Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Best dog food for sensitive stomach: Choosing the right food for a dog with a sensitive stomach can be tricky.
Small adjustments to the diet may help with minor stomach issues, but for more serious problems, it’s important to consult with a vet for a proper diagnosis.
Once the vet rules out major health issues, it’s a good idea to check if your dog may have a food allergy or intolerance.
Understanding if a diet change could benefit your furry friend is crucial. Keep in mind that what your dog eats plays a significant role in digestion.
Be cautious before trying trendy diets with exotic ingredients. To help pet owners, here are some dog foods that are good for sensitive stomachs.
Remember that the needs of dogs can vary based on factors like age, breed size, and digestive constitution. To ensure the best results, consult a veterinarian for personalized recommendations. By considering these factors and seeking expert advice, you can find the ideal food for your furry friend’s sensitive stomach, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier dog.
Choosing the Right Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Look at the Suggested Life Stage on Your Dog Food
Best dog food for a sensitive stomach? Consider ACANA’s Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin with its moderate 17% fat content – great for dogs with sensitivities.
Check the packaging for specifics, especially if you have a large breed puppy (70+ pounds). Remember not to rely solely on the Amazon page for Canidae PURE Goodness Salmon & Oatmeal Puppy and Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin, as their packages say otherwise.
To make sure you’re getting the right fit for your dog’s age and sensitivity, check the manufacturer’s images or website for accurate details.
Picking the Right Protein for Your Dog’s Food Matters
The best dog food for a sensitive stomach is crucial to address dietary concerns effectively. Protein intolerance, more common in dogs with actual food allergies than carbohydrate intolerance, requires careful consideration.
Not all food intolerances involve proteins, and identifying the right ingredients may take time. If you observe adverse reactions to specific protein-based treats, consult your vet for guidance on safe protein choices. In an ideal limited-ingredient diet, aim for one carb and one protein source.
Despite claims, some limited-ingredient dog foods may include multiple protein or carbohydrate sources. For instance, Earthborn’s Holistic Venture Limited-Ingredient Series Roasted Lamb & Butternut Squash incorporates lamb and Alaska pollack meal as protein sources.
Novel protein foods, featuring unique sources like rabbit or kangaroo, can be beneficial, especially for dogs encountering these proteins for the first time.
If necessary, your vet might recommend a prescription veterinary diet with hydrolyzed protein, structurally modified to lower allergenic potential, as an alternative to over-the-counter options.
Check the Fat Content in Your Dog Food Brand
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a low-fat diet can be beneficial. For diarrhea, go for bland options like white rice and skinless chicken breast they’re low in fat.
When picking dog food, aim for crude fat levels below 17%. Also, consider your dog’s preferences; some might do better with lower protein, like Earthborn’s Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin (13% protein), compared to ACANA’s Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin (17% protein).
Consult With Your Veterinarian
To rule out serious conditions like Addison’s disease or pancreatic issues, your vet will review your pet’s medical history and diet. If you’re unsure about whether to go for grain-free or grain-containing food, your vet is the go-to expert.
Your vet might recommend a specific food brand, often after a twelve week trial, or suggest watching out for certain ingredients.
Keep your vet informed about treats and supplements your dog gets. If needed, improving your dog’s digestive health may include using a researched veterinary probiotic, like Purina’s FortiFlora.
List of Best Dog food for Sensitive Stomach
1. Freshpet Vital
Freshpet Vital Benefits Digestive Health is about making your dog’s mealtime great. They offer dog food with three special benefits. No matter the breed or size of your dog, Freshpet has something for everyone. Their meals are filled with good stuff like chicken, chicken eggs, and chicken liver, making them protein-packed and tasty.
But what’s cool is that Freshpet cares about your dog’s tummy. They use prebiotics and pumpkin to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy. And their food is super fresh because you store it in the fridge – no preservatives or GMOs.
Freshpet knows dogs have different needs at different stages of life, so they’ve got options for everyone. They use natural ingredients like oats, fruits, and veggies to make each serving nutritious and delicious.
Plus, they work with veterinarians to make sure their food is top-notch. Freshpet Vital is more than just dog food; it’s a promise to give your dog a meal that’s good for their tummy and makes them happy.
Specification:
Ingredients: Beef, chicken eggs, and chicken liver
Life stage: Aduit
Food type: Wet
Packaging size: 6 Pound
Pros
- Utilizes non-GMO ingredients
- Contains prebiotics sourced from pumpkin and oats
- Free from preservatives, meat meals, or by-product meals
Cons
- Feeding a large dog may incur higher costs
Note: Best dog food for sensitive stomachs, Freshpet Vital Benefits Digestive Health offers fridge-stored, preservative-free meals with chicken and prebiotics. Ideal for all sizes and life stages, it provides a unique, protein-packed solution for canine digestive well-being.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food is a top-notch choice for your dog’s well-being. It’s designed to address common issues like digestive problems and skin health. This brand cares about your dog’s coat and skin, providing essential nutrients like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids are both beneficial.
The kibble has various flavours and textures to please your dog’s preferences. It includes high-quality protein from chicken, turkey, and salmon, making it suitable for different breeds. Plus, ingredients like barley, rice, and fiber-rich beet pulp support your dog’s digestion.
Hill’s Science Diet collaborates with veterinarians like Dr. Ernest Ward to ensure it meets the health needs of dogs in the United States. With a range of options, it’s a trusted brand that helps dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin issues. Your furry friend deserves the best, and this brand delivers on that promise.
Specification:
Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Pros
- Contains prebiotic fiber and animal-based protein
- Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E
- Offers a grain-free variant
Cons
- Contains beet pulp, which all dogs may not prefer
- The canned variety lacks a pull tab for easy opening
Note: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food prioritizes digestion and skin health with essential nutrients, offering diverse flavors and quality ingredients, vet-approved for dogs in the United States.
3. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed
Regarding providing the best for your large-breed canine companion, Formula for Adult Dogs with Sensitive Skin and Stomachs by Purina Pro Plan for Large-Breed Dogs is the one to consider. With a focus on sensitive skin and stomach issues, this dog food is carefully crafted to address allergies and digestive system concerns.
This formula includes high-quality salmon as the primary ingredient, a source of omega-3 fatty acids that can greatly benefit your dog’s state of the skin and the coat. The presence of both probiotics and prebiotics in the kibble contributes to maintaining a healthy digestive system, and overall well-being in the pet supports overall well-being.
Plus, using barley, rice, and oats as grains offers essential fiber for your dog’s digestive system, making it an excellent choice for large-breed canines with sensitive stomachs. This blend is also free from common culprits like soy, wheat, and corn, ensuring your dog’s appetite is met without compromising their stomach health.
In collaboration with veterinarians and scientists, Purina Pro Plan has developed a recipe that provides all the essential nutrients your large breed dog needs while being gentle on their sensitive skin and stomach.
Specification:
Ingredients: Salmon meal, brown rice, oatmeal
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Packaging size: 30.00 pound bag
Pros
- Digestible barley, rice, and oats for sensitive stomachs
- Packed with easily digestible fibers, probiotics, and glucosamine
- Free from wheat, soy, and artificial flavours
Cons
- Not all dogs may enjoy the salmon flavour.
Note: Purina Pro Plan’s Formula for Large-Breed Dogs with Sensitive Skin and Stomachs features high-quality salmon, probiotics, and is free from common allergens, offering a tailored solution developed with veterinarians for overall well-being in large breeds.
4. Royal Canin Small Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Digestive Care, Dry Dog Food is thoughtfully crafted with the specific purpose of satisfying the requirements that come with having a tiny dog.
With a focus on digestive health, this brand offers small kibble sizes that are gentle on your dog’s digestion. It is rich in high-quality ingredients like chicken by-product meal, a reliable protein source.
Including prebiotics in the ingredient list supports intestinal flora, promoting a healthy digestive system. The small kibble size is designed for small dogs, ensuring they can comfortably enjoy their meals.
Royal Canin’s dedication to research and collaboration with veterinarians ensures that their dog food meets the needs of small dogs, providing them with the nutrition and texture they require for a happy and healthy life.
Specification:
Ingredient: Chicken, meal, corn, brewers
Life stages: Adult
Food type: Dry
Packaging size: 17 Pound
Pros
- Designed for dogs weighing 2 to 22 pounds
- Formulated with easily digestible proteins, fiber, and prebiotics
- Promotes a balanced intestinal flora
Cons
- Primary ingredients include corn and animal-protein by-products
Note: Royal Canin Small Digestive Care, with small, gentle kibble for tiny dogs, promotes a healthy digestive system with quality ingredients like chicken by-product meal and prebiotics.
5. Purina One Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food is a top choice for dog owners in the United States who want to ensure their furry friends are well-nourished while maintaining a healthy coat and optimal digestion.
This formula is enriched with beef fat and chicken as the primary ingredients, providing a source of omega-6 fatty acids, which benefit both the skin and the coat of your dog’s health. It is designed to support healthy digestion and improve coat condition.
The kibble is filled with essential nutrients and minerals for your dog’s well-being. Including grains, like corn and rice, offers a hearty and balanced diet for your dog’s nutrition. This dry dog food is a reliable option, ensuring your dog’s health is a top priority.
In addition, studies have shown the positive impact of vitamin E and the vital role it plays in your dog’s health. Feed your dog Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food. You can ensure that he receives a meal that not only satisfies his hunger but also provides him with essential nutrients and helps him maintain a healthy digestive system and a glossy coat.
Specification:
Ingredient: Chicken, Rice Flour, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal
Life stages: Adult
Food type: Dry
Packaging size: 31.10 Pound
Pros
- It contains both chicken and healthy grains
- Fortified with calcium, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E
- Improves immunological function
Cons
- Contains grains that may not be suitable for all dogs’ diets
Note: Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food, favored by US dog owners, supports a healthy coat and digestion with beef fat, chicken, and essential nutrients. Enriched with grains and vitamin E, it ensures overall well-being for your dog.
6. Fromm Nutritionals Digestive Support Supplement
Fromm Nutritionals Digestive Support Supplement is a versatile and palatable blend designed to address discomfort in dogs of all life stages.
This supplement comes in two flavours, chicken and fish, which can easily be incorporated into your dog’s diet, providing essential fiber for digestive regularity. Including chicory root extract, miscanthus grass, and pumpkin in this supplement can aid in promoting a healthy digestive system, making it suitable for dogs experiencing digestive issues.
Whether you have a small or large dog, there are various sizes of this supplement available, ensuring that it meets the needs of all dogs. Fromm Nutritionals Digestive Support Supplement is a valuable addition to your dog’s kibble or can be used as a meal replacement, offering a solution to enhance their overall well-being.
Specification
Ingredient: Two flavours, chicken and fish
Life stages: Aduit
Food type: Wet
Pros
- Available in two flavours, chicken and fish
- Contains a fiber blend for optimal gut health
- Suitable for all life stages and dog sizes
Cons
- Limited availability at certain retailers
Note: Fromm Nutritionals Digestive Support Supplement, in chicken and fish flavors, is a versatile solution for dogs of all sizes, promoting digestive health with chicory root, miscanthus grass, and pumpkin for overall well-being. It can be added to kibble or used as a meal replacement.
7. Puppies Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food
Puppies Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food is a great choice for puppy owners who want the best for their young dogs.
This food is specially made to care for their skin and stomach, addressing potential allergies and sensitivities. It includes important ingredients like turkey and chicken for their protein needs.
Peas and potatoes ensure a balanced diet, and pumpkin keeps their digestion healthy. Plus, it’s free from common allergens like wheat, corn, and dairy, which is perfect for puppies that might have tummy trouble.
The omega fatty acids and antioxidants help your puppy’s skin and coat grow beautifully. With Blue Buffalo, you’re giving your puppy the best start in life for a happy and healthy puppyhood.
Specification:
Ingredients: Duck and potatoes
Life Stage: Adult
Food Type: Wet
Packaging Size: 12.5 ounces
Pros
- Excludes chicken, beef, corn, wheat
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
- Specifically designed for gentle digestion
Cons
- Available in only one flavour
Note:Â This wet duck-based diet works for dogs of all sizes, unlike dry food where kibble size can be a concern.
8. Zignature Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog FoodÂ
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to poultry, this dog food is a great choice. It uses trout as the main ingredient and doesn’t contain any chicken or other fowl. While any protein could cause allergies, fish is usually safer for dogs than chicken or beef. If your dog isn’t a fan of fish, the Select Cuts line also offers turkey and lamb options.
Zignature stands out among high-end dog food brands by avoiding peas, chickpeas, lentils, or dry beans in most recipes. However, it’s worth noting that these ingredients are included in the Select Cuts line.
Some cases of heart disease in dogs (dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM) have been linked to these nutrients, known as pulses. Research is ongoing to understand this connection. Although pulses can be part of grain-containing diets occasionally, they are more common in dry, grain-free dog foods.
Specification
- Key Ingredients: Trout, salmon meal, and oats are the main components.
- Life Stage: Suitable for all stages of life.
- Food Type: Dry
- Sizes Available: Comes in bags ranging from 4 to 22 pounds.
Pros
- Quality proteins from trout and salmon.
- Limited ingredients, suitable for allergies.
- Omega-3 benefits for a healthy coat.
- Poultry-free, good for sensitive dogs.
Cons
- Not universally suitable for all dogs
- Taste preferences vary among dogs
Note: Best dog food for sensitive stomachs, if your dog prefers a straightforward diet without poultry, peas, lentils, chickpeas, or dry beans, this fish-based chow is a great option.
Providing a simple yet nutritious alternative, it caters to sensitive stomachs with a focus on optimal digestibility and well-rounded canine health.
9. Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Food
For older dogs with tummy troubles, give them this low-fat, single-animal-protein diet. It’s packed with minerals like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to keep their joints healthy.
Specification:
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
Life Stage: Senior (7+ years)
Food Type: Dry
Packaging Size: 4 and 24-pound bags
Pros:
- Low-fat (10.5% minimum).
- No chickpeas, lentils, or dry beans.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Contains prebiotic fiber.
- Features seven probiotic bacteria strains.
- Made in the United States.
Cons:
- Contains chicken.
- Includes pea protein.
Note: Best dog food for sensitive stomachs, this option is ideal for older dogs without poultry allergies, particularly recommended if their vet approves the inclusion of peas in their diet. Tailored and digestible, it ensures optimal nourishment for canine companions with unique dietary needs.
10. Wellness Dog Food
Simple has a CORE Digestive Health line offering gut-friendly products, including two limited-ingredient options—one with grains and one without.
Every dry meal has probiotics and prebiotic fiber for various life stages like Puppy, Small Breed, Large Breed, Adult, and Senior dogs. There are three canned choices with prebiotic fiber too.
Protein options like Duck and Lamb are in both canned and dry Simple products. One of the four Simple Grain Free dry varieties is designed for smaller breeds. Wellness, in contrast, offers a total of nine distinct lines of dry dog food.
Specification:
Ingredients: Plant-based, chicken, duck, salmon, lamb, and turkey options.
Life Stages: Suitable from puppy to senior for various breeds.
Food type: Available in both canned and dry formats
Packaging size: 12.5 and 13 pounds
Pros:
- All dry dog food lines include beneficial probiotics
- Offers both grain-free and grain-containing diets.
- Guaranteed probiotic levels listed on packaging (with a noted caveat).
- Both dry and canned options contain prebiotic fiber.
- CORE Digestive Health line (excluding Plant-based with Eggs) avoids peas, lentils, chickpeas, or dry beans.
- BPA-free packaging for wet dog food.
Cons:
- CORE Digestive Health Plant-based with Eggs lists pea protein as the second ingredient.
Note: For the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, I choose Wellness, impressed by their diverse ingredients and dedication to promoting gut health, ensuring my furry friend’s overall well-being
How to tell if your dog needs special food for a sensitive stomach.
Dogs can have tummy troubles, and it’s essential to watch out for signs that might indicate bigger health issues. If your dog is dealing with new or ongoing digestive problems, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
Vomiting: Some dogs might throw up if their food changes suddenly or if they eat too many snacks or fatty foods. If your dog is throwing up a lot, it’s important to get in touch with your vet right away. There could be various reasons for this, and the severity can vary.
Bowel Movement Issues: Changes in diet or new treats can cause digestive problems in pets. Keep an eye on how often your dog has loose stools, check for blood, and see if they’re straining while going to the bathroom. Providing these details to your vet will help them figure out what’s going on.
Flatulence: Passing gas or flatulence can happen for reasons unrelated to food. Dogs with sensitive stomachs might experience this when introduced to new foods. If your dog’s tummy is making funny noises or if they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t, it could lead to chronic flatulence.
Loss of Appetite: If your dog suddenly refuses to eat, it might be a sign that something in their diet isn’t working for them. Changes in treats, food, or exposure to new environments could be the cause. If your dog stops eating altogether, it’s crucial to see the vet promptly. It could indicate a severe health problem, like a foreign object in their digestive system.
Remember, if your dog is showing any signs of digestive distress, it’s best to consult with your vet. Ignoring these symptoms, even for a short time, could pose risks to your pet’s health.
What makes a good diet for dogs?
Good dog food usually helps with digestion, gut health, and inflammation. But even on a good diet, some foods might be hard for pets to digest. Some pet food brands say they are “highly digestible,” which can be confusing (my top choice is mentioned below).
What makes food easy to digest?
To figure out which dog food is easiest for your pet to digest, you should think about a few things:
Protein Sources: See if your dog can easily digest unusual proteins like kangaroo, buffalo, or alligator compared to more common ones like beef, chicken, and turkey.
Intolerances: Pay attention to any specific substances your dog might not tolerate well.
Meal Prep: Check how the meals are prepared, as this can affect how easily your dog can digest them.
Dog Breed: Consider your dog’s breed. Smaller dogs usually have an easier time with digestion than larger ones.
Fiber Content: Look at the amount and type of fiber in the dog food. Even though dogs don’t eat fiber directly, it can change how their digestive system handles the food.
Healthy Fats: Make sure there are good fats in the diet. Dogs love fat because it makes their food taste better. However, some dogs with digestive problems might need a low-fat diet.
Considering these points will help you choose a dog food that your pet can easily digest and enjoy.
Why Your Dog Might Have a Sensitive Stomach?
Wondering about foods that could upset your puppy’s tummy? It’s not a simple answer because stomach sensitivities in dogs can come from many different things.
It might be from eating the wrong food, developing an allergy, facing a sudden diet change, dealing with intestinal parasites, or having gut bacteria messed up by antibiotics.
There are also other factors like kidney problems, pancreatitis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that can play a role in stomach issues.
Choosing the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs involved carefully evaluating our options?
Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet: I wanted the best for my pet, so I chose lean beef and meat meal, skipping the scraps, and steering clear of corn, wheat, and soy. The diets I picked are full of good stuff like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and omega fatty acids for great digestion and overall health. Some even throw in glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints.
Watch Out for Probiotics: Just a heads up, probiotics in dog food might not last in an open bag and have a short shelf life. That’s why your dog might still need extra probiotic supplements even if the food claims to have them.
Label Check: I stuck with well-known brands meeting nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This chat doesn’t cover vet-prescribed diets, as they need a prescription and are not part of the regular retail scene. I focused on foods with labels for sensitive stomachs, digestive health, or limited ingredients.
Watch Out for Exotic Ingredients: The FDA is concerned about the potential link between peas, lentils, chickpeas, or dry beans in dog food and diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a form of heart disease.
So, to play it safe, I avoided foods with exotic proteins and pulses. Brands like Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Orijen, ACANA, and Solid Gold got a pass.
For example, Solid Gold’s Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Salmon and Vegetable has chickpeas, lentils, and peas. Orijen’s Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food includes red lentils, pinto beans, navy beans, green lentils, chickpeas, and peas.
Best Advice: For personalized advice, talk to a vet. They can guide you on whether an exotic protein diet or one with dry beans, chickpeas, lentils, or peas suits your furry friend best.
Conclusion
When selecting the very finest food for dogs with delicate stomachs, there are a few things to keep in mind, and several reputable brands offer a range of options tailored to address various digestive issues. Brands like Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Low Fat Veterinary Diet recognize the importance of providing solutions for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Their blends, often featuring high-quality chicken and other ingredients, cater to dogs suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite loss. These dog food options are specially formulated to support digestive health, using fiber, omega-6 fatty acids, and micro biome-enhancing ingredients to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being.
While selecting a suitable dog food option may require the advice of a vet, the variety and quality of choices available reflect the commitment of these brands to meet the specific dietary needs of canines with stomachs that are easily upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your dog has a sensitive stomach?
Can changing my dog's diet help with sensitive stomach issues?
What ingredients should I look for in dog food for sensitive stomachs?
What food is best for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
What is the easiest food for a dog to digest?
For dogs with tummy troubles, dry kibble is a budget-friendly choice. Try Burns Pet Nutrition’s Hypoallergenic Full-Protein or Alpha Sensitive for balanced options.
Hill’s Science Strategy and Royal Canin Dog Sensitivity Control are also tailored for sensitive stomachs. Consult your vet to pick the best fit for your furry friend.
What is the easiest food for a dog to digest?
Dogs love chicken and rice because they’re easy to digest and help with a speedy recovery. Sweet potatoes are not only a tasty treat for most dogs but also pack in beneficial nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
Sources
Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
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