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Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach, Recipes Approved By A Vet
Like humans, dogs can suffer from sensitive tummies, leading to frequent and annoying stomach upsets. No surprise, knowing how big of a food scavenger they are. So, if your pup starts feeling a little down and no medical reasons are identified, your four-legged friend may simply need additional support from specialized food.
Image credits: JC Gellidon
A specialized canine diet can be a game-changer, providing the support you and your furry friend have been searching for. However, with dog food aisles filled with complex formulations, getting help from a certified vet can save us valuable time.
Bored Panda went ahead and asked our animal expert, Dr. Catharina Hjorth, to review some of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. We carefully examined multiple options, evaluating ingredient quality, price, and effectiveness. Whether for an aging canine or a small puppy, the recipes in this guide are vet-approved to relieve your dog’s sensitive tummy.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Purina One Plus Digestive Health Formula, Chicken $28.43
Runner-Up: Nulo Senior Grain Free Kibble, Trout And Sweet Potato $37.99
Also Great: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, Beef $37.51
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Wet Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomach
We selected wet food formulations that are gentle and easily digestible, perfect for dogs with digestive issues.
This post may include affiliate links.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, Beef
Age: Adult | Type: Pate | Size: 13-ounce can | Flavors: Beef and oatmeal or salmon
Purina Plan is made with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients, like succulent beef, oatmeal, fresh salmon, and rice, perfect for sensitive dogs. It is also packed with all the nutrients your sensitive canine needs to stay healthy and active, including linoleic acid and omega-six fatty acids, which also support their skin and coat.
Purina has gone the extra mile and enhanced the recipe with natural prebiotic fiber and 23 essential vitamins and minerals that help support your dog’s intestinal microbiome.
What We Like:
• No artificial colors
• The food includes prebiotics
What We Don’t Like:
• Only suitable for adult dogs
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly, Chicken
Age: Adult | Type: Wet food | Size: 12.5 ounces can | Flavors: Chicken
Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly is a science-backed formula designed to meet the specific health needs of your beloved furry friend. It supports optimal digestive care, weight management, and skin and coat health.
The recipe features premium quality, natural ingredients such as real chicken and whole grain, which are carefully selected to ensure the highest level of nourishment. And with all essential minerals, vitamins, and prebiotic fiber, you can be sure your canine is getting the special attention it needs.
What We Like:
• Clinically proven to support dog’s health
• Contains prebiotic fibre
What We Don’t Like:
• Only available in one flavor
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Food, Turkey
Age: Adult | Type: Pate | Size: 12.5 ounces can | Flavours: Chicken and vegetable, salmon and vegetable, tender turkey and rice stew
We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. This wet food is based on advanced scientific research, emphasizing using ingredients that are easy to digest and natural fibers that promote good stomach health.
Hill’s recipe is cooked as a stew, making it more appealing and encouraging eating. Plus, it contains vitamin E and omega-6 for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
What We Like:
• A flavor most dogs will enjoy
• The number one brand recommended by US veterinarians
What We Don’t Like:
• More expensive than most brands
Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Whether your dog struggles with occasional upset stomachs or chronic digestive issues, these dry food options promote optimal digestion and overall well-being.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, Salmon
Age: Adult | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 16, 24, 30 or 41-pound pack | Flavors: Salmon and rice, Lamb and oatmeal, chicken and oatmeal
Purina Pro Plan is a premium dry dog food for sensitive tummies. It contains a nutrient-rich salmon as its main ingredient, which is a high-quality protein most dogs easily digest. The carbohydrates in this formula are derived from rice and oatmeal, providing your pet with a gentle yet energy-rich meal.
Additionally, this recipe includes fish oil, which aids in supporting your pet’s joints, while the omega-6 fatty acids help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.
What We Like:
• Digestible protein source
• Contains fish oil
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains meat and fish by-products
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach And Skin, Chicken
Age: Adult | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 3.5, 4, 12, 15.5, 17, 24, 30 or 36-pound pack | Flavors: Chicken and barley
The Hill’s dry dog food is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains a blend of highly digestible ingredients, such as chicken and barley, which ensure that your furry friend’s tummy remains calm.
What’s more, this dog food is loaded with prebiotic fiber, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for the dog’s overall well-being. This unique formula from Hill’s is enriched with omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain your dog’s coat and skin in perfect shape.
What We Like:
• Science-led nutrition
• Contains prebiotic fiber
What We Don’t Like:
• Only available in one flavor
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed, Salmon
Age: Adult | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 4, 5, 16, 24-pound pack | Flavors: Turkey and oatmeal, lamb and oatmeal, salmon and rice
Purina Pro Plan dog food is ideal if your dog is a gentle giant with a sensitive stomach. The high protein level in this formula can help promote muscle conditioning, while the high-quality salmon, glucosamine, and EPA (omega-3 fatty acids) work together to support your dog’s joints.
This recipe is made with easily digestible ingredients and includes a prebiotic fiber that supports your dog’s intestinal microbiome and overall digestive health.
What We Like:
• Contains antioxidants for a healthy immune system
• Supports the joints as well as the intestinal tract
• Maintains good stool quality
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains fish by-products
Purina One Plus Digestive Health Formula, Chicken
Age: Adult | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 8, 16.5, 31.1, 31.53-pound pack | Flavors: Chicken
If you are looking for high-quality dog food that can ease stomach issues in your furry companion, we highly recommend Purina One Plus dry dog food. This specialized dog food is made with easily digestible ingredients like chicken, rice, and whole grain to ensure your pup’s tummy receives relief.
The recipe also contains probiotics essential for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract, glucosamine for dog’s joint health, antioxidants that boost the immune system, and calcium that promotes strong teeth.
What We Like:
• Effective formula for sensitive stomachs
• No artificial ingredients, flavors, or fillers
What We Don’t Like:
• Only available in one flavor
Nulo Senior Grain Free Kibble, Trout And Sweet Potato
Age: Senior | Form: Dry kibble | Size: 4.5, 6, 11, 24, 26-pound pack | Flavors: Trout and sweet potato
Nulo Senior dog food is a specially designed blend of wholesome and nutritious ingredients that provide comprehensive support to your dog’s digestive system. This formula contains easily digestible proteins such as trout, turkey, and salmon, along with probiotics that are beneficial for healthy digestion.
Moreover, it includes natural compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin that promote joint health and mobility in senior dogs. The food is also enriched with high levels of vitamins C and E, which support a robust immune system.
What We Like:
• Palatable seafood flavor
• Contains probiotics
What We Don’t Like:
• Ingredients are more focused on joint health
Best Dog Food for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
The following formulations are gentle on the digestive system of young puppies while still providing them with essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Go! Solutions Sensitivities, Salmon
Age: All life stages | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 3.5, 12, 22-pound pack | Flavors: Salmon
Go! Solutions is a premium dog food formulated to meet the dietary needs of dogs of all ages who struggle with digestive issues. It contains only one high-quality animal protein, which makes it easier for your dog to digest and absorb essential nutrients.
The recipe is crafted with as few additional ingredients as possible to reduce exposure to potential allergens, which can be a significant trigger for sensitive dogs.
One of the key ingredients in this dog food is prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root, which helps to support sensitive digestion and promote a healthy gut environment.
What We Like:
• No artificial preservatives
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
What We Don’t Like:
• The formulation is not ideal for all age groups
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care, Turkey
Age: Puppy | Type: Dry kibble | Size: 4, 11, 24-pound pack | Flavors: Turkey and potato
If your beloved puppy has a sensitive stomach, we suggest trying Blue Buffalo’s dry dog food. This recipe is made with top-notch ingredients such as turkey, peas, pumpkins, and potatoes, which not only support digestion but also provide a range of other benefits for your pooch. It contains components that aid cognitive and eye development and an array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall health.
What We Like:
• Suitable for growing puppies
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
What We Don’t Like:
• Not suitable for acute stomach upsets
How to Choose Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
A dog with a sensitive tummy might face gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence when given certain foods. That’s why choosing the right dog food to alleviate these symptoms and aid digestive health is essential.
Understand your canine’s needs. Your dog’s age, breed, size, and overall health should be considered when choosing the right food. Also, take note of any food allergies or intolerances they may have.
Look for limited-ingredient formulas. To avoid potential allergens, choose dog food with limited ingredients for dogs with sensitive stomachs. High-quality protein sources like fish or turkey, paired with easily digestible carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes, work the best.
Consider novel protein sources. For dogs with food sensitivities, novel protein sources can be beneficial to help avoid gastrointestinal upsets. Novel proteins are protein sources your dog has not been exposed to, reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction and secondary issues.
Choose a diet with supplements. Look for dog food that is easy to digest and contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. These ingredients help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and aid in nutrient absorption, reducing the chances of digestive problems.
Read the labels carefully. Look for products labeled as “complete” and “balanced” by reputable organizations. Additionally, check for any specific dietary recommendations or certifications that indicate the food is suitable for sensitive stomachs.
Seek veterinary assistance. A vet can identify the cause and recommend new food or further testing. They can also guide feeding strategies, portion control, and monitor progress.
Signs Your Dog Requires a Specialized Diet
Before picking a specialized dog food formula for your pup, it’s vital to distinguish between acute and chronic stomach problems. Acute difficulties arise suddenly and may be caused by medical conditions or ingesting something poisonous. A one-time upset doesn't necessarily imply that your dog has a sensitive stomach, particularly if they tolerate regular food well.
However, recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or bloating are clear signs your canine may benefit from specialized nutrition. Moreover, if your dog exhibits discomfort, such as abdominal pain or reluctance to eat, it may signal tummy sensitivity, similar to skin itching, redness, or flakiness, which frequently appears with gastrointestinal problems.
Finally, if your dog shows signs of nutrient malabsorption, such as weight loss, lethargy, or a poor coat condition, it may indicate an underlying digestion issue or a sensitive stomach.
FAQ
What food is easy on a dog’s stomach?
Gentle foods for dogs with upset stomachs are plain rice, boiled chicken or turkey, and cooked sweet potatoes. These foods are easily digestible and contain lean protein and carbohydrates. Sensitive stomach dog foods also often include fish and novel proteins.
What foods are suitable for dogs that are prone to vomiting?
Dogs prone to vomiting can benefit from easily digestible foods like chicken, turkey, fish, rice, or sweet potatoes. These foods provide essential nutrients without causing additional stress on the digestive system. However, seek veterinary assistance if your dog continues to vomit or has further symptoms.
What is the easiest meat for dogs to digest?
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish are easier for dogs to digest as they contain less fat. Excessive fat intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Lean meats provide high-quality protein without excess fat, which makes them gentler on the digestive system and less likely to cause pancreatitis. Choosing lean meats can improve digestion and overall gastrointestinal health in dogs.
Which is better for dogs, sweet potato or pumpkin?
Both sweet potato and pumpkin can be valuable additions to a dog’s diet as they offer various nutrients and health benefits. However, whether one is better depends on the dog’s nutritional requirements and preferences.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and potassium, supporting overall health and immune function. The high fiber content of sweet potatoes can also aid digestion and regulate bowel movements.
Pumpkin, on the other hand, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and potassium. It is also known for its high fiber content and can be particularly beneficial for dogs with digestive issues. It can help regulate bowel movements, alleviate constipation, and soothe upset stomachs.
What is the difference between pro- and prebiotics?
Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria intentionally added to dog food to colonize the intestines and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Meanwhile, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers present in food that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut, stimulating their growth and activity to create a favorable environment in the digestive tract.
Is grain-free dog food better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Although grain-free dog food may benefit some dogs, it isn't necessarily better than dog food that contains grains. Certain carbohydrates, such as pumpkin and sweet potato, may be easier to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs than grains such as wheat.
