If your dog is experiencing ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as vomiting, loose stools, or flatulence, it is possible that his current dog food is the culprit. In some cases, simply changing his diet can alleviate these symptoms. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top dog foods for sensitive stomachs that you might want to consider. Additionally, we will discuss how you can pinpoint the specific food items that are causing your dog’s symptoms.
What’s Causing Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles?
It is advisable to have your veterinarian investigate and exclude potential issues like ulcers, intestinal parasites, and stomach cancer, as all these conditions can lead to chronic symptoms.
Similar to humans, dogs can also have sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients in their diet. Regrettably, our beloved companions can develop intolerances to food ingredients at any stage of their life. The most frequently identified offenders usually encompass beef, chicken, dairy products, and wheat.
Some dogs may also have difficulty tolerating soy, corn, eggs, and various preservatives. However, it is important to consider that every dog is unique, so there are numerous ingredients that could potentially cause issues. It is crucial not to overlook any treats or table scraps that your dog may consume regularly, as these could be the reason for digestive problems. Additionally, feeding your dog excessively can lead to ongoing stomach issues.
If you don’t know what is causing your dog’s gastrointestinal issues, you have the option of conducting an at-home dog allergy test. These kits are designed to test for sensitivity or intolerance to various foods and environmental allergens that may develop gradually. The test involves sending a saliva or hair sample to the company’s laboratory, and you can expect to receive the results in a few weeks. By sharing these results with your veterinarian, you can assist in narrowing down the potential causes of your dog’s problems.
9 Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomachs
Best Dry: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Many veterinarians (and happy pet owners) highly recommend this top-selling dog food, which is perfect for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. The first ingredient in this dog food is real animal protein (salmon, turkey, or lamb), and it does not contain corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
The USA-made formulas of Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach are fortified with probiotics for gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. These formulas also include stomach-friendly grains such as oatmeal, barley, and rice. Additionally, Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach offers small and large breed formulas and canned wet food options for those pups who prefer them.
Best Fresh: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog provides fresh, all-natural limited ingredient meals that are human-grade. All four recipes are grain-free and their main ingredient is USDA turkey, pork, chicken, or beef. They also include fresh vegetables, salmon oil, vitamins, and minerals, and do not contain soy, corn, or wheat. The recipes are developed by nutritionists certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) and are frozen quickly to keep the nutrients and freshness intact.
The Farmer’s Dog customizes and divides the food according to your dog’s individual dietary requirements. A short survey is completed, including information about your dog’s age, breed, current and desired weight, and any health issues. All recipes are made and sourced in the USA and comply with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for all stages of life. A subscription is needed for The Farmer’s Dog, but you have the flexibility to modify recipes or terminate it whenever you want.
Best Wet: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Stew
Hill’s Science Diet has created these wet formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs by using ingredients that are easy to digest. The first two ingredients are chicken broth and real protein, and they also include a variety of nutritional vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. There are no fillers or preservatives in these formulas.
These stews are manufactured in the United States and are available in three recipes: one with turkey and rice which includes grains, one with chicken and vegetables which is grain-free, and one with salmon and vegetables which is also grain-free. Hill’s Science is a highly recommended brand by veterinarians and numerous customers find that this wet food is gentle on their dogs’ digestive systems.
Best For Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
We have selected the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach dog food range as the top choice for puppies with sensitive stomachs. The line includes two high-protein options, which are salmon & rice and lamb & oatmeal, designed specifically for growing puppies. These formulas, made in the USA, do not contain wheat, corn, or soy, and are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. Additionally, they are enriched with live probiotics and natural prebiotic fiber to promote optimum intestinal health.
There are additional special ingredients that are beneficial for puppies. These include DHA, obtained from fish oil, which aids in the development of the brain and vision. Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Furthermore, antioxidants are provided to bolster the immune system as it develops in your puppy. These ingredients encompass everything necessary for your little companion to grow and flourish.
Best For Seniors: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
If you have an older dog with stomach issues, we have selected the Nulo formula as the top choice for sensitive stomachs. Produced in the USA using natural ingredients, this formula contains the perfect combination of nutrients for older dogs who require support for their digestive system and joints, and also need assistance in controlling their weight. The recipe consists of trout, lentils, sweet potato, and dried fruits and vegetables that are easy to digest. Furthermore, it does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy.
This food contains probiotics for healthy digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, and L-carnitine. L-carnitine is especially beneficial for senior dogs with reduced activity levels as it aids in fat metabolism to prevent weight gain. However, the drawback of this food is its high price.
Best Budget: Purina ONE +Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food
Most major retailers carry Purina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems, a cost-effective dog food. It consists of chicken, corn, whole grains, and beef fat, ingredients that are typically easily digested by dogs. Additionally, it contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, known to contribute to a healthy coat and skin for most dogs based on studies.
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Gluten Free Dry Dog Food
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Dog Food contains protein from salmon, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and chicken fat. This formula supports your dog’s skin and coat with omega-3s and omega-6s. If your vet suggests a grain-free diet for your dog, this option is worth considering. It does not contain grain, gluten, or potatoes. However, it’s important to note that a grain-free diet is not suitable for all dogs. The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods that use legumes (such as lentils and peas) and heart health issues in dogs, especially larger breeds.
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 ingredients used in the recipe include real turkey, brown rice, oatmeal, peas, potatoes, and pumpkin, all of which provide the necessary energy for smaller dogs. The food also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the kibble is designed in small bites, making it easy for small breeds to chew, swallow, and digest.
NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus
The correct dog food can make a big difference, and certain situations may require an additional supplement. We suggest using NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes, which is designed specifically to regulate and assist your dog’s digestive system. With PB6 Probiotic, it contains six different strains of probiotics for promoting a healthy amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to a calm stomach and well-balanced intestines. Your pet will happily consume these soft chews, as they taste just 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 a veterinarian to determine if any adverse reactions are caused by specific ingredients. After identifying what to avoid or prioritize, begin by reviewing the dog food label for the AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement. Then, select the appropriate life stage (puppy, adult, senior) to ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients.
Ingredients
The AAFCO states that a dog’s diet must contain protein, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water in order to be healthy and balanced. The ingredients in your dog’s food, such as chicken for protein, beet pulp for fiber, and oats for carbohydrates, could potentially cause discomfort for your dog.
Probiotics
Probiotics are foods or supplements containing friendly bacteria strains that support proper digestive system function. In case a dog receives antibiotics for stomach troubles, your veterinarian may suggest giving probiotic supplements and/or probiotic-rich food to normalize your dog’s digestion.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics, which are usually rich in fiber, activate the bacteria found in probiotics. Upon reaching the large intestine and beginning to break down, prebiotics serve as nourishment for the good bacteria of probiotics, triggering the stimulation of the digestive system.
Dry Food or Wet Food
Wet food, containing a higher water content, aids in hydrating your dog. However, in cases of upset stomach, dry food might be more appealing to certain dogs. Ensuring your dog receives the necessary nutrients from their food is crucial. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, both wet and dry food options are available, but the choice ultimately depends on what suits your dog’s digestive needs.
- Is wet dog food better than dry dog food for sensitive stomachs?
Both options are gentle on your dog’s digestive system and can provide relief for your dog’s discomfort. Collaborating with your veterinarian is crucial to determine the reasons behind your dog’s sensitive stomach. They may advise an elimination diet to identify the specific ingredient(s) causing the negative reaction. Additionally, it is important to gradually introduce the new food to prevent further digestive issues.
- Is grain-free dog food better for sensitive stomachs?
If grains like rice and corn do not sit well with your dog’s digestive system, a grain-free dog food may alleviate mealtime discomfort. However, it should be noted that the FDA is currently investigating a possible connection between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
Furthermore, the main components of grain-free diets consist of legumes (such as lentils and peas) and starches (including potatoes and sweet potatoes), which do not provide dogs with sufficient taurine, an essential amino acid. Taurine is naturally found in animal meats like beef, turkey, eggs, and fish. However, certain dog foods do include additional taurine supplementation.
- Is raw food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
It may not be useful for all dogs, but it can be beneficial for certain dogs. Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities may find it helpful to switch from commercially produced dog food to a raw food diet. It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine if a raw diet is appropriate for your dog and to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.
