Feeding Dogs with Sensitive Skin and Stomachs
Some dogs are more sensitive to certain ingredients or protein sources. That sensitivity can show up through digestion, stool quality, skin irritation, or changes in coat condition. These signals are not flaws. They are feedback.
Feeding a sensitive dog is not about lowering nutrition. It is about choosing nutrition that works better for their system.
First Step: Rule Out Medical Causes
Before changing your dog’s diet, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to rule out:
Parasites
Chronic illness
Infections
Dental or oral pain
If your dog has been cleared medically and symptoms persist, diet composition and digestibility are often the underlying issue.
Understanding Sensitivity
Dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs may experience:
Loose or inconsistent stool
Itching, redness, or dull coat
Excessive shedding
Reduced appetite or discomfort after meals
These signs often point to digestibility or protein tolerance, not a lack of quality nutrition. Paying attention to this feedback helps guide better feeding decisions over time.
Why Marine Formulas Are Different
Inukshuk Marine formulas use ocean based animal proteins and omega rich fats to support dogs that do not do well on traditional protein sources.
Marine 26/16 and Marine 30/25 provide:
Highly digestible protein sources
Support for skin and coat health
Consistent stool quality for sensitive systems
The same fixed-formula consistency as all Inukshuk foods
These formulas are built on the same performance standards as every Inukshuk product. The difference is the protein source, not the philosophy.
Consistency Matters for Sensitive Dogs
Sensitive dogs often do best when nutrition stays consistent.
Because Inukshuk uses fixed formulas, the food does not change from bag to bag. This makes it easier to understand what is helping and what is not. When improvements happen, they are easier to recognize. When adjustments are needed, they are easier to make.
Feed to Body Condition, Not the Scoop
Sensitive dogs still need to maintain healthy body condition.
Use your hands, not just your eyes. Thick coats can hide weight changes. Feel for muscle coverage, balance, and overall condition. Adjust portions slowly and give your dog time to respond before making additional changes.
Every dog is different. Feeding should reflect the dog in front of you, not a fixed number on a chart.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit from a Sensitive Skin & Stomach Diet
Your dog may need a digestion-focused formula if you notice:
Chronic itching without a clear allergy diagnosis
Frequent soft stools or large stool volume
Excessive gas
Inconsistent appetite
Poor coat quality despite adequate feeding
These signs often indicate inefficient digestion rather than lack of nutrition.
Why Fish-Based Diets Often Help
Fish-based formulas are commonly recommended for sensitive dogs because they offer:
A single, highly digestible animal protein source
Naturally occurring omega 3 fatty acids
Support for skin, coat, and digestive health
When digestion improves, skin health often follows.
Choosing the Right Formula for Sensitive Dogs
The right formula depends on both digestive sensitivity and energy needs.
Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Moderate Energy Needs
Fish-based protein
Easily digestible
Supports skin and coat health
Suitable for pets, lower activity dogs, seniors, and puppies
This is often a good starting point for dogs with sensitivity and lower daily energy demands.
Sensitive Dogs That Also Need More Calories
Fish-based protein
Higher calorie density
Supports weight maintenance and gain
Suitable for active dogs with digestive sensitivity
This formula is ideal when a dog needs more energy but cannot tolerate extreme calorie density.
Feeding Less Can Improve Digestion
One of the most common mistakes with sensitive dogs is overfeeding.
Because Inukshuk formulas are nutrient dense:
Smaller portions are required
Digestive load is reduced
Stool quality often improves
Better digestion means better absorption, not just fewer symptoms.
Feeding to Body Condition, Not the Bowl
Sensitive dogs benefit from careful monitoring rather than rigid feeding amounts.
Watch for:
Firm, consistent stools
Healthy skin without excessive scratching
Shiny coat
Stable body weight
Adjust feeding gradually based on what you see in your dog.
The Takeaway
Sensitive skin and stomach issues are often signs of inefficient digestion, not a lack of nutrition.
The right approach focuses on:
Digestibility
Protein consistency
Fat quality
Appropriate calorie density
When the gut improves, skin and coat health usually follow.