Sensitive Skin Dog Food?

Not every “sensitive” or “hypoallergenic” label means the same thing. When we help customers in-store, we look for four key things in a dog food for skin allergies and gut issues:

2.1 Gentle, easy-to-digest protein sources

• Single protein recipes (for example kangaroo, salmon, turkey) make it easier to pinpoint triggers.
• Novel proteins such as kangaroo or certain fish blends are useful during elimination diets.
• Highly digestible protein helps the body use nutrients efficiently, instead of irritating the gut.

2.2 Strong gut support

For itchy, flaky dogs, we nearly always start by supporting digestion. Look for:

• Prebiotic fibre to feed beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome.
• Beet pulp and other gentle fibres to help form normal stools.
• Formulas that advertise high digestibility and improved nutrient absorption.

2.3 Anti-inflammatory fatty acids and skin nutrients

• Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, salmon oil or green-lipped mussel) to help calm inflammation.
• Omega-6 fatty acids to support the skin’s barrier and natural oil production.
• Vitamin E for antioxidant support and coat health.

2.4 Low-irritant, simple ingredient lists

• Minimal use of wheat, corn, soy and cheap fillers, which can aggravate some dogs.
• No artificial colours or unnecessary preservatives wherever possible.
• Clearly labelled proteins and carbohydrates so you know exactly what your dog is eating.

3. Best Sensitive Skin Dog Foods in Australia (2025)

Below are some of the skin-focused formulas we most often recommend in-store, based on ingredients, digestibility, long-term results and real customer feedback.

3.1 Prime100 SPD – Best for True Food Allergies & Elimination Diets

Prime100 SPD (Single Protein Diet) is designed as a true single protein, limited-ingredient range. Each recipe uses one primary animal protein and a carefully chosen carbohydrate source, making it ideal for dogs with confirmed or suspected food allergies.

• Single animal protein – for example, kangaroo or salmon, without mixed meats.
• Limited ingredient formulas with functional extras like pumpkin or tapioca to support digestion.
• Often used by vets as part of an elimination diet when investigating food allergies.
• Available in fresh rolls, slow-cooked and air-dried formats to suit different dogs and owner preferences.

From our in-store experience, SPD Kangaroo & Pumpkin is one of the most common starting points for dogs with chronic itching, hot spots or long-term gut issues, especially when previous supermarket diets haven’t worked.

If you’d like to explore how Prime100 also supports skin, gut and joint health beyond basic elimination diets, you can read our in-depth article: Prime100 Functional Dog Food for Skin, Gut & Joint Health.

3.2 Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin – Best Combined Gut & Skin Support

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Dog Food is a science-led formula created specifically for dogs with both tummy and skin concerns. It’s built around three main pillars: gentle digestion, microbiome support and coat nourishment.

Why Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin works

• Prebiotic fibre to feed beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn supports overall health and skin function.
• High digestibility so your dog can absorb more nutrients from each bowl and produce smaller, easier-to-pick-up stools.
• Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish the skin from within and maintain a soft, shiny coat.
• Made with natural ingredients and backed by decades of research into canine nutrition and the gut microbiome.
• Made in the USA with carefully selected global ingredients and strict quality control.

For the official nutritional details and product information, you can also refer to the Hill’s Science Diet website: Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin – Official Product Page.

3.3 Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Sensitive Skin & Gut – Best Balanced Australian Option

Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Sensitive Skin & Gut is an Australian-made dry dog food designed to support both digestive health and skin condition in one everyday formula. It suits many dogs with mild to moderate sensitivities whose owners want a high-quality, locally made option.

• Australian ingredients with a focus on quality and transparency.
• Skin + gut support in the same bowl, using prebiotic fibres and carefully chosen fats.
• Omega-rich oils to support coat quality and reduce dryness.
• Excellent value for money compared with many imported “sensitive” formulas.

If you’d like a deep dive into the ingredients, target dogs and real-world results, you can read our full review: Black Hawk Sensitive Skin & Gut Dog Food Review: Real Results from an Independent Pet Store.

3.4 LifeWise Biotic Skin – Best Functional Diet for Chronic Skin Conditions

LifeWise Biotic Skin is a functional, Australian-made formula designed for dogs with ongoing or recurrent skin issues — especially those linked to gut imbalance, poor nutrient absorption or long-term inflammation. Unlike a simple “sensitive skin” diet, Biotic Skin takes a microbiome-first approach to help repair the gut–skin connection.

• Microbiome-targeted functional recipe featuring yeast cell wall extract, prebiotic fibre and natural organic acids to support healthy gut flora and reduce immune-driven skin flare-ups.
• Fish-based protein combined with gentle carbohydrates such as rice and oat groats, which are easy to digest and ideal for dogs prone to itchy, irritated or inflamed skin.
• Naturally anti-inflammatory ingredients such as mixed oils (stabilised with vitamin E and rosemary oil), kelp, carrots, spinach and sweet potato to nourish the skin barrier and promote healthier coat condition.
• Broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral support including vitamins A, C, D3, E, K and full B-complex, plus calcium, zinc, copper, manganese and iodine for immune balance and optimal skin repair.
• Yucca schidigera extract to support gut health and reduce stool odour — helpful for dogs with chronic digestive sensitivity.
• Designed for dogs with long-term or repeated skin flare-ups, not just mild or seasonal sensitivities.

3.5 RAW Options – Big Dog Sensitive Skin & Proudi Premium Ocean Combo & Turkey

For some dogs, especially those that have already tried several kibbles without success, a carefully formulated raw dog food can be a game-changer. Raw diets are naturally moisture-rich, minimally processed and often very simple in terms of ingredient lists, which can be ideal for sensitive skin and gut health.

3.5.1 Why raw diets can help sensitive dogs

• Excellent digestibility – fresh, minimally processed meat is usually easy for dogs to break down.
• High moisture content supports kidney function and overall hydration.
• Very low in fillers and unnecessary carbohydrates.
• Often based on single or limited proteins with clear ingredient lists.

3.5.2 Big Dog Sensitive Skin

Big Dog Sensitive Skin is one of the most popular raw options we see for itchy dogs. It’s a BARF-style frozen patty formula designed specifically around dogs with skin issues, using carefully selected proteins, anti-inflammatory oils and low-allergen vegetables. Many dogs moving from a dry food with chronic itch onto Big Dog Sensitive Skin show improvements in stool quality, coat shine and overall comfort when the change is made slowly and consistently.

• Single low-allergen protein base to reduce common food triggers.
• Anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich oils to calm irritated skin and support coat health.
• Low-allergen vegetables such as carrot and broccoli for gentle fibre and micronutrients.
• BARF-style formulation with raw meat, crushed bone and organs for natural nutrient balance.
• High moisture content to support digestion, kidney function and overall hydration.
• Minimal processing to retain nutrients in their natural, bioavailable form.

3.5.3 Proudi Premium Ocean Combo & Turkey Patties – Seafood Lover’s Sensitive Skin Option

Proudi Premium Ocean Combo & Turkey Patties for Dogs is a rich, seafood-focused raw diet crafted from 100% human-grade ingredients. It’s ideal for dogs that do well on fish-based diets or need higher natural omega-3 levels for their skin and coat.

This recipe combines:

• Deboned turkey as a lean, digestible protein source.
• Wild-caught hoki and mackerel fillets for high-quality marine protein and omega-3s.
• Whole sardines and salmon fillets to further boost DHA and EPA for skin, coat and brain health.
• Whole prawns and green-lipped mussels from Australia and New Zealand, adding natural joint and omega-3 support.
• Linseed and pumpkin seeds for extra essential fatty acids and gentle fibre.
• Freeze-dried bone powder, vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced meal.

3.6 Quick Recommendations at a Glance

If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a quick guide based on what we see most often in-store:

• Chronic itchy skin & red paws: Start with Prime100 SPD Kangaroo & Pumpkin (single protein, limited ingredients).
• Soft stools + skin problems together: Try Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin for strong gut and microbiome support.
• Best value Australian kibble: Look at Black Hawk Sensitive Skin & Gut for everyday feeding.
• Long-term or repeated flare-ups: Consider LifeWise Biotic Skin with its microbiome-focused formula.
• Yeast-prone, smelly or oily skin: Raw options like Big Dog Sensitive Skin or Proudi Ocean Combo & Turkey often perform very well.
• Dogs that failed multiple kibbles: Gradually transition to a complete raw diet under vet or pet nutrition guidance.

4. Sensitive Skin Dog Food Comparison (Quick Overview)

Here’s a quick snapshot of how these diets compare for sensitive dogs:

5. How to Choose the Right Sensitive Skin Diet

5.1 Step 1 – Work out likely triggers

Look at what your dog has eaten over the last 6–12 months. Many dogs react to chicken or beef-heavy kibble, while others struggle more with environmental allergies such as spring pollens and grass seeds. Your vet can help rule out fleas, mites and infections first.

5.2 Step 2 – Support the gut first

Because the gut and skin are so closely linked, we often start with formulas that focus heavily on digestive health. Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Prime100 SPD and LifeWise Biotic Skin are all geared toward improving stool quality and microbiome balance, which often leads to better skin over time.

5.2.1 Supplements That Can Further Support Gut & Skin Health

In addition to choosing the right skin-friendly diet, targeted supplements can offer an extra layer of support for dogs with chronic gut or skin issues. Two products we often recommend in-store are:

• BIG DOG Probiotics For Dogs – A high-quality probiotic blend that helps restore gut balance, support stool consistency and promote a healthier microbiome. Many sensitive dogs benefit from the added digestive stability when used alongside their regular diet.
• Natural Animal Solutions Omega Oil – A skin-focused omega formula that delivers anti-inflammatory fatty acids to help soothe dryness, reduce itching and support overall coat condition. It pairs especially well with sensitive skin diets or raw feeding.

These supplements are not a replacement for choosing the right food, but they can significantly enhance results for dogs with ongoing gut sensitivity or persistent skin irritation.

5.3 Step 3 – Trial a true limited ingredient or single protein diet

For dogs with suspected food allergies, use a single protein, limited ingredient diet such as Prime100 SPD Kangaroo & Pumpkin or an appropriate Proudi raw formula. Stick with it exclusively for at least 6–12 weeks, and avoid treats and table scraps that could confuse the picture.

5.4 Step 4 – Watch stools, coat and comfort

When a diet is working, we usually see:

• More consistent, formed stools.
• Less licking and scratching.
• Improved coat shine and reduced dandruff.

5.5 Step 5 – Transition slowly, especially onto RAW

Whether you’re changing between kibbles or moving onto raw dog food like Big Dog or Proudi, transition gradually over about a week:

• Days 1–3: 25% new food, 75% old food
• Days 4–6: 50% new food, 50% old food
• Days 7–10: 75% new food, 25% old food
• Then move to 100% new diet

5.6 Common Mistakes When Switching to a Sensitive Skin Diet

We often see better results when pet parents avoid these common pitfalls:

• Switching too quickly – fast changes can cause diarrhoea or vomiting, even on a good formula.
• Adding lots of treats – extra treats or table scraps can reintroduce allergens and confuse the results of an elimination diet.
• Only treating the skin – shampoos and creams help, but ignoring the gut often means issues keep coming back.
• Stopping too soon – skin can take 4–12 weeks to show real improvement; changing too often hides what actually works.
• Skipping parasite control – fleas and mites are still one of the most common causes of “mystery” itch.

6. FAQs – Dog Food for Sensitive Skin

7. Final Thoughts & Brand Resources

Choosing the best dog food for sensitive skin in Australia comes down to finding a formula that suits your dog’s age, lifestyle and specific symptoms. Some dogs respond well to a gentle, science-based kibble such as the Hill’s sensitive stomach range. Others benefit from a clean single-protein diet like the Prime100 SPD series or a functional, microbiome-focused recipe such as LifeWise Biotic Skin. For dogs needing even fewer irritants or higher moisture, carefully introduced raw diets — including Big Dog’s skin-supporting blend or Proudi’s ocean-based patties — can be excellent alternatives.

If you’d like to understand raw feeding in more depth, you can also explore our dedicated Big Dog articles:

• Big Dog Raw Pet Food Review (Australia 2025)
• Big Dog Raw Food Feeding Guide (Australia 2025)

If you're unsure where to begin, consult your vet or speak with an experienced independent pet retailer. Make one dietary change at a time so you can clearly identify what truly helps your dog.

Helping Melbourne Dogs with Sensitive Skin Since 2017

Based in Moorabbin, ADS Pet Store help dog owners across Melbourne — from Bentleigh and Brighton to Frankston, Springvale and St Kilda — navigate skin and gut sensitivities every day. Many local families visit us when their dogs struggle with itchy skin, red paws or unsettled digestion and need practical guidance on choosing the right food.

Our team can walk you through the best options across leading brands, including single-protein veterinary-style diets, gentle digestion-focused foods and premium raw selections. We offer same-day Melbourne delivery, refrigerated transport for raw food and easy Click & Collect from our Moorabbin warehouse to make feeding sensitive dogs as simple as possible.

Official brand websites (learn more)

• Prime100 official site: https://prime100.com.au/
• Hill’s Science Diet official site: https://www.hillspet.com.au/
• Black Hawk official site: https://blackhawkpetcare.com/au/
• LifeWise official site: https://www.lifewisepetfood.com/
• Big Dog Pet Foods official site: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/
• Proudi official site: https://proudi.com/