Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed Salmon Protein Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a dry kibble designed for small-breed dogs of all life stages, using salmon meal and whitefish meal as the main animal protein sources. It relies on brown rice, oatmeal, and barley for easily digestible carbohydrates and includes added omega fatty acids and taurine. The formula is intended for dogs with more sensitive skin or digestion while still providing complete and balanced nutrition for puppies and adults (but not large-breed puppies).
Nutritionally, this is a solid all-life-stages option for small-breed dogs, including puppies and adults, who do better on a fish-based, moderate-protein diet. The use of salmon and whitefish meals, combined with whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, should provide good digestibility and steady energy. Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, DHA, and taurine are nice touches, especially for skin, coat, and overall health in small dogs that often have higher metabolic needs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Fish-based formula with salmon meal and whitefish meal as key protein sources, helpful for dogs that don’t do well on chicken or beef.
- Uses digestible whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, barley) rather than relying on lower-value fillers, which can support steady energy and gut health.
- Good omega profile (about 4% omega-6 and 1% omega-3, plus specific DHA) to support skin, coat, and developing puppies’ brains and eyes.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, so it’s appropriate for both small-breed puppies and adults when fed as directed.
Considerations
- Protein (24% min) and fat (12% min) are on the moderate side; very high-energy or performance small dogs may need a higher-calorie or higher-fat diet.
- Contains fish and yeast, which can be allergens for some dogs; not a good fit if your dog has known fish allergies.
- Grain-based formula, so it’s not suitable for dogs that truly require a grain-free diet for medical reasons (though true grain allergies are uncommon).
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
04
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.
05
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
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
A value-to-premium line of pet foods offering natural, grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Wholesomes highlights family-owned production and affordable nutrition using U.S.-sourced ingredients.
Visit WholesomesManufacturer
Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed Salmon Protein Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Wholesomes ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wholesomes. 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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