Best dog food for sensitive stomach | Dogs Tutor Recommended

30% of dogs in America dealing with some form of food sensitivity but with over 10,000 dog food varieties, how do you choose the best dog food for sensitive stomach?

In this guide, Dogs tutor will guide you the best dog food options for sensitive stomachs. Did you know limited ingredient diets can alleviate symptoms for 9 in 10 sensitive pups? We’ll review features like single-protein sources, prebiotic fiber and limited additives that are easier for dog to digest.

By the end, you’ll feel confident selecting a best dog food for sensitive stomach. An easy belly means one happy companion! Let’s uncover the healthiest choices for sensitive stomach dogs.

How to Know if Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach

Is it more than just an upset tummy? Here are some signs that could indicate a sensitive stomach in dogs:

Farting

Farting and burping excessively are clear signs something isn’t sitting right in a dogs belly. A sensitive system may have difficulty breaking down foods completely, leading to gas buildup. Watch for frequent flatulence, belching or seeming stomach discomfort after meals.

Loose Stools or Diarrhea

Loose, soft stools or diarrhea are another red flag. This shows the digestive process is being disrupted somewhere along the way. Stools may be inconsistent, alternating between normal and loose. Or diarrhea could be ongoing.

Vomiting

Vomiting, particularly with undigested food contents, is cause for concern. It suggests the stomach is having trouble moving food through properly for full digestion. Repeated vomiting should always be checked by a vet.

Whining or restlessness

Whining or restlessness right after eating may indicate stomach ache or pain. Food intolerance can irritate the gut and cause distress. Watch for signs of discomfort such as pacing, curling their belly inwards or seeking attention.

Food Sensitivities

Some dogs show pain behaviors indicating gas pressure within the belly. Gentle rubbing or palpating their stomach may reproduce a tender spot. They need relief from excess intestinal gas.

Dog Food Ingredients That Can Upset Stomachs

Dairy

Milk, cheese, yogurt and cream contain the sugar lactose that dogs cannot digest due to lactose intolerance. The excess lactose in dairy sits in the dog stomach undigested and can cause gas, diarrhea and vomiting.

Grains

while grains provide carbohydrates, whole grains like wheat and corn are not digestible for dogs. Dogs lack the enzymes to break down whole grains properly which can cause partially digested grains to ferment in the colon and cause gas. Other potential grain allergens like wheat, corn and soy are top food allergens that may produce an immune response leading to stomach distress.

Legumes

Beans, lentils and peas contain complex plant sugars called oligosaccharides that are not easily broken down by dogs. This excessive fermentation produces gas that causes bloating and can upset the stomach.

Fat Content

High fat diets take longer to empty from the stomach and increase acid production. This extra workload overwhelms sensitive dogs’ shorter gastrointestinal tracts that have insufficient time and enzyme production to break down higher fat contents. Undigested fats can cause stomach irritation.

Preservatives & Additives

Food preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin as well as artificial colors and flavors are added to commercial diets but provide no nutrition. Some chemicals may disrupt the protective stomach mucus or beneficial bacteria balance. Dogs with sensitive digestive systems are more prone to adverse reactions from unnecessary additives.

Spices & Flavorings

Strong spices like garlic, onion and pepper are poorly absorbed and can irritate the dog stomach. Artificial flavors have unpredictable properties that can cause an upset even if used in small amounts. Natural flavorings are healthier options.

Sudden Diet Changes

An abrupt introduction of novel protein sources, increased carbohydrates or whole new brands causes digestive disruption. The beneficial bacteria and enzyme levels do not have time to appropriately adapt to gradual differences in macronutrients.

High Protein Levels

While protein is important, protein amounts over 30% may overwhelm a sensitive dog’s stomach acid production and enzyme function needed for full breakdown. Undigested protein residues can manifest as diarrhea, gas or vomiting.

Best dog food for sensitive stomach

If dog tummy has been giving him trouble, it may be time to check out some limited ingredient kibble. Those types of foods are really easy on digestion since they only have a small number of main ingredients.

Less is more when it comes to sensitive tummies! No need to overload their system. I’d recommend looking for one protein source and one or two vegetables – maybe something like salmon and sweet potatoes.

Brands like Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin make great limited option foods prescribed by Dogs Tutor. Individual proteins like lamb, fish or beef help tune in to what agrees with your dog best too.

Definitely go gradually when switching foods so their gut has time to adjust. And don’t forget to use a calming probiotic to support the good gut bacteria! With the right limited ingredient diet, I’m sure your dog will be back to feeling like their happy old selves in no time.

Here are some Best dog food for sensitive stomach with the brand, main ingredients, and recommended age:

Brand	Main Ingredients	Recommended Age
Hill’s Science Diet	Chicken, rice, vegetables, fruits	All ages
Purina Pro Plan	Chicken, rice, probiotics	Adult
Royal Canin	Chicken, rice	Adult
Iams	Salmon, oatmeal, beans	Adult
Merrick	Salmon, sweet potatoes	All ages

Homemade Meals for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

You can make homemade Meals for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs. Cooking for your dog allows you to control exactly what goes into their meals and omit any potential allergens.

With homemade dog food, you can stick to a single protein and easy to digest carbohydrate. Chicken and rice is a simple diet that can easily bland on the dog tummy.

You can also try other proteins in moderation like lean ground turkey, fish, or boiled eggs. Stick to one veggie like sweet potato, pumpkin or peas. Homemade meals should be balanced with a vitamin and mineral supplement.

Is wet or dry food better for dogs with sensitive stomach

Wet food is around 75% water, which keeps everything moving smoothly through the digestive system. This is so much gentler than kibble that’s only 10% water and requires lots of extra drinking.

The ingredients in wet vs dry make a difference too. Cans tend to have fewer extras added like preservatives, colors or flavors that aren’t as necessary as in dry food which needs them to last longer on the shelf. This cuts down the risk of an upset reaction.

Texture also comes into play. Smooth and soft canned food is kinder to tender insides than the abrasiveness of kibble. Wet grub passes through the digestive tract quicker with less irritation.