- This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Sudden changes in diet can temporarily cause your dog’s digestive system to go haywire, but dogs that experience ongoing or frequent digestive issues are often said to have sensitive stomachs. A sensitive stomach is sometimes secondary to bacterial or parasite infections or chronic illness—or it can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Regardless of the cause, a sensitive stomach requires an easily digestible diet that won’t trigger further tummy troubles. Unlike food allergies, which need novel or hydrolyzed proteins, a sensitive stomach benefits from animal-derived proteins and fats with wholesome carbohydrates. Supplemental prebiotics and probiotics can also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiome.
We’ve highlighted some of the best food options for a dog with a sensitive stomach. Not sure where to start? It’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine why your dog’s digestive system has run amok and find a personalized fit.
Our picks
Best Budget
American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Food Read our reviewBest for Puppies
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food Read our reviewBest for Seniors
Stella & Chewy’s Digestive Boost Grass-Feed Beef Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels Read our reviewBest for Small Breeds
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog FoodRead our reviewBest Dry: The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken & Oat Recipe
This dry food recipe from The Honest Kitchen contains a blend of chicken muscle meat, chicken liver, and eggs. Whole-grain oats and barley provide digestible sources of energy and essential nutrients, as well as dietary fiber. Prebiotic fibers and probiotic supplements offer additional digestive support.
While dry dog food is traditionally cooked at high temperatures through the process of extrusion, The Honest Kitchen calls its food “minimally processed.” In this case, the product is cold-pressed, then roasted and dehydrated to render it shelf-stable with a kibble-like crunch.
Made with ingredients fit for human consumption in an FDA-approved human food facility, this recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. It contains about 27.3% protein and 16.5% fat, measured as dry matter. Starting costs begin at around $0.28 an ounce, with each ounce providing about 111 calories.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,896 kcal/kg
- Protein: 27.3%
- Fat: 16.5%
- Fiber: 5.7%
- Moisture: 12%
Ingredients: Chicken, Oats, Barley, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Apples, Natural Chicken Flavor, Coconut Oil, Kale, Chia Seed, Salmon Oil, Minerals [Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite], Fenugreek Seed, Dried Kelp, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Vitamins [Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride ], Mixed Tocopherols (A Natural Preservative), Turmeric, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
Best Wet: Nature’s Logic Canine Turkey Feast All Life Stages Canned Dog Food
Rather than relying on synthetic supplements, Nature’s Logic uses dried fruits and vegetables to ensure balanced, AAFCO-compliant nutrition. In addition to providing natural sources of essential nutrients, these ingredients also contribute prebiotic fiber to support your dog’s sensitive digestion.
This Turkey Feast canned dog food formula contains almost 40% protein, and, as a wet food formula, it’s rich in hydrating moisture. Herring oil makes up most of the product’s 28.6% fat content. As such, this ingredient is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Porcine plasma also improves the product’s texture. As an animal-derived ingredient, it may be less likely to trigger digestive sensitivities than starchy additives or gum thickeners. Out of the nine different flavors, the turkey recipe is the most affordable at $0.31 an ounce.
Key Nutrients:
- 526 kcal/can
- Protein: 39.3%
- Fat: 28.6%
- Fiber: 10.7%
- Moisture: 72%
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg Product, Porcine Plasma, Montmorillonite Clay, Herring Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Apple, Dried Apricot, Alfalfa Meal, Dried Artichoke, Dried Blueberry, Dried Broccoli, Dried Carrot, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Cranberry, Dried Kelp, Dried Parsley, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Rosemary, Dried Spinach, Dried Tomato, Rosemary Extract
Best Subscription: Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription (Verified Review)
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Formulated for easy digestibility, Ollie’s fresh turkey recipe is delivered to your door in convenient monthly deliveries (or as often as you like).
Fresh dog food subscriptions can be a convenient choice if you prefer to have your dog’s food delivered. Ollie offers five fresh recipes, each made with a single source of easily digestible animal protein. Flavor options include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork, which begin at $1.57 per meal (according to Ollie’s website).
These fresh formulas meet U.S. standards for human-grade food, and Ollie is committed to transparency and sustainable sourcing. When we tried Ollie’s recipes, our human reviewer found the food easy to serve, and our canine tester enjoyed the flavor.
Ollie’s turkey recipe contains 35.7% protein, which comes from a combination of turkey muscle meat and turkey livers. It’s energy-dense, with 25% fat and about 44 calories per ounce. This turkey recipe is similar in calorie content to Ollie’s other recipes but doesn’t contain peas, which some dogs have difficulty digesting.
Key Nutrients (for Turkey with Blueberries Recipe):
- 1,540 kcal/kg
- Protein: 35.7%
- Fat: 25%
- Fiber: 7.1%
- Moisture: 72%
Ingredients: Turkey, Butternut Squash, Turkey Livers, Oats, Lentils, Spinach, Blueberries, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide
Best Freeze-Dried Raw: Primal Pronto Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Proponents of raw diets claim that freeze-drying preserves nutrients that may be lost through high-heat processing methods. Anecdotally, pet parents often report improvements in digestion after switching to raw dog food.
This beef recipe from Primal features a single source of protein and relies primarily on animal-sourced fat. In contrast to Primal’s traditional freeze-dried products, this Pronto recipe is supplemented with probiotics to support digestive health, while organic fruits and veggies provide dietary fiber. It is one of the more expensive options on our list, however, at $2.40 an ounce.
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains 45.7% protein and 15.2% fat. Because it’s technically raw, pet parents should follow safe food handling practices when offering this food. Keep in mind as well that this food is intended to be rehydrated before feeding.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,905 kcal/kg
- Protein: 45.7%
- Fat: 15.2%
- Fiber: 4.3%
- Moisture: 8%
Ingredients: Beef (with ground bone), Beef Livers, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Kale, Organic Apples, Organic Parsley, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Broccoli, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Montmorillonite Clay, Cod Liver Oil, Fish Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Dried Yeast, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Dried Organic Kelp, Vitamin E Supplement, Liquid Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, Liquid Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, Taurine, Organic Rosemary Extract
Best Air-Dried: Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe Air-Dried Dog Food
If you like the idea of raw dog food but your dog prefers the texture of dry food, this air-dried recipe from Ziwi Peak may be a good compromise. The texture is somewhere between chewy jerky and crunchy kibble.
Made with beef muscle meat and an array of beef organs, this formula is easily digestible for most dogs. It’s very low in carbohydrates and contains prebiotic fibers to help support healthy intestinal flora. Measured as dry matter, it contains 44.2% protein and 34.9% fat.
Like freeze-dried food, this air-dried recipe from Ziwi Peak can be stored at room temperature. Ziwi Peak’s recipes start at $1.38 per ounce (depending on bag size and protein).
Key Nutrients:
- 4,900 kcal/kg
- Protein: 44.2%
- Fat: 34.9%
- Fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 14%
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Heart, Beef Lung, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Bone, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Cartilage, Beef Spleen, Lecithin, Parsley, Dried Apple Pomace, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Dried Organic Kelp, Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid)
Best Budget: American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Food
American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Food
Affordably priced under $0.25 per ounce, this American Journey wet dog food features a digestible blend of animal-sourced protein and wholesome vegetables.
Priced per ounce, dry dog food tends to be more economical than wet dog food. That said, this American Journey canned food is budget-friendly for many pet parents. It offers a good combination of energy density and digestibility at under $0.25 per ounce.
Made with chicken and chicken organs, this canned dog food contains 41% protein. It’s primarily animal-based and rich in hydrating moisture. This food doesn’t contain probiotics but includes a balance of soluble and insoluble fibers.
Though it’s still a grain-free recipe, this formula doesn’t contain peas or legumes like many of American Journey’s grain-free canned foods. Instead, sweet potato is the primary carbohydrate source, which is easy for dogs to digest.
Key Nutrients:
- 1,235 kcal/kg
- Protein: 41%
- Fat: 27.3%
- Fiber: 6.8%
- Moisture: 78%
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Heart, Flaxseed Meal, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Sunflower Oil
Best for Puppies: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Protein is essential for all dogs, but puppies require a higher concentration than adult dogs to support their growth and development. This Wellness CORE puppy formula contains 34.4% dry matter protein, slightly higher than the Digestive Health recipe for adult dogs.
Perhaps more importantly, this recipe is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, both essential for puppy brain development. The food contains 17.2% fat and offers about 102 calories of energy per ounce.
This recipe relies primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat to promote healthy digestion in puppies. Most of the food’s carbohydrates come from whole grains, and the recipe is supplemented with probiotics and prebiotic fibers.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,558 kcal/kg
- Protein: 34.4%
- Fat: 17.2%
- Fiber: 4.4%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Marine Microalgae Oil, Pumpkin, Brewers Dried Yeast, Cranberries, Natural Chicken Flavor, Apples, Pomegranates, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Papayas, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Riboflavin, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Dried Lactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus thermophilus Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Best for Seniors: Stella & Chewy’s Digestive Boost Grass-Feed Beef Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels
Like puppies, senior dogs can benefit from a protein-dense diet. Instead of supporting growth, however, protein helps older dogs maintain lean muscle mass even as their activity level declines. This freeze-dried raw formula from Stella & Chewy’s contains 38.9% protein.
Part of the Stella’s Solutions line, this recipe contains several features to improve digestibility. It has plenty of digestible animal-derived protein, features natural fruit enzymes and prebiotic fiber to help ease digestion, and includes supplemental probiotics.
Dogs sensitive to grains, peas, or legumes may find this recipe easy to tolerate. Just keep in mind that it’s a raw product and should be rehydrated and handled according to safe food practices. It’s also one of the more expensive choices on our list at around $2.30 per ounce.
Key Nutrients:
- 4,513 kcal/kg
- Protein: 38.9%
- Fat: 30.5%
- Fiber: 5.3%
- Moisture: 5%
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Coconut Flour, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Egg Yolk, Pineapple, Papaya, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Fenugreek Seed, Dried Chicory Root (Source of Inulin), Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Sodium Phosphate, Zinc Proteinate, Dried Kelp, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid
Best for Small Breeds: Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food
Made with a protein-rich blend of lamb, turkey, and lamb liver, this canned dog food from Nulo is calorie-dense to support the high energy requirements of smaller breeds. Measured as dry matter, it contains 47.7% protein—over 2% more than Nulo’s regular lamb recipe for adult dogs.
In addition to being high in protein and having plenty of hydrating moisture, this product contains sweet potatoes as a nutrient-rich source of dietary fiber. Pea fiber and inulin are both prebiotic fibers, which may also help support healthy intestinal flora.
This recipe contains supplemental L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps the body convert fat into usable energy to further support energy metabolism in small breeds. Available in two other flavors, each formula clocks in at $0.44 per ounce.
Key Nutrients:
- 1,300 kcal/kg
- Protein: 47.7%
- Fat: 38.6%
- Fiber: 6.8%
- Moisture: 78%
Ingredients: Lamb, Turkey, Lamb Broth, Turkey Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Agar-Agar, Salt, Choline Chloride, Natural Flavor, Inulin, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Best for Large Breeds: Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Made with wholesome grains like brown rice and oatmeal, this dry food from Merrick is easily digestible and rich in animal protein. It’s a moderately energy-dense formula that provides about 104 calories per ounce. To help prevent unintended weight gain in large breeds, it’s a little lower in calories than Merrick’s original chicken-based Healthy Grains formula.
Formulated with the unique needs of large-breed dogs in mind, this recipe contains supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil offer anti-inflammatory properties, which may also benefit large dogs prone to musculoskeletal issues.
Measured as dry matter, this formula contains about 28% protein and 15.7% fat. It also contains added probiotics and several sources of dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,632 kcal/kg
- Protein: 28.1%
- Fat: 15.7%
- Fiber: 3.9%
- Moisture: 11%
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Carrots, Sunflower Oil, Salmon Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, L-Carnitine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
Best for Picky Eaters: I and Love and You Nude Super Food Grain-Free Red Meat Medley
This Red Meat Medley features multiple animal protein sources, which may entice picky dogs. Though primarily made with beef, it contains flavors your dog might not be familiar with, like bison and menhaden fish meal. Numerous pet parents report that this recipe is popular with their fussy eaters.
This I and Love and You dry dog food contains about 38% protein and 15.6% fat. It’s supplemented with probiotics and prebiotic fiber to help support sensitive digestion. It’s also poultry-free, which makes it ideal for dogs sensitive or allergic to chicken.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,527 kcal/kg
- Protein: 37.8%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Fiber: 4.4%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Peas, Dried Chickpeas, Pea Protein, Natural Pork Flavor, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Bison, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Lentils, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseeds, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Salt, Dried Carrots, Choline Chloride, Coconut Oil, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Pumpkin, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Turmeric, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Citric Acid (Preservative , Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract
How We Chose
The products featured here are based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We selected dog foods formulated according to AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for dogs, prioritizing recipes made with easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates, as well as those supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.