8 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
I speak from experience when I say raising a pet with a sensitive stomach is no walk in the park. The constant bouts of diarrhea and vomiting are not only messy to deal with but also leave you riddled with worry and anxiety about your pet’s health and well-being. While raising my furry baby who struggled with digestive issues all his life, I learned that the right diet can make all the difference in minimizing flare-ups and improving yours and your pet’s quality of life.
The question is, what does the right diet look like? Well, the answer to that question depends on what’s triggering your pet’s digestive issues. From what I have seen, it can be a long journey of trial and error to finding the answer. However, there are certain foods that are designed keeping in mind the broad limitations and restrictions of dogs with sensitive stomachs, and transitioning to those can help ease your dog’s distress and discomfort. So, let’s look at the top dog foods for sensitive stomachs, shall we?
Table of Contents
Understanding Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs
Before we talk about the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, let’s understand where this sensitivity stems from, so that you can make informed decisions about how to manage their condition better.
Why Dogs Develop Sensitive Stomachs
A sensitive stomach in dogs is not uncommon and can stem from various causes, including:
- Food intolerances or allergies: Certain ingredients such as beef, dairy, or grains, may trigger adverse reactions in some dogs
- Breed predispositions: Breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes are more prone to digestive issues
- Underlying conditions: Issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or even stress can worsen gut health
Digestive Sensitivity Signs to Watch for
While diarrhea and vomiting are common in dogs with sensitive stomachs, it can manifest in myriad different forms. Here are some warning signs of digestive sensitivity to look out for:
- Chronic diarrhea or vomiting
- Excessive gas
- Frequent stomach noises
- Weight loss
- Changes in appetite
- A tendency to eat grass, which can indicate nausea
Managing a Sensitive Stomach
Raising a pooch with a sensitive stomach requires attentiveness and timely care. Here are a few way you can support your dog who struggled with a sensitive stomach:
- Dietary adjustments: Opt for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets with novel proteins like rabbit or venison.Include probiotics, such as Fortiflora, to restore healthy gut bacteria and increase fiber intake using ingredients like pumpkin to aid digestion
- Portion control: Feed your pet smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive strain
- Medical attention: Schedule regular vet visits to manage the condition under expert guidance and care, and follow through on any recommended course of treatment to identify and address underlying problems
- Lifestyle changes: Stress can aggravate gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs. It’s important to manage your pet’s stress levels through exercise and enrichment activities.
Suggested Reading: Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food?
8 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Figuring out the right food for a dog with a sensitive stomach is not easy. If you’re doing this all by yourself, it can take months or even years to find a dog food for digestive health that agrees with your furry baby’s gut. However, with so many hypoallergenic dog food options and limited ingredient diets for dogs with digestive issues, thankfully, you don’t have to go through the whole trial-and-error process, and certainly, not on your own. I have narrowed it down for you with these eight options for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, which cater to various dietary needs and sensitivities. Pick one that align the best with your pet’s needs:
1. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
This veterinarian-recommended dog food for digestive health features prebiotic fiber for a healthy gut and highly digestible ingredients like chicken and brown rice. It’s free of artificial colors and flavors, and is known to not just support digestion but promote better skin health. It is enriched with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help make your dog’s fur shiny.
2. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet
This is among the best limited ingredient dog foods that is designed specifically for dogs prone to food allergies. The primary protein source here is lamb, which is paired with oatmeal for improved digestibility. Rich in probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, it supports gut health and immune function. Many users note improvements in itching, diarrhea, and even chronic ear infections in their pets after switching to this easily digestible dog food.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat
One of the top dog foods for sensitive stomachs, this is a low-fat formula designed to improve digestibility and reduce strain on dogs with chronic digestive sensitivity. It also contains prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids that help soothe inflammation. This can be a particularly great choice for dogs who struggle with digestive issues due to underlying conditions such as pancreatitis.
4. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
This premium dog food for digestive health comprises salmon as the main protein and oatmeal for gentle digestion, and fortified with live probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to support ease of digestion as well as improve immune health and coat quality.
5. Nutro Wholesome Essentials
This is one of the bankable hypoallergenic dog food options, as it is free of GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives. With farm-raised chicken as the primary protein, complemented by whole grains like brown rice, it is easy on the stomach and designed to offer well-rounded nutrition. The presence of calcium and glucosamine ensure healthy joints, making it ideal for large breeds.
Suggested Reading: 9 Dog Nutrition Mistakes New Pet Owners Make
6. Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome
Anyone on the lookout for best dog food for sensitive stomachs needs to keep this high-fiber option on their radar, given its effectiveness in regulating bowel movements and healing the gut post-illness or antibiotics. However, you may require vet authorization to purchase it.
7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Speaking of limited ingredient diets for dogs with digestive issues, this one is ideal for dogs with multiple sensitivities. This formula uses turkey as the primary protein and pumpkin for added digestive support. It’s free from common allergens like chicken, corn, and soy. For best outcomes, talk to your vet about pairing it with a probiotic supplement for additional gut support.
8. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Grain-Free
If you’re looking for grain-free dog food for sensitive stomachs and gluten intolerance, this ought to be your go-to choice. Made with eight key ingredients, including salmon and sweet potatoes, this food is completely free from grains, and has been fortified with probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
FAQs
- How can I tell if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
You can tell if your dog has a sensitive stomach if they exhibit symptoms like frequent vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or signs of discomfort after eating. A reduced appetite or picky eating may also indicate digestive issues or sensitivities.
- Is grain-free food better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Grain-free food is beneficial only for dogs whose stomach sensitivities stem from grain allergies or intolerances. These diets replace grains with alternatives like sweet potatoes or peas, which may be gentler on digestion. However, not all sensitive stomachs are caused by grains; other ingredients like protein sources might be the issue. Consult your vet to identify triggers and determine if a grain-free diet suits your dog’s specific needs.
Suggested Reading: 7 Signs Your Dog’s Diet Needs an Upgrade
Takeaway
While these top dog foods for sensitive stomachs should prove helpful in that quest, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and what works for one might not work for another. Before making a switch, talk to your vet and see if they think it’s a good fit for your pet’s digestive needs. If they give the go-ahead, make sure the transition is staggered. Switch out about 10-15% of your dog’s current dog with the new one you’re introducing, making the change over a period of 7-10 days. To truly assess whether a particular food agrees with your pet’s digestive system, make sure you do not introduce any other changes in their diet or routine for the transition period.
