The Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs: A Complete Buying Guide

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Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dogs will do anything for a treat and, in most cases, you’re happy to give them! But some pups have delicate stomachs, which can limit the kinds of treats they can enjoy without getting an upset tummy. If your dog has digestive issues, your first step is to identify the underlying cause. Once that’s done, you can review the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs and choose the one that makes the most sense for your pup’s system.

But before we get into recommendations, let’s talk a little more about digestive issues in dogs and explore some good and bad ingredients to look for.

What Causes Digestive Issues in Dogs?

Your dog’s stomach has the amazing ability to process things you would never dream of eating yourself. If you’ve ever seen your dog chew a tennis ball to shreds, consuming half of it in the process, you know what we mean. But some dogs have trouble digesting ingredients we consider healthy.

Here are some of the symptoms of digestive problems in dogs:

Nausea or vomiting
Soft stools or diarrhea
Changes in appetite
Salivating more than usual
Excessive gas
Low energy or lethargy

Stomach sensitivity is often a reaction to a particular ingredient. For example, dogs can develop food allergies or sensitivities to ingredients like corn, wheat, beef, and chicken. Occasional stomach sensitivity can also be triggered by a change in your dog’s dietary routine.

Recurrent digestive issues are often the result of an underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. In cases like this, choosing dog food and treats made with easily digestible, whole-food ingredients is the best way to go.

If you are concerned about your dog’s digestive health, talk to your veterinarian. Even if your dog’s symptoms are minor, untreated digestive issues can lead to bigger problems later—so it’s a good idea to address recurring digestive problems right away.

Sonja Rachbauer via iStock

Ingredients to Look For

Most of your dog’s nutrition comes from his daily diet, so dog treats are just that—treats.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can just grab the first bag of treats you see. It is important to give your dog high-quality treats that support healthy nutrition without upsetting his stomach.

Here are some things you should be looking for in dog treats for sensitive stomachs:

Single source of high-quality animal protein (like turkey, lamb, or salmon)
Easily digestible carbohydrates (avoid fillers like corn and wheat)
Healthy animal-based fats (like chicken fat and salmon oil)
Sources of dietary fiber to support healthy digestion
Fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of key nutrients
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Probiotics and prebiotics to encourage healthy and regular digestion

Read on to learn about the best dog treats on the market for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Below you’ll find our top picks for the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs. These treats are made with healthy, high-quality ingredients without artificial additives or low-quality fillers that might upset your dog’s stomach.