Some dogs are really sensitive when it comes to the food they eat. There are lots of food that may affect their health. Hence, as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to know or be well-informed of these possible circumstances. The best dog food for sensitive stomach may not work for all dogs, so you really have to be careful in choosing one.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can take proper care of your dogs, especially if they have food sensitivities. We’ve also included reviews of the best dog foods on the market designed for stomach sensitivity among dogs.
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How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Selecting the right dog food for your pet means choosing the best ingredients that are good for him. Serving your dog with a healthy and well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do as a responsible pet owner.
That said, having a high-quality dog food that suits his breed, age, and level of activeness means giving him the right nutrition that’s good for your dog. Here are some factors you would want to consider before choosing a good dog food for your pet:
Age
The dog food that you should be buying must be appropriate for your dog’s age. Dogs require certain calories and protein count as they age. For puppies, it is recommended to have higher protein and calorie intake to boost his growth and development. As your puppy grows older, protein and calorie count should be reduced to avoid obesity or overweight.
Check the Label
Reading or checking the label could save you from giving your dog the wrong amount of protein and calorie count. Just keep in mind that puppies require more proteins and calories than adult and senior dogs.
Breed
Giving your dog the right dog food that is appropriate for his breed means giving him the right nutrients for healthy skin, coat, growth, bone development, and immune function.
Small-breed dogs and large-breed dogs have differences in terms of the amount of protein and calories necessary for them. Hence, special and careful selection of dog food is required for all breeds.
Wet or Dry Food
Dogs have different preferences when it comes to the food they eat. Dry food is best for dental care. Plus, you can leave it for hours without the worry of spoilage. On the other hand, wet food or canned food is good for dogs who don’t drink sufficient amount of water. Preferably, it is designed for hydration.
Food Allergies
When your dog has food sensitivities, it is better to immediately consult your veterinarian. Vets will advise you for an allergy check and also determine the appropriate dog food for your dog.
Expiration Date
Just like any food products, dog food also has its limitations regarding its quality. You wouldn’t want your dog to eat expired dog food as this may only lead to an upset stomach.
11 of the Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Healthy Dry Dog Food Option for Adult Dogs
This is a simplified formula for dogs who are sensitive to some food. It contains dry dog food that is approximately a 26-pound bag which is suitable for adult dogs who seek balanced nutrition. This product is designed to intentionally decrease the number of ingredients that your dog might get exposed to. This prevents health conditions spawned by food allergies.
Moreover, it offers a healthy variation of single-source proteins such as duck, salmon, or bison. This means that whichever your dog prefers, Natural Balance has a simplified non-fat recipe that your pet will surely love.
Why We Like It:
- Made of high-quality ingredients
- Uses premium fish proteins
- No additives
- Grain-free
- Promotes balanced nutrition
- Non-fat recipe
What We Don’t Like:
- Much more expensive than other similar products
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Vet-Recommended Formulation with Prebiotic Fiber
This is an adult dry dog food that aids in digestion and nourishes the skin. This is purposefully formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs as it utilizes prebiotic fiber to fortify gut bacteria and encourage a heart-healthy microbiome.
Aside from that, it’s not only made of natural ingredients but is also a perfect source of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E that help in maintaining shiny fur. It is made and tested in the US with ingredients that you can have confidence in.
Why We Like It:
- Aids in digestion while nurturing the skin
- Highly digestible so you can easily pick up your dog’s stool
- Uses natural ingredients
- Made in the USA
- A healthy source of Omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E
What We Don’t Like:
- Much more expensive than other products
- Contains grains
CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Dry Food
Excellent Food for Dogs of All Ages
The name of the product stands for itself – “All Life Stages.” It can cater to puppies and adult dogs with varied sizes and breeds. Your dog can get excellent protein from fish, turkey, lamb, and chicken meals all in one formula.
Additionally, it is also a great source of probiotics that helps digestion. It also has omega 6 and 3 fatty acids plus antioxidants. This product was formulated without wheat, soy, or corn.
Why We Like It:
- Good for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs
- Promotes good and healthy digestion
- Rich in Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids for a healthier and shinier coat
- Grain-free formulation
- Rich in protein
What We Don’t Like:
- It is much more expensive than other brands
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food
Grain-Free Formulation
This adult dry dog food is formulated with protein-rich salmon as its main ingredient. It is a great source of prebiotic fiber that relieves sensitive stomachs and nourishes good bacteria around the intestines of your dog.
Moreover, it includes zinc and omega 6 fatty acids to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. Omega 3 fatty acids are also found in this product that supports joints and mobility so your dog can continue moving around with ease.
Why We Like It:
- Contains authentic meat as its main ingredient
- Available in various dry formulas for smaller dog breeds, life stages, and sensitive dogs
- Includes zinc, omega 6, and 3 fatty acids
- Supports joint and mobility in dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- Ingredients are carefully handpicked so buyers can’t get many options if their dog is a breed that requires a specific diet
NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dog Food (Lamb)
Chicken-Free Dog Food Option
This dog food is specially formulated for adult dogs. It is a healthy diet that helps minimize sensitivities in food, avoids indigestion, and ensures that your dog is receiving all the necessary nutrients he needs. Its main ingredient is a pasture-fed lamb which helps in delivering amino acids to strengthen muscle formulation and maintain excellent metabolism.
Aside from that, it is also filled with zinc, omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin B that assures a healthy and shiny coat. Plus, this is specially crafted with the absence of soy, protein, corn, gluten, wheat, or corn.
Why We Like It:
- Certified by the Safe Food Certification Programme
- Cheaper than other products
- Veterinarian recommended
- Results in smaller and firmer stool
- Avoids indigestion
What We Don’t Like:
- High carb content
- Contains no protein
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just Dog Food Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal & Rice
All-Natural Grain-Free Formulation
This product, which is also known as Just 6, is aptly named due to the 6 healthy and natural ingredients it contains. It has lamb as its main ingredient which is then accompanied by five other goodies. It is formulated without the usual allergens such as wheat, soy, or corn so you can be sure that it won’t trigger food sensitivity in your dog.
Why We Like It:
- Uses lamb as its principal source of protein
- No wheat, allergenic cereals, and soy
- No artificial ingredients
- Crafted for dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Made of natural ingredients
- No wheat, soy, or corn
What We Don’t Like:
- Focuses on linoleic acid and ALA instead of EPA and DHA
- Nutrients might not be enough for dogs
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon and Potato
Easily Digestible Food for Stomach Sensitivity
This dog food is specially formulated to be digested easily by having only a few ingredients suitable for dogs with allergies, ingredient sensitivities, and/or food intolerances. It promotes balanced nutrition as it is an excellent source of protein which is derived from high-quality salmon which blends easily in digesting carbohydrates.
Apart from that, the product also contains premium natural ingredients without additives, gluten, artificial preservatives, fillers, or wheat.
Why We Like It:
- Suitable for dogs with allergies
- Promotes balanced nutrition
- Excellent source of protein
- Contains premium natural ingredients
- No additives and preservatives
What We Don’t Like:
- Some customers complain about their dogs developing a fishy breath
Blue Buffalo Blue Basics Adult Grain-free Turkey & Potato
Grain-Free Food with Real Turkey Meat
This adult dry dog food’s main ingredient is made of real turkey. This makes it a great source of protein together with the other ingredients like potatoes, pumpkin, and peas that supports your dog’s gentle digestion.
With that, it’s one of the best dry dog foods for sensitive stomachs. Moreover, it is a grain-free dog food, meaning it doesn’t contain any wheat, dairy, soy, chicken, eggs, or beef, making it a good choice as a dog food for allergies.
Why We Like It:
- Can be easily digested
- Crafted specifically for dogs with food sensitivities
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- No artificial additives
What We Don’t Like:
- Some buyers reported that the food didn’t help with their dog’s stomach sensitivity issues
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food
Excellent Food with High Nutrient Profile
This dog food is formulated with only 7-10 plain ingredients for dogs with sensitivities. It is also grain-free and contains no preservatives or additives. Compared to other dog food products, the Canidae grain-free food has an above-average nutrient profile, specifically a 50% fat to protein ratio.
Apart from that, it also contains high-quality meat and ingredients including chicken, lamb, and salmon. In addition to its carb content, it also features fiber which helps promote healthy digestion.
Why We Like It:
- Uses vegetables and fruits
- Gluten and grain-free
- Contains omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
- Includes dried fermentation products that aids digestion
What We Don’t Like:
- Uses alfalfa which is a controversial substance
- Contains potato which is of simple nutritional value
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Vet-Recommended Wet Dog Food Formula
Compared to the previous dog food product from Hill’s Science, this one is a wet formula which is designed to promote healthier digestion and skin health. Aside from that, it also contains zero grain and is easily digestible.
Just like its dry food counterpart, this one is also highly recommended by veterinarians due to its natural ingredients and the fact that it is beneficial for dogs who are suffering from stomach sensitivity.
Why We Like It:
- Contains vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthier skin and coat
- All-natural formulation
- Promotes better digestion thanks to its fiber content
What We Don’t Like:
- Some customers complained that their dog didn’t like the food’s smell
Merrick Grain Free Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food
Grain-Free Wet Food for Dogs with Sensitivities
The last product we have on this list is this wet dog food courtesy of Merrick. Just like other dog food designed for dogs with stomach sensitivity, this one comes in a grain-free formulation and features limited ingredients to prevent triggering any sensitivities your dog might have.
Aside from that, it’s also gluten-free and contains natural ingredients which are carefully selected to ensure better digestion and health for your furry friend.
Why We Like It:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula
- Comes with real deboned turkey ingredient
- An excellent source of protein
What We Don’t Like:
- There were some complaints regarding its very mushy texture
Lucy Pet Formulas for Life Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
Boosts Skin & Fur Quality In Pets Prone To Skin & Coat Issues
If your pet is prone to a shabby coat and dry skin, it may be that they could do with a boost in fatty acids and other handy vitamins and minerals. It could also be food sensitivities causing the problem. Standard dog foods can contribute to these issues, which is why Lucy Pet Formulas for Life sensitive stomach and skin dry dog food could be a great product for you.
The formula has been made with gut health in mind, containing no grains and plenty of well-sourced fiber products like pumpkin. Many of the ingredients could also be considered to be super-foods, such as wild caught Alaskan salmon, which is a real boost for your pets skin and coat health. In addition, lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are contained in the mix to ensure your dog gets as much vitality as possible from their daily food.
Owners conscious of the source of their pet’s food products will like that the chicken meal in the food is USA sourced. The product is also veterinarian approved. For even more brand kudos, owners might like to also know that Lucy Pet Formulas For Life have done lots of charitable work, boosting the brands conscious contribution to their local community.
Why We Like It:
- Excellent for dogs with dry skin
- Veterinarian approved
- Packed full of essential vitamins and minerals
- Grain-free
What We Don’t Like:
- Kibble size could be a struggle for smaller dogs
- May take some time for pets to adjust to the food
FAQs
Q: How can I identify if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Sensitive stomach refers to a mild intestinal upset or simply an upset stomach in dogs. Some symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs include flatulence, occasional vomiting, or loose stools.
Q: What do I do when symptoms occur in my dog?
A: Your dog may manifest one or all of the aforementioned symptoms, but if you think that one or all of your dog’s symptoms are severe, consult a veterinarian immediately. This can be a sign of a more serious problem or condition in your dog.
Q: What causes an upset stomach in dogs?
A: Before deciding to change the food of your pet dog, you should probably make an appointment with your veterinarian first. There may be different factors as to what causes stomach sensitivity in your dog. It could be that your dog has allergic reactions to some ingredients in his dog food.
Q: How can I switch my dog to new dog food?
A: Start by giving him a small amount of his new dog food. When you suddenly give your dog a large amount of new dog food, this may cause further digestive sensitivity. Instead, you should have your dog transition to his new dog food gradually. Allow at least five to seven days before you start adding more.
Final Thoughts
The joy of having a dog is fulfilling. However, it also begets a big responsibility similar to having a child. Dogs are hard to understand as what they can only do is bark. As a pet owner, you must be a keen observer of your dog’s behavior. Sudden changes in behavior could mean something.
Having an upset stomach can really be an annoying feeling. It makes you weak, and what you’re experiencing is also how your dog experience stomachaches. They could only show symptoms like flatulence, vomiting, and loose stools. When you notice these signs, make sure to see a veterinarian immediately.