If your dog is experiencing digestive problems, all you desire is for them to improve their condition. Although no single food suits every dog, some are more effective than others. These reviews are intended to assist you in finding the top wet and canned dog food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs. In this guide, we highlight the 12 best choices to restore your dog’s normal state.
The 12 Best Wet and Canned Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
1. The Farmer’s Dog — Best Overall
| Food Texture: | Fresh |
| Lifestage: | All life stages |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Sensitive digestion, customized recipes |
Our top recommendation for dog food that is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs is The Farmer’s Dog fresh food. This food is gentle on the digestive system and helps to decrease skin reactions and irritations. It is a subscription-based service that allows you to personalize the food according to your dog’s specific needs. There are four protein options to choose from: chicken, beef, turkey, and pork, each with its own recipe. Rest assured that all of these foods are made using ingredients of the highest quality that are fit for human consumption, guaranteeing that your dog is receiving the best nourishment possible.
If your dog is choosy when it comes to food, they will definitely enjoy The Farmer’s Dog. It is gentle on the teeth of senior dogs and has a soft texture. However, like any food meant for sensitive stomachs, it may not address digestive problems for every dog.
2. Nature’s Recipe Easy-to-Digest Recipe Cuts in Gravy — Best Value
| Food Texture: | Stew |
| Lifestage: | Adult |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Sensitive digestion, chicken free, with grain |
Nature’s Recipe is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities to fish, chicken, or beef because it includes easily digested barley and rice, as well as peas and carrots for additional nutrition and antioxidants. Furthermore, it is comparatively affordable when compared to other brands, making it the most cost-effective option for wet and canned dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Even dogs who are picky enjoy this stew combined with gravy, and it does not appear to cause any digestive issues or loose stools. Some dogs may find the gravy too thick, but the problem can be resolved by adding a small amount of water. Unlike other foods that tend to stick in the can, Nature’s Recipe comes out effortlessly. The meat may be slightly chunky for dogs with dental problems, but it can be easily mashed up. Considering the reasonable price of this food, the extra effort is definitely worth it.
3. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free — Premium Choice
| Food Texture: | Pâté |
| Lifestage: | All life stages |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Sensitive digestion, limited ingredients, grain free, gluten free |
Instinct Limited Ingredient wet dog food offers a simple formula containing only one novel protein (rabbit) and one vegetable (peas), minimizing the chances of your dog experiencing adverse reactions. Additionally, it promotes a healthy weight due to its high fiber content.
Given that the rabbit is a dog’s instinctive prey, it is not astonishing that this particular food is highly favored. In cases of food allergies, this food effectively alleviates itchiness and hair loss for dogs. However, the drawback lies in its expensive nature. The recommended serving size for an adult dog is one can per 15 pounds of body weight, implying that larger canines will necessitate a substantial daily intake.
4. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Canned Dog Food — Best for Puppies
| Food Texture: | Pâté |
| Lifestage: | Puppy |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Grain free, gluten free, limited ingredient |
Dealing with a puppy who has stomach issues can be challenging, especially because there are not many dog foods that cater to the needs of young, developing dogs with sensitive digestion. Canidae Pure Puppy Limited Ingredient food addresses this issue perfectly by utilizing only a limited number of ingredients to prevent triggering allergies and upset stomachs.
The only disadvantage of Canidae Pure Puppy is its utilization of chicken as the main protein source, which is unfortunate since chicken is the most prevalent allergenic ingredient found in dog food.
5. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
| Food Texture: | Stew |
| Lifestage: | Adult |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Veterinary diet, pea free, sensitive digestion, with grain |
If you have tried different foods with no luck, Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care is the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is a prescribed food, so you will need your veterinarian’s approval to buy it, and it is also a costly option. Nevertheless, it is highly nutritious and contains added prebiotics to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, making it the only suitable choice for certain dogs.
6. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach
| Food Texture: | Pâté |
| Lifestage: | Adult |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | High protein, sensitive digestion, with grain |
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a canned food option for dogs that have difficulty tolerating poultry. This food is based on salmon and does not contain common fillers such as soy and corn. Additionally, it is rich in omega fatty acids, which aid in the prevention of digestive and skin problems.
This recipe does have rice, which can trigger certain dogs. Due to its predominantly fish composition, some owners struggle with the strong smell.
7. Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Digestive Care
| Food Texture: | Pate |
| Lifestage: | Adult |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Sensitive digestion |
Royal Canin Digestive Care is specifically designed to promote a healthy balance in intestinal flora and enhance the consistency of stool. Comprised of top-notch ingredients, Royal Canin pet food is highly recommended by veterinarians for its ability to foster gut wellness. In addition, it is palatable, making it a perfect choice for selective canines.
Dogs who have dental problems might find it challenging to eat the pâté formula. Regrettably, this moist food alone does not offer full nutrition since its purpose is to be combined with Royal Canin Dry Food.
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
| Food Texture: | Pâté |
| Lifestage: | Adult |
| Breed Size: | All breeds |
| Special Diet: | Sensitive digestion, limited ingredients, grain free |
Blue Buffalo Basics provides a grain, chicken, and beef-free option for sensitive digestion. This reduces the chances of causing allergic reactions compared to other foods. Regrettably, the taste of this food is often disliked by many dogs. Some complaints mention that the texture is diluted; however, this characteristic could be advantageous for dogs facing chewing difficulties.
Blue Buffalo also produces Skin & Stomach Care food using duck as the main protein instead of turkey. The consistency of the duck formula is considerably denser.
9. Dave’s Pet Food Restricted Bland Diet
Dave’s Pet Food offers a simple and easily digestible diet of chicken and rice called the Restricted Bland Diet recipe, specifically designed for dogs with highly sensitive stomachs. This recipe is effective in soothing queasy tummies, a common occurrence when dogs are stressed, ill, or experiencing changes in their surroundings. The ingredients of this specialized recipe include chicken, chicken liver, rice, water, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.
This type of dog food is thick in texture and is highly favored by dogs. Certain pet owners combine it with kibbles in order to make one can last for multiple days. These owners assert that it is now easier to feed their choosy dogs as they require less convincing than previously. Conversely, dogs with delicate stomachs are flourishing on Dave’s Pet Food Restricted Bland Diet. It agrees with their digestive system and does not cause any disruptions. Furthermore, these dogs possess lovely skin and coat, as well as boundless energy.
In addition to other appealing qualities, one convenient aspect that they appreciate about this canned dog food is its availability without the need for a prescription. Along with that, we have discovered that its formulation is mild enough to suit puppies, senior dogs, and those in the process of recovering from surgery or other illnesses. While it does have a faint odor, it is tolerable and does not cause any discomfort to the dogs.
10. Wellness Simple Natural Wet Canned Limited Ingredient Food
The Wellness Natural Pet Food offers the best canned dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is a wet food that combines high-quality protein and easily-digestible carbohydrates to support the health of dogs. This food is specially formulated to cater to their food intolerances. The main ingredients include high-quality turkey meat, potatoes, turkey broth, flaxseeds, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Importantly, it does not contain any meat by-products, corn, wheat, gluten, fillers, or preservatives.
Dogs enjoy the semi-moist texture and consistency of Wellness Simple Natural Wet Canned Limited Ingredient Dog Food. It is neither too runny nor too dry, which makes it simple to mix with other food or simply served as it is. Certain pet owners choose to heat the food before serving, and they claim that it releases a delightful aroma that their dogs adore.
This particular dog food without grains has proven to be extremely beneficial for dogs who suffer from IBD. For certain dogs, this has been the sole food option that their digestive systems can handle, and discovering a formula that finally suits their sensitive condition brings immense relief. Additionally, it has greatly alleviated problems related to gas, skin allergies, and chronic diarrhea.
11. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Food
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet chicken and sweet potato formula is designed specifically for dogs with dietary sensitivities. This wet dog food has a concise ingredient list, consisting of chicken, sweet potatoes, potatoes, as well as vitamins and minerals, making it convenient for pet owners.
This wet dog food from Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets offers balanced nutrition, soothes gastrointestinal distress, and promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat. Dogs enjoy its rich flavor and it is commonly included in other foods to enhance their taste, especially in prescription food for specific health conditions. Adding a spoonful or two of this wet dog food is typically sufficient to achieve desired results and aid digestion.
It is well known among pet owners that the primary factor in determining the quality of dog food is whether or not their dog will eat it. Fortunately, this nutritionally-balanced food not only meets this requirement but also excels in terms of tastiness. Moreover, it is suitable for dogs of all ages, which means that if you have multiple dogs in your household, it provides the added advantage of streamlining meal planning and preparation.
12. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe by Nature’s Variety
The simplest wet food option for your dog is Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Formula from Nature’s Variety. It contains only one animal protein source, which is rabbit, and one vegetable, which is peas. Along with vitamins and minerals, these high-quality ingredients provide necessary nutrition. This formula is especially beneficial for dogs that have adverse reactions to more commonly used meat types, as rabbit is a unique protein source.
Peas possess a plethora of essential nutrients (vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and K, iron, zinc, manganese, protein, potassium), and they also have a significant fiber content, making them beneficial for dogs with digestive problems. In addition, Nature’s Variety’s Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe supports weight management and blood glucose regulation.
Dogs naturally consider rabbits to be one of their most preferred meals in the wild, which explains why they find them so delicious. Additionally, owners claim that this formula helps alleviate food allergies and has reduced tummy upsets and itching in their dogs.
Helping Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
If you think your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should determine the cause of the issue before changing his diet. Could it be because he consumed something inappropriate? If so, it is probable that his digestion will improve within a few days.
If your dog is experiencing chronic GI upset, the most likely cause is their diet. Symptoms of digestive problems may include diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive gas. To ensure there are no underlying illnesses contributing to these symptoms, a visit to the vet is recommended.
In recent studies, it has been discovered that a small number of ingredients are responsible for causing stomach discomfort in most dogs with sensitive stomachs. These particular ingredients include:
- wheat
- beef
- dairy products
- chicken
- lamb
In order to cater to dogs with sensitive stomachs, it is advisable to opt for canned dog food that does not contain these ingredients. Although it may be challenging to make a selection from these products, the following formulas have been meticulously created for sensitive stomachs, taking into account the most up-to-date research. Additionally, these foods provide essential nutrients such as fiber, minerals, vitamins, as well as pre- and probiotics that certain dogs might be deficient in.
