Foods For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Foods For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs. Watching your dog in digestive distress is enough to turn anyone’s stomach. The rumbling belly, the quick dash out to the potty pad, the obvious pain in your dog’s eye it can be heartbreaking. While “sensitive stomach” might be a thrown-around phrase, this often signals a real problem your dog is experiencing. If your dog experiences a lot of stomach upset, keep reading!
Foods For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Is It Just a Sensitive Stomach? First, See Your Vet
A sensitive stomach is a bit of a misnomer-the real problems are usually in the intestines, not in the stomach. But it is a good all-purpose word for the following signs of trouble:
Frequent Vomiting regurgitation of non-digested food or bile; Diarrhea or loose stools, ie., persistent difficulty getting a nice, firm stool; Gas and bloating excessive production of intestinal gas, accompanied by swelling of the abdomen;
Appetite change a suddenly picky dog. Veterinarian Recommended First Visit (before you make any dietary changes!): It is really important that you visit with your vet first.
Altering intestinal health might suggest any range of underlying dangerous medical problems, including an infected parasite, an infected bacterial organism or virus, pancreatic infection (pancreatitis), or inflammation from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Should the dog be told through your medical provider you have been medically identified with a diagnosis such as pancreatitis, your veterinarian will place him or her over certain foods which have been specifically recommended with a veterinary professional.
What to Look For in Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
If there’s no underlying medical condition, then diet becomes extremely important. “We look for this when choosing a diet” : Alejandro Caos, DVM.
1. Easily Digestible Proteins
Dogs are carnivores that thrive on high quality protein. We encourage use of lean, novel proteins (a type of protein not consumed by your dog such as duck or venison) or a single source protein (such as salmon, lamb, turkey etc.) for the purpose of identifying possible food allergies.
2. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)
Less chance of reacting when you have fewer ingredients This type of diet usually involves one protein source and one carbohydrate source which can help you to identify your triggers .v
3. Gentle Carbohydrates & Natural Fiber
Carbohydrates that are easy to digest (rice, sweet potato, quinoa, oatmeal) that he’s getting now should supply energy, as well as prevent further irritation. Fiber will also prevent backup, and supplement the gut with natural “good” bacteria sources (think in natural extracts of beet pulp and pumpkin pulp).
4. Prebiotics and Probiotics
Having a good mix of bacteria in your digestive system helps break down your food, and eating prebiotic fiber (the “food” for good bacteria) and probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) can greatly increase your digestive comfort and improve your bowel movements .
Also Check: Is Freeze Dried Beef Liver Safe for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs?
What to Avoid in Your Dog’s Food?
And if you know what to look for, you need to know what to avoid as well. High Fat Food Foods rich in fat are common causes of pancreatitis and upset stomach for sensitive dogs. You’ll want to steer clear of foods high in fat and scraps from the table.
Common Food Allergens For Dogs: Dogs are typically allergic to foods including beef, chicken, wheat, and dairy.
If chicken appears to cause reactions, consider trying food made with salmon or lamb. Foods With Artificial additives Many food producers use artificial coloring, preservatives and artificial flavors, and some dogs simply can’t process them. Foods with hidden ingredients Just because a food is a “limited ingredient” diet doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. Many are contaminated with other ingredients during the manufacturing process.
The only sure way to avoid exposure to potential irritants is a prescription diet if the dog is extremely allergic.
Types of Dog Food for Sensitive Tummies
1. Prescription/Veterinary Diets
These are top dog and have scientific backing, and have been clinically tested and proven effective in helping treat or managing conditions such as food allergies and IBD. Hydrolyzed protein diets (These have proteins broken down into pieces small enough for the body’s immune system to not recognize it as a problem a great option for really allergic pets or those with IBD). Low-Fat Diets (Best suited for breeds susceptible to pancreatitis, such as the Royal Can in Gastrointestinal Low Fat diet).
2. Over-the-Counter Sensitive Stomach Formulas
Here are a few of the best brands to try for a mild-to-moderate sensitivity: These brands have veterinarians or veterinary nutritionists on staff:
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin: You’ll likely find prebiotic fiber added here to support the gut .
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach: Usually made with salmon and rice two very gentle protein sources that are usually well tolerated.
Royal Can in Digestive Care: This food utilizes highly digestible protein and includes a mixture of fibers.
Homemade Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Temporary Use: For a quick fix of an acute stomach upset, many owners resort to a plain homemade diet. A basic ratio of boiled, skinless chicken and white rice is easy to prepare and will often help. Important Disclaimer: homemade diets rarely provide a completely nutritionally sound diet when used in the long-term. Vitamins and minerals are often missing .
Long-term Homemade: If you plan on preparing homemade meals for your dog on a permanent basis, please visit a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist to have a complete and balanced recipe formulated. The following resource will assist you:
Quick Guide: Top Food Choices
| Food Type | Example | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed Diet | Royal Canin Anallergenic | Diagnosed food allergies & IBD |
| Low-Fat Diet | Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low-Fat | Pancreatitis & fat sensitivity |
| LID Diet | Natural Balance Limited Ingredient | Suspected single-protein sensitivities |
| OTC Sensitive Stomach | Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach | General mild digestive upset & skin issues |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach?
There isn’t one best food for all dogs, the cause of their sensitive stomach will be the determine factors. However, many vets recommend a diet that is high in easily digestible protein and has a minimal amount of ingredients. Some examples would be Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, or Royal Canin. For severe allergies, a prescription hydrolyzed protein diet would be the best choice.
May I give chicken and rice to my dog every day?
No, chicken and rice are not an appropriate long-term diet. This should only be used on a temporary, plain diet for a severe tummy upset. For long-term home cooking a nutritional vet must formulate a complete diet.
Can I give probiotics to dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Yes, there is science to show that probiotics will support a healthy balance of microflora in the intestines, will help with inflammation, and help resolve gastrointestinal issues. They are particularly good for dogs who can be prone to infrequent bowel movements.
What ingredients should I avoid for my dog’s sensitive stomach?
High fat content can cause pancreas to inflammation. You may want to steer clear of common allergens for pets such as; dairy, wheat, beef, chicken, and corn. Artificially created flavors, colors, and preservatives are also an ingredient to avoid for any sensitive stomach pet.
What is a food allergy versus a food sensitivity?
When a dog has a food allergy, the dog’s immune system reacts to the food ingredient, causing hives, itchiness, etc, in addition to the vomitting & diarrhea you can have from a food sensitivity.A food sensitivity is the dog’s system being unable to process an ingredient which leads to an upset stomach.
Does my dog need to eat grain-free if he has a sensitive stomach?
Grain allergy is typically an issue with the protein in food like chicken or beef, not with grain. But if your dog is exhibiting other allergy-related symptoms and your vet suggests or has reason to believe it’s related to grain, then a grain-free dog food might be helpful. As long as your dog doesn’t have an allergy to grains, a whole-grain dog food can be just fine.
What is a “limited ingredient diet” (LID)?
A limited ingredient diet is dog food that contains a very limited number of ingredients. Often, there is one protein source and one carbohydrate source to help identify what specific food product causes a food sensitivity. LID’s make it easy to rule out foods that could be causing an upset stomach.
How long does it take for a new food to help a sensitive stomach?
When you transition to a new food you must transition over a 7 day period or so so that you don’t further aggravate your dog’s digestive issues. Once the transition to the new diet is complete you should see a noticeable difference within a couple weeks but may take 8-12 weeks for significant change.
Is wet or dry food better for a dog with a sensitive stomach?
There are pros and cons to each, and it depends on the individual dog. Wet food is easier to digest as it has a higher moisture content. Dry food can be more energy-dense and cost effective. The important aspect is what the quality of ingredients are not wet or dry. For those with dental issues they may want to add water to the kibble or wet the kibble as needed.
What is a hydrolyzed protein diet?
A hydrolyzed protein diet has proteins that are broke down to such small particles that the immune system will not react to them. The tiny proteins make this food the number one choice in many instances for managing food allergies and other Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) disorders.
