Is your dog showing signs of being unwell after eating, frequently vomits, or has a strong odor? It is possible that your dog has a sensitive stomach, and it is advisable to consult a vet to confirm. Like humans, dogs can also have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. If this is the case, you may need to make adjustments to your dog’s diet, which can improve their overall health and reduce unpleasant occurrences. So, what can you feed your dog to help them feel better? Study Finds has researched the best food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs to assist you in finding suitable and nourishing meals for your furry friend.
In order to ensure the health and comfort of your companion, start by determining whether your dog’s digestive problems are due to a food intolerance (such as lactose or gluten intolerance) or an allergy. By removing any potential triggers from their diet, you will alleviate any symptoms. Providing a top-notch diet consisting of easily digestible food and potentially incorporating a probiotic will provide additional relief. Moreover, dog food designed for sensitive stomachs should not only be easily digestible and of high quality, but it should also have a low fat and carbohydrate content. Additionally, it should be free from gluten and additives.
The List: Best Food For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs, According To Experts
1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
The expert recommendations were dominated by products from Hill’s Science Diet, particularly this one. The top choice for sensitive pups, according to The Spruce, is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin. This kibble, which can be purchased without a prescription, contains “natural ingredients, mostly real chicken meat, and is mixed with prebiotic fiber (derived from beet pulp) to promote and maintain digestive health and a well-balanced gut microbiome. […] It receives high ratings from customers who have reported positive eating and digestion experiences for their dogs at home.”
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Purina Pro Plan’s sensitive stomach food was a close second to our top choice. Canine Journal considers this kibble to be the best dry food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Veterinarians and satisfied pet owners highly recommend this popular and easily digestible dog food for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. The first ingredient in this food is real animal protein (salmon, turkey, or lamb), and it does not contain any corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Additionally, canines with varying preferences, ages, and sizes are able to relish this recipe: “Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is available in formulas suitable for small and large breeds, and if your pup prefers, it is also offered in canned wet food.”
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food
Blue Buffalo produces grain-free dog food using high-quality ingredients. This is an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive stomachs. Consequently, The Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food, as its name implies, consists of only a small number of ingredients. Dog Food Specialist mentions that this food is crafted from a solitary protein source.
According to Rover, the less ingredients in your dog food, the less chances there are for your dog’s stomach to react to a specific ingredient. This recipe primarily focuses on turkey and also contains vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. Additionally, it includes a range of ingredients that promote easy digestion.
PureWow states that other ingredients found in the product include “Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which were chosen by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to promote the overall health and well-being of your dog through a selection of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.”
4. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
According to The Spruce, this particular wet food has been chosen as the top option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It offers delicious and nutritious meals for dogs experiencing digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other gastrointestinal issues. Although a prescription from a veterinarian is necessary to purchase this food, it is available for purchase on pet-supply websites like Chewy and Petco. Simply provide your prescription details during the checkout process.
5. Tie: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food and Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe
Both products offer less-common protein sources, resulting in an equal number of expert recommendations and therefore a tie for fifth place on our list.
If you are suspecting that your dog has an allergy, Canine Journal suggests considering Canidae’s Pure Limited Ingredient line of recipes if you have tried the typical protein options (chicken, beef, turkey) without success. They offer a variety of choices including duck, bison, wild boar, lamb, goat & venison, among others.
According to Discover, the Pure Limited Ingredient line is not only grain-free, but also devoid of any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Additionally, this food is manufactured in the USA using top-notch ingredients.
6. 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 This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties is turkey. When examining the dry matter label, it can be observed that the recipe comprises approximately 49% protein, 25% fat, and an estimated 18% carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 52%.
Ingredients of superior quality are highly recommended.
7. Farmers Dog Fresh
- First 5 ingredients: USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
The main source of animal protein in This Farmer’s Dog recipe is fresh pork, as confirmed by the analysis of its dry matter label. According to the analysis, the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat, and 28% estimated carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 78%.
This is a highly recommended, not cheap, human-grade recipe that is custom designed and packaged to meet the nutritional requirements of all puppy breeds. It is the closest option to homemade dog food available.
8. 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
The Purina Pro Plan recipe obtains most of its animal protein from fresh salmon. When we analyze the label for dry matter, we find that the recipe has 30% protein, 18% fat, and 44% estimated carbs. This combination results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 62%.
Endorsed by both breeders and veterinarians, this single-protein formula is highly digestible and has also received positive feedback from verified users.
9. 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
Wellness Core Digestive Health primarily obtains its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. After analyzing the dry matter label, it is found that the recipe contains approximately 33% protein, 13% fat, and 45% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 40%.
This formula, which is a dry kibble, has high digestibility and is coated with probiotics. It is also enriched with digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics to promote optimal gut health. It is strongly recommended.
10. Wellness Simple Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
The majority of the meat protein in this Wellness recipe comes from fresh turkey and turkey meal. When we analyze the label based on dry matter, we find that the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat, and an estimated 49% carbs. This leads to a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 46%.
This limited ingredient diet, which is highly recommended, is an affordable option for individuals with skin and stomach sensitivities, as it does not contain any grains, gluten, or wheat.
11. 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
The Nulo Freestyle formula primarily derives its meat protein from fresh salmon and salmon meal, comprising the majority portion. Upon analyzing the dry matter label, we determine that the recipe contains approximately 33% protein, 20% fat, and an estimated 39% carbs. Consequently, this results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 60%.
Highly recommended, it boasts a single source of animal protein which assists in eliminating several potential allergens such as chicken, eggs, or peas.
12. Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Wet Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Water, turkey, rice, pork liver, egg product, corn
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn)
- Profile: All life-stages
When looking at the Hill’s prescription formula, we can see that it uses fresh turkey as its main source of meat protein. Upon analyzing the dry matter label, we found that the recipe contains 23% protein, 9% fat, and approximately 60% estimated carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio of this formula is around 40%.
A veterinary design that is professional and has a proven history of long-term success. It comes highly recommended.
