Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

11 Best Dog Foods for IBD in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

a dachshund dog looks sick lying on its owner

a dachshund dog looks sick lying on its owner As pet parents, we hate it when our pets are in pain or sick. If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach and digestive issues, it could be suffering from IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. If your pup has been diagnosed with IBD, then your vet has told you that there are special dog foods you can give your dog to help it with the symptoms.

However, there are so many choices for dog food brands for IBD on the market today that it’s hard to know which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

Luckily, we’ll help you determine what the best dog foods for IBD are in this guide. We have reviews and our top picks in the guide below, followed by a buyer’s guide.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

A Glance at Our Winners in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food Subscription Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food Subscription
  • Does not contain common food irritants such as chicken, beef, or dairy
  • Easy to digest
  • Made with minimally processed, human-grade ingredients
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Affordable
  • Contains pre and probiotics
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canned Dog Food Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canned Dog Food
  • Hypoallergenic
  • High-quality dog food
  • Most dogs love the flavor
  • Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Holistic
  • No additives, preservatives, or allergens
  • Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Dog Food Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Dog Food
  • Specially formulated for digestive problems
  • Nutritionally balanced
  • Supports intestinal health
  • The 11 Best Dog Foods for IBD

    1. Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    Ollie Lamb Dish With Cranberries

    Main ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale, rice, cranberries, green beans
    Protein content: 10%
    Fat content: 7%
    Calories: 1804 kcal/kg

    Dairy, chicken, wheat, and beef are generally best avoided if your dog has IBD, as these common ingredients can make the condition worse. But that’s where Ollie Fresh Lamb Dog Food comes in! This yummy recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, such as lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale, and cranberries. With a guaranteed analysis of 10% protein, 7% fat, and 2% fiber, this option meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for all stages of a dog’s life.

    The ingredients are cooked slowly in small batches to prevent the loss of essential nutrients. It does not contain preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, or soy, things that can sometimes trigger inflammation and allergies in dogs. For these reasons, we believe that Ollie’s lamb recipe is the best overall dog food for IBD.

    That said, it is more expensive than regular dog food. Also, the pouches must thaw before you can serve them to your pet, which can be time-consuming for some dog owners.

    Pros
    • Does not contain common food irritants such as chicken, beef, or dairy
    • Easy to digest
    • Made with minimally processed, human-grade ingredients
    • No artificial flavors, soy, corn, or wheat
    • Most dogs love this food
    Cons
    • More expensive than commercial dog food
    • Requires time to thaw before feeding

    2. Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, Brown rice, Millet, Oat groats
    Protein content: 24.5 %
    Fat content: 14%
    Calories: 441 kcal per cup

    Our favorite option for the best dog food for IBD for the money is Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food. It’s an affordable blend, and it works for almost any budget. It contains no artificial ingredients such as fillers, coloring, or preservatives. It also has prebiotics and probiotics, which promotes healthy digestion.

    This is a high-quality dog food with a chicken meal and brown rice as the first ingredients. It also has 24.5% protein, which is good for your dog’s IBD symptoms and overall health. Some pet parents reported that their dogs wouldn’t eat Blackwood, and minor IBD symptoms have also been reported.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Contains pre and probiotics
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Digestive improvements shown
    • A high-quality dog food
    Cons
    • Minor IBD symptoms
    • Some dogs wouldn’t eat it

    3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canned Dog Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients:
    Pea starch, Hydrolyzed chicken liver, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Vegetable oil
    Protein content: 5%
    Fat content: 2.50%
    Calories: 396 kcal per can

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Canned Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that is an excellent source of balanced nutrition and is easy for dogs with IBD to digest.

    Royal Canin is designed to address the IBD digestive issues of your canine friend. Most dogs love the flavor, as we found few reports of pups not eating the food. However, you can expect to pay quite a bit more for this wet dog food when compared to others on our list. In our opinion, it’s worth the price to give your pet the relief from IBD it deserves.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • High-quality dog food
    • Most dogs love the flavor
    • A source of balanced nutrition
    • Easy to digest
    Cons
    • Quite expensive

    4. Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

    Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Dehydrated lamb, Pearl millet, Lamb fat, Coconut
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 541 kcal per cup

    At number four on our list is Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food. This is another of the hypoallergenic dry foods, and it’s listed as holistic as well. There are no additives, preservatives, or allergens in to irritate your dog’s IBD, and it has a high rate of success when it comes to reducing the symptoms associated with IBS.

    With dehydrated lamb as its first ingredient and 25% protein, this is a balanced source of nutrition that many dogs enjoy. However, the food is expensive, and many pet parents reported that their dogs refused to eat the dry food blend.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Holistic
    • No additives, preservatives, or allergens
    • Balanced nutrition
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
    • Some dogs refused to eat this blend

    5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Brewer’s rice, Chicken meal, Natural flavor, Cassava root flour
    Protein content: 24%
    Fat content: 9.50%
    Calories: 370 kcal per cup

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Natural’s Dry Dog Food is another good option. The dry kibble is specially formulated for your pet’s digestive problems, and with 24% protein and the main ingredient of brewer’s rice, it’s nutritionally balanced also.

    The kibble supports intestinal health and is a taste that pet parents report their dogs gobbling up with very few problems. Likewise, the formula promotes intestinal health and is perfect for IBD sufferers.

    The only drawback we found is that the food could contain preservatives, allergens, and additives, which could irritate your furry friend’s digestive system and cause IBD symptoms in some canines. It is also moderately expensive, but not as expensive as some on our list.

    Pros
    • Specially formulated for digestive problems
    • Nutritionally balanced
    • Supports intestinal health
    • Most dogs like the taste
    Cons
    • It could contain preservatives, allergens, and additives
    • A bit expensive

    6. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

     

    Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, Potatoes, Canola meal, Peas
    Protein content: 27%
    Fat content: 14%
    Calories: 377 kcal per cup

    Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is available in several flavors that even the pickiest dog will enjoy. It has a high protein content, at 27%. In addition, the food contains ingredients that work to soothe your dog’s IBD systems.

    Chicken meal and turkey meal are two of the main ingredients, and it contains plenty of amino acids for a strong body. Including omega acids promotes healthy fur and skin, reducing itchy skin in your pet. The kibble also helps with stool formation, which will work to soothe your dog’s IBD symptoms even more.

    The only drawbacks we found to this blend are that it has no supplements to promote joint support, and some pet parents stated they wished it was a grain-inclusive formula.

    Pros
    • Even picky eaters enjoy
    • Available in several flavors
    • High protein content
    • Helps with stool formation
    • Reduces itchy skin
    Cons
    • Doesn’t have a grain-inclusive formula
    • No supplements for joint support

    7. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Dog Food

    Main ingredients:
    Corn starch, Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, Coconut oil, Partially hydronated canola oil
    Protein content: 18%
    Fat content: 8%
    Calories: 314 kcal per cup

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Dry Dog Food is said to have had a high rate of success when it comes to helping with IBD issues in your pet. It’s a nutritionally balanced food, and we found no reports of dogs refusing to eat the blend. Most dogs seemed to love the flavor.

    The food is expensive when compared to other foods on our list, and with only 18% protein, we feel it could do with a bit of a higher percentage. However, if you’re searching for food your picky pet will eat while still helping with his IBD issues, this is a good choice.

    Pros
    • High rate of success
    • Nutritionally balanced
    • Dogs like the flavor
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
    • Lower protein content

    8. Wellness Core Grain-Free Lamb Dry Dog Food

    Wellness Core Grain-Free Lamb Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb meal, Pea protein, Peas
    Protein content: 33%
    Fat content: 10%
    Calories: 402 kcal per cup

    Wellness Core Grain-Free Lamb Dry Dog Food is an all-natural option for dogs with IBD issues. The kibble has a protein content of 33%, which is a rich amount, and one of the highest protein contents on our list. Also, the kibble has no artificial flavors or additives to irritate your pet’s digestive system. Lamb and lamb meal are listed as the first ingredients in the nutritionally well-balanced kibble.

    The food is grain-free, but that goes in neither the pros nor cons, as the FDA is researching grains since the absence of grains in dog food could lead to health issues.

    This blend is a bit on the pricey side and has been known not to work for dogs with severe IBD. It’s best to talk to your vet about this dry dog food option to determine if it’s indeed the right choice for your pet.

    Pros
    • All-natural
    • Rich in protein
    • No artificial flavors, additives
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
    • Not recommended for dogs with severe IBD

    9. Holistic Select Adult Health Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Holistic Select Adult Health Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, Turkey meal, Peas, Lentils
    Protein content: 32%
    Fat content: 13%
    Calories: 376 kcal per cup

    Holistic Select Adult Health Grain-Free Dry Dog food is another kibble with high protein levels at 32%. The food has a high rate of success in treating the symptoms of IBD, and dogs seem to love the taste. It also has no fillers, artificial colors, or artificial flavors, meaning it’s nutritionally balanced and has a turkey flavor your dog should enjoy.

    The first ingredient in this kibble is deboned turkey, which is an excellent source of protein. The food is more expensive than similar products on the market today but well worth the price if it makes your dog feel better.

    Pros
    • High protein levels
    • No fillers, artificial colors, or flavors
    • High rate of success
    • Dogs love the taste
    Cons
    • More expensive than similar products

    10. Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dog Food

    Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken liver, Dried egg products, Oatmeal
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 403 kcal per cup

    At number ten on our list is Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food. Dogs enjoy the flavor of this chicken blend, and the recipe’s label lists chicken and chicken livers as its primary ingredients and boasts a 25% protein percentage.

    It is designed to boost digestion and promote healthy skin and fur. However, Halo contains soy protein isolate, and some owners have reported a formula change. The food doesn’t look the way it did, and their dogs stopped eating it. It is also one of the pricier on our list.

    Pros
    • Dogs enjoy the flavor
    • Promotes healthy skin and fur
    • Boosts digestion
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
    • Contains soy protein isolate
    • Some owners reported a formula change

    11. Pure Vita Grain-Free Dog Food

    Pure Vita Grain-Free Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Duck, Duck meal, Garbanzo beans, Red lentils
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: N/A

    Pure Vita Grain-Free Duck Dog Food is full of the balanced nutrition your pet needs to be healthy and happy. It contains plenty of fatty acids and is an excellent source of protein, containing 26%, with duck as the first ingredient listed.

    It is a bit on the expensive side and has been reported as causing stomach upset in some dogs. Also, it contains artificial flavors and preservatives. Still, it’s made it on our list because it’s a good source of protein and nutritionally balanced.

    Pros
    • Balanced nutrition
    • Contains fatty acids
    • Good source of protein
    Cons
    • A bit expensive
    • Has caused stomach upset
    • May contain allergens
    • Includes artificial flavors and preservatives

    Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food for IBD

    Diet plays a strong role in how your dog feels and responds to having IBD. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on what to look for in your dog’s diet.

    Beagle Eating Dog Feeding
    Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

    Hypoallergenic Food

    In many cases, the underlying cause of a dog’s IBD is a sensitivity to certain proteins. We have a few hypoallergenic dog foods on our list for this very reason. There are also hydrolyzed dog foods on the list that will break up the protein into smaller pieces, so it’s easier to digest for your furry friend.

    Low Residue Diet

    A low-residue diet is a diet that is very easy to digest. Fiber is usually restricted in these types of diets, focusing on nutrition instead. Not only this, but the low residue diet also focuses on reducing the volume of the dog’s feces. This is helpful if your poor pup is having more than one bowel movement a day.

    Taste

    Since your dog is going to be on this diet for a long time to come, it’s essential to make sure it’s a food it likes the taste of and will be willing to eat daily. IBD is not a curable condition, and your pet will need a special formula for the rest of its life.

    Following these tips should help you find the right dog food for your dog’s IBD issues. Choose one from the list above, and soon your pup will be feeling fine.

    dog eating in a food bowl
    Image Credit: dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

    Our Selection Process For Dog Foods for IBD

    To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

    Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

    In Conclusion

    Our best overall pick goes to Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb Recipe for its balanced nutrition, and as our best budget pick, we chose Blackwood Everyday Diet Adult Dry Dog Food for its affordability and high protein percentages.

    We hope this guide helps you find the right IBD dog food for your furry friend to keep them healthy and happy for many years.


    Featured Image Credit: Leka Sergeeva, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Soft Coated Wheatzer Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

    The Soft-Coated Wheatzer is a hybrid breed that comes from a mix of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. This loving...

    Can Dogs Drink Hard Water? Is Hard Water Bad For Dogs? (Vet-Verified)

    Keeping our dogs healthy is extremely important, and while most of us focus on their food and treats, the water that they drink...

    Can a Maltese Only Have White Fur? Vet-Verified Breed Facts & FAQ

    The AKC is the nation’s leader in all things dog related. In its breed popularity list, the ever-popular Maltese ranks #37.1 So, even...

    Thai Ridgeback Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & Care Guides

    Thai Ridgebacks are gorgeous, medium-sized, athletic dogs with sleek muscles and elegant lines. They’re agile, intelligent, tough, and naturally gifted when it comes...

    More related

    What Happens If You Don’t Cut Your Dog’s Nails? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    Having a dog is undoubtedly a big responsibility, with many tasks and care that must be provided. One of the most important is...

    Vizsla vs Redbone Coonhound: The Differences (With Pictures)

    While Vizsla and Redbone Coonhounds are extremely similar, there are some slight differences between them. These differences can determine which dog is better...

    Can Dogs Eat Tamales? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Tamales are popular in Mexican cuisine, and people worldwide love to eat them. If you also love to eat tamales and have a...

    10 Best Summer Toys for Dogs In 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Summer is a time of year most dogs love. Not only does the pleasant weather mean they can spend more time outside, but...

    Keep reading

    Scrumbles Dog Food Review 2026: An Expert’s Breakdown

    * Save 15% With Subscribe & Save Searching for the perfect dog food can be a challenge. Sometimes you think you’ve got it, and a suddenly fussy dog turns his nose up at dinner, and you’re back to square one....

    DOG_SAPR_Scrumbles Dog Food

    Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

    Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While you may enjoy them, ginger snaps aren’t something we recommend offering your dog. Ginger snaps aren’t inherently...

    Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps

    Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Dog Food Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion

    Review Summary Dr. Marty is a pet food company founded by long-time veterinarian, Dr. Marty, whose focus for the past 45 years has been on creating healthy and nutritious all-natural foods for dogs and cats. Dr. Marty’s mission is to...

    Dogster_Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Have Tilapia? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Tilapia is one of the most commonly eaten fish around, so if you’re a fan of fish, chances are you eat this fairly often. As such, you may be tempted to feed your dog some tilapia on occasion. But is...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Tilapia

    Victor Dog Food vs Bully Max: Our 2026 Comparison – Pros, Cons & What to Choose

    With the number of dog food brands out there, you are bound to stumble across similar brands in your search for the best option. At first glance, it seems that only the packaging is different, while the ingredients, nutrition, and...

    Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Bully Max

    Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce? Vet-Verified Risks & Safety Tips

    Dogs like to snack on their owners’ leftovers and will even beg for table scraps, which causes many people to worry if tomato sauce is dangerous for canines. While plain tomato sauce is safe for dogs, commercial brands of tomato...

    Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce

    Can Dogs Eat Granola? Vet-Reviewed Health & Nutrition Info

    Dogs technically can eat plain granola but only in moderation. It isn’t toxic in most cases, but it isn’t exactly healthy either. Granola can contain all sorts of ingredients, and some of these are not safe for dogs. For instance,...

    Can Dogs Eat Granola

    10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Finding the right dog food is essential and can also be frustrating. You have to work through reviews and clever marketing strategies to determine what’s best for your dog based on its age, activity level, breed, and size. Chances are...

    Saint Bernard sitting in meadow