Some proteins can cause sensitive stomachs in dogs. It’s also possible that their diets lack a nutrient or contain too much of it.
Moreover, the food may not be the issue, but it’s their habit of eating a lot of table scraps and treats.
If your dog has an upset tummy, you have to determine the cause before you can get the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs Are:
Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream | Top Pick |
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2. Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Adult Dogs |
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3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
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4. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
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5. Natural Balance Grain-free Limited Ingredient in Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe for Adult Dogs |
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6. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
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7. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care with Turkey Canned Dog Food |
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8. Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food |
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9. Redbarn Naturals Turkey Pate Healthy Digestion Grain-Free Canned Dog Food |
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1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream — Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach/Vomiting
I like feeding Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream with Smoked Salmon to my dog with a sensitive stomach because the meat is easily digestible.
It doesn’t strain his digestive system, and it doesn’t include any bulk-adding fillers and by-products. I’m confident that I’m giving a high-quality product to my fur baby.
However, this kibble may be problematic for pets that are allergic to salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, and smoked salmon.
Specs
- Kibble form
- Grain-free
- For adult dogs
- AAFCO-approved
- For canines with food sensitivities or food allergies
Pros
- Easy to digest
- Has antioxidants from vegetables and fruits that support the overall health and immune system
- Contains chelated minerals for maximum absorption of essential nutrients
- Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No grain, wheat, and corn
- Doesn’t contain fillers, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some fur babies
If you have a canine that has a sensitive stomach, you may try Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream.
It’s a bestseller among pet parents who have adult dogs with food sensitivities because it’s easily digestible.
It has less protein, fat, and fiber but more carbohydrates than average. Generally, our fur babies need a high protein, low carb, and medium fat diet.
This product is a specialty diet that aims to ease the discomfort of a sensitive stomach in them. It provides more calories at 380 per 100 grams, so it’s also for active dogs that require energy to last throughout the day.
Overall Rating – 4.7
2. Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Adult Dogs
I like Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach because it lists salmon as its most plentiful ingredient.
This protein-rich ingredient lessens the risk of contracting several diseases. It is beneficial in regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving the skin and coat of dogs.
Aside from omega-3 fatty acids, it’s also rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and vitamins A, B, and D.
One caveat is that this product isn’t suitable for dogs allergic to eggs or seafood. It has dried egg products, fish oil, salmon oil, fish meal, and salmon. Fortunately, my fur babies don’t have allergies to these ingredients.
Specs
- Dry dog food
- For sensitive skin and stomach
- For adult pets
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Has real salmon to support lean muscles of dogs
- Includes oatmeal, an easily digestible carb source
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids for mobility and joint health
- Has omega-6 fatty acids and zinc for healthy skin and a beautiful coat
- No corn, soy, wheat, and artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Has brewer’s rice, a bulk-adding filler
Purina Pro Focus for Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Salmon and Rice Recipe is a specialty diet to ease the strain of digestion of some foods.
It has less protein and fiber, more carbohydrates, and an average fat amount. Your veterinarian may recommend it if your dog has food sensitivities and allergies.
Every 100 grams provides 368 calories, an average amount of calories that’s also suitable for weight maintenance.
Overall Rating – 4.6
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I like Taste of the Wild High Prairie for my puppy with a sensitive stomach because buffalo and lamb meal are protein-rich ingredients.
I also like that it doesn’t contain bulk-adding fillers and by-products as top components because they are inferior in quality. As such, I have an assurance that I’m feeding my fur baby a higher-quality diet.
But I notice that it has seafood and eggs, so pet owners have to be careful about feeding it to their dogs allergic to these ingredients.
Specs
- Dry canine food
- For puppies
- AAFCO-approved
- Grain-free
Pros
- Has real buffalo as the first ingredient with other protein-rich meats like roasted venison, bison, and beef
- Contains natural ingredients fortified with vitamins
- Includes antioxidants from real vegetables and fruits
- Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No grain, wheat, corn, filler, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Highly digestible formula with proprietary K9 strain probiotic blend for a healthy metabolism
Cons
- Not liked by some pups
You may want to try Taste of the Wild High Prairie for your puppy if it is suffering from a sensitive stomach.
It has a proprietary probiotic blend that aids in the digestion process and prevents the activity and growth of harmful bacteria.
It’s a specialty diet with less protein, an average fat and fiber content, and more carbohydrates than average.
High Prairie provides more caloric content at 383 calories for every 100 grams. It suits active fur babies that need the energy to last throughout the day.
Overall Rating – 4.7
4. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I like Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain has a lamb meal and lamb as a high-quality source of protein. It doesn’t have bulk-adding fillers or by-products, so I have confidence that my dog is eating a high-quality product.
Beware though, it’s not suitable for pets that are allergic to eggs and seafood, so their pet parents have to be careful about giving them this kibble.
Fortunately, my fur babies don’t have food sensitivities with these ingredients.
Specs
- Kibble form
- Grain-free
- For puppies and adult dogs
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- With real lamb for healthy muscles and lean nutrition
- Natural ingredients fortified with vitamins and antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No grain, wheat, artificial flavors, corn, filler, preservatives, and artificial colors
- Highly digestible formula with proprietary probiotic health for healthy digestion
Cons
- Not liked by some canines
Your veterinarian may suggest that you feed your sensitive dog with Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain.
It has less fat, fiber, and protein but more carbs than average. Moreover, it has a proprietary K9 probiotic strain that helps in the digestion process.
You may want to try it if you also need a canine food that has more calories for your active fur babies. It provides a caloric content of 376 per 100 grams.
Overall Rating – 4.8
5. Natural Balance Grain-free Limited Ingredient in Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe for Adult Dogs
I tried feeding my adult fur babies with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato and Venison, and they like it.
As a pet lover, I approve of it having venison as its top component because it’s a premium source of protein.
I also like that it doesn’t contain any bulk-adding fillers and by-products. I’m confident about giving it to my canines because it’s a higher quality pet nutrition.
However, it contains salmon oil, so some fur friends may experience an adverse reaction to it, especially if they have food allergies. Fortunately, my best buddies aren’t allergic to kibble.
Specs
- Grain-free
- Limited ingredient
- Kibble form
- For adult dogs
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- No artificial colors and flavors
- Limited carbohydrates
- Contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat
- Has a single meat-based protein for canines with food sensitivities
Cons
- Not liked by some fur babies
You may want to try Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Venison Recipe because it’s a limited ingredient dog food.
It has less protein, fiber, and fat, but more carbohydrates than average. It also has fewer calories at 345 per 100 grams than many canine foods available.
This product is also suitable if you’re trying to put your dogs on a diet because they’re overweight.
Overall Rating – 4.6
6. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I like Taste of the Wild Wetlands with Roasted Fowl because it has duck and chicken meals, and duck as sources of high-quality proteins.
Moreover, I approve that it doesn’t include any bulk-adding fillers and by-products in its top ingredients. It means that it’s a higher quality dog food than the others.
Some fur babies may have problems eating it, especially if they are allergic to eggs or seafood. Fortunately, my pets don’t have any food allergies and sensitivities.
Specs
- Dry canine food
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult dogs
Pros
- Has real duck, turkey, and roasted quail as premium sources of protein
- Natural ingredients fortified with vitamins and antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Easy to digest ingredients with a proprietary K9 probiotic blend for better digestive health
- No grain, wheat, corn, fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
Taste of the Wild Wetlands with Roasted Fowl boasts of a proprietary K9 probiotic blend to help in the digestion of foods.
You may want to try it for your buddies suffering from a continuously sensitive stomach. It has an average amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, and less fiber than many kibbles.
It’s also suitable for active fur babies because it has more calories at 391 per 100 grams. It provides the energy they need to last the whole day.
Overall Rating – 4.8
7. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care with Turkey Canned Dog Food
My veterinarian prescribed the Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care in Turkey Formula for one of my pet buddies.
I like that it has turkey and pork liver as high-quality sources of protein. However, I notice that it has rice, but the manufacturer did not specify the type of rice it uses.
This diet can provide a significant amount of fiber in nutrition. Because it required authorization, this dog food was temporary nutrition for my ailing canine.
Specs
- Wet dog food
- Needs a veterinarian prescription
- For the management of digestive health problems
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Includes highly digestible fat and protein for faster assimilation of nutrients and repair of tissues
- Has a mixed fiber source for the maintenance of gastrointestinal health
- Optimum balance of nutrients for a speedy recovery
- Contains antioxidants for better immune system and control of cell oxidation
- No artificial preservatives and colors, and anonymous meat ingredients
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Has rice starch, a bulk-adding filler
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care in Turkey Recipe is prescription-based nutrition for sensitive dogs.
You have to consult your veterinarian about feeding your pet with this dog food. It has meat-based protein with amino acids that fur babies need.
Overall Rating – 4.7
8. Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food
I like Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice for Sensitive Skin and Stomach because it has salmon as a top source of protein.
Salmon is rich in EPA and DHA in omega-3 fatty acids, which are more potent than alpha-linolenic acid.
It helps improve the skin and coat and calms the overactive immune system of canines with autoimmune diseases or allergies.
One thing though. Some dogs may have adverse reactions to this wet food because it has corn and seafood. Fortunately, my fur buddies aren’t allergic to salmon, corn oil, and other fish.
Specs
- Wet canine food
- For sensitive skin and stomach
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult fur babies
Pros
- Complete and balanced nutrition for pets with upset stomachs or skin-irritating food allergies
- High-quality salmon with omega DHA for cognitive development
- Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat
- No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons
- Not liked by some fur babies
- Mushy and watered down texture
- Includes rice, a bulk-adding filler
- Contains carrageenan and guar gum, additives that may contribute to some medical problems in dogs
You may wish to try Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach in Salmon and Rice recipe if your pet has a food allergy or upset stomach. It has more fat and fiber, less protein, and an average carbohydrates amount.
This dog food provides 97 calories for every 100 grams, which is a medium level of caloric content compared to other wet canine nourishments. It can help maintain the ideal weight of fur babies too.
Overall Rating – 4.0
9. Redbarn Naturals Turkey Pate Healthy Digestion Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
My fur babies like Redbarn Naturals Grain-free Healthy Digestion in Turkey Recipe because they love turkey. As a pet parent, I approve of its high-protein meats like turkey liver and turkey.
It doesn’t contain any by-products and bulk-adding fillers in its first ingredient. As such, I’m confident that it’s higher quality food for my buddies.
However, it has salmon oil, so other dogs may have issues with this pet supplement, especially if they have seafood food allergies.
Specs
- Wet dog food
- Grain-free
- For healthy digestion
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- A complete and balanced diet with vitamins and minerals
- No grains, corn, soy, gluten, and wheat
- Contains superfoods for a healthy metabolism
- Doesn’t contain carrageenan, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
You may like to try Redbarn Healthy Digestion in Turkey Pate for your furry friends with food sensitivities.
It has superfoods that promote healthy digestion, and it is a complete and balanced diet. It has more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates and fiber than average.
You may also prefer it if you have active dogs that require more calories. It provides 119 calories for every 100 grams and ensures that your fur babies have the energy to last throughout the day.
Overall Rating – 4.5
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Food For Digestion
You already know the best dog food for sensitive stomach and vomiting, but let’s also discuss why your fur baby is having tummy troubles.
Your furry friend can benefit from a diet that’s suitable for canines with a sensitive stomach. Usually, this nutrition has limited ingredients to help manage a digestive issue.
However, you have to choose the right recipe because these pet foods have distinct properties.
When Does Your Fur Buddy Need A Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs?
Sensitive stomachs can be a simple gastrointestinal issue or a huge problem that your fur baby has to deal with for the rest of its life.
As a pet parent, you have to understand how to help your dog deal with this health dilemma. Here are some of the symptoms that you have to know.
Ensure that you consult your vet before switching to another brand or recipe.
- Excessive gas
- Intermittent vomiting
- Anal gland problems
- Occasional loose bowel
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
If your canine has a history of pancreatitis, you may also try pet food for sensitive stomachs.
You can try a pet diet for sensitive stomachs under the following conditions:
- Pancreatitis
- Antibiotic-responsive diarrhea
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Colitis
- Enteritis
- Digestive enzyme deficiency
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Your vet can diagnose your dog accurately to determine the kind of dog food it needs. If it has mild symptoms, you may try over-the-counter dog food, but a prescription canine food may be essential if the symptoms turn to worse.
Switching To A Sensitive Stomach Diet
You have to transition your dog to the new pet food by initially adding 10% of the novel nourishment with 90% of the current diet.
After two days, you can increase the mix ratio until your fur baby is eating the new food after ten days. You have to consult your vet if your dog’s condition worsens before you decide to try another diet or revert to the old one.
A home-cooked diet may be the most feasible option, especially if your vet believes that your fur baby has food allergy or intolerance.
Sometimes, proteins in dog food found in stores are the culprit, so you can include bison, kangaroo, or venison in the new diet of your pup. When you cook its food, you know what goes into it, but you may not have the time or patience to plan the homemade food carefully.
Factors to Consider in Buying Sensitive Stomach Diets
If you decide to use commercially available dog foods for sensitive tummies, you can work with your veterinarian. He can help you pick the most suitable one for your fur baby.
I list some of the features that your vet may recommend:
- Moderate levels of carbohydrates, but easily digestible
- High-quality proteins
- High fiber content ensure the gut is performing at its best
- Optimum levels of omega-3 fatty acids
Pearled barley, whole-grain oats, brewer’s rice, brown rice, and rice are some notable sources of carbs. For fiber, excellent sources include flaxseeds, whole grains, and dried beet pulp.
You have to avoid high-fat and high-protein foods, as well as raw diets because they may compromise your dog’s digestive and immune systems.
Moreover, you have to stay away from Paleo, grain-free, and low carbohydrate diets if your pup has gastrointestinal issues. These foods may cause vomiting and diarrhea in some canines.
Ingredients To Avoid
You have to be careful about picking the right diet for your dog, especially if it’s suffering from an upset tummy. You have to ensure that dog food doesn’t include the following:
Dairy
Your dog may like dairy products, but it may induce intestinal distress if it can’t digest over time. Generally, they cause flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If your pup is lactose intolerant, you have to avoid giving it dairy. You have to ensure that its foods don’t contain milk and other dairy products as a top ingredient.
Fruits
Canines may have fruits as a healthy snack, but these foods are rich in sugar. They may struggle to digest them if they have sensitive stomachs.
The sugar can also cause digestive disorders and tummy irritation. You have to ensure that the dog food doesn’t contain more than 10% of fruits.
Gluten
Many dog foods for sensitive tummies are gluten-free because they cause digestive issues. You may want to diet alternatives that are grain-free and gluten-free.
They can help prevent several inflammatory health problems associated with wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
What To Feed Your Dog With Sensitive Tummy
If your fur baby has a food intolerance, you have limited options on what to feed it. Here’s a list of considerations in choosing the appropriate diet.
Fewer Ingredients
A limited ingredient diet is usually the initial choice by pet parents for reducing the occurrence of upset tummies.
You also have to be cautious about feeding your dog to ensure that it’s getting complete and balanced nutrition.
Easily Digestible Components
Dog food for GI tract issues and sensitive tummies is a specialty diet because it promotes healthy and easy digestion.
If you choose pet nourishment, you have to ensure that it’s easy to digest and has natural ingredients that support the metabolism.
You may try potatoes, rice, sweet potato, chicken, and lamb. You also have to pick a recipe that includes the essential vitamins and minerals that help alleviate the symptoms of a sensitive tummy.
Grain-free
Your canine may love grains, but they’re not the most suitable option for its sensitive stomach.
You have to pick recipes that have high-quality proteins and stay away from corn and wheat. Grains can trigger food intolerance because they’re indigestible carbs.
Complete and Balanced Diet
You’ll notice that some pet foods claim that they provide a balanced and complete diet to your dogs. It also guarantees that the ingredients are hand-picked and have the essential nutrients for a healthy fur buddy.
Probiotic Enriched
Probiotics are essential for the diet of your pup. They stimulate the digestive system and help to maintain a healthy metabolism.
Final Thoughts
You worry when your favorite buddy isn’t doing well because of a sensitive stomach. It’s not surprising, because as a pet parent, you have to ensure that it’s on tip-top shape. You have to seek the help of your vet to ensure that your fur baby gets the right diagnosis.
I reviewed nine products for a sensitive stomach, but my top recommendation is Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. This dog food has smoked salmon as a high-quality source of protein. It doesn’t have any by-products or bulk-adding fillers, so you’re giving your canine a higher quality pet food.
You may also like that it doesn’t contain any preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. It’s also corn-free, wheat-free, and grain-free, so your pup is getting the right nutrition that it needs.