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Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood

Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 22, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A slow-cooked dry food for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies, using catfish meal and whitefish meal as the main animal protein sources alongside barley, oats, millet, and sorghum as digestible grains. It’s formulated for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs, with added prebiotics, probiotics, and beet pulp to support gut health, and flaxseed plus fish-derived fats to supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The recipe is AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a well-formulated, fish-based dry food designed for dogs that need a gentler option for skin and digestive support. It uses named fish meals as primary protein sources and a blend of ancient grains for carbohydrate and fiber, which can be easier on many dogs than more common chicken- or beef-heavy diets. The moderate protein and fat levels, added prebiotics/probiotics, and good omega-3 content make it suitable for most puppies and adults, including large-breed dogs, as long as they tolerate fish well.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Sensitive Stomach Digestive Health Probiotic Support Joint Care Brain Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Catfish meal and whitefish meal provide defined, high-quality animal protein sources rather than vague by-products or unnamed meats.
  • Includes prebiotics (inulin, beet pulp) and added probiotics, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality in many dogs.
  • Contains flaxseed and fish meals that contribute omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helpful for skin and coat health.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed growth, so it can be used for puppies and adults if the calorie intake is managed appropriately.

Considerations

  • Fish (catfish, whitefish) is a common allergen for some dogs, so this formula would not be appropriate if your dog has known fish sensitivities.
  • The protein level (23% as-fed) is moderate; very high-activity working or sporting dogs may need a higher-protein option depending on their energy demands.
  • While the formula avoids corn, wheat, and soy, it still contains multiple grain sources (barley, oats, millet, sorghum), so it is not a grain-free option for dogs with true grain allergies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Catfish meal, barley, oat, millet, sorghum, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), whitefish meal, beet pulp, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, flaxseed, salt, potassium chloride, inulin, L-threonine, cranberries, blueberries, L-lysine, DL-methionine, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), yucca schidigera extract, calcium carbonate, vitamin E supplement, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, dried kelp, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, folic acid, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Catfish
Catfish is used in pet foods as a digestible animal protein and source of omega‑3 fatty acids, supporting muscle maintenance and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. It can enhance palatability and provide lean protein but may trigger fish allergies in some animals or present contaminant risks depending on source (e.g., mercury or PCBs), and cat diets should still be formulated or supplemented to ensure adequate taurine and complete nutrition.
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02
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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03
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
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04
Millet
Millet is a small, gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest amounts of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and may be used in some cat recipes, but because cats are obligate carnivores and millet is relatively high in carbohydrates and contains phytic acid (an anti‑nutrient), it is usually cooked/processed for better digestibility and should be part of a formula that meets species‑specific protein and taurine needs; pets with specific grain sensitivities may still react, so consult your veterinarian if concerned.
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05
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
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Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
23.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3520
kcal / Kg
411
kcal / Cup
4
kcal / G
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Catfish Meal with Ancient Grains Recipe dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Blackwood is a premium pet food brand that offers small-batch, slow-cooked recipes for dogs and cats made in the USA. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, high-quality nutrition with an emphasis on digestibility, freshness, and family-owned production values.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Blackwood Pet Food
Parent company BrightPet Nutrition Group
Founded 1994
Headquarters Lisbon, Ohio, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Ohio
Manufacturing oversight

Blackwood Pet Food manufactures its products in-house in the USA at USDA-inspected, AAFCO-compliant facilities. All recipes are slow-cooked in small batches to ensure better nutrient retention, with oversight on ingredient sourcing and process control.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Blackwood Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Blackwood ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Blackwood. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.