Is your dog’s stomach constantly in turmoil—one day fine, the next day a disaster? You’re not alone. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) silently affects countless dogs, causing chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss that leaves even the most caring owners feeling helpless. The tricky part? Many “healthy” dog foods can actually make things worse. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best dog foods formulated specifically for IBD, explain what ingredients to seek (and which to avoid), and help you choose a diet that supports long-term gut health—so your dog can finally feel good from the inside out.
Best Dog Foods for IBD According to Science
Diet Type
Key Features
Main Benefits
Hydrolyzed Protein Diets
Proteins broken into small peptides; often soy-based; highly digestible; may include omega-3s, MCTs.
Reduces immune response to food, improves gut membrane integrity, supports remission, well-tolerated.
Hydrolyzed + Prebiotics/GAGs
Hydrolyzed protein base with added prebiotics (e.g., FOS, MOS) and glycosaminoglycans.
Further improves gut barrier, modulates lipid metabolism, reduces inflammation, enhances clinical improvement.
Novel Protein/Exclusion Diets
Uses a single, uncommon protein (e.g., fish, venison); excludes common allergens.
Limits immune triggers, modulates gut microbiota, effective for food-responsive IBD.
Fiber/Prebiotic-Enriched Diets
Includes fermentable fibers (e.g., beet pulp, resistant starch), prebiotics, and sometimes polyphenols.
Enriched with anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., grape seed extract, fish oil).
Reduces oxidative stress, supports anti-inflammatory pathways, may improve clinical outcomes.
Liquid Enteral Diets (e.g., Modulen IBD)
Nutritionally complete, easy to digest, can be tube-fed; sometimes supplemented for balance.
Useful for severe cases or anorexia, improves appetite, supports nutritional status during flares.
Table data sources: [1],[2],[3],[4],[5].[6],[7]
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet to discuss your dog’s IBD symptoms, triggers, and food sensitivities. For deeper insights, consider an at-home dog gut health test, which analyzes your dog’s microbiome to help identify imbalances or bacteria linked to IBD issues. Likewise, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can uncover ingredient sensitivities that may worsen inflammation. Armed with these insights, you can choose the right food and care strategy to reduce flare-ups, improve digestion, and support long-term bowel health.
Best Dog Foods for IBD
Here are the best dog foods for IBD this year.
Best Overall Dog Food for IBD
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want a balanced, nutrient-rich diet made with human-grade ingredients that support smooth digestion and overall gut health for dogs with IBD.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food contains real, minimally processed meat and vegetables, with recipes crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and prepared in USDA-regulated kitchens to maintain safety and nutrient integrity. The Farmer’s Dog food offers an optimal balance of protein, fat, and fiber, and its fresh format generally improves palatability and digestibility over kibble or processed diets. This food is tailored into personalized plans to fit each dog’s age, weight, and activity level, making portion control more accurate and helping maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for long-term health. It also uses pre-portioned packs tailored to the dog’s weight, age, activity and body condition—helpful when you’re managing a dog’s diet closely to avoid IBD flare-ups.
What sets it apart from competitors: Uses fresh, human-grade ingredients plus formal evidence of digestibility: the brand conducted its own long-term study on real household dogs living normal lives and measured 49 blood values, demonstrating nutritional adequacy and digestibility. Many fresh-meal competitors rely on formulation only, without such publications. Also, because the meals arrive pre-measured and the brand offers tailored plans, it reduces the guess-work in portioning—an important advantage when managing dogs with IBD issues who may have trouble with over- or under-feeding.
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a convenient, shelf-stable kibble that promotes firm stools, balanced gut flora, and easy nutrient absorption for dogs with IBD.
Why we recommended it: The Open Farm Wild Alaskan Pollock & Oatmeal Digestive Health Dog Kibble is vet-formulated and described by the brand as “easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.” The first ingredient is wild Alaskan pollock (an Ocean Wise-recommended seafood), which provides a lean protein and is less likely to trigger inflammatory bowel disease compared to heavier proteins. The recipe incorporates stomach-soothing fibers like oatmeal and pumpkin, along with added prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support gut microbiome health and stool quality. We like how the brand also emphasizes full ingredient traceability (you can track the origin of each item) and uses non-GMO grains and responsibly sourced seafood, which matters when bowel health is on the line.
What sets it apart from competitors: The addition of functional botanicals like turmeric and cinnamon adds anti-inflammatory benefits uncommon in many dry dog foods. Many digestive-support kibbles rely on removal of common allergens alone, but this one adds purposeful gut-support ingredients and uses a novel lean fish protein rather than just switching to “chicken & rice.”
Best Prescription Dog Food for IBD
4.7
★★★★★
Hill’s Prescription Diet
Who It’s For: Dogs who need medical-grade nutrition to manage IBD issues, ensuring optimal gut balance and reduced stomach upset.
Why we recommended it: The Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care is built around the proprietary ActivBiome+ ingredient technology, designed to “rapidly activate beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy IBD microbiome balance.” It also uses an optimally balanced blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that support regular bowel movements and help firm loose stool—that firming effect was shown in as little as 24 hours in clinical studies. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) and other nutrients gives additional support for intestinal health and inflammation control. We like that this is a veterinary prescription diet rather than a generic digestive support food—its formulation, evidence base and feeding guidance are all geared toward therapeutic intervention (rather than casual maintenance).
What sets it apart from competitors: This food is backed by peer-reviewed research and proprietary microbiome technology. Hill’s maintains a global network of veterinarians and PhD nutritionists, ensuring each batch meets prescription-grade standards. The inclusion of psyllium husk, beet pulp, and ginger offers targeted gut motility support that differentiates it from other GI-focused diets.
Best Dog Food for IBD & Allergy Problems
4.6
★★★★★
Forza10
Who It’s For: Perfect for dogs with both IBD and allergy sensitivities who require a hydrolyzed formula to minimize immune reactions and ease stomach distress.
Why we recommended it: The Forza10 Active Intestinal Dry Dog Food features anchovy meal (as a novel fish protein) and hydrolyzed fish/animal proteins, which are broken down into smaller peptides—helping reduce allergenic potential and ease digestion when the gut barrier is compromised. It also includes psyllium seed husk, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and yeasts for prebiotic effect, supporting beneficial gut flora and improving stool consistency. We like that the formula states “single animal protein” and avoids wheat, soy, GMOs, by-product meals, corn and artificial preservatives—features that reduce immune triggers in dogs with sensitivities. Because many IBD/allergy dogs that struggle with food transitions, the brand states a minimal transition period is needed—helpful when symptoms demand quick relief.
What sets it apart from competitors: Packs functional botanicals (oregano, rose hips) and psyllium/prebiotics for multi-axis support (digestion + immune + allergy). The brand also emphasizes scientific research collaborations (European universities) and manufacturing in Italy under strict oversight, which adds credibility for complex IBD/allergy cases.
Best Wet Dog Food for IBD
4.6
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Dogs that need extra hydration and a soft, easy-to-digest texture that’s gentle on the stomach to avoid IBD symptoms.
Why we recommended it: The JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Balanced Remedy diet uses ground turkey as the sole animal protein and long-grain white rice and sushi rice as the carb base—both easily digestible sources. It’s explicitly formulated for dogs “that require a limited ingredient diet that is also low in fat, and highly digestible.” We note that it’s described as a “low-residue” option for sensitive guts, which makes it ideal for dogs recovering from IBD or needing temporary support. Furthermore, the formula is made with 100 % human-grade ingredients, no preservatives, and packaged in shelf-stable Tetra Pak cartons—helpful for real life when consistent feeding matters.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients prepared using gentle cooking methods, preserving nutrient integrity and digestibility. Plus, its innovative Tetra Pak packaging allows for long shelf life without refrigeration until opened, making it convenient for travel and storage.
Best Raw Dog Food for IBD
4.5
★★★★★
Maev
Who It’s For: Dog owners who prefer a minimally processed, raw-style diet that’s more biologically appropriate and that supports gut microbiome balance and better nutrient absorption.
Why we recommended it: The Maev Human-Grade Raw Food is USDA-certified, AAFCO-compliant, and made in the USA in a feed facility that meets human-grade standards. It is flash-frozen to lock in nutrients and reduce processing damage, which improves bioavailability of proteins and fats—useful when digestion is compromised. The “Weight & Digestion” or “Digestion” variant includes added chicory root (a prebiotic) and probiotic blends, which are reported to support stool quality and gut flora. We like that this format allows feeding raw in a ready-to-serve way (open, pour, serve) without the mess or bone-splitting that often deters raw feeding.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made with human-grade, whole-food ingredients with visible chunks of real meat and produce, paired with targeted formulas for specific health conditions, including digestion. Its direct-to-door frozen delivery maintains freshness and nutritional potency.
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Best Senior Dog Food for IBD Support
4.5
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Aging dogs with slower digestion, offering gentle fiber, probiotics, and easily digestible proteins to maintain gut comfort and vitality.
Why we recommended it: The JustFoodForDogs Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe uses ground lamb and brown rice paired with vegetable and fruit whole-food ingredients (cauliflower, carrots, spinach, blueberries) — lending digestive-friendly fiber and antioxidant support. Its nutritional profile suggests a gentler macronutrient load compared to high-protein, high-fat formulas, which can tax a senior dog’s digestive system. We like that the brand formulates in small kitchens, uses human-grade ingredients, and reports higher digestibility than typical kibble.
What sets it apart from competitors: Fresh-frozen, human-grade approach rather than highly processed canned or dry senior diets. The lamb + brown rice base is a less common adult/senior protein-grain combo (many use chicken/rice or beef/rice), which may appeal to dogs with mild protein sensitivities. Also, the modest protein and fat levels align especially well for senior dogs who need easier digestion and slower energy release (rather than active adult performance formulas).
Best High-Protein Dog Food for IBD
4.7
★★★★★
A PUP ABOVE
Who It’s For: Dog owners with active or athletic pups who need a high-protein formula that fuels energy while staying easy on the digestive tract and promoting lean muscle.
Why we recommended it: The A Pup Above Gently Air-Dried 100% Human Grade recipe is made with grass-fed beef heart, beef, beef liver, and includes digestively supportive ingredients like barley, oats, rice bran, sweet potato, cauliflower and celery—veggies and grains chosen for fiber and gut-tolerance. It’s produced in a human-grade, USDA-inspected facility and uses a low-heat, gentle air-drying process (rather than high-temperature extrusion) to preserve nutrients and minimize digestive stress. We like that this provides a high-quality alternative for dogs who are active yet need a diet that supports digestive stability and avoids heavily processed ingredients. Its jerky-like texture appeals to picky eaters and supports chewing health, while the protein-forward composition addresses the needs of active dogs recovering or managing gastrointestinal challenges.
What sets it apart from competitors: The use of air-drying combined with sous-vide cooking allows both excellent palatability and nutrient retention, resulting in a quality akin to homemade, fresh food. The brand’s dedication to 100% human-grade sourcing and batch traceability reassures quality and safety.
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Best Puppy Food for IBD
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Puppies developing delicate digestive systems, featuring gentle proteins, probiotics, and balanced nutrients to promote smooth digestion and growth.
Why we recommended it: The Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy Grain-Free Freshly Crafted recipe features humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon and pork—all lean, digestible proteins—paired with vegetables like pumpkin and kale and added chicken bone broth to support nutrient uptake and digestion. Because IBD issues often stem from diets that are overly processed and low in moisture, this fresh, gently cooked format supports hydration and smoother digestion—an advantage when gastrointestinal support is needed. Its preparation format (frozen, pre-portioned pouches) also offers convenience for owners seeking high-quality nutrition without the prep of cooking.
What sets it apart from competitors: This product stands apart by combining a human-grade ingredient sourcing policy with gentle cooking (rather than heavy extrusion) to preserve nutrient integrity and digestibility. The brand provides full ingredient traceability and uses salmon oil, flaxseed, and chicory root (pre-biotic fiber) to support gut health, which many typical puppy diets do not emphasize.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food for IBD
4.5
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners who want a lightweight, travel-friendly meal that hydrates easily and supports healthy digestion with minimally processed, whole-food ingredients.
Why we recommended it: The JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Balanced Remedy diet uses ground turkey as the sole animal protein and long-grain white rice and sushi rice as the carb base—both easily digestible sources. It’s explicitly formulated for dogs “that require a limited ingredient diet that is also low in fat, and highly digestible.” We note that it’s described as a “low-residue” option for sensitive guts, which makes it ideal for dogs recovering from IBD upset or needing temporary support. Furthermore, the formula is made with 100 % human-grade ingredients, no preservatives, and packaged in shelf-stable Tetra Pak cartons—helpful for real life when consistent feeding matters.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients prepared using gentle cooking methods, preserving nutrient integrity and digestibility. Plus, its innovative Tetra Pak packaging allows for long shelf life without refrigeration until opened, making it convenient for travel and storage.
Best Canned Dog Food for IBD
4.7
★★★★★
Blue Buffalo
Who It’s For: Dogs who prefer soft, palatable meals made with gentle ingredients that ease digestion while providing moisture and essential nutrients for gut comfort.
Why we recommended it: The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Wet Dog Food uses real chicken as the first ingredient and is formulated with easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates plus a prebiotic fiber blend designed to support healthy bowel microflora. The wet format helps boost hydration and may ease digestion compared to dry kibble. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meals—features that reduce the burden of potential dietary irritants. While the macronutrient levels are lower than many regular adult formulas (which is intentional for IBD recovery), that’s actually a strength when digestion is compromised.
What sets it apart from competitors: The inclusion of LifeSource Bits, which are antioxidant-rich vitamin and mineral blends cold-formed to preserve nutritional potency, and a commitment to high-quality, recognizable ingredients. Its combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, and digestible protein sources makes it a comprehensive option for gastrointestinal care.
Best Organic & Limited Ingredient Dog Food for IBD
4.7
★★★★★
Spot & Tango
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want organic, clean nutrition made with limited ingredients to reduce digestive triggers and keep their dog’s gut health in check naturally.
Why we recommended it: The Spot & Tango Fresh Dog Food features lamb (and lamb liver) as its primary protein, paired with sweet potatoes, kale, carrots and brown rice—ingredients that support nutrient absorption and digestive health without being overly rich. We like that the brand clearly publishes ingredient sourcing and nutritional data, which helps when a dog has IBD issues and you’re trying to eliminate diet-related variables. The simplicity of the formula, paired with human-grade processing in a USDA kitchen, makes it a strong choice for dogs with sensitive digestion.
What sets it apart from competitors: What sets it apart from competitors: Spot & Tango emphasizes transparency—each recipe’s ingredients, sourcing, and guaranteed analysis are publicly available. Its limited-ingredient approach minimizes the risk of triggering food sensitivities, and the gentle cooking method locks in nutrients without harsh processing.
Who It’s For: Dogs that benefit from added probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to strengthen gut flora and maintain consistent digestive comfort.
Why we recommended it:it: The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula includes brewer’s rice and corn protein meal as highly digestible carbohydrate and protein sources, plus added dried colostrum to support gut immunity. The formulation includes prebiotic fiber for microbiome support. We like that the diet combines veterinary therapeutic backing, proven digestibility, and gut-microbiome support—all features that matter when a dog’s gastrointestinal health is compromised. The inclusion of antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and colostrum supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress that can impair healing. We like that this diet has undergone clinical research backing its efficacy for gastrointestinal support and provides a palatable formula for dogs facing digestive challenges.
What sets it apart from competitors: Therapeutic grade credentials (veterinary diet), high digestibility focused on IBD recovery, and inclusion of gut-immunity elements such as colostrum and prebiotic fiber.
Other Dog Foods for IBD
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for IBD: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Digestive Care built around real chicken with a vet-formulated blend of clinically proven prebiotic fiber, this formula is designed to support stool quality and everyday gut comfort. It skips corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals, which helps many sensitive stomachs while keeping the ingredient list straightforward. We like that it balances digestibility with value and comes in larger bags that make budgeting easier over time.
Best Small Dog Food for IBD Support: Royal Canin Small Digestive Care Dry Dog Food tailored for dogs up to 22 lb, this recipe uses highly digestible proteins plus a precise mix of fibers and prebiotics to promote a balanced intestinal flora and better stool quality. The kibble size and texture suit small jaws, encouraging consistent chewing and easier digestion. It’s a science-driven option that’s often recommended when petite pups need reliable tummy support.
Best Grain-Free Dog Food for IBD: Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet (editor’s note on grain-free) is a limited-ingredient chicken & rice recipe that’s gentle, gluten- and wheat-free, and crafted to calm upset stomachs—a smart pick when you want simple, soothing nutrition during flares. While this linked option contains rice, it’s popular for its straightforward, easily digested profile and lack of artificial colors or flavors. If you specifically need grain-free, consider the same line’s turkey & sweet potato variant, but the classic Chicken & Rice remains a go-to “bland diet” when rice agrees with your dog.
Best On-The-Go Dog Food for IBD: KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet for Dogs this ready-to-serve wet food is engineered for sensitive stomachs with a single protein (chicken) plus white rice and pumpkin to support healthy stools—perfect when you don’t have time to cook a bland diet. The limited-ingredient formula helps you control variables during IBD episodes, and its convenient packaging makes it easy to pack for travel or emergencies. It’s a practical pick for dogs experiencing loose stool or diarrhea who still need balanced nutrition.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for IBD: Under the Weather Freeze-Dried Bland Diet for Dogs shelf-stable and quick to rehydrate, this bland diet combines human-grade chicken with white rice and added electrolytes—handy when a dog is queasy and needs gentle nourishment plus hydration support. We love how portable and simple it is to prepare, making it ideal to keep on hand for sudden IBD upsets or travel days. The minimal, soothing ingredient list helps you reset a sensitive stomach without cooking from scratch.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best dog food for IBD isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about giving your dog a chance to thrive again. The right formula can calm inflammation, restore balance in the gut, and bring back the energy and comfort your pup once had. But every dog’s system is unique, and what soothes one may not suit another. That’s why it’s worth working with your vet to fine-tune your dog’s diet and monitor progress. With patience, consistency, and the right food, living with IBD doesn’t have to mean living in discomfort—it can mean rediscovering health, one meal at a time.
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Sources
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