The best dog food for sensitive stomachs is Purina One Sensitive Systems Formula For Sensitive Stomachs.
If you’re a dog owner, then you know that the best thing about owning a pup is all of the love and affection they give. But it can be frustrating when your furry friend has an upset stomach or diarrhea. One of the most common causes for this is because their food doesn’t agree with them.
The common symptoms of having a sensitive stomach are:
- Loose stools
- Flatulence (excessive gas or wind)
- Occasional bouts of vomiting
- Hypersalivation
Luckily, helping your furry friend feel better may be as simple as switching to different dog food. To help you choose, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog foods designed for sensitive stomachs!
#1 Purina One Sensitive Systems Formula For Sensitive Stomachs
Purina One Sensitive Systems Dog Food is our top choice because its ingredients are easily digestible. Salmon, the main ingredient, is low in fat and high in protein. Eating low-fat foods like salmon helps reduce diarrhea. Another benefit of eating salmon is its high omega-3 content. Omega-3s promote healthy skin and may reduce inflammation in your dog’s GI tract.
The next three ingredients are rice flour, pearled barley, and oatmeal, which are mild carbohydrates that are well-tolerated by even the most sensitive dogs.
The ingredients list also features many important vitamins like B, K, and D. There’s also an antioxidant blend containing Vitamin A, Vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals will keep your dog’s immune system and joints nice and healthy.
Most dogs suffering from stomach sensitivity will be able to thrive on this mild, nutritionally balanced food, which is why it gets top marks from us. Its full supply of nutrients alongside its vitamin content make it a top pick for dogs with sensitive tummies.
Pros
- The Purina One kibbles are formulated to be highly digestible, thereby preventing dogs with sensitive stomachs from developing gastrointestinal issues.
- The Purina One recipe for pooches with sensitive stomachs features four different natural antioxidant sources to fortify the canine immune system.
- The crunchy texture of the Purina One kibbles, which is complemented by the inclusion of calcium, prevents plaque and tartar buildup on the pooch’s teeth in addition to supporting the formation of strong and healthy teeth and gums.
- The natural glucosamine sources contained in this Purina One recipe provide the nutrition required for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and joints in pooches.
- This Purina One dog food product also contains vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids to assist pooches with maintaining healthy skin and coat appearance.
Cons
- This Purina One recipe contains chicken, which is a common cause of food sensitivities and allergic reactions in pooches.
- Some customers have allegedly received moldy Purina One kibbles that were unfit for canine consumption.
This emerges as our top pick to feed dogs with sensitive stomachs because of its unique formulation, comprising salmon that promotes a healthy heart, quality carbohydrates that go easy on the tummy, and lastly, oatmeal that promote healthy skin with the help of its omega-6 fatty acid content.
#2 Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach And Skin Formula
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Dog Food has a lot of the same features as our top pick, but it’s a bit easier on the wallet. Its main ingredients are salmon, barley, and rice, which are all easy to digest and induce less stress on sensitive stomachs.
This formula has more fiber than our top pick because of ingredients like barley and chicory root inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber. The extra fiber makes this food ideal for dogs who have loose stools because it will bulk things up. If your dog is gassy, though, we’d recommend avoiding this dog food because fiber can increase gas.
One of the great things about Purina Pro Plan is that it doesn’t contain common allergens like soy, corn, and wheat. If your dog shows signs of food allergies like chronic scratching, frequent ear infections, diarrhea or vomiting, then you should switch to an allergy-friendly food like this one.
This dog food is nutritionally balanced, full of vitamins and minerals, and allergy friendly, so it’s a great alternative to our pricier top pick. This food provides the best value for money as it is cheaper than the alternatives, but has many of the top features such as a high protein value.
Pros
- This Purina Pro Plan formula contains a healthy amount of prebiotic fibers and live probiotics to promote the gut health of dogs with sensitive stomachs and ensure easy digestion of kibbles.
- This easily digestible canine kibble product is manufactured without corn, wheat, and soy, thereby making it ideal for pooches with allergies to the aforementioned ingredients.
- This canine recipe contains sunflower oil, which contains an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids, to ensure that a dog’s coat maintains its shiny appearance.
- Similarly, this Purina recipe contains fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to facilitate the development and maintenance of strong bone joints in dogs.
- The high protein content of this Purina Pro Plan recipe, which is guaranteed by the use of real salmon as the major ingredient, provides the nutrition needed to keep dogs physically in shape.
Cons
- The Purina Pro Plan formula has a strong fish smell that tends to linger long after the product has been opened, causing some pooches to refuse to eat the kibbles.
- The product in the bigger packaging sizing was reported not to last fresh when it had been opened for weeks, casting doubt over its shelf life.
#3 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
If your dog has food allergies, this kibble from Natural Balance is a great option. It has a limited number of ingredients, so it exposes your dog to fewer potential allergens. It doesn’t contain wheat, which is a common allergen, or any other grains. Sweet potatoes and salmon are the two main ingredients. They make this dog food both low in fat and high in fiber.
The low, 10% fat content in this kibble is great for dogs with diarrhea, which is one of the reasons we recommend this kibble. Additionally, this dog food contains balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which will help your dog to maintain healthy skin. There are absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives which means this food is suitable for all breeds which may have significant food allergies.
This limited ingredient dog food is a great choice for dogs who have food allergies or diarrhea and has lots of vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog will thrive on it. This dog food is the perfect pick if your dog has many food allergies.
Pros
- Natural Balance’s limited ingredient diet features a recipe that contains fewer key ingredients to control the exposure of dogs, with food sensitivities, to ingredients that commonly trigger their allergic reactions.
- The use of salmon as the main source of animal protein in this Natural Balance diet provides the amino acids that serve as the building blocks for the formation and maintenance of strong muscles in dogs.
- The inclusion of sweet potatoes in this limited-ingredient recipe offers a natural source of fiber that is highly beneficial for the canine digestive system.
- Natural Balance’s limited ingredient product is available in several flavor options – beef, chicken, duck, lamb etc. – to deal with food pickiness among dogs.
- The low fat content of this Natural Balance recipe helps to prevent pooches from gaining excess, unhealthy weight.
Cons
- There are concerns about this product’s quality control processes, as several customers have reportedly found nuts and bugs mixed with the kibbles.
- Multiple customers have received Natural Balance packages with a significant amount of powder dust, rather than kibbles, that were difficult for their pooches to chew and ingest.
#4 Solid Gold Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
The Solid Gold Dog Food is jam-packed with important nutrients and is specially formulated for sensitive stomachs. Salmon is its main ingredient, so it has plenty of omega-3, omega-6, and DHA. The third and fourth ingredients are chickpeas and lentils, so there’s a fair bit of fiber in this formula.
Twenty superfoods including blueberries and spinach round out the ingredients list. These fresh ingredients are full of antioxidants that will support your pup’s immune system and overall health. Additionally, it includes probiotics which are rich in fiber. This can make digestion easier for your dog and also promote excellent gut health. There is an excellent balance of ingredients in this food which means you can be sure that your dog gets the full amount of nutrients.
This dog food is grain-free and stripped of common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, which is an added bonus. It means you can be confident that this food won’t trigger food allergies related to the above groups.
This is one of the most nutritious foods for sensitive pups we’ve come across, which is why we recommend it. It is packed with nutrition that contains high-quality protein and many superfoods which means your Dog is able to thrive.
Pros
- This Solid Gold features a recipe that reportedly contains over 90 million live probiotics per pound that cater to a pooch’s digestive health and ensure that kibbles can be ingested and broken down by a dog, without issues.
- Solid Gold’s dog food for sensitive stomachs features an all-natural formula that contains a blend of 20 superfood ingredients that provide all-round nutrition for a pooch’s body.
- This canine recipe contains vitamins and omega fatty acids, gotten from salmon fish oil, to ensure that a pooch’s coat doesn’t lose its shine.
- The grain and gluten-free formulation of this Solid Gold sensitive stomach recipe is suitable for consumption by pooches with a history of grain allergies and food sensitivities.
- Solid Gold dog food for sensitive stomachs is prepared and packaged in the United States to ensure compliance with best manufacturing practices, and ensure that the kibbles are fit and safe for canine consumption.
Cons
- The huge kibble size of Solid Gold’s dog food can be difficult for small-sized dogs to comfortably chew.
- Some customers have reported the presence of mold in the Solid Gold food packages they received.
#5 Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
The main ingredients in Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Dog Food are potatoes and eggs. Eggs are a great source of highly digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium, while potatoes contain minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. The nutrients found in these ingredients will give your dog energy, support his immune system, improve his joint health and help him achieve a silky coat.
Its specifically formulated sensitive stomach recipe is grain-free, so it’s a great option if your dog has a wheat allergy or sensitivity. It also contains psyllium seed husk, which is a good source of fiber, and probiotics, which aid digestion and may reduce diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. The taste of this dog food is particularly good, with many buyers noticing how much their dog seemed to enjoy it.
We recommend this kibble because it’s easily digestible, high in quality protein from eggs, and full of beneficial vitamins and probiotics. Also, it has a fantastic taste which sets it apart from other dog food.
Pros
- Diamond Care’s sensitive stomach formula features a single source of protein – eggs – to limit a pooch’s exposure to allergens that can trigger adverse reactions in pooches with food sensitivities.
- This canine recipe contains proprietary, species-specific probiotics that support the healthy bacteria that resides in a pooch’s gut, thereby promoting canine digestive health.
- Diamond Care dog food is manufactured in the United States, with special care taken to ensure that the kibbles are prepared while following advanced safety protocols.
- This canine recipe is enhanced by the inclusion of vitamins and minerals that fortify a pooch’s immune system and make it easier for the dog in question to fight off diseases.
- This sensitive stomach dog food also contains a healthy amount of omega fatty acids that keep a pooch’s coat shiny.
Cons
- Several customers are critical of the inconsistencies of this Diamond Care product, with each delivery reportedly containing kibbles that smell and look differently from those contained in previous packages.
- This food product isn’t made for picky eaters, as several pooches have reportedly shown little or no interest in eating the kibbles.
#6 Blue Buffalo Natural Digestive Care Adult Dry Dog Food
Chicken is the first ingredient in this Blue Buffalo Natural Digestive Care Dog Food. Chicken is a great source of amino acids like glucosamine that promote bone health. It also helps dogs build lean muscle mass and gives them lots of energy.
This kibble has fiber and prebiotics to improve your dog’s digestion. It also contains a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6. It’s important that your pup gets a balanced ratio of omegas because too much omega-6 can cause inflammation in the body. There is also a fair amount of chicken fat included which has linoleic acid. This acid is essential for a dog’s health.
Dogs with food allergies can enjoy this food too because it’s free of corn, wheat, soy, and grains, which is one more thing we love about it. It is a highly digestible food that is suitable for most dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This dog food is high in protein and chock full of fresh, real ingredients like chicken and peas, which is why we recommend it. The real, farm-raised chicken adds a nice natural touch that your dog can greatly benefit from.
Pros
- This natural Blue Buffalo recipe contains an optimal level of prebiotic fibers to promote canine gut health, thereby making this a suitable food product for pooches with sensitive stomachs.
- This digestive care recipe is also formulated without chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and other ingredients that are commonly responsible for allergic reactions in dogs.
- The science-based formulation of this Blue Buffalo adult dry dog food contains the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that provide additional support for the canine immune system.
- The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contained in this adult dry food recipe provide nourishment for a pooch’s coat and skin.
- The use of real chicken to produce the Blue Buffalo kibbles satisfies a pooch’s natural desire to eat animal meat and also provides the nutrients needed for the proper physical development of dogs.
Cons
- Several dogs have reportedly developed cases of diarrhea after consuming this digestive care recipe from Blue Buffalo, which implies that the product isn’t compatible with all dogs.
- Flatulence in dogs will be an issue for some dog owners.
#7 Wellness Simple Natural Dog Food
This is another limited-ingredient dog food from Wellness that’s great for dogs with food allergies and intolerances. It contains just one protein source, lamb, which is easily digestible and full of the amino acids that your dog needs to build and maintain muscle.
Oatmeal, ground rice, millet, and flaxseed round out the ingredients list. All of these ingredients are easy on the tummy and good sources of fiber. There is no gluten, wheat, fillers, or any artificial additives. This makes it a perfect pick for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Lamb is one of the easiest proteins to digest, which is why we recommend this dog food. We also love that it contains limited ingredients, which is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and tons of important vitamins and minerals. The fact that it is proudly made in the United States is also a big bonus.
Pros
- Wellness Simple natural dog food features a limited ingredient list that is specifically prepared for consumption by allergy-prone pooches with food sensitivities and intolerances.
- The use of easily-digestible carbohydrates and natural sources of fiber in manufacturing this natural dog food product is beneficial for the canine digestive system.
- This Wellness Simple recipe also contains an optimal blend of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and vitamins to promote the overall well-being of consumer dogs.
- Wellness Simple kibbles are manufactured in the company’s facility located in the United States, with ingredients gotten from reputable sources around the world.
- This dog food recipe contains a naturally lean source of high-quality protein in lamb meat to promote the formation of strong muscles in dogs.
Cons
- This Wellness Simple product has a strong smell that has reportedly resulted in some pooches refusing to eat the kibbles.
- The fact that these kibbles don’t come in resealable bags may pose storage difficulties for some customers.
#8 Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food
If your dog is allergic to common protein sources like beef or chicken, then the Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food is a great option. It contains turkey, which is not commonly found in dog food but is a lean, digestible, high-quality protein. Highly digestible carbs like pumpkin and potato complement the turkey and add extra nutrients.
This dog food also has a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by pet nutritionists and added fiber from chicory root and peas. The Turkey protein is also high-quality, which ensures your dog receives the best nutrition. This alternative source is rare; however, it is perfect for dogs who are allergic to the main sources of protein in dog food.
We love this dog food because it’s easy on the tummy, loaded with vitamins, and high in protein. It is a good pick if your dog is allergic to the main ingredients commonly found in dog food.
Pros
- This grain-free diet contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, flavors, and other ingredients that are generally detrimental to a pooch’s health.
- This Blue Buffalo diet contains potatoes, peas, and pumpkins, all of which are natural sources of fiber needed to strengthen the canine digestive system and make it easier for pooches to break down ingested food.
- The Blue Buffalo Basics diet features a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are selected to provide support for the canine immune system and maintain a healthy oxidative balance.
- The fish oil and flaxseed contained in this grain-free recipe are rich sources of omega fatty acids that work to ensure that a pooch’s coat maintains a well-polished appearance.
- The limited ingredient recipe of this Blue Buffalo diet typically contains a single source of high-quality animal protein, which can either be real turkey, fish, or duck.
Cons
- Some customers have remarked that Blue Buffalo Basics kibbles are usually too small for adult dogs to conveniently chew and swallow.
- The Blue Buffalo kibbles tend to develop mold and become unsuitable for canine consumption, even when stored properly.
Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs Buyer’s Guide
One of the best ways to soothe your pup’s sensitive tummy is by switching to a sensitive formula dog food. You should choose food with high-quality ingredients and adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals.
All of the dog foods we’ve recommended in this article meet those requirements and are good, nutritionally sound choices. But you should still choose a new type of food carefully to ensure that it meets your dog’s unique needs.
Related: Best Limited Ingredients Dog Food
What Causes Stomach Sensitivity In Dogs?
One of the most common reasons for your dog’s sensitive stomach is a reaction to something in its diet. They might have an intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy to one of the ingredients they are getting every day and need help from you on what foods can be eaten without any reactions by them.
If you’ve tried a variety of different foods, and your dog is still having stomach problems – please consult with a veterinarian. There are many conditions that can cause similar symptoms as the ones seen in dogs with sensitive stomachs – such as stomach cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Related: 24/7 Emergency Vets Near You
Always Consult With A Medical Professional First
Your vet will run blood tests to see what’s going on and may want to perform other tests and scans based on the results. Your vet might discover a gastrointestinal condition like gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease. If your pup has a digestive disorder, he may have to take medications and eat an allergy-friendly, sensitive formula dog food.
We recommend that you get a test done if symptoms seem minor and come on irregularly. Conditions and allergies can develop quickly, and it is always better to get them diagnosed as soon as possible.
Some Dogs Are Just Born With It
Sometimes no clear cause can be found for the digestive distress your pup is experiencing. Some dogs are just born with sensitive stomachs. In this case, it will take some experimentation to figure out which food and lifestyle changes improve your dog’s symptoms. You can discuss the option with a veterinarian who will be able to describe the condition in more detail.
Maybe your pet needs a slow feeder bowl to prevent him from chowing down on his food, which can cause bloating. Maybe smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will jive better with his digestive system than his current feeding schedule. Reducing your pet’s stress levels by taking them for a walk can reduce stress levels which can cause an upset stomach.
Be Observant – Identify What Could Be Causing The Allergies
By taking a holistic approach to your dog’s digestive health, you’ll be able to manage troublesome symptoms more effectively. You can manage food allergies by having a test done. Once you have found the ingredients that trigger this allergy, you can formulate a diet that strictly avoids any foods that can cause symptoms.
It is important to strictly avoid giving your dog any food that they may be allergic to.
Even small amounts can cause significant stomach distress and various other symptoms. It requires paying attention to what you feed your dog and always checking the ingredients list of any dog food that you buy for your pet.
What To Look For In A Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs?
Breed
One of the things you’ll need to consider is your dog’s breed. Some breeds are prone to certain food intolerances. Irish Setters and Wheaten Terriers, for example, are known to be sensitive to gluten. Research your dog’s breed and see if any common food sensitivities pop up. Try removing the offending ingredient from your pup’s diet and see if there’s any improvement in symptoms.
Life Stage
Make sure you pick food that’s appropriate for your dog’s life stage, too. Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional needs, so you should choose a food that’s been formulated for both sensitive tummies and your dog’s life stage.
New Protein Source
You should also make sure that you pick food with a different protein source than your dog is currently eating. Some dogs can’t tolerate certain proteins, so try out a new protein and see if your pup starts feeling better.
Different Ingredients For Different Symptoms
You also need to consider your dog’s specific symptoms when choosing a new food. If your dog’s main symptom is loose stools, for example, then you should choose dog foods with added fiber. Some dogs need extra fiber in their diets to bulk up their stool and prevent diarrhea. Inulin and psyllium are both great sources of fiber.
If your dog passes a lot of gas, though, fiber may actually worsen the problem, so it’s very important to factor in your dog’s specific symptoms when you’re picking out food.
Lookout For These Easily Digestible Ingredients
Dogs can suffer from sensitive stomachs due to a wide range of factors, and the cause isn’t always obvious. Your veterinarian can make some recommendations as to which food your dog should avoid. However, in general, there are specific characteristics that are found in highly digestible food. These types of foods tend to cause dogs with sensitive stomachs far fewer problems.
Grains
Grains are a key cause of stomach issues in dogs who have sensitivity. Therefore, anything with fewer grains or easily digestible whole grains is recommended. This includes grains, such as brown rice and oats.
Poultry & Lamb
Easily digestible food for dogs includes chicken, lamb, brown rice, and potatoes. It is true that all dogs are different; however, the vast majority can digest the above foods with ease. Therefore, you can focus on a diet that has these ingredients.
Probiotics
It is important to look for foods that specifically contain digestion aids. This can include foods with probiotics or ones high in fiber. Both of these factors will aid digestion, and this is why many of the foods on our list contain one of the two ingredients in their food.
Related: Best Dog Probiotics
The Lesser The Ingredients, The Better
In general, bland food tends to be the most digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Basic meats and rice tend to be a good option. Many other dog foods have a wide range of ingredients and can be quite complex. This can cause issues for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it is a reason why the foods on our list are relatively simple and bland.
Another key factor in digestibility is the ingredients present in a certain type of food. The more ingredients there are, the more likely the food is to cause digestion issues in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Of course, it is important for your dog to get a full and balanced diet. However, this can be achieved by limiting unneeded ingredients such as additives and focusing on whole foods that only contain a few vital ingredients.
How To Transition Your Dog To A New Food
Transitioning your dog to a new food can cause more stomach discomfort if you don’t do it correctly. Just like humans, dogs have gut flora that helps break down and digest their food. It can take the gut flora a while to adjust to brand-new food, so if you make the switch too abruptly, your dog may experience uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
A cold-turkey approach can cause a strong negative reaction in your dog, especially if it has a sensitive stomach. The best way to prevent this from happening is to introduce the new kibble into your dog’s diet slowly. You can do this by mixing his current food with the new food.
On the first day of the transition, you should replace about ten percent of your dog’s old food with the new one. Each day you should increase the percentage of the new food by ten. So, on the second day, you can feed your dog 20% new food and 80% old food, and on the third day, you can increase the percentage of the new food to 30. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should allow for up to 6 weeks before completing the transition. Additionally, you have to mix the food carefully.
You should continue with a mixed diet until the stools of your dog are firm. This confirms that a healthy transition has been made and your dog’s sensitive stomach is accustomed to the new diet.
It is important to keep some things in mind when transitioning your dog’s food. It is vital you take caution if you are transitioning from dry food to wet food. Canned food can be very appetizing for a dog, so it may seem like a quick transition would occur. However, their stomach may not be able to handle a fast change.
You should be sure to mix the canned food and dry food when transitioning properly. A transition that occurs too quickly can cause a dog with a sensitive stomach to become very ill.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this post has given you the information that you need to tackle your dog’s digestive issues. A sensitive stomach can cause distress for both the pet and the owner.
We recommend that you start by feeding your dog with the top pick, as it is an easily digestible dog food that will put your pup back on the road to wellness. It packs all the essential ingredients that your dog needs to thrive, and it has the perfect balance for your pooch with a sensitive stomach.
