Here’s a practical guide to pet food options for sensitive diets in Australia, where to get them, and what to do next.

1. Types of diets to consider

• Limited-ingredient / single-protein: fewer ingredients to help identify triggers (good for food intolerances). (Prime100.com.au)
• Novel-protein diets: use uncommon proteins (e.g., kangaroo, venison) when dogs react to chicken/beef. (woononapetfoods.com.au)
• Hydrolysed protein prescription diets: proteins broken into tiny pieces to stop immune reactions — used for suspected true food allergy. Requires vet prescription. (petbarn.com.au)
• Digestive / sensitive-stomach formulas: focused on highly digestible ingredients, prebiotics and fibre to support gut health. (Purina.com.au)
• Fresh / minimally processed diets: some owners report improvement when switching to fresh, human-grade or air-dried formulas (may help digestion but check nutrition balance). (brunswickfurfood.com)

2. Popular brands and examples available in Australia

• Prescription veterinary diets: Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet (available via vets, Petbarn, Petstock). Prescription required for many formulas. (petbarn.com.au)
• Mainstream sensitive formulas: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (salmon/mackerel-based), Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive. (Purina.com.au)
• Australian-made / novel-protein or single-protein brands: Lyka (fresh, limited-protein bowls), Prime100 (single-protein SPD range), Meals for Mutts, Eureka — many offer kangaroo, venison, fish options. (Lyka.com.au)

3. Where to buy in Australia

• Veterinary clinics (especially for prescription/hydrolysed diets). (petbarn.com.au)
• Pet retail chains and online stores: Petbarn, Petstock, Petzoo, Petz, Petcircle, and many direct-to-consumer brand sites (Lyka, Prime100, Meals for Mutts). (petbarn.com.au)

4. How to choose the right option (practical steps)

• Rule out medical causes first: ask your vet to check parasites, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin tests and consider food allergy vs intolerance. If symptoms are severe (weight loss, blood in stool, persistent vomiting) see your vet urgently. (petbarn.com.au)
• Start with an elimination or limited-ingredient trial: pick a single-protein/novel-protein or hydrolysed (if allergy is suspected) and feed exclusively for 8–12 weeks while monitoring signs. No treats or flavored supplements unless they’re the same formula. Many sources recommend a multi-week trial to see improvement. (Prime100.com.au)
• Keep a food/poop/skin diary: record stool quality, vomiting, scratching, coat, energy and any treats/people-food.
• Transition slowly: introduce new food over 7–10 days (10% new / 90% old increasing) unless vet advises a faster veterinary-supervised change for a sick pet.
• If using prescription/hydrolysed diets, follow vet directions and obtain prescriptions from your vet or approved retailers. (petbarn.com.au)

5. Cost and format considerations

• Prescription and veterinary therapeutic foods are usually more expensive but may be required for diagnosed conditions. Retail sensitive formulas, fresh/air-dried options and single-protein kibbles vary widely in price; fresh and air-dried are typically pricier. (petbarn.com.au)

6. Quick picks depending on need

• Suspected true food allergy (immune-mediated): ask your vet about hydrolysed prescription diets (Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary). (petbarn.com.au)
• Sensitive stomach + skin: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive (over-the-counter). (Purina.com.au)
• Want single/novel protein or fresh: Lyka (fresh limited-protein bowls), Prime100 (single-protein SPD), Meals for Mutts / Eureka (kangaroo/venison options). (Lyka.com.au)

7. Next steps (concise action plan)

• If symptoms are mild and recent: try an OTC limited-ingredient or novel-protein diet for 8–12 weeks (no other foods/treats). Choose a reputable brand available locally. (Prime100.com.au)
• If symptoms are moderate/severe or long-standing: book a vet consult for diagnostics and to discuss prescription/hydrolysed diets. Bring photos/notes of signs and your pet’s current food. (petbarn.com.au)
• Buy from trusted local suppliers (vet clinic or major retailers like Petbarn/Petstock or the brand’s Australian site) to ensure correct formulation and, where needed, prescription handling. (petbarn.com.au)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest 5 specific products (dog or cat) that match your pet’s age/size and symptom (skin vs gut), with links to Australia retailers and approximate prices; or
• Provide a sample 10-day transition schedule and an 8–12 week elimination-trial checklist you can print and take to your vet.

Which would you like me to do next?