SquarePet VFS Skin & Digestive Support Dry Dog Food

Hydrolyzed Pork Kibble for Food Sensitivities and Skin Health

Product Description

SquarePet VFS Skin and Digestive Support is a veterinarian-formulated, limited-ingredient dry dog food built around hydrolyzed pork, pork protein that has been enzymatically broken down into smaller peptides so the immune system is less likely to detect and react to it. Formulated without a prescription requirement, this food targets food sensitivities, hot spots, itchiness, and GI concerns from the ingredient level up. Guaranteed zinc at 110 mg/kg and vitamin E at 475 IU/kg provide direct skin barrier support. Free from artificial ingredients and ingredients sourced from China.

Benefits 

• Hydrolyzed Pork Reduces Immune Reaction: Hydrolyzed protein is broken down into fragments small enough that the immune system typically does not recognize and react to them, making this food a practical option for dogs whose sensitivities.
• EPA and DHA for Skin and Coat: Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are supplied through marine microalgae and flaxseed oil, supporting the skin's inflammatory response and contributing to coat shine and skin barrier function alongside the zinc and vitamin E.
• Dandelion Greens and Kelp for Micronutrients: Dandelion greens and dried kelp are included as natural sources of vitamins K, A, and C, iodine, and trace minerals, adding functional micronutrient support without relying solely on synthetic vitamin packs.
• Brown Rice and White Rice for Easy Digestion: Both rice varieties provide readily digestible, low-allergen carbohydrates for energy without the GI burden that more complex grains or legumes can create in sensitive dogs.

Variants

Available in two sizes:

• 4 lb
• 22 lb

Ingredients

Hydrolyzed Pork, Brown Rice, White Rice, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pork Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Pork Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), DL-Methionine, Marine Microalgae, Salt, Nutritional Yeast, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Dried Kelp, L-Carnitine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Selenium Yeast), and rosemary extract.

Caloric Content (Calculated):

4,190 kcal ME/kg, 440 kcal ME/cup

Guaranteed Analysis

How to Use 

Directions for Use   

• Transition gradually: Mix a small amount of this food with your dog's current food and shift the ratio over 7 to 10 days.
• Feed as a complete daily diet: This is a complete and balanced food for adult maintenance; it is designed as an everyday primary diet, not a supplement or short-term elimination diet trial.
• Keep water available at all times: Fresh, clean water should always be out during and between meals, regardless of how often your dog drinks.

Additional Information

Precautions  

• For adult dogs only: This formula is AAFCO-approved for adult maintenance only; it is not formulated for puppies, pregnant females, or nursing dogs.
• Not a diagnostic or treatment product: This food is intended to support dogs with food sensitivities; it does not diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
• Consult your vet for persistent symptoms: If your dog's skin or GI symptoms do not improve within 8 to 12 weeks on a hydrolyzed protein diet, seek veterinary evaluation, dietary management may not be the primary cause.

Storage Information

• Seal the bag after each use: Roll or clip the bag shut after every feeding. Leaving it open lets air and moisture in and the kibble goes stale faster than expected.
• Cool and dry storage: Keep it somewhere cool and out of direct sun. A warm, humid spot degrades the fat content faster and shortens how long the kibble stays fresh.
• Do not refrigerate: Kibble doesn't need refrigeration, putting it in the fridge causes condensation inside the bag, which introduces moisture and can lead to mold.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a hydrolyzed protein, and why does it help sensitive dogs?

Ans: Hydrolyzed protein is made by breaking down regular protein, in this case pork, into very small peptides and free amino acids using a controlled enzymatic process. The resulting fragments are so small that the immune system typically doesn't recognize them as foreign proteins and trigger an allergic or sensitivity response.

Q2: Do I need a prescription to buy this food?

Ans: No. This formula is available directly without a veterinary prescription. If your dog has been diagnosed with skin or GI conditions, it's still a good idea to check with your veterinarian before switching to confirm that a hydrolyzed diet is the right approach for your specific dog.

Q3: Why are zinc and vitamin E specifically guaranteed in the analysis?

Ans: Both are included in the guaranteed analysis because they are directly involved in skin barrier health. Zinc at 110 mg/kg minimum supports skin cell turnover and immune function in the skin. Vitamin E at 475 IU/kg minimum is an antioxidant that shields skin cells from oxidative damage.

Q4: Is this food suitable for dogs with hot spots?

Ans: Hot spots can have multiple causes, including bacterial infection, environmental allergies, parasites, and food sensitivities. For dogs whose veterinarian has identified food ingredients as a contributing factor, a limited-ingredient hydrolyzed protein diet like this one may be part of a dietary management plan.

Q5: Is this food for puppies?

Ans: No. This formula is AAFCO-approved for adult maintenance only. It is not formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of puppies, pregnant females, or nursing dogs. If you have a puppy with food sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for an appropriate puppy-stage option.

Q6: Can this food be used alongside the VFS Skin and Digestive Support wet food?

Ans: Yes. Because both the dry kibble and the 13 oz canned version use hydrolyzed pork as the sole protein source, using them together keeps the diet consistent without introducing new protein antigens. This is one of the reasons owners use the canned version as a topper on the dry kibble; it adds moisture and palatability without breaking the limited ingredient approach.

Q7: How long does it take to see results on a hydrolyzed protein diet?

Ans: Dietary elimination trials typically require 8 to 12 weeks before an accurate assessment of whether food ingredients are contributing to the dog's symptoms can be made. Results may appear sooner, but the full trial window is important before concluding whether the diet is or isn't making a difference.