A sensitive stomach can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite. This will often lead to a struggle in maintaining weight and a lack of energy.
A high-quality dog food diet for a sensitive stomach can play a huge role.
So, finding suitable nutrition is key to managing the issue. Healthy low processed recipes are gentle on digestion whilst containing a minimal number of ingredients.
The choice of such recipes; however, is huge, and you may have to do a little research to find the most reliable diet.
So, in my seven top selections, I took into consideration all the important nutritional factors, the best dog food for sensitive stomach and diarrhea must-have.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach And Diarrhea Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dry Dog Food |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 7. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food |  |
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1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Diarrhea Prone
If your dog has digestive issues that make her diarrhea prone, this gastrointestinal (GI) high fiber diet from Royal Canin will be of great help.
Specs
- Limited ingredient grain-free diet
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Fortified with prebiotics and probiotics
- Enriched with organic flaxseed
- Doesn’t contain wheat, gluten, or grains
This diet is highly digestible and very palatable, which is exactly what you need for your diarrhea prone because this food will go easy on her sensitive stomach.
The formula is fortified with prebiotics (non-digestible sugars), which feed your pooch’s intestinal bacteria to assist in digesting nutrients.
I appreciate the higher fiber content in this nutrition that helps to relieve symptoms of constipation and diarrhea and help minimize the risk of colon cancer.
The omega 3 fatty acids obtained from a blend of fibers and fish oil support gastrointestinal health and promote a shiny coat.
What concerns me about this diet is the varying quality control from one bag of food to another.
Pros
- Highly digestible and palatable kibbles
- Prebiotics assist in digesting essential nutrients
- High fiber content relieves constipation and diarrhea
- Omega 3 fatty acids support GI health
- Multivitamin nutrition guarantees a healthy immune system
Cons
- Possible to find bags with quality issues
- You need a prescription to buy the food
Verdict
This diet is fortified with high energy levels, high fiber, prebiotics, omega 3, vitamins, and minerals to help relieve diarrhea and constipation.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Dry Dog Food – Best Wholesome Ingredients
If your dog’s sensitive stomach needs some therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D can help.
Specs
- Formulated by canine nutritionists
- Promotes healthy bacteria growth in the gut
- Complete, balanced, and nutrient-packed formula
- Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Enriched with calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium
This therapeutic life-changing diet supports a healthy immune system and provides incredible levels of omega fatty acids for skin and coat maintenance.
This highly digestible formula also uses soluble and insoluble natural fibers, which are great for promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
I appreciate the fact that this diet is high in B vitamins and electrolytes because these nutritional factors can help replenish nutrients lost through digestive upset.
In addition to all the above, this formula will help support your pooch’s inability to digest protein, elevate nutrient absorption, and establish ideal fat levels.
But Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D requires your dog’s veterinarian approval or recommendation.
Pros
- Supports a healthy digestive tract
- Promotes immune health and a shiny coat
- Enriched with soluble and insoluble fiber for stress-free digestion
- Helps replenish nutrients lost through digestive upset
- Aids in elevating nutrient absorption
Cons
- A veterinarian prescription is a must
- Limited shelf life once you open the bag
Verdict
Help your furry friend overcome sensitive stomach issues and diarrhea with the Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D.
Overall Rating – 4.8
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for Small and Mini Dog Breeds
If you are looking for a diet that is specifically formulated for the sensitive stomach of your small breed dog, look no further than this incredible nutrition from Hill’s Science.
Specs
- Incorporated with prebiotic fiber
- Enriched with omega 6 and vitamin E
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains optimum amounts of ascorbic acid
- Multivitamin and multimineral nutrition
The first ingredient is real chicken, which is good because it is a great source of high-quality protein that is highly digestible.
This nutrition is fortified with prebiotic fiber, an important non-living carbohydrate that supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
It is enriched with vitamin E (an essential fat-soluble vitamin) that helps support fat metabolism, cell formation, and boost immune health.
I appreciate the optimum levels of omega 6 fatty acids in the diet because they help relieve itchy or dry skin and dull coat to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
But the thing is, it is possible to receive a bag that is ripped opened during shipping.
Pros
- High-quality protein is highly digestible
- Prebiotic fiber ensures the digestive tract is healthy
- Clinically proven antioxidants boost immune health
- Small bite kibbles are perfect for small breed dogs
- Relieves itchy or dry skin and promotes a shiny coat
Cons
- Possible to receive a ripped bag
- Quality control seems to be an issue
Verdict
Guarantee your small breed dog a stress-free life by feeding her sensitive stomach this incredible therapeutic nutrition.
Overall Rating – 4.8
4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Blend of Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet has the best blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s sensitive stomach.
Specs
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates
- A powerful blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Fortified with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Enriched with naturally occurring glucosamine
The diet features real turkey as the first ingredient, which helps your pooch build muscles and it is also a highly digestible protein source.
The main highlight of this nutrition is the LifeSource Bits, a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune health.
All the major minerals your dog needs are present in this diet, including calcium and phosphorus, which support blood coagulation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Another good feature is the naturally occurring glucosamine that is very effective in reducing joint inflammation and promoting joint mobility.
But the thing is, the smell and texture of this diet may be rejected by picky eaters.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive digestion
- High-quality protein helps build strong muscles
- Omegas promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Calcium and phosphorus promote strong bones and teeth
- Powerful antioxidants boost immune health
Cons
- Smell and texture of the kibbles may be rejected by picky eaters
- Possible quality control issues
Verdict
High-quality proteins are highly digestible and suitable for your dog’s sensitive stomach. Also, this diet has limited ingredients with no traces of allergy triggers.
Overall Rating – 4.8
5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best LID Nutrition
If too many ingredients seem to be an issue to your dog’s sensitive stomach, you can put her stomach at ease with the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet.
Specs
- Grain-free and limited ingredient diet (LID)
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Optimum levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Multimineral diet, including zinc, phosphorus, and calcium
- Free of soy, wheat, corn, legumes, lentils, pea protein, or peas
This is a limited ingredient grain-free diet, which is great because it helps manage your furred friend’s itchy skin or finicky digestive system.
Salmon is a superb source of high-quality protein (highly palatable and digestible) and omega 3 (essential fatty acids for decreasing inflammation and boosting immune health).
Calcium and phosphorus are the two most important minerals that will support your dog’s bone and cartilage health.
You should also take note of the fact that this nutrition doesn’t contain soy, wheat, corn, legumes, lentils, or peas, making it safe for sensitive stomachs.
But the thing is the fish smell maybe a little bit off-putting, especially for picky eaters.
Pros
- Palatable and digestible protein source
- Full of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Supports strong bones and cartilage
- Doesn’t contain genetically modified ingredients
Cons
- The fish smell may be off-putting for picky eaters
- Could be better with prebiotics
Verdict
This is a nutritious meal for your pooch’s sensitive stomach. The protein is highly digestible and it is enriched with antioxidants and vitamins for boosting immune health.
Overall Rating – 4.7
6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food – Best for Optimal Digestive Health
This incredible diet from Hill’s Science is specially formulated to support optimal digestive health in dogs with a sensitive stomach and those prone to diarrhea.
Specs
- Enriched with prebiotic fiber
- Contains highly digestible ingredients
- Packed with omega 6 and vitamin E
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Enriched with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
The ingredients found in this food are palatable and highly digestible, which is great because they are gentle on your pooch’s sensitive stomach.
The diet is supplemented with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids to nourish your canine’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
The non-living carbohydrates (prebiotics) in the diet are a source of high-quality nutrients as well as food for good bacteria in the gut.
Another good feature is vitamin C that not only deals with harmful free radicals but also reduces cognitive aging and inflammation.
Dog parents beware the kibble size may change from one bag to another.
Pros
- Precisely balanced food for sensitive stomachs
- Clinically proven antioxidants boost immune health
- Prebiotics support healthy digestion and promote good bacteria growth
- Helps reduce cognitive aging and inflammation
- Natural fibers and veggies encourage easy digestion.
Cons
- Kibble size may change from one bag to another
- The price tag is a little bit higher compared to other brands
Verdict
This Hill’s Science Diet is a delicious, easy to digest nutrition that will nurture your dog’s sensitive stomach.
Overall Rating – 4.6
7. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food – Best for Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Nurture your furred friend’s sensitive stomach and skin with Purina Pro Plan Focus Diet. A nutrient-dense, complete, and balanced nutrition.
Specs
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Contains easily digestible carbs, such as oatmeal
- Enriched with optimum levels of the omegas
- Multivitamin and multimineral food
- Fortified with calcium, phosphorus, and zinc
This incredible formula from Purina contains incredible levels of omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to promote healthy skin and a luxurious coat.
The next best thing in this diet is prebiotic fiber, which is a great nutritional factor because it promotes the growth of good bacteria and supports healthy digestion.
This special formula features healthy food items, such as oatmeal and rice to supply your pooch with easily digestible carbohydrates that will go easy on the sensitive stomach.
Plus, the diet is fortified with naturally occurring glucosamine for hip and joint support and calcium for strong bones and teeth.
What I don’t like about this food; however, is the presence of yeast, which makes it unsuitable for fighting infections.
Pros
- Has optimal protein to fat ratio
- Promotes healthy skin and a shimmering coat
- Promote the growth of good bacteria
- Easily digestible carbs go easy on a sensitive stomach
- Boosts hip and joint health
- It’s completely free of soy, wheat, or corn
Cons
- May not be an ideal choice for treating yeast infections
- Transitioning may take longer
Verdict
Cater to your dog’s sensitive skin and stomach needs with the Purina Pro Plan Focus dry dog food. But it may take longer for your pooch to transition to this diet.
Overall Rating – 4.6
Buying Guide For Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach And Diarrhea
Many dog food brands claim their products are the best for managing sensitive stomach, diarrhea, and sensitive skin. But not all dog food brands meet the strict requirements.
As such, I strongly urge you to take into consideration the following factors during your search for the best dog food for sensitive stomach and diarrhea:
Prescription, Grain-Free, or Limited Ingredient Diet
Prescription Diet
Prescription dog food is formulated with specific ingredients to help with a particular medical condition like sensitive stomach, diarrhea, allergies, diabetes, and liver problems to mention a few.
What makes this type of diet the best food for dogs with diarrhea is the fact that it doesn’t contain food items that may worsen the medical condition.
What is truly promising about this type of diet is the fact that it is nutritionist-formulated and clinically proven.
But you must have a prescription from your dog’s vet to buy this food. Also, there is no guarantee that your pooch wouldn’t reject the food.
Last but not least, prescription diets for dogs are quite expensive compared to other diets.
Grain-Free Diet
This is a diet that is formulated without rice, corn, wheat, or any other grains. Your dog still needs carbs for energy.
So, grain-free dog food manufacturers use alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as pea flour, potatoes, legumes, and lentils. These plant sources provide the starch used to make kibbles.
The best food for a dog with diarrhea that is grain-free is easier to digest, alleviate loose stool, excessive gas, constipation, and vomiting, have reduced risk of intolerance and food allergies and promotes healthy skin and coat.
Limited Ingredient Diet
A limited ingredient diet is prepared with a limited number of carefully selected ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog with a sensitive stomach.
The best dog food for sensitive stomach and diarrhea with limited ingredients should also come with industry-leading nutritional factors, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, B vitamins, and omega fatty acids to mention a few.
Wet or Dry Dog Food
When comparing the various types of dog foods, whether they are prescription, grain-free, or limited ingredient diets, dry foods contain the least amount of water.
Proportionally, dry dog diets are the most calorie and nutrient-dense. But when you consider what is biologically appropriate to your dog’s sensitive stomach, canned dog foods are more favorable. You can also consider a combination diet that involves feeding both dry and wet diets.
Food Quality
This is determined by the digestibility of the food. How much of the diet can be used by the canine body?
Unfortunately, the nutritional analysis of dog food labels doesn’t tell you anything about digestibility. This is so since dog food producers are only required to include crude measurements. But you can always contact the manufacturer through their website to inquire.
Final Thoughts
The overall best recipe for sensitive stomach and diarrhea in dogs is Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dry Dog Food.
What makes this prescription formula standout is its carefully selected ingredient list that includes high-quality highly digestible protein sources, powerful antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and high fiber content.
This is a prescription diet that is specially formulated to treat and manage gastrointestinal issues, sensitive stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It is a high-quality dry dog food that contains nutrient-dense, highly digestible kibbles.
Also, it is a premium quality recipe with no traces of genetically modified ingredients or heavy metals, such as mercury and lead.
