Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
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.
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.
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At a Glance
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.
Full Ingredient List
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.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.
Visit BlackwoodManufacturer
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
Blackwood Sensitive Skin & Stomach Catfish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Blackwood ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Blackwood. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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