15 Best sensitive stomach dog foods for upset stomachs

Tummy troubles are common in dogs. Sometimes pet parents don’t even realize there is a serious problem until their dog begins to lose weight. Most of the time digestive troubles can be solved by switching your pet’s diet. Feeding your canine companion the best sensitive stomach dog foods may help, but you’ll need to consult your veterinarian first.

Dog food intolerance is a type of sensitivity that is often confused with allergies. Allergies will often cause very noticeable issues in dogs, like rashes or hair loss.

Food sensitivity isn’t always as easy to notice. Symptoms include:

• Vomitting
• Diarrhea
• Loose Stool
• Excessive gas

There are many different reasons why your dog may be experiencing upset stomach. Sometimes, dogs have inherently sensitive stomachs, and picking the best sensitive stomach dog food for them will require some research.

“If you think that your dog’s current diet could be playing a role in his tummy troubles, switch to a different food that meets the criteria listed above. Of course, you still need to make sure that your dog is getting the balanced nutrition he or she needs” – Dr. Jennifer Coates via PetMD

2Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient

This special dog food limits its ingredients so that sensitive dogs are spared from some ingredients that could carry allergens and irritants. Several variants and sizes of Wellness Simple foods are available, meaning that even picky dogs should find something they like. The variants are duck and oatmeal, salmon and peas, lamb and oatmeal, salmon and potato, and turkey and potato. Each variant contains just a single protein, no gluten or wheat, and only natural ingredients.

• Read reviews of other pet owners

This product is made in the USA and its ingredients are all sourced from the US as well. Many customers were hopeless about their dog’s condition when they tried this brand as a last resort. They’ve tried various diets and brands to no avail and were up to the ceiling with medical expenses, so trying another brand didn’t seem like much of a difficult decision. That it was also less expensive than their previous brand made their shift to Wellness Simple a lot easier, too.

To their surprise, their dogs loved the food and showed less and less of their symptoms. Itching and patchy skin began to heal, and vomiting and diarrhea became less frequent until there were none. Some changes in the ingredients of one variant of Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food caused one pet owner to stop using the product, though.

His sickly pooch that had digestion issues was quite happy with the salmon/rice variant. Just when it seemed like the perfect solution to the dog’s sensitivities, the manufacturer changed the variant to salmon/potato which again wreaked havoc on the dog’s system. On the whole, customers were exceedingly satisfied with this product and agree that it is one of the best sensitive stomach dog foods.

3Hills’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach

Claiming the third spot on our list of the best sensitive stomach dog foods is this formulation based on ingredients that are easily digestible, balanced nutritionally and natural. Protein sources include chicken, lamb or salmon. These blends from Hill’s Science Diet have been carefully balanced with brewer’s rice, peas and grains, apples, carrots and other vegetables to ensure a completely nourishing food for adult dogs.

• Read reviews of other pet owners

Preparations for puppies and elderly dogs are available, as well, so dogs in different stages in life have access to the research and development that went into the production of this food brand. This dog food seemed to be the ultimate solution for most cases of skin irritation and excessive shedding, throwing up, loose stools, weight loss, flatulence and secondary infections in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Dog parents were very happy to find a food formulation that their dog liked to eat and that didn’t cause allergy symptoms and gastrointestinal irritations. A few dogs, though, developed allergies again after the reformulation of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food that they were used to, and this has caused frustration to some customers.

Judging from the number of happy customers who rated this product high, it is definitely a must-try for dogs that are over-sensitive to food. Amazon carries this product, and it offers a refund if the dog won’t eat the food or if the food does not solve the sensitivity problem. Notification must be made within 30 days of purchase. There is also no need to return the product to get a refund.

4Wellness Complete Health Whitefish

This dog food from Wellness adds to our list of the best sensitive stomach dog foods because it provides complete nutrition for dogs without causing reactions even to those with the most problematic sensitivity conditions. Only authentic and nutritious ingredients are used, carefully sourced and chosen to produce these tasteful, safe, and nutritious dog foods. The careful selection of food is important in achieving two things: the allergens and irritants are avoided- and the nutritional value of the food is not compromised.

• Read reviews of other pet owners

This product contains no corn, soy, wheat, artificial components, or ingredients from China. It comes in a 30-lb bag, and is a proud product of the USA. Pet owners who have tried this dog food for their highly-sensitive pets, strongly advise other pet owners with the same plight to try this product first before spending so much on vet bills and medication.

Dogs that have been on Wellness Complete Health Whitefish and Sweet Potato Natural Dry Dog Food have not only reduced their allergic episodes, they have also become healthier and more active, with much improved and more beautiful coats to boot. Critical reviews dwell on the product being very expensive, and their dog not touching the food.

Dogs have preferences, too, and this just goes to show that not all effective food formulations are acceptable to all dogs, or their owners. Just remember that the same can be said for all of the best sensitive stomach dog foods. Overall, this product comes highly recommended by most pet owners who have bought it. They even consider it a miracle food, especially in comparison with other kibbles that didn’t solve their pets’ problems.

5CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Dog Food

With this all-stages food from CANIDAE, dogs with sensitive stomachs benefit from the following: high-quality meat for protein and other wholesome ingredients for a balanced and tasty meal- no filler, artificial ingredients, wheat, corn or soy, or allergic-triggering ingredients- live probiotic content to aid digestion- antioxidants to enhance the immune system; and omega 6 and omega 3 for a healthy skin and beautiful coat.

• Read reviews of other pet owners

Sensitive puppies need not go through a difficult transition food because this same food will continue to be perfect for their condition until their adult and senior ages, and it’s made in the USA. Pet owners who have recently discovered this product were excited to note that they have also rediscovered their brand new dog – from their previous dull, unhealthy and sensitive dog to their present healthy, active and beautifully-coated dog.

With such a complete transformation, they are one in saying that it’s like having a new dog. Those who had been using CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults and Seniors for around a decade say that their dogs never had issues with weight, allergies, lack of appetite or gastrointestinal conditions. They feel that it is reasonably priced and find no reason to change brands.

A buyer noted that his dog’s breath had a bad smell after being put on this food for a couple of weeks. But he thought that was a minor thing when he noticed that his dog stopped scratching and his coat started to improve from scraggly to shiny. This dog food is a great choice especially for those who own several dogs of different ages and nutritional requirements. This definitely spares pet parents from the headache of food planning for their pack, including dogs with food sensitivities. Even for this reason alone, this Canidae formulation is one of the best sensitive stomach dog foods available to pet owners.

10 Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Brands as Alternatives

The above list with five options usually fits most dog owners with pets who have tummy issues. These sensitive stomach dog food brands have been tried and reviewed by many and found to work best. However, not all of these dog foods may fit your particular canine, so if you were unable to find what you were looking for, try some of these alternatives below.

1. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice
2. NATURAL CHOICE Limited Ingredient Diet
3. NUTRO MAX Puppy Food Natural
4. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food Adult Sensitive
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive
6. IAMS Sensitive Naturals Adult Ocean Fish and Rice
7. NUTRO Adult Venison Meal Whole Brown Rice
8. Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food Stomach
9. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Ground Dinner
10. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free

Did you try any of these fifteen sensitive stomach dog food brands with your pooch? How did they work for your dog: were you able to fix all his tummy issues? Please share your experiences with other pet owners in the comments below!

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