Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Ultimate Diet for Sensitive Tummies (2020)

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A devoted pet parent, pet store manager and animal shelter volunteer. Read more about me here.

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Ultimate Diet for Sensitive Tummies [2020]

Let's find the best dog food for sensitive stomach together!

Judging by their unstoppable appetites, most dogs have this remarkable ability to digest pretty much anything. 

I mean, did you ever see a dog eat a shoe or chew on something completely inedible like it’s nobody’s business? 

Still, much like humans, dogs are incredibly unique – and while some seem to have a digestive system made of steel, others have much more sensitive stomachs. 

And if that’s the case with your beloved pet, your first step should be getting them to the vet, and having them examined, so that you rule out a more serious underlying cause. 

If there’s nothing serious going on, a simple diet change can be all your dog needs:

Soothe and comfort your best friend’s digestive system during these troubled times with the best dog food for sensitive stomach!


Table Of Contents

In a hurry? After 35 Hours of Research, I Recommend:

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93/100

My Score

Why I chose it as the best?

  • Complete, balanced, and easily digestible dry dog food formulation

  • Real salmon is the primary source of animal protein 

  • The natural prebiotic fiber promotes intestinal balance and digestive health 

  • It’s a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants 

  • Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, poultry by-products, or corn, wheat, and soy

How I Picked:

Reviews considered in making a decision

The consumer opinions matter,
and I pick through those thoroughly.

Sources inspected & researched

I gauge the source authenticity & authority before checking the opinions.

Hours spent comparing & researching

I spent the time so you don't have to. The products are reviewed with utmost care.

Products considered

My selection included all the popular entries from popular sources, and was narrowed down to the finest seventeen.

Last Updated: June 2nd 2023

By Michael T.
This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding best dog food for sensitive stomach available for those who are interested in caring for their pet's tummy the best. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best dog food for sensitive stomach currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach
- Comparison Table -

TOP PICK
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula - 30 lb. Bag
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Barley Recipe, 4 lb. Bag
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato | Adult Grain-Free Wet Canned Dog Food | 13-oz. Can, (Pack of 12)
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Vegetable Entrée, 12.8 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24 Pounds, Grain Free
Product
​​Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
​Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food
Packaging Weight
30 p​ounds
4 pounds
12 x 13 ounces
12 x 12.8 ounces
24 pounds
Protein Content
26 %
26 %
5.5 %
5 %
32 %
Wet/Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Price
$65.98
$19.49
Price not available
$38.04
$74.99
Amazon Prime
-
TOP PICK
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula - 30 lb. Bag
Product
​​Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food
Packaging Weight
30 p​ounds
Protein Content
26 %
Wet/Dry
Dry
Price
$65.98
Amazon Prime
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Barley Recipe, 4 lb. Bag
Product
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Packaging Weight
4 pounds
Protein Content
26 %
Wet/Dry
Dry
Price
$19.49
Amazon Prime
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato | Adult Grain-Free Wet Canned Dog Food | 13-oz. Can, (Pack of 12)
Product
​Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Dog Food
Packaging Weight
12 x 13 ounces
Protein Content
5.5 %
Wet/Dry
Wet
Price
Price not available
Amazon Prime
-
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Vegetable Entrée, 12.8 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Product
Hill's Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Packaging Weight
12 x 12.8 ounces
Protein Content
5 %
Wet/Dry
Wet
Price
$38.04
Amazon Prime
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24 Pounds, Grain Free
Product
CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food
Packaging Weight
24 pounds
Protein Content
32 %
Wet/Dry
Dry
Price
$74.99
Amazon Prime

Top 5 Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach Reviewed 

It can be quite a challenge to find a way to make your dog’s mealtimes more comfortable when they have a sensitive stomach. 

A simple diet change can do wonders for the symptoms of canine stomach sensitivity and help your dog’s gastrointestinal tract get back on track, though – and I’m here to help you make your choice! 

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My Rating: 93/100

Pro Plan Focus dry dog food is packed with all the essential nutrients a dog with a sensitive stomach might need to thrive, all sourced from a healthy blend of ingredients. 

One look at the content of this particular recipe, and it’s evident that it was expertly crafted as an easily digestible nutrition powerhouse for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin!

The Purina Pro Plan is a single-protein formula, which makes it suitable for sensitive stomachs. The first ingredient – and the primary source of animal protein – in this recipe is salmon, known for being relatively mild, yet nutrient-rich. 

The primary ingredient, salmon, is followed by barley, ground rice, and oatmeal – grains that are much easier for dogs to digest, and won’t cause any stomach discomfort. 

The food is enriched with natural prebiotic fiber that sustains the good bacteria in your dog’s intestine and promotes healthy digestion and packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, too. 

These nutrients work together to boost your dog’s immune system, keep their skin and joints healthy, and their coat shiny. 

Most importantly, it doesn’t contain any stomach-upsetting ingredients, such as soy, corn, and wheat, poultry meal, or artificial flavors and colors. 

Even for picky canine eaters, this dry dog food for sensitive stomach is love at first bite!

Pros

  • Salmon is listed as a single source of animal protein 
  • Complete, balanced, easily digestible formulation 
  • Prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids 
  • Doesn’t contain poultry by-products, wheat, soy, corn, and artificial flavors and colors 

Cons

  • Makes the dog’s breath smell fishy 

Conclusion:

Your pooch with thrive with the Purina Pro Plan Focus’ single-protein kibble that’s packed with nutrients and easy on the tummy.

This dog food formula from Purina is easily the best dog food for sensitive stomach on the market!

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My Rating: 92/100

From the exceptional nutrient profile down to the overwhelmingly positive response of dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, this formulation has helped thousands of pet parents manage their pet’s gastrointestinal sensitivities. 

It’s specially formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition and easy digestion issues in dogs, containing several high-quality ingredients and dietary additives that will benefit your dog’s sensitive stomach and skin. 

The animal protein in this kibble is sourced from chicken, with fruits and vegetables – apples, carrots, cranberries, peas, and broccoli – adding to the overall nutritional value and flavor. Furthermore, it includes prebiotic fiber, which encourages and supports beneficial gut bacteria. 

I was glad to discover several other highly beneficial additives. Don’t worry; I’m not talking about nasty chemicals here – it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Instead, the kibble is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as proven antioxidants that benefit your dog’s overall health. 

The addition of vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids plays a vital role in skin nourishment, and you can expect to see a definite improvement in your dog’s coat appearance and any existing skin conditions caused by food allergies. 

The high digestibility of this formula also ensures optimal nutrient absorption, regulates stools, and makes stool pick-up easier for the owners. 

Pros

  • A natural blend of ingredients for stomach sensitivity and skin allergies 
  • Promotes digestive health and nourishes the skin
  • Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids
  • Prebiotic fiber that encourages the growth of natural gut bacteria

Cons

  • The price could be better 

Conclusion:

The blend of ingredients in this Hill’s Science Diet dog food is highly beneficial for both sensitive tummies and skin allergies:

Give this dog food a try and surprise your pet with kibble that’s tasty, easy on the stomach, and packed with essential skin-nourishing nutrients!

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My Rating: 91/100

If your dog’s a bit of a picky eater with a preference for wet dog food, a sudden transition to dry kibble could only further irritate their already sensitive stomach. I’m glad to report that, thanks to this Natural Balance wet dog food recipe, the switch may not be necessary, after all. 

Limited ingredient diets are generally considered the go-to method for determining – and treating – dogs with sensitive stomachs. The shorter the recipe’s ingredients list, the lower the chances of something upsetting your dog’s stomach. 

That’s what makes this Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets formulation such a suitable choice: 

This dog food recipe is limited to a single source of animal protein, as well as limited carbohydrate sources, while still providing complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. Furthermore, it’s grain-free and made without artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. 

Protein is sourced from chicken, which is listed as the first ingredient, and kept at a low level of 5.5 percent, which is enough to sustain muscle mass without stressing your dog’s digestive system. The fat content is relatively small, too, which makes it easy to digest. 

So, you don’t have to worry about any ingredients that could be considered “problematic” for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Plus, it’s super tasty; your pooch will love both the flavor and texture! 

Pros

  • Balanced and complete nutrition for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs 
  • The limited-ingredient diet features a single protein source and limited carbohydrate sources
  • Easy-to-digest formulation calms gastrointestinal issues 
  • Doesn’t contain grains, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors 

Cons

  • Pricey option for exclusively canned food diets

Conclusion:

The grain-free formula with a protein content of 5.5 percent will agree with your dog’s sensitive tummy, without affecting their muscle mass. 

It’s a highly recommended limited-ingredient dog food for picky eaters with a sensitive stomach!

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My Rating: 89/100

Another similarly priced canned dog food for sensitive stomachs that’s worth considering is this Hill’s Science Diet recipe for adult dogs.

I did talk about the kibble version of this Hill’s Science Diet formula, but I wanted to include the canned version, as well – because we all know that not all dogs are fans of kibble-only diets. 

And if your pooch is already experiencing tummy issues, why go through the additional stress of switching them to dry food – especially when there’s an option that’s specially crafted to suit sensitive stomachs and clear up diet-related skin problems? 

The chicken and vegetable recipe has proven to be an excellent choice for improved digestion and balanced nutrition.

Chicken and turkey meat are primary sources of protein, and fruits and veggies make for a dietary fiber boost. 

Oh, and did I mention that it’s grain-free, too? 

Easy digestion is the main focus, but there are several other reasons to go with Hill’s Science Diet canned food: 

It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients; the Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E are particularly beneficial here, as they help keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy. 

Plus, it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which is always a good thing – not only in cases of stomach sensitivity.

Pros

  • Easy-to-digest, grain-free wet dog food for sensitive stomachs and skin 
  • Contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants 
  • Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids promote skin health 

Cons

  • It’s considerably drier than other canned dog foods
  • Large dog breeds will go through the 12-can pack fast

Conclusion:

Essential nutrients and antioxidants, digestion-promoting fibers, and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin health – these are only a few reasons to choose Hill’s Science Diet canned food.

Complete nutrition and easy digestion in every can make this wet dog food worth it!

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My Rating: 90/100

I couldn’t miss an opportunity to include CANIDAE in my round-up of the best dog food for sensitive stomach, especially since limited-ingredient diets are such a huge part of treating canine digestive problems. 

Now, CANIDAE is best known among pet parents for their All Life Stages formulation – but if you want something that’s specially crafted to be gentle on your dog’s digestive system, then PURE is a much better option. 

The CANIDAE PURE dry dog food for sensitive stomach features eight key ingredients, using a simple, whole-food recipe that provides complete, well-rounded nutrition while nurturing your dog’s digestive health. 

The recipe starts with salmon as the primary source of animal protein, paired with sweet potato and peas, which is surprisingly gentle on a dog’s digestive system. Probiotics are included, too, to support healthy digestion.

The already nutritionally dense formula is further enriched with a mix of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants that will boost your dog’s health and immune system. The blend of essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids works to promote skin health and a shiny coat. 

Also, there are no traces of questionable ingredients or low-quality fillers in this kibble, and no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. The best part is that it’s grain-free, too, so it won’t bother your dog’s tummy or cause symptoms of food sensitivity.

Pros

  • Grain-free, limited-ingredient dry dog food with eight ingredients 
  • Animal protein sourced from real salmon 
  • Enriched with probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids 
  • Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or fillers 

Cons

  • It’s more expensive than the other kibble I’ve tested 

Conclusion:

I get that it’s pricey, but it’s worth it:

The CANIDAE PURE limited-ingredient dry dog food will ensure a well-balanced diet with each meal and help your dog with both stomach sensitivity and skin-related conditions.

Diet Changes & Stomach Sensitivity in Dogs: Complete Guide for Pet Parents 

Some dogs are blessed with seemingly immune digestive systems and can munch on everything, including the contents of your trash can, entire rolls of toilet paper, and even an occasional shoe. Others, however, are born with a much more sensitive stomach. 

But sooner or later, every dog will eat something that won’t agree with their stomach. 

If your dog is showing signs of an upset or sensitive stomach – vomiting and diarrhea are kind of hard to miss – the first thing you need to do is make an appointment with your vet. 

The thing is, a diet change can treat most digestive problems. But in some cases, these symptoms can have a much more serious cause – and your vet should rule out any underlying medical conditions first. 

The next best thing you can do for your four-legged friend is to transition them to the best dog food for sensitive stomach. 

It’s not going to be easy, and you’ll probably go through a bit of trial and error before you find the specific formulation that agrees with your dog’s tummy – but I’m here to help make that transition smooth and effortless! 

Stick around and learn everything about stomach sensitivity in dogs – from symptoms and causes to necessary dietary changes! 

Symptoms of Sensitive Stomach in Dogs & What’s Causing It

Wouldn’t it be awesome if your pooch could speak and tell you exactly what’s upsetting their tummy? 

But they can’t, which means that it’s up to you, as the pet parent, to figure it out – with a little help from your vet, of course – by relying on your instincts and keeping track of your dog’s behavior. 

Now, symptoms of the sensitive stomach in dogs are pretty hard to miss, which is good news: 

Dogs with sensitive stomachs usually develop a relatively similar set of symptoms, although the severity may vary. You can catch it early, rule out severe medical conditions, and make the necessary changes to their diet to eliminate whatever is causing the stomach upset.

So, if your pet starts exhibiting one of the following symptoms – or a combination of them – there’s a pretty good chance that they have a sensitive stomach:

  • Vomiting – If your dog lives by the “eat first, barf later” rule, you might not think much of them vomiting once or twice, and that’s fine. However, frequently occurring nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of stomach sensitivity caused by dog food. 

  • Diarrhea – Loose stools are another tell-tale sign that your dog has a sensitive stomach. If it happens once, it’s probably not a big deal – all dogs go through bouts of diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. However, runny stools can turn into a severe problem if they occur regularly. 

  • Gas – Every dog owner knows that flatulence is a normal occurrence, especially with certain dog breeds. However, if your dog is experiencing a sudden onset of excessive gassiness, it could be a sign that something in their diet doesn't agree with their tummy. 

  • Lack of Appetite and Weight Loss – A persistent lack of appetite followed by weight loss is another clear symptom of stomach sensitivity in dogs. You’ll notice that your dog is refusing to eat and no longer seems interested in what, until recently, was their favorite food. 

  • Lack of Energy – A healthy dog will feel energized after a meal; if your dog is doing the complete opposite, and their energy levels seem to drop following a meal, you should take it as a clear sign that something’s not right. 

Other than the symptoms mentioned above, there’s one more sign of a sensitive stomach in dogs that you should watch out for – and that’s eating grass

You’ve probably caught your dog eating grass before, we all did. And while it’s typically no cause for concern – dogs do it when they’re feeling bloated or queasy – you should get them checked for food intolerance or allergies if they’re doing it more than usual. 

Why Dogs Suffer from Sensitive Stomach: Common Causes of Stomach Sensitivity in Dogs

common causes of stomach sensitivity in dogs

Your dog’s stomach sensitivity might be a congenital condition, meaning that they were born with it. If your dog is no longer a puppy, though, you’ll have to team up with the vet and do some detective work to figure out the exact cause. 

A variety of things could irritate your dog’s stomach and cause stomach sensitivity, so you’ll have your work cut out for you. 

But while the root cause of your dog’s digestive difficulties may be hard to figure out exactly, learning as much as possible about the potential culprits can make a huge difference. 

Even more so, understanding the cause makes choosing the best dog food for sensitive stomach a whole lot easier! 

I promised to help you figure this one out and find a dog food formula that your pet can digest easily – so, let’s start with the four most common causes of stomach sensitivity in dogs

  • They Can’t Digest The Proteins Or Fat In Their Diet – Some dogs have a hard time digesting certain ingredients in their food, such as proteins. Or, the formulation you’re currently feeding them contains too much fat, or not enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If that’s the case, you’re advised to stick to easily-digestible proteins and avoid high-fat foods. 

  • They’re Allergic To The Proteins In  Their Food – One of the main signs of food allergies, besides the digestive upset, are ear- and skin-related symptoms, including itching skin, excessive scratching, and recurrent ear infections. If you suspect a dog food allergy, it’s best to try the elimination diet – removing common allergens until the symptoms are resolved, and then introducing them individually, to see which one is to blame. 

  • They’re Suffering From Emotional Distress – Last but not least, much like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety as a response to stressful situations and the environment, which can cause digestive problems. Take the time to figure out what might be causing the emotional distress, and ensure that your dog has a den where they can retreat when they start feeling overwhelmed. 

Before you make changes in your dog’s diet, you have to figure out what’s causing their sensitive stomach and digestive issues: 

Maybe your dog ate something that they shouldn’t have, and the symptoms will clear up in a matter of days? 

On the other hand, it could turn out to be a chronic problem, in which case your pooch’s diet is the most probable culprit. 

What to Feed a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach:
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
 Buying Guide

dog food for sensitive stomach - buying guide

If you and your vet have figured out the cause of your dog’s stomach issues and agreed that a diet change would be enough to keep the symptoms under control, it’s time to answer the most crucial question: 

What should you feed a dog with a sensitive stomach? 

Limited Number of Ingredients 

If you already checked in with your vet, there’s a pretty good chance that they suggested something called the limited-ingredient diet, or LID, for your dog’s sensitive stomach. It’s an ideal solution for most dogs with digestive tract issues, whether the cause is known or not – and here’s why: 

The shorter the list of ingredients, the lower the chances of something upsetting your dog’s stomach. 

Now, I’m not saying that your dog doesn’t need to consume a nutritionally balanced diet with a variety of ingredients – they most certainly do! Still, it would be smart to limit the number of components and cut out any unnecessary additives from their diet that could hurt their sensitive stomach. 

Limited-ingredient diets are only limited in the number of ingredients, mainly protein and carbohydrate sources; they still provide complete and balanced nutrition! 

Complete and Balanced 

You’re transitioning your dog to limited-ingredient dog food for sensitive stomach, which means that you’re inherently limiting their sources of nutrients to a few carefully selected ingredients. 

As beneficial as this is for dogs with stomach sensitivity, you need to make sure that your dog’s new diet still meets all their nutritional requirements. 

That’s why you must choose only dog foods for stomach sensitivity that are labeled as “complete and balanced.” Such dog food formulations not only include hand-picked, easily-digestible ingredients that won’t irritate your dog’s sensitive stomach but provide your pet with all the essential health-promoting nutrients, too.

Easily Digestible Ingredients Only 

Did you happen to notice that all the dog foods for sensitive stomachs that I talked about today have one thing in common? 

Regardless of the brand and recipe, ensuring easy digestion is the number one priority. 

Understandably so, there’s a strong focus on incorporating only carefully selected, natural, and easily digestible ingredients. A dog with digestive tract issues shouldn’t go through the additional stress of eating hard-to-digest food! 

My advice is to go with a diet that contains ingredients known for supporting healthy digestion so that the transition to new food goes smoothly and has the best possible results. 

You can go with chicken and lamb as go-to protein, and brown rice and sweet potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources, because most dogs tolerate these ingredients very well – even with a sensitive stomach. 

No Grains 

Some dogs don’t have a problem with digesting grains such as corn and wheat, and even seem to enjoy dog food that contains grains. 

Dogs with sensitive stomachs, however, might have a hard time digesting most grains because these sources of carbohydrates are among the most common triggers for food intolerance in dogs. 

That’s why dog owners are advised to switch their pet to a grain-free diet, or at the very least, opt for dog food for sensitive stomach that contains easily-digestible whole grains, such as oats, and brown rice. 

Enriched with Probiotics and Other Supplements 

If your stomach were bothering you, you’d probably get yourself some probiotics and other dietary supplements that promote healthy digestion. 

Well, your pooch deserves the same: 

The addition of probiotics and other digestion-promoting supplements in their diet can make a world of difference if they have a sensitive stomach and suffer from digestive problems. These ingredients – probiotics, plain yogurt, pumpkin, and generally high fiber content – can all help stimulate your dog’s digestive system, improving digestion and soothing the symptoms of stomach sensitivity. 

Ingredients to Avoid If Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach 

There’s no denying that dogs with sensitive tummies have to be fed with care because the wrong choice of dog food can further aggravate their condition. 

Switching to dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs is the first step to easing your dog’s symptoms. But knowing what ingredients to avoid matters as much – if not more – and can help prevent further irritation and upset. 

Several ingredients are commonly found in dog food formulas, but could upset your dog’s sensitive stomach: 

  • Dairy products, especially if your dog is lactose intolerant 

  • Gluten-containing grains, such as wheat, spelt, rye, and barley

  • Soy and corn, which are common dog food allergens  

  • Specific protein sources, including beef and chicken 

  • Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and food dyes 

Also, eliminate any “extra” foods from your dog’s diet for the time being, and feed them only the best dog food for sensitive stomach. That means no treats, table scraps, or anything else that they would typically nibble on throughout the day.

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
– Frequently Asked Questions - 

Q: How do I tell if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

A: The short, summed-up answer would be that the most significant tell-tale sign of a sensitive stomach is digestion problems and an upset stomach. Maybe you’ll notice that your dog struggles to digest food, or they’ll exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. 

Your dog may also experience more severe symptoms, such as loss of appetite and lack of energy, or show signs of abdominal pain. 

Maybe it’s something that they ate or an underlying condition. Either way, you should have your dog examined by the vet and get a proper diagnosis.

Q: What is a limited ingredient dog food?

A: Limited ingredient diets, or LID, are typically recommended for dogs with a sensitive stomach. The idea is that switching to a formulation with a limited number of ingredients and components makes it easier to pin-point the specific allergens and ingredients that your dog’s sensitive to and keep the condition under control. 

Limited ingredient dog food will typically contain fewer ingredients than standard dog food formulation, a single source of grain and protein, including novel protein, low to moderate fat content, and probiotics.

Q: What causes food allergies in dogs?

A: Generally speaking, dogs with food allergies are most often allergic to the protein, be it animal or plant-based, because it’s broken down into molecules that your dog’s immune system treats as potential threats. 

Dog food ingredients that are considered the most common culprits for food allergy are beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken. Low-grade, poor-quality ingredients, and high-fat content can lead to canine food allergy, too. 

Hypoallergenic dog food addresses this by including protein that’s already split into its basic “building blocks” – amino acids – and invisible to the immune system. That way, your dog can still consume a protein-rich diet, without the risk of an allergic reaction.

Q: What is the easiest food for a dog to digest?

A: One way to soothe and settle your dog’s digestive system when they have a sensitive stomach is to feed them easily digestible food. The focus should be on low stomach-upsetting fats and ingredients that won’t further upset the digestive system. 

Lamb and chicken, as well as beef, are the most digestible sources of animal protein for your dog. 

The kibble that lists lean meats as protein sources – lamb, chicken, and beef – followed by eggs, and highly-digestible carbohydrates and fiber, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and white rice, can be the right, easily-digestible choice of dog food.

After All Is Said & Done, I Recommend:

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93/100

My Score

Why I chose it as the best?

  • Complete, balanced, and easily digestible dry dog food formulation

  • Real salmon is the primary source of animal protein 

  • The natural prebiotic fiber promotes intestinal balance and digestive health 

  • It’s a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants 

  • Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, poultry by-products, or corn, wheat, and soy

Conclusion 

Although it sometimes seems like it, dogs are not walking, barking garbage disposals: 

They can suffer from a sensitive stomach, too, and experience discomfort and digestive problems, much like humans do. 

If your four-legged friend has an upset tummy, you should make some smart dietary choices on their behalf, and switch to the best dog food for sensitive stomach. 

Very few other dog foods I’ve tested understand and meet the needs of the sensitive stomach in dogs better than the Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach – but it’s all about finding what agrees with your dog’s tummy!

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About the Author

A devoted pet parent to two lovely creatures – Charlie the Cat and Jimmy the Dog – a full-time assistant pet store manager, and an animal shelter volunteer. I've gathered knowledge about pets for almost a decade, and it all started in a small store called Jack's Pets.


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