Best Hypoallergenic Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs & Skin

It starts with an itch. Then a scratch. Then, before you know it, your poor pup is keeping the whole house awake with the sound of constant chewing on their paws. As a veterinary nutritionist, I see this scenario play out in my clinic almost daily. You’ve done the hard work of switching to a hypoallergenic kibble, but those sad puppy eyes begging for a treat are hard to resist.

The good news? A sensitive stomach or itchy skin doesn't mean a life without rewards. It just means we need to be smarter about what goes into the treat jar. Hypoallergenic treats have come a long way from the cardboard-like biscuits of the past. Today, we have options ranging from single-ingredient freeze-dried organs to novel proteins like cricket flour (yes, really!) that are both safe and delicious.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up my top recommendations for hypoallergenic treats based on specific use cases—because a training treat needs to be very different from a dental chew. Whether you’re dealing with a chicken allergy, grain intolerance, or just a sensitive tummy, there is a safe way to spoil your dog.

Selection Methodology

When evaluating treats for dogs with sensitivities, I look at three critical factors: ingredient purity, protein novelty, and processing method.

• Ingredient Purity: I look for limited ingredient lists. If I can't pronounce it, I generally don't want a sensitive dog eating it.
• Protein Source: Common allergens like beef and chicken are often the culprits. I prioritize hydrolyzed proteins (where the protein is broken down so small the immune system doesn't recognize it) or novel proteins like venison, duck, or insects.
• Bioavailability: Freeze-dried raw options often retain more nutrients and are easier to digest than heavily processed biscuits.

Best Veterinary Choice: Hill's Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

When a dog is on a strict elimination diet to diagnose an allergy, I don't mess around. We need a treat that is scientifically formulated to be non-reactive. This is where Hill's Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Dog Treats shine. Produced by Hill's, these are formulated specifically to complement hydrolyzed protein diets.

The magic here is in the "hydrolyzed" chicken liver. The protein molecules are broken down into such tiny fragments that your dog's immune system essentially flies right past them without triggering an allergic response. In my practice, these are the "safety net" treats I recommend when we can't risk a flare-up.

They have a crunchy texture that helps with mechanical cleaning of teeth, though they are a bit harder than soft chews. While they do require a veterinary authorization in many places (or at least a confirmation of your prescription diet), they provide peace of mind that OTC treats simply can't match. They are also fortified with skin-supporting nutrients like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which is a huge plus for dogs with dermatitis.

Best Limited Ingredient (OTC): Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon & Potato Dog Biscuits

If you don't need a prescription-strength option but want a widely available, safe treat for a dog with a chicken or beef sensitivity, Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon & Potato Dog Biscuits are my go-to recommendation. Blue Buffalo sticks to a simple philosophy here: fewer ingredients, fewer problems.

The primary protein source here is real salmon, which is generally well-tolerated and rich in natural oils that support coat health. They use potatoes as a binder instead of common grains like wheat or corn, which can be inflammatory for some dogs. I appreciate that they are completely free of chicken by-product meals—a common "hidden" allergen in many so-called limited ingredient treats.

These are crunchy, oven-baked biscuits. They snap easily, making them decent for treating, though they might be a bit crumbly for rapid-fire training. For a dog that gets one or two "good boy" cookies a day, these offer excellent value and high palatability without the risk of common poultry allergens.

Best High-Value Reward: Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats

Sometimes you need a treat that is worth working for. Whether you are counter-conditioning a reactive dog or teaching a solid recall, you need high value. But for sensitive dogs, high value often means "high stomach upset." That’s why I love Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats.

These are single-ingredient treats. That's it. Just beef liver. This eliminates the guesswork of reading a 20-line ingredient label. Freeze-drying locks in the aroma and flavor of raw meat without the mess, and most dogs go absolutely bonkers for them. Because liver is nutrient-dense, a little goes a long way.

However, a word of caution: while beef is a single ingredient, beef is a common allergen. If your dog specifically reacts to beef, Vital Essentials offers similar single-ingredient options in rabbit, minnows, and duck. But if your dog tolerates beef, this is the cleanest, most wholesome protein boost you can give.

Best Sustainable & Novel Protein: Jiminy's Chewy Training Treats Peanut Butter & Cranberry

If your dog seems allergic to every meat under the sun, it might be time to look... elsewhere. Jiminy's Chewy Training Treats utilize cricket protein, which is not only incredibly sustainable but also a fantastic novel protein source for dogs who react to traditional livestock meats.

I know, I know—bugs? But clinically, insect protein is highly digestible and rich in amino acids. Jiminy's pairs cricket powder with oats, peanut butter, and cranberries for a soft, chewy texture that is perfect for training. Because they are soft, you can easily break them into tinier pieces for small breeds or long training sessions.

They are also incredibly low in calories (less than 3 per treat), making them a guilt-free option for dogs who might be packing a few extra pounds. The peanut butter aroma generally masks any "earthy" scent, so most dogs eat them up without a second thought.

Best Low Calorie & Vegetarian: Fruitables Pumpkin Blueberry Dog Treats

For dogs with severe protein intolerances or those on a diet, sometimes the best protein source is no protein source. Fruitables Pumpkin Blueberry Dog Treats are fantastic vegetarian options that rely on fiber-rich pumpkin and antioxidants from blueberries.

At just 8 calories per treat, these are what I call "volume treats." You can give a handful over the course of a day without wrecking your dog's caloric balance. The pumpkin is naturally soothing for upset stomachs—something owners of sensitive dogs will appreciate.

They smell incredible—honestly, like a blueberry muffin. The texture is crunchy, which most dogs enjoy. While they aren't "high value" enough for intense training environments with distractions, Fruitables are the perfect everyday cookie for the household.

Best Dental Chew: iPaw Turkey Tendon Bone

Finding a safe chew for an allergic dog is a nightmare. Rawhide is often processed with harsh chemicals, and bully sticks are usually beef. The iPaw Turkey Tendon Bone is a brilliant alternative.

These are made from limited ingredients, primarily turkey tendon, which is a novel protein for many dogs. They are tough, fibrous, and excellent for mechanical scraping of plaque. Unlike some synthetic chews that can cause digestive blockages if swallowed in chunks, tendon tends to soften and break down more safely (though supervision is always required with any chew).

They are low in fat but high in protein. If you have a power chewer, these might not last as long as a bully stick, but for small to medium breeds, iPaw provides a satisfying chew session without the itchiness that follows a beef-based treat.

Comparison of Top Hypoallergenic Treats

Buying Guide: What to Look For

When shopping for your sensitive pup, ignore the flashy marketing on the front of the bag and flip it over to the ingredient list immediately.

Novel Proteins are Key If your dog reacts to chicken, switching to turkey might not be enough as they are cross-reactive. Look for proteins your dog has never eaten before. Venison, rabbit, kangaroo, and cricket are excellent choices because the immune system hasn't formed a defense against them yet.

Check the Fat Content Sensitive stomachs often struggle with high fat. While fat makes treats tasty, it can trigger pancreatitis or loose stools in prone dogs. Freeze-dried organ meats are often lower in fat than oil-basted biscuits.

Texture Matters For itchy dogs who also have dental issues (common in small breeds), finding a hypoallergenic dental chew is vital. If you can't find a commercial dental chew that agrees with them, a dehydrated sweet potato chew or a turkey tendon is a great natural toothbrush.

The Verdict

Remember, every dog is unique. It might take a little trial and error, but seeing your dog wag their tail without stopping to scratch is worth every penny.