Best Puppy Food for Sensitive Stomachs [2025 Update]

If you’ve got a puppy who can’t seem to settle their tummy, you’re not alone. Sensitive stomachs are surprisingly common in puppies, and if left unchecked, this can turn into a chronic issue. That’s why you need to zero-in on the right puppy food for sensitive stomach. Picking the right food isn’t just about avoiding a mess but also about setting your pup up for a lifetime of good health. I’ve rounded up a few choices for the best puppy food for sensitive stomachs as well as some recipes for homemade meals to simplify this decision for you. Let’s dive into how to figure out if your little one’s digestion needs extra care, and what you can actually do about it.

How to Tell If a Puppy Has a Sensitive Stomach

As you introduce your puppy to new foods or increase their meal quantity, an occasional stomach upset is to be expected. So, how do you differentiate that from a pattern that points to a sensitive stomach? Based on my experience dealing with a puppy with a sensitive stomach and out veterinarian’s insights, here are some common sensitive stomach symptoms in puppies to watch out for:

• Frequent diarrhea or loose stools
• Vomiting that’s not linked to obvious causes like eating something weird outside
• Excessive gas
• Lack of appetite
• Whining or signs of discomfort after eating
• Chronic licking of paws or itchy skin
  

Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, puts it simply, “If your puppy consistently has tummy troubles even after you’ve ruled out parasites or infections, food sensitivities should be on your radar.”

Suggested Reading: 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Dog

Dog food ingredients that can upset stomachs

If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, the issue can be augmented by certain foods. Now, these can vary from dog to dog, so you’ll have to watch out and see how your pet responds to different foods and eliminate the ones that add to their digestive distress. That said, there are certain common culprits that tend to stir up trouble in sensitive pups. These include:

Ingredient	Why it can upset stomachs
Corn	Harder to digest and can cause allergic reactions in some puppies
Soy	A common allergen that may lead to gas and bloating
Wheat/gluten	Not all dogs are gluten-intolerant, but sensitive pups often react poorly
Artificial colors and preservatives	Chemicals like BHA, BHT, and dyes can trigger gut irritation
High-fat meats	Rich, fatty foods are tough on immature digestive systems
Dairy	Many dogs are lactose intolerant without us realizing it
By-products	Mystery meats vary in quality and are hard to digest

Dr. Linda Case, canine nutritionist and author of Dog Food Logic, explains, “Simpler is usually better when it comes to sensitive digestion — fewer ingredients, higher quality.” 

How to find a high-quality sensitive digestion dog food

As you can see, a lot of ingredients listed in the list above are ones that tend to find their way into packaged dog foods, especially the ones that are marketed as “affordable”. This can make zeroing in on puppy food for sensitive stomach overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. You can find the right dry or wet puppy food for sensitive stomach by focussing on the following: 

• Prioritize limited-ingredient diets: Look for foods that list just a few, recognizable ingredients. Fewer things mean fewer chances to upset the stomach
• Choose a single protein source: Stick to one protein source like salmon or turkey, instead of multiple animal proteins
• Go for easily digestible carbohydrates: Foods like rice, oats, or sweet potatoes are gentle compared to corn or wheat
• Avoid artificial additives: Sensitive stomach or not, your pet’s food should not contain dyes, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives. Natural is the way to go
• Probiotics and prebiotics are a big plus: Offer your pup’s digestive system the support it needs with probiotics and prebiotics that enhance gut health and improve digestion dramatically 
• Choose foods designed for puppies: Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Make sure the food you’re giving them it’s age-appropriate
• Trust reputable brands: Brands that collaborate with veterinary nutritionists and do feeding trials are more reliable

Best Commercial Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

Now that we’ve got the basics of finding the best puppy food for sensitive tummy covered, let’s apply those principles to find the right food for your pooch. Here are my top picks:

1. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin 

Designed by veterinarians, this formula focuses on gentle digestion and promotes skin and coat health. It is a great choice for puppies with digestive issues because:

• Chicken meal is the first ingredient
• Prebiotic fiber for digestive health
• Clinically proven antioxidants
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Suggested Reading: How to Set a Puppy Feeding Schedule: A Complete Guide

2. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach—Salmon & Rice Formula

I’m an eternal Purina Pro Plan fan. My dogs have never been fans of packaged dog food, but if there is one they’d eat, it’s Purina Pro Plan. Considering how crucial well-rounded nutrition is during those formative months, this typically comprised 50% of their meals. Their dedicated formula for sensitive skin and stomach is undoubtedly among the best and most-recommended dog food for sensitive stomachs. Here’s why: 

• Salmon is the #1 ingredient
• Fortified with live probiotics
• Includes omega-6 fatty acids for skin health
• No corn, wheat, or soy

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Puppy

If you’re looking for a sensitive tummy dog food that eliminates common allergens from your dog’s diet completely, this formula from Blue Buffalo is the one to watch out for. It’s ideal for puppies with sensitive tummies because of: 

• Single animal protein (turkey)
• Gentle carbohydrates like oatmeal and potatoes
• No chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Puppy

Royal Canin is an established and reputable name in the dog food industry, and with good reason. Their quality formulations are designed to support your pets nutrition at different life stages, and your pet dealing with a sensitive stomach in puppyhood is no exception. This vet-prescribed formula is not just the best puppy food for sensitive stomachs but also for serious GI issues. Here’s why:

• High energy density for puppies who struggle to keep weight
• Highly digestible proteins
• Specific fiber blend to support gut flora
• Requires vet approval
  

Suggested Reading: How Long Does It Take a Dog to Digest Food?

5. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Puppy

A no-frills formula built for sensitive puppies with simple, straightforward ingredients. This is proof that the most effective solutions are often the simplest.

• One source of protein and easily digestible carbs
• No gluten, wheat, or artificial preservatives
• Added probiotics
• Excellent for puppies with multiple sensitivities
  

6. Canidae Pure Petite Puppy Limited Ingredient

If you’re looking for the best puppy food for sensitive tummy for small breeds, check out this pet food by Canidae. Pure isn’t just in its name, it’s also at the heart of this formulation. It works wonderfully for small tummies with big sensitivities because it’s 

• Made with just 8 key ingredients
• Grain-free
• Probiotic coating for easier digestion
• High protein for growing puppies
  

7. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Puppy

Natural Balance is known for its range of dry and wet pet food, and boasts of transparency and simplicity in ingredients. Whether you’re looking for dry or wet puppy food for sensitive stomach, this is worth checking out. Here’s why:

• Duck is the main protein
• No fillers, grains, or artificial colors
• Sweet potatoes for digestibility
• Fortified with essential nutrients
  

8. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Grain-Free

An up and coming brand that is making great strides in the world of pet wellness. They’re just as invested in your pet’s long-term health as you are, and their products make good on that promise. You can trust this food to ease your pup’s stomach issues because, 

• Single-source animal protein
• Low carb and low glycemic index
• Added BC30 probiotic strain
• No artificial additives
  

Suggested Reading: Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food?

9. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Puppy

If a balance of taste, nutrition, and tummy-friendly ingredients is what you seek, Merrick’s diet puppy formulation has you covered. It checks all the boxes of the best puppy food for sensitive stomachs with its, 

• Single protein source—you can choose from turkey or salmon
• No grain, soy, gluten, or artificial preservatives formulation
• Rich dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Balanced calcium and phosphorus for growing pups

10. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Puppy Food

If your pet is a fish-lover in need of some extra gut support, this is just the formula you need to put them on the path to a stronger, more resilient digestive system. This puppy food stands out for, 

• Cold-water salmon as first ingredient
• 20 core superfoods to support immunity
• Grain-free, gluten-free
• Packed with probiotics

Homemade Meals for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs

If you lean in favor of homemade meals for your puppy or don’t want to keep them on a solely packaged food diet, here are 10 easy recipes you can make at home, all using gentle ingredients.

1. Boiled chicken and rice

Simple, classic, nutritious. It checks all the boxes, provided your puppy isn’t allergic to chicken or poultry. Here’s how to prepare it:

• 1 boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup white rice
• Boil chicken until fully cooked. Shred into small pieces. Cook rice separately. Mix together, no seasoning

Suggested Reading: 10 Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes for Busy Parents

2. Turkey and sweet potato mash

This is another no-fluff recipe that pups and adult dogs can enjoy and benefit from. And you can whip it up with minimal effort. Here’s how:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• Lightly brown turkey (no oil or spices). Mash sweet potatoes. Combine once cooled

3. Salmon and pumpkin purée

Pumpkin is the gut friend your puppy needs, especially if they struggle with a sensitive stomach. Diarrhea, constipation, digestive distress, no matter what the issues, it’s nothing two spoonfuls of pumpkin puree (unsweetened, of course) can’t cure. Combine it with salmon, and you have a healthy, nutritious powerhouse on your hands.

• 1 fillet baked salmon
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
• Bake salmon without oil. Shred and mix into the pumpkin

4. Beef and oatmeal

Beef for sensitive stomach can sound a bit counterintuitive but it works well, especially when combined with a tummy-soothing ingredient like oatmeal. 

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup plain cooked oatmeal
• Brown beef with excess fat drained. Cook oatmeal and stir together

Suggested Reading: How to Make Frozen Fruit Treats for Dogs

5. Chicken and quinoa blend

Quinoa can be a great addition to the diet of puppies with sensitive tummies. Combine it with a classic protein source like chicken, et voila!

• 1 chicken thigh, boiled
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• Shred chicken, mix into cooked and cooled quinoa

6. Egg and cottage cheese scramble

A great breakfast option. Quick to fix, loaded with nutrients, and easy on the stomach. A perfect meal for your puppy with sensitive stomach.

• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp lactose-free cottage cheese
• Scramble the egg with cottage cheese over low heat.

7. Venison and peas bowl

Throw in some greens for well-rounded nutrition and much-needed fiber, and blend it with a lean and healthy protein source like venison

• 1 cup diced venison
• 1/2 cup steamed peas
• Cook venison thoroughly. Mix with peas

8. Lamb and rice delight

Your pup will surely be delighted to chomp on this for dinner, and won’t struggle with diarrhea, retching or flatulence after. 

• 1 cup ground lamb
• 1 cup white rice
• Lightly cook lamb, drain fat. Stir into cooked rice.

9. Duck and carrot stew

A comfort food, ideal for those cold winter days, that will soothe the gut and nourish your puppy’s body.

• 1 cup duck meat (boneless)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• Simmer duck and carrots together with water until fully cooked.

Suggested Reading: 15 Dog Friendly Summer Smoothies

10. Pumpkin and turkey meatballs

You just cannot overdo pumpkin when dealing with a puppy with sensitive tummy. Give it a fancy twist by blending it with turkey and whipping up some meatballs. 

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• Mix, roll into small balls, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Puppy with Sensitive Stomach: When to See a Vet

The right nutrition and careful choice of ingredients can often fix the issue of sensitive stomach in puppies. But if you’ve tried switching foods, adjusting meal times, and ruling out obvious causes and your puppy still struggles, it may be time to involve your vet. You must not delay getting a consult for your pet’s gut health if:

• Your puppy has blood in their stool or vomit
• They’re losing weight or not gaining appropriately
• They’re losing appetite
• Symptoms persist for more than a week after food changes
• They seem lethargic, dehydrated, or in pain
  

Dr. Amy Flowers, DVM, advises, “Persistent gastrointestinal problems in puppies are more than an inconvenience. They can indicate serious underlying diseases.” 

Takeaway

If you have a puppy with a sensitive stomach, you’re going to need a little patience, a little detective work, and a lot of love. But once you find the right food, life gets so much easier — for both of you.