Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs in 2024

Stomach sensitiveness is one of the major dog health challenges that are often overlooked, hence my decision to share more on the best dog food for sensitive stomach. Taking care of my two dogs, golden retriever Max and German shepherd Dexter have helped in finding the best food for my boys. A dog with a sensitive stomach requires a special diet: specifically manufactured for canines with such conditions. There’s a wide variety of sensitive stomach dog foods that have different constituents.

Some have artificial additives and GMO constituents, while others do not. Some formulas are easily digestible owing to the ingredients used while others are not. Some commercial diets help in boosting immunity, while others harm our pets’ health. These are among the crucial considerations when purchasing a recipe for a dog suffering from a sensitive stomach.

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Contents
Product
Best for Sensitive Stomach for Adult
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food...
Best for Sensitive Stomach for Seniors
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER: NUTRO WHOLESOME...
Prime
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Pros
It constitutes generous proportions of omega fatty acids to enhance easy and fast digestion
Present antioxidants help in enhancing your dog’s immune system
Best for Sensitive Stomach for Adult
Product
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food...
Prime
-
Pros
It constitutes generous proportions of omega fatty acids to enhance easy and fast digestion
My preview
Best for Sensitive Stomach for Seniors
Product
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER: NUTRO WHOLESOME...
Prime
-
Pros
Present antioxidants help in enhancing your dog’s immune system
My preview

14 Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach Reviewed

Further, I will be highlighting the specifications of each food, elaborating more on the constituents, and provide my verdict regarding the suitability for a sensitive stomach. Also, I will be sharing more regarding the advantages and disadvantages associated with each brand.

7 Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach For Adult Dogs

Following are the seven leading food brands for feeding adult dogs which have upset tummy problems:

1. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Dog Food – Purina Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Purina is a notable brand famous for the manufacture of healthy organic commercial pet food. Their Pro Plan FOCUS diet is considered by many dog owners to be one of the best dog food for a dog with a sensitive stomach. This recipe constitutes distinct omega fatty acids purposefully incorporated in the formula to hasten the rate of digestion. Being one of the best canned dog food for sensitive stomach, this food helps in bettering the vigor of your dog’s skin as it constitutes linoleic acid among other minerals that nourish the skin.

It is also one of the best wet dog food for sensitive stomach for dehydrated, mature dogs. This diet contains zero artificial additives, therefore, making it a fit dish for your pet. I would recommend it as the best can dog food for dogs with sensitive stomach.

Positives
  • It constitutes generous proportions of omega fatty acids to enhance easy and fast digestion
  • It contains Linoleic acid among other indispensable ingredients which nourish the skin facilitate a vigorous dog coat
  • It is organic as it is made using real salmons and rice
  • It has been manufactured for easy and quick digestion
  • It constitutes zero artificial additions such as colors
Negatives
  • It is most appropriately used as wet food rather than dry food

2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Adult Dog Food Chicken Recipe – Science Diet Canned Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Hill’s Science is a renowned pets product market player that manufacturers vet recommended dog food for sensitive stomach. The recipe is made for easy digestion, faster nutrient intake, and significant immunity improvement. Some secondary constituents include prebiotic fiber amino acids, which help in digestion and enhancing the skin’s gleam. It’s ranked among top-rated dog food for sensitive stomachs, and I would endorse it to all dog owners.

Positives
  • The recipe is organic as it is produced using all-natural constituents
  • It constitutes vital nutrients such as Vitamin E indispensable in fostering a gleaming dog skin
  • It is incorporated with prebiotic fiber which plays a vital role in balancing your dog’s gut microbiome
  • The food features an easily digestible formula to promote optimum intake of nutrients
  • This diet is veterinarian endorsed
Negatives
  • It’s a little expensive

3. Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food Chicken – Iams Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Iams is a company celebrated for the manufacture of diets considered to be the best dog food for pitbulls’ sensitive stomachs. Their recipe entails a dish that has generous protein, carbohydrate, and minerals constituents, which aid in the overall wellness of your pet. The present antioxidants facilitate the improvement of your pet’s resistance to diseases. Moreover, it is vet endorsed, and for that reason, it is one of the best dry food for dogs with sensitive stomach. I would endorse it any day.

Positives
  • The meal comprises real chicken as the primary constituent
  • It is endorsed by vets as a safe option for sensitive stomach
  • Its rich protein content facilitate building strong dog muscles
  • The formula includes antioxidants which boost your dog’s resistance to ailments
  • It is incredibly affordable
Negatives
  • It is bag-packaged which is not as durable compared to can packages

4. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach: Natural Adult Dry Dog Food – Lamb & Rice

Having fed my dog Max with this meal, I consider the brand a manufacturer of the best dog food for golden retrievers with a sensitive stomach. It does not contain any GMO constituents but has organic fiber, which aids in faster digestion. It also contains antioxidants that improve the immune system. It is a dog food brand that I prefer over many other brands on the market owing to the indisputable quality.

Positives
  • The food contains antioxidants which boost the dog’s immunity
  • With organic fiber included, the food is easy to digest
  • There are no GMO constituents in the food
  • The protein content facilitates the building of stronger muscles as the diet constitutes a lamb entrée
  • The recipe has been processed for maximized nutrients absorption
Negatives
  • The food is packed in a bag packaging which calls for extra caution while carrying or storing

5. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo stands to be among the most popular manufacturers of dry dog meals. I like this specific food considering its generous protein content making it ideal for building stronger muscles. The formula has been made with all-natural ingredients and, therefore, has zero artificial additives. I would commend this food as fitting for upset tummy conditions in adult dogs.

Positives
  • It has a substantial turkey protein content which enhances stronger muscles
  • It features all-natural constituents
  • The meal is a great pick for dogs with a sensitive stomach
  • It contains potato which makes for easier digestion
  • It has zero GMO constituents
Negatives
  • It’s a little expensive

6. Iams Proactive Health Adult Grain Free Dog Food – Best Food for Dog Sensitive Stomach

Iams is certainly a top player among other commended makers of best grain-free dog food for sensitive stomach. As far as vital amino acids are the main constituents in the meal, this dish is great for improving your pet’s coat appearance. It also comprises fibers and prebiotics indispensable in fostering rapid digestion and nutrients intake. I would commend it as being a great pick when looking for dry food for adult dogs.

Positives
  • It’s a suitable selection for dogs with a sensitiveness along the gut
  • It encompasses a balanced constituent of amino acids that contribute to the lustrousness of the coat
  • It’s well digestible seeing that the recipe includes organic prebiotics and fibers
  • The food aids in minimizing plaque as this contributes to a terrible breath
  • It contains real chicken as the entrée
Negatives
  • The bag packaging is susceptible to breakage during carrying and storage

7. Royal Canin Maxi Nutrition Sensitive Digestion Dry Dog Food – Royal Canin Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Royal Canin has slowly but solidly made a name for themselves in the pet food market. The food has been manufactured with organic constituents alone and is a suitable source of proteins and other fundamental nutrients, such as vitamins. Owing to the present nutrients, it also contributes to healthier skin and a gleaming coat. I would recommend the food more so for large dogs.

Positives
  • The food contains easily digestible constituents
  • It contributes to a healthy dog skin
  • It has been manufactured using organic ingredients
Negatives
  • The packaging is wanting when it comes to carrying and storage

Top 4 Foods for Puppies with Sensitive Stomach

Following are detailed reviews of leading recipes for puppies with sensitive stomach:

1. Taste of The Wild Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy

No products found.

Taste of the Wild is a popular brand and one that is considered by many as the best dog food for large breed puppy with a sensitive stomach. The food is rich in animal protein and other nutrients essential for growth and strengthening of the immune system. The recipe has been formulated for easy digestion. Also, there are no inorganic additives in the recipe. I would recommend it for puppies with a sensitive stomach.

Positives
  • The food is rich in protein which is ideal for growing puppies
  • It does not contain inorganic additives
  • The recipe includes antioxidant constituents which help in busting your puppy’s immunity
  • With a nutrient-rich formula, this food is easy to digest and absorb
  • The food has been manufactured under the implementation of science standards
Negatives
  • It’s a little costly

2. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food – Wellness Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

CANIDAE PURE are manufacturers of some of the best dog food for puppy with sensitive stomach. The food contains prebiotic elements that aid in faster digestion for quicker relief on the stomach. Though this food is a little expensive, it is healthy and one of the best brands you will find on the market for your puppy. Including the fact that the meal contains antioxidants, the recipe will go a long way in boosting your pup’s immunity. It’s a favorite for me, and I would recommend it.

Positives
  • It contains prebiotic additives which facilitate faster digestion
  • It does not contain grain constituents, which makes it a safe food for puppies with a sensitive stomach
  • With antioxidants, the food will help in strengthening your puppy’s immune system
  • The food contains fatty acids which help in preserving a vigorous puppy skin and coat
  • It contains all organic constituents
Negatives
  • The food is expensive

3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Nutro features are on the list again. No doubt, this food is one of the best dog food for a sensitive stomach of small breeds. This food is enhanced with vital nutrients which aid in nourishing the skin and giving your puppy a lustrous coat. Also, it contains calcium, which aids in strengthening the bone structure. I would commend this food for puppies with a sensitive stomach.

Positives
  • The recipe features all-natural constituents including chicken as the main entrée
  • With a formula rich in fatty acids, the food is ideal for promoting the healthy growing and a stronger immune system
  • The food contains calcium which helps in the development of stronger bone structure
  • The food does not contain GMO ingredients
  • No grain additives make it suitable for puppies with a sensitive stomach
Negatives
  • It features a bag packaging which is susceptible to breakages compared to can packages

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food – Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

The Blue Buffalo is another highly ranked dog food for sensitive stomach. It is a dependable source of animal protein essential for enhancing stronger muscles in puppies. The food contains antioxidants that help in improving your pup’s immunity to infections and diseases. Also, it is easy to digest, seeing that it contains amino acids and other constituents that facilitate faster digestion. I would recommend this food any day.

Positives
  • It contains all-natural constituents without inorganic additives
  • It is a reliable source of quality animal protein for puppies as it contains turkey as the entrée
  • It contains vitamins and other essential minerals for building stronger bones
  • It includes antioxidants which boost your puppy’s immunity
  • The food is easy to digest and is formulated for maximum nutrients absorption
Negatives
  • It is retailed at a high price point

3 Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach for Seniors

Here are the best three food formulas for senior dogs with sensitive stomach:

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Senior Dry Dog Food – Nutro Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Nutro is certainly one of the best dog food brands for sensitive stomach when it comes to food for senior dogs. The food is not only rich in protein but also is rich in mineral salts, which help in improving a dog’s immune system. Many consider it as the best food for senior dogs with sensitive stomach owing to the healthy organic constituents used. I would endorse this brand any day.

Positives
  • It is a healthy protein source seeing that it has a chicken entrée
  • There are no grain constituents making the food safe for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach
  • It does not contain GMO ingredients
  • Included fatty acids constituents are essential in enhancing the luster of the coat and skin
  • Present antioxidants help in enhancing your dog’s immune system
Negatives
  • The food is somewhat high-priced

2. Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Senior Dry Dog Food

Another food brand that deservedly made it to this list is this Blue Buffalo food for senior dogs. They are reliable manufacturers of pedigree dog food for sensitive stomachs. Their nutritious formula makes this food one of the best dog food for older dog with sensitive stomach. The food features a balanced measure of proteins and carbohydrates for both muscle growth and energy supply. I would endorse this food to all individuals with senior dogs.

Positives
  • The food contains natural organic ingredients only
  • The diet contains essential vitamins and minerals which facilitate easier digestion
  • With antioxidants included in the formula, this food is ideal for helping in boosting your dog’s immunity
  • The food contains a well-balanced measure of protein and carbohydrate content for proper growth and sufficient supply of energy
  • The food is easy to digest owing to the fine constituents
Negatives
  • Its bag packaging is prone to breaking compared to a can package

3. Solid Gold Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Holistique Blendz Natural Senior Dry Dog Food

Solid Gold is another leading manufacturer of dog food for sensitive stomach. This food is ideal for senior dogs as it contains prebiotics which facilitate faster digestion and efficient absorption of nutrients. It is also rich in vitamins and is manufactured as per scientific standards. It is one of the best products for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach.

Positives
  • The food contains protected prebiotics which help in faster and easier digestion
  • The food entails natural protein content which makes it a great diet for senior dogs
  • The food has been manufactured under scientific formulation so as to offer a balanced diet
  • Essential vitamins have been included for faster nutrients absorption and stronger immunity
Negatives
  • The food is a little high-priced

Symptoms of Sensitive Stomach

Dog lying on the back

It is important to know whether your dog has a sensitive stomach or not, but not many people can tell it. Here are symptoms to look for, in case you think that your dog has a sensitive stomach:

  • Decreased food appetite
  • Eating grass or any other small vegetation
  • Excessive dehydration
  • Withdrawal and isolation
  • Loud gurgling in your dog’s stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Overly bad breath

The moment you serve your dog a meal and realize it is not eating should be an alarm that something’s amiss. Also, canines have a habit of eating grass and other vegetation whenever they feel troubled in their tummies. Again, dogs with sensitive stomach tend to isolate themselves. Whenever you see your dog not as hyper as usual, that should send an alarm of a possible sensitive stomach.

Also, vomiting and excessive dehydration are other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. Normally, dogs with sensitive stomach experience severe diarrhea, which leaves them dehydrated. In this case, you can feed your pet with wet dog food for sensitive stomach.

Again, if your dog has overly bad breath, or they have a loud gurgling from their tummies, these could be as a result of a sensitive stomach. In case you notice any of these symptoms, you should consider changing your dog’s food to a diet suitable for canines with a sensitive stomach.

Why Do Dogs Suffer from Sensitive Stomach?

Sad bulldog puppy

In some dogs, a sensitive stomach might be a congenital problem, but others may experience a sensitive stomach as a result of diverse causing factors. If it’s a congenital problem, further guidance should be sought from a vet. The following are common causes of a sensitive stomach:

  • Inflammation of the stomach lining
  • Inflammation of the intestinal walls
  • Consumption of toxic foods
  • Poorly digestible foodstuffs

Inflammation of the stomach lining is a leading cause of stomach sensitivity. The inflammation causes contractions that interfere with normal digestion and may also cause vomiting. Bacterial infections are the underlying causal factors that lead to inflammation of the stomach. Also, the inflammation of the intestinal walls is a leading cause of a sensitive stomach in dogs.

The inflammation causes spasms, which lead to diarrhea as there is not enough time for optimal water and nutrients absorption. In case dogs eat a toxic substance, more so for puppies, they are likely to experience a sensitive stomach as their body will naturally try to get rid of the poisonous substance. Also, there are some foods that just take too long to be digested, and these may cause stomach upset in dogs.

For a healthy canine, one should always check their diet to ensure they’re feeding on healthy food. If changing a dog’s diet to food for sensitive stomach doesn’t alleviate the condition, then one should seek a vet’s advice. If the problem is caused by inflammations in the stomach and along the intestines, the anti-bacterial medication should be administered by a veterinarian. It is recommended for one to visit a vet for further diagnosis and professional guidance.

What Homemade Food is Suitable for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach? Which Ingredients are Safe, and Which Ones are not?

Puppy eating food

If you realize your dog has a sensitive stomach and is not in a position to get commercial food, you can go for a quick fix and make homemade dog food recipe for a sensitive stomach. The good thing about homemade dog food is that it contains all-natural constituents. Some of the best homemade dog food for sensitive stomach include:

  • Bone broth – This helps with dehydration
  • Boiled chicken – This is easy to digest
  • Smashed ready potatoes – These are suitable for puppies
  • Cooked eggs are a great source of essential nutrients

These foods are safe as they are easy to digest and are rich in nutrients. You should not feed your dog with grains and wheat products, as these will worsen the situation. Whole grains and wheat products take long to digest and, therefore, will lead to further stomach upset. Another consideration, the best homemade food for a dog should be cooked and wet so as to help with dehydration.

What Dog Food is Suitable for Sensitive Stomach?

Dog eating treat

Before embarking on the specific reviews, you might be wondering what dog food is good for a sensitive stomach! When looking at what makes a particular diet suitable for an upset tummy, it all comes down to the constituents used during manufacturing.

Attributes of Dog Food Suitable for Sensitive Stomach

The following are characteristics of formula which can be given to canines with an upset stomach.

  • Easy and fast to digest
  • Formulated for faster nutrient absorption
  • Boosts the healthiness of the gut
  • Facilitates easy passing of stool
Some dog diets take longer to digest than others, and these include grains and wheat-based formulas. These are not ideal for dogs with a sensitive stomach as such canines need diets that will take the shortest time possible to digest. Also, the food should be formulated in such a way to facilitate faster nutrient intake while ensuring the healthiness of the gut.

Constituents of Suitable Diets for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach

Here is what to look for in a commercial formula brand that’s suitable for feeding a canine pet with a sensitive stomach:

  • Should have an easily digestible entrée
  • Minimal grain content which takes longer to digest
  • Antioxidants which boost immunity
  • Minerals which enhance faster digestion and improved skin health
  • Prebiotics for faster digestion
  • Balanced portions of proteins and carbohydrates
Irrespective of the entrée in a given formula, the diet should be well digestible for faster relief along the gut. Preferably, the meal should not contain grains as they take longer to digest. Other constituents, like antioxidants, promote stronger immunity.
Essential minerals and amino acids should be incorporated into the diet to boost faster digestion and foster improved skin health. Also, it is important to ensure that the meal offers the right proportions of protein and carbohydrates for healthy growth and sufficient energy supply.

Summing Up: Which is Your Preferred Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach?

For a healthy and lively dog, diet is one of the most important things you need to keep in mind. Feed your pet with the right food, and the results will be conspicuous: a healthy and energetic animal. A sensitive stomach is a mild condition but one that’s worth your concern. You should always check any abnormalities in your dog’s behavior as these may suggest a sensitive stomach or other serious conditions.

Depending on the age of your canine pet, you should go for the appropriate food for a sensitive stomach which will help in alleviating your dog’s condition. Wet food is suitable for dogs with dehydration and diarrhea. Also, if you are not in a position to get commercial food for sensitive stomach, you can get homemade food which is cheap and easy to cook.

In case your dog has symptoms of a sensitive stomach, it is advisable that you consult a veterinarian for professional assistance. Which is your preferred food for dogs with a sensitive stomach from the list above? Which other wet dog food for sensitive stomach have you fed your dog with before? Do you feed your dog with homemade food for a sensitive stomach? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Britta Thygesen

Britta Thygesen

A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.

5 Comments
  1. Thank you for your review of sensitive stomach dog food. I find it really helpful. My Buddy is almost 5, and he has a sensitive stomach. And he is also really picky when it comes to healthy food. But the vet told us that Buddy needs a diet with omega and linoleic acids. And while I still had doubts, but Buddy fell in love in Pro Plan Focus from Purina. Now it is his favorite food.

  2. Reply
    Kimberly Hunter 18.12.2019 at 09:05

    Wow! I have found our favorite Nutro Wholesome Essentials dry dog food here, on this list. I was searching for dog food for sensitive stomach for quite some time. And I am already planning to try other food for puppies with sensitive stomach from these recommendations. However, I don’t think that my puppies will prefer something else to the Nutro. Yes, you are totally right about the pack, it is not really comfortable to transport, but that’s the only negative thing about it.

  3. I have taken two foster puppies recently. I also have an adult dog at home. And while my elder is eating everything I give her, these two little devils require more care, as they are still really small and were treated poorly by previous owners. I feed them The Blue Buffalo Basics Limited dog food for sensitive stomachs. It is pricey, but it is worth paying for. I can see the positive changes already.

  4. Reply
    Cathy Nicholls 17.01.2020 at 23:51

    When it comes to the best dog food for sensitive stomach, it is a tough choice for me. Well, I can name you several. And you have already mentioned them in your article. For example, my puppies eat Pure from Canidae. It contains all the vitamins they really need, as my vet says. I feed my three adult dogs with Iams Proactive Minichunks. It is less expensive than Canidae and has everything my adult dogs need in food.

  5. I prefer canned food for my dog who has a sensitive stomach. And the best canned dog food for sensitive stomachs, in my personal experience, is Pro Plan Focus from Purina. I trust this company for many years. I give my cat Purina’s cat food as well. Their food turned out to be more delicious and more nutritious. And my dog does not even suspect that she eats vitamins she needs 🙂

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