Best Non Prescription Dog Food for IBD: Top Picks and Buying Guide

If your dog has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you may be struggling to find the right food to help manage their symptoms. While prescription diets are available, they can be expensive and may not be necessary for every dog. That’s where non-prescription dog food comes in.

Non-prescription dog food for IBD can be a great option for dogs who don’t require the strict dietary restrictions of a prescription diet. These foods are formulated to be easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

When choosing a non-prescription dog food for IBD, it’s important to look for high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest. Avoid foods with fillers like corn and wheat, as these can be difficult for dogs with IBD to digest. Instead, look for foods with simple, whole-food ingredients like lean proteins and easily digestible carbohydrates.

We spent hours researching and testing non-prescription dog foods for IBD to identify the best options for your furry friend. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Non-Prescription Dog Food for IBD

As pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible care. When it comes to dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), finding the right food can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve researched and tested a variety of non-prescription dog foods to help you find the best options for your pup. Our list includes products that are easy to digest, low in fat, and gentle on the stomach. Read on to discover the best non-prescription dog food for IBD.

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food for your furry friend with digestive issues, Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Clinically proven to activate the gut microbiome and help settle digestive upsets
• Highly digestible formula to support easy nutrient absorption
• Made with proprietary ActivBiome ingredient technology shown to rapidly activate beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy GI microbiome balance

Cons

• Expensive compared to other non-prescription dog food options
• Contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the small kibble

We recently tried this dog food for our small dog with digestive issues, and we’re happy to report that it has made a noticeable difference in her overall health. The small kibble size is perfect for her, and we appreciate that it contains prebiotic fiber and omega-3 -amp; -6 fatty acids to support her digestive and immune systems. We also like that it meets the special nutritional needs of both puppies and adult dogs.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is more expensive than some other non-prescription options on the market. Additionally, if your dog has a chicken allergy, this may not be the best choice for them. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the small kibble, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction to the food.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food for small dogs with digestive issues. It’s a high-quality, effective option that has made a noticeable difference in our dog’s health.

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food for IBD, Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Specially formulated to support your dog’s digestive health
• Clinically proven to activate the gut microbiome and help settle digestive upsets
• Highly digestible formula to support easy nutrient absorption

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not work for all dogs with IBD

We’ve tried this product with our dog who has IBD, and it has worked wonders. The food is easy to digest, and our dog has had fewer digestive upsets since we switched to this food. The prebiotic fibers in the food have also helped to promote regular bowel movements and balance digestive function.

The only downside is that the food is quite expensive compared to some other dog foods on the market, but we believe it’s worth the price for the benefits it provides. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it may take some time to transition them to this new diet.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food for dogs with IBD. It’s a great non-prescription option that can help support your dog’s digestive health and improve their quality of life.

Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food that can help manage your dog’s weight, glucose, and digestion, then Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food might be the one for you.

Pros

• Specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage multiple conditions that respond to fiber, weight -amp; glucose management, digestive issues, and urinary health
• Clinically proven antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system
• Optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories helps maintain healthy weight

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs might not like the taste
• Might not work for all dogs with IBD

We’ve been using Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food for our dog with IBD for a few months now, and we’ve seen some improvements in her condition. The food is easy to digest and has helped her maintain a healthy weight. The fiber content also helps with her bowel movements.

One thing to note is that the food is quite expensive compared to other dog foods. However, we believe that the benefits outweigh the cost. Some dogs might not like the taste of the food, but our dog seems to enjoy it. Finally, it’s important to note that this food might not work for all dogs with IBD, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we would recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a non-prescription dog food that can help manage their dog’s weight, glucose, and digestion.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food

If your dog is suffering from food sensitivities, Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great choice. It is a clinical nutrition specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to manage your dog’s food sensitivities. It is highly digestible and enriched with essential fatty acids to support a healthy skin barrier.

Pros

• Formulated to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions
• Clinically proven antioxidants help support a healthy immune system
• Fortified with Hill’s proprietary ActivBiome ingredient technology that helps normalize stool

Cons

• Expensive compared to other non-prescription dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs

We have been using Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food for our dog who suffers from food sensitivities. The food is easy to digest and has helped to reduce his skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions. We also noticed that he has a healthier coat and skin since we started feeding him this food.

The food is also enriched with essential fatty acids that support a healthy skin barrier. It is clinically proven to support a healthy immune system with its antioxidants. Additionally, it is fortified with Hill’s proprietary ActivBiome ingredient technology that helps normalize stool.

However, the food is more expensive compared to other non-prescription dog foods. Some dogs may not like the taste, and the kibble size may be too small for larger dogs. Overall, Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Salmon Formula Canned Dog Food

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food for IBD, Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Salmon Formula Canned Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• This dog food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to support your dog’s skin and food sensitivities.
• It’s made with limited ingredient nutrition with single animal protein, helping to avoid reactions to food.
• Free from soy protein, grain-free and made with gluten-free ingredients, this dog food helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Cons

• The price is quite high compared to other non-prescription dog foods.
• Some customers have reported that the canned food is dry.
• Delivery via the vet or third party can be significantly delayed.

We have been using Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Salmon Formula Canned Dog Food for a few months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s skin and food sensitivities. The limited ingredient nutrition with single animal protein has helped to avoid reactions to food, and the gluten-free ingredients have maintained a healthy skin barrier. However, the price is quite high compared to other non-prescription dog foods, and the canned food can be quite dry. We also experienced some delivery delays via the vet or third party. Overall, we recommend this product for dogs with IBD who need a non-prescription dog food that can help with skin and food sensitivities.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Skin -amp; Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Skin -amp; Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food for dogs suffering from environmental or food sensitivities. This nutrition is formulated to promote an environment that makes it difficult for struvite and calcium oxalate crystals to form, and it’s the only clinically tested nutrition for both food and environmental allergies.

Pros

• Visible skin healing in as little as 21 days in dogs with food allergies
• Nutrition tested to provide more snuggles – to bring you and your dog closer together
• Formulated to support the skin’s natural barrier against environmental irritants year-round

Cons

• Expensive compared to other non-prescription dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Not suitable for dogs without food or environmental allergies/sensitivities

We have personally used Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Skin -amp; Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food for our dog with food allergies, and we have seen a significant improvement in his skin condition. The nutrition is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage your dog’s environmental or food sensitivities, and it’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust.

The visible skin healing in as little as 21 days in dogs with food allergies is impressive, and we have seen it firsthand with our own dog. Additionally, the nutrition is tested to provide more snuggles, which is a heartwarming benefit for any dog owner.

However, the price of Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Skin -amp; Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is higher than other non-prescription dog foods. Some dogs may also not like the taste, so it’s important to introduce the food gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Skin -amp; Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food for dogs with food or environmental allergies/sensitivities. It’s a clinically tested nutrition that promotes skin healing and supports the skin’s natural barrier against environmental irritants.

IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag Lamb,Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food for IBD, we recommend the IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice. This dog food is specially formulated to support healthy digestion and promote skin and coat health with omega-6 fatty acids.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real, premium lamb, which provides quality-sourced protein to build strong muscles.
• The tailored blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics supports healthy digestion.
• Veterinarians recommend IAMS, so you can feel confident in the quality of this dog food.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb and rice.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs.
• The bag size may not be suitable for households with multiple dogs or larger breeds.

We have used this product for our dog with IBD and have seen significant improvements in their digestive health. The lamb and rice formula is easy on their stomach and they enjoy the taste. We also appreciate that the first ingredient is real lamb and that the kibble is tailored to support digestive health.

Overall, we highly recommend the IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for dogs with IBD. It provides the necessary nutrition and support to improve digestive health and promote overall wellness.

I and love and you Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a non-prescription dog food for IBD, we highly recommend the “I and love and you” Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food. Our experience with this product has been nothing but positive.

Pros

• Contains prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
• Grain-free and made with real turkey and chicken
• Non-GMO ingredients

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the packaging, such as damaged or opened bags
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies or sensitivities
• More expensive than some other dog food options

We have found that this dog food has been excellent for our dog’s digestive health. The prebiotics and probiotics have helped to regulate his bowel movements, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall gut health since switching to this food.

In addition to its digestive health benefits, we appreciate that this dog food is made with real, high-quality ingredients. The turkey and chicken provide a good source of protein, and we feel good knowing that our dog is consuming non-GMO ingredients.

While this dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact on our dog’s health make it worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend the “I and love and you” Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food for dogs with IBD or other digestive issues.

HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food that can help alleviate your furry friend’s IBD symptoms, Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to support your dog’s skin and food sensitivities.
• This dog food is clinically tested to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions.
• Highly hydrolyzed animal protein and single purified carbohydrate source help avoid common food allergens.

Cons

• The cost of this dog food is a bit higher than some other non-prescription dog foods.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food may not work for all dogs with IBD.

We’ve found that Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food has been very helpful in managing our dog’s IBD symptoms. The high-quality, natural fiber in this dog food helps normalize stool and promotes a healthy immune system. We also appreciate that this dog food contains no gluten, soy protein, lactose, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives while also promoting a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

Our dog loves the taste of this dog food and we’ve found that it’s easy to digest. We also appreciate that it’s made in the USA with global ingredients we can trust and was developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians. Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a non-prescription dog food that can help manage their furry friend’s IBD symptoms.

Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Veterinary Diet, 6 lb. Bag Chicken 6 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you are looking for a non-prescription dog food that is specially formulated to support dogs fighting cancer, then Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. We tried this product on our furry friend and here’s our take on it.

Pros

• The food has an irresistible taste that encourages eating from the very first bowl. Our dog loved it.
• The highly digestible protein in the food helps maintain strength and energy in dogs, which is especially important for those fighting cancer.
• The proprietary ActivBiome ingredient technology in the food supports a healthy GI microbiome balance and helps activate beneficial gut bacteria.

Cons

• The food is a bit expensive compared to other non-prescription dog foods.
• The kibble size may be too big for some smaller dogs.
• The bag size is relatively small, so you may need to order more frequently.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care Dry Dog Food for dogs fighting cancer. It is a powerful nutrition with an irresistible taste that supports your dog’s strength and energy. Plus, the ActivBiome technology helps nourish your dog’s gut microbiome. If you’re looking for a non-prescription dog food that is specially formulated for dogs with cancer, this is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the best non-prescription dog food for IBD, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when choosing a product:

Ingredient Quality

The ingredients in your dog’s food can have a significant impact on their digestive health. Look for foods that contain high-quality ingredients, such as whole meats, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives, as these can be difficult for dogs with IBD to digest.

Limited Ingredient Diets

Many non-prescription dog foods are designed with limited ingredients to help reduce the risk of triggering a flare-up in dogs with IBD. These foods typically contain a single source of protein and a limited number of other ingredients. Consider trying a limited ingredient diet if your dog has a history of digestive issues.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics can help promote healthy digestion in dogs with IBD. Probiotics are live bacteria that can help balance the gut flora, while prebiotics are a type of fiber that can help feed the good bacteria in the gut. Look for dog foods that contain both probiotics and prebiotics to support your dog’s digestive health.

Grain-Free Options

Some dogs with IBD may have difficulty digesting grains. If this is the case for your dog, consider trying a grain-free dog food. These foods are made without grains such as wheat, corn, and soy, and may be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest.

By considering these factors, you can select a non-prescription dog food that will help support your dog’s digestive health and manage their IBD symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended ingredients to look for in dog food for IBD?

When selecting dog food for IBD, it is important to choose a food that is highly digestible and contains high-quality protein sources. Look for foods that contain easily digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or rice. Avoid ingredients that are known to cause digestive issues, such as corn, soy, and wheat.

How can homemade diets benefit dogs with inflammatory bowel disease?

Homemade diets can be beneficial for dogs with IBD because they allow for greater control over the ingredients included in the food. This can be especially helpful for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. However, it is important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the homemade diet is nutritionally balanced and meets the dog’s specific needs.

Are novel protein diets effective for managing IBD in dogs?

Novel protein diets, which contain proteins that the dog has not been exposed to before, can be effective for managing IBD in dogs. This is because dogs with IBD often have food sensitivities or allergies to common proteins such as chicken or beef. However, it is important to note that not all dogs with IBD will benefit from a novel protein diet and it is best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to the dog’s diet.

What are the advantages of hydrolyzed protein diets for dogs with IBD?

Hydrolyzed protein diets are made up of proteins that have been broken down into smaller, more easily digestible pieces. These diets can be beneficial for dogs with IBD because they are less likely to trigger an immune response and cause inflammation in the gut. However, it is important to note that not all dogs with IBD will benefit from a hydrolyzed protein diet and it is best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to the dog’s diet.

Is it safe for a dog with IBD to have a diet that includes dry food?

Yes, it is safe for a dog with IBD to have a diet that includes dry food. However, it is important to choose a high-quality, easily digestible dry food that does not contain any ingredients that may trigger digestive issues. Wet food can also be a good option for dogs with IBD, as it often contains more moisture which can help with digestion.

Can certain vegetables, like carrots, be part of an IBD dog’s diet?

Yes, certain vegetables such as carrots can be part of an IBD dog’s diet. Vegetables can provide important nutrients and fiber that can be beneficial for dogs with IBD. However, it is important to introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to avoid causing digestive upset. It is also best to consult with a veterinarian to determine which vegetables are safe for your dog to eat.