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When your dog has stomach issues, you want to do everything you can to make sure they’re comfortable. A huge part of that is making sure they have the right foods.
But if your dog has a sensitive stomach, what kind of food do they need? What are the ingredients you should be on the lookout for? And what are some of the best dog foods on the market for pups who struggle with a sensitive tummy?
We asked Dr. Jamie Richardson, Medical Chief of Staff at Small Door Veterinary, to answer some of these questions.
Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
This grain-free dry dog food has wild-caught salmon as the main ingredient.
What Are Some of the Main Causes of Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs?
First things first—before we jump into what ingredients to look for in food for dogs with sensitive stomachs (and some of the best options on the market), let’s cover the different reasons your dog might be struggling with a sensitive tummy in the first place.
Sudden changes in diet can cause serious stomach issues with dogs. For example, if you run out of your typical brand of food, don’t just substitute another. It could cause your dog’s digestive system to go a little haywire. “The sudden change of fat content or protein type of going from one food to another can upset a dog’s gastrointestinal system,” says Richardson.
But if you can’t tie it back to a change in diet—or if your dog’s sensitive stomach is more chronic in nature—it could be a sign of a more pressing health issue. Richardson mentions dogs who “suffer from more severe gastrointestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or food allergies.”
What Are Some of the Best Ingredients for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, simple ingredients are probably best.
“Depending on the underlying cause of a sensitive stomach, we generally recommend bland, easily digestible protein and carbohydrate sources like chicken, turkey breast, or boneless white fish, rice, pasta, whole grains, and prebiotics (fiber) to help large intestinal health and support a healthy gut flora,” Richardson says.
Throwing probiotics into the mix may also help calm your dog’s stomach issues. “Supplementing your dog’s diet with a high quality probiotic can help many dogs with sensitive stomachs.”
Is Dog Food Formulated for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs Healthy for My Pet?
If your dog has stomach problems, it could help to move them to a diet specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. These diets are designed to get tummy issues under control.
“Those dogs that have demonstrated gastrointestinal signs or recurring gastrointestinal signs can benefit from dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs,” says Richardson.
Just keep in mind that if your dog has more severe GI issues, they might need a vet-prescribed diet to feel their best. This is especially important if your dog’s sensitive stomach issues are a result of allergies.
“An important distinction exists between dogs with a sensitive stomach and those with true food allergies. Those with food allergies require a specially formulated diet that is either completely hypoallergenic or what we call a ‘novel’ protein source, such as duck or rabbit, that the dog’s immune system does not react to,” says Richardson. “Over the counter diets that claim to be ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘novel protein’ do not have the same quality control as veterinary prescription diets where there is absolutely no cross-contamination during the manufacturing of the diets.”
The Best Dog Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs for 2021
Based on what we’ve learned from Richardson, and our own research, here are our picks for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs for 2021.
Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
This grain-free dry dog food has wild-caught salmon as the main ingredient.
About Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
This dry food from Diamond Naturals features a host of ingredients to support digestive health. These include a proprietary strain of probiotics and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers from nutrient-dense foods. It also contains a variety of superfoods like salmon, kale, pumpkin, and blueberries that pack a healthy punch.
Ollie Subscription Dog Food
A dog’s sensitive tummy troubles may improve with a subscription of customized, fresh Ollie dog food.
About Ollie Subscription Dog Food (Verified Review)
For a fresh dog food option, Ollie’s food has limited ingredients, is minimally processed and contains no soy, corn, or wheat. Recipes are vet-crafted, and their onboarding quiz specifically takes allergies into account when recommending a formula. We recommend the chicken recipe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also have turkey, lamb, and beef options, all of which are fiber-rich.
Our reviewer’s dog Enzo typically has a sensitive stomach when switching to new foods, but had no problem switching from kibble to Ollie. Ollie’s welcome booklet includes a recommended schedule for transitioning between foods to avoid any digestive issues.
For more about Ollie’s subscription pet food, read our in-depth review in our article, The Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery of 2021: Tested by Real Dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
This dog food is a source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog.
About Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Hill’s has a reputation for being a go-to for dogs with stomach issues. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula contains easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, rice, and barley. It also contains prebiotic fiber to further support your dog’s digestion. It is one of the brand’s most popular recipes.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
This turkey-forward recipe also includes vegetables like potatoes, peas and pumpkin.
About Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
The fewer the ingredients in your dog food, the fewer opportunities there are for their tummy to react to a particular ingredient. The Basics Limited Ingredient Diet from Blue Natural features a variety of ingredients to support gentle digestion. It is also full of additional nutrients to support your dog’s health. This includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe
This nutrient-dense dog food is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
About Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe
This grain-free formulation from Diamond Care is packed with essential nutrients for your pup (including antioxidants and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids). It’s also formulated with easily digestible proteins and a fiber blend to support digestive health.
Solid Gold Grain-Free & Gluten-Free for Sensitive Stomachs
This grain-free recipe is made with cold water salmon, making it packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
About Solid Gold Grain-Free & Gluten-Free for Sensitive Stomachs
This sensitive stomach formulation from Solid Gold is a solid choice (pun intended!) because it is packed with healthy, easy-to-digest whole foods. This recipe features salmon as the first ingredient, making it packed with protein. Plus, it’s great for people looking for grain and gluten-free dog food that supports digestive health.
If Your Dog has Stomach Issues, Talk to Your Vet Before Choosing a Dog Food
We’ve highlighted some great food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs. But before you introduce any new foods into your dog’s diet, make sure to consult with your vet. Your veterinarian can help you understand why your dog is struggling with stomach issues and can recommend the dog food that’s going to best support their health.
Further Reading
For more information about specific varieties of dog food and treats, check out one of the articles below.
