Finding the most suitable food for a dog with a sensitive stomach can be challenging due to the fact that while certain digestive issues can be regulated through a basic dietary alteration…
In some instances, there may be underlying causes that are more severe, necessitating the involvement of professionals to accurately diagnose the issue.
After your vet has eliminated the possibility of a serious medical condition, you might want to determine if your dog’s digestive problems are a result of either a food allergy or a food intolerance. Additionally, you could assess if your pet could improve from a basic alteration in their diet.
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach 2023
We Feed Raw Turkey Patties
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
The primary source of animal protein in We Feed Raw Turkey Patties is turkey. When analyzed for dry matter labels, the recipe shows that it consists of 49% protein, 25% fat, and an estimated 18% carbohydrates. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 52%.
The ingredients are of high quality, and they are highly recommended.
Farmers Dog Fresh
- First 5 ingredients: USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies)
The majority of animal protein in This Farmer’s Dog recipe is obtained from fresh pork. According to the analysis of the dry matter label, the recipe consists of 36% protein, 28% fat, and 28% estimated carbs, which leads to a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 78%.
This is a highly recommended, not cheap, human-grade recipe specifically tailored and packaged to meet the nutritional requirements of all puppy breeds. It closely resembles homemade dog food.
Raised Right Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
- Type: Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The majority of animal protein in Raised Right Beef comes from fresh beef. According to the analysis of the dry matter label, the recipe consists of 61% protein, 24% fat, and approximately 8% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 39%.
This is a highly recommended fresh, human-grade dog food, known for its unusually wide recipe selection. This aspect can be especially beneficial for picky eaters.
Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs
- First 5 ingredients: Potatoes, egg product, potato protein, tomato pomace, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The main source of animal protein in Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach comes from dried egg, which is easily digestible. Our analysis of the dry matter label shows that the recipe contains 28% protein, 14% fat, and an estimated 50% carbs. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 52%.
This is a safe and suitable recipe for daily, long-term feeding that is complete, balanced, and uses limited ingredients.
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley, brown rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The main source of meat protein in this Science Diet formula is fresh chicken. When we analyze the label, we find that the recipe contains 22% protein, 14% fat, and 55% estimated carbs. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 65%.
Veterinarians recommend a well-balanced option that contains prebiotic fiber, which supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and aids in regulating bowel movements.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (Barley, rice, oat meal)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The main source of animal protein in this Purina Pro Plan recipe is fresh salmon. After analyzing the dry matter label, it is found that the recipe has a protein content of 30%, fat content of 18%, and estimated carbs of 44%. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 62%.
Recommended by both breeders and veterinarians, this single-protein formula is highly digestible and has received favorable ratings from verified users as well.
Wellness Core Digestive Health
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, turkey meal , chicken meal , brown rice, barley, oat groats
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oat groats)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The main sources of animal protein in Wellness Core Digestive Health are fresh chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. When the recipe is analyzed on a dry matter basis, it is found to contain 33% protein, 13% fat, and approximately 45% estimated carbohydrates. The ratio of fat to protein is around 40%.
This is a highly recommended dry kibble formula that has been coated with probiotics and is easily digestible. It also contains digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics to promote optimal gut health.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Kibble
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brewers rice, wheat, barley)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The primary source of meat protein in Royal Canin Gastrointestinal is chicken meal. Upon conducting a dry matter label analysis, it is determined that the recipe comprises 22% protein, 9% fat, and 60% estimated carbs, thus resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 43%.
Veterinarians recommend a low-fat formula that is highly digestible and ideal for treating various canine digestive disorders.
Wellness Simple Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs only
The main source of meat protein in this Wellness recipe comes from fresh turkey and turkey meal. When we analyze the label on a dry matter basis, we find that the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat, and 49% estimated carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 46%.
This limited ingredient diet is highly recommended as an affordable option for individuals with skin and stomach sensitivities, as it does not contain any grains, gluten or wheat.
Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy and Adult Dry Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, chickpeas, chickpea flour, canola oil
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life-stages
- Best for: Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies)
With its main source of meat protein being fresh salmon and salmon meal, the Nulo Freestyle formula has the highest proportion. Our examination of the dry matter label indicates that the formula consists of 33% protein, 20% fat, and 39% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 60%.
Highly recommended, it boasts only one source of animal protein, which aids in the elimination of several potential allergens such as chicken, eggs, or peas.
Purina ONE +Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food
Most major retailers carry Purina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems, which is a dog food that is affordable. The formula for sensitive stomachs includes chicken, corn, whole grains, and beef fat, which can be easily digested by most dogs. Additionally, a serving of this dog food offers vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which have been proven to support a healthy coat and skin in most dogs.
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Gluten Free Dry Dog Food
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Dog Food contains salmon, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and chicken fat to provide protein. This combination also supplies omega-3s and omega-6s to support your dog’s skin and coat. If your vet has determined that your dog needs a grain-free diet, this option could be suitable as it is free of grain, gluten, and potatoes. However, it’s important to note that not all dogs should be on a grain-free diet. The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free dog food and heart health issues in dogs, particularly larger breeds, which may be associated with the use of legumes such as lentils and peas.
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food Adult 7+
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Food 7+ is a specially formulated nutritionally balanced option for senior dogs that have sensitive digestive systems. The chicken & barley recipe is highly palatable for most dogs and contains high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and maintenance in older canines. Additionally, the dog food is also offered with beef or turkey as the primary protein source, and all flavors provide essential antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, vegetable fibers, and necessary vitamins and minerals. The ingredients have been thoughtfully chosen with the guidance of certified veterinarians to ensure easy digestion and support for the immune system.
Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food Sensitive Skin & Stomach
If you have a puppy that has a sensitive stomach, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a recommended option by veterinarians, including Dr. Singleton. This dry food combines easy-to-digest salmon and rice with probiotics. It supports a healthy coat and skin, thanks to the omega-3s provided by fish oil. Additionally, it promotes vision and brain development with omega-6s from sunflower oil.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed Formula Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan’s Adult Sensitive Large Breed Formula is a suitable choice for canines weighing over 50 pounds. The dry dog food prioritizes balanced nutrition and easy digestion, utilizing salmon as its primary ingredient. Additionally, the formula includes tummy-friendly barley, rice, oat, animal fat, and fish oil, as well as highly digestible fibers, probiotics, and prebiotics.
The recipe does not contain wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, which may cause stomach upset and allergies in some larger breed dogs. Some larger breed dogs will enjoy the delicious salmon flavor and will be thankful for not experiencing any stomach discomfort.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed Natural Food for Dogs
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed food is specifically formulated for dogs that weigh 11 pounds or less. The formula starts with genuine turkey and incorporates brown rice, oatmeal, peas, potatoes, and pumpkin, all of which cater to the distinct energy requirements of smaller dogs. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the small bite kibble facilitates easy chewing, swallowing, and digestion for small breed dogs.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food can be given alone or combined with your dog’s preferred dry kibble. It is manufactured in the United States and was created with the assistance of certified veterinarians to be appealing and easy on sensitive stomachs. This canned food provides a well-balanced combination of proteins and grains, as well as important nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.
NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus
A specially formulated supplement called NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes can be a game-changer when it comes to finding the right dog food. Designed to balance and support your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, it contains PB6 Probiotic, which consists of six different probiotic strains. This promotes a healthy level of good bacteria in the gut, resulting in a settled stomach and balanced intestines. Your pet will enjoy taking this supplement since the soft chews taste like a treat.
What To Look For In Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if any negative reactions are due to a specific ingredient. Once you have identified what to avoid or prioritize, begin by reviewing the AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement on the dog food label. Additionally, select the appropriate life stage (puppy, adult, senior) to ensure your dog is receiving the necessary nutrients.
Ingredients
Based on the AAFCO guidelines, it is essential that your dog’s diet includes protein, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water in order to be healthy and balanced. The ingredients that provide these nutrients (e.g. chicken for protein, beet pulp for fiber, oats for carbohydrates) in your dog’s food might be responsible for any discomfort experienced by your dog.
Probiotics
Probiotics are substances, either in the form of foods or supplements, that contain strains of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria assist in maintaining the normal functioning of the digestive system. In cases where a dog is prescribed antibiotics for an upset stomach, a veterinarian may suggest the addition of probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich food to restore the dog’s digestive system to its usual state.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics, which are usually rich in fiber, trigger the activation of probiotic bacteria. Once in the large intestine, prebiotics are broken down, providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria from probiotics, thereby stimulating the digestive system.
Dry Food or Wet Food
The wet food has a higher water content that aids in dog hydration, but if a dog has an upset stomach, they may prefer dry food. Ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients from their food is crucial. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, both wet and dry food can be considered, but ultimately the choice should be based on your dog’s specific digestive requirements.
