Dogs with sensitive stomachs need food that doesn’t upset their digestion. When your pet struggles with tummy troubles, finding the right dog food can make a huge difference in their comfort and health.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The right diet can reduce symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive gas, and loose stools.
Dog food for sensitive stomachs typically contains limited ingredients and easily digestible proteins. Many speciality formulas avoid common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and certain proteins that might trigger digestive issues. These foods often include added prebiotics, probiotics, and fibre to support healthy digestion.
When choosing sensitive stomach dog food, pay attention to the ingredient list. Look for foods with a single, high-quality protein source and simple carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes. Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives should be avoided as these can irritate sensitive digestive systems.
We’ve tested numerous options to help you find the best food for your dog’s delicate stomach.
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
We’ve tested and researched numerous dog foods to find the best options for pups with sensitive stomachs. Our list includes foods that are gentle on digestion, contain high-quality ingredients, and have proven effective for dogs with various tummy troubles. These top picks will help your furry friend enjoy mealtimes without the discomfort.
Dr John Hypoallergenic Lamb with Rice
This hypoallergenic dog food offers excellent value for dogs with sensitive stomachs while providing complete nutrition without wheat, dairy, or soya.
Pros
- Made specifically for sensitive digestion with high-quality ingredients
- Contains joint-supporting yucca extract and essential vitamins
- UK-made with over 150 years of manufacturing experience
Cons
- Some dogs may need gradual transition to avoid digestive upset
- Pellet size might be too large for smaller breeds
- Limited protein variety (only lamb)
Dr John’s Hypoallergenic formula stands out as a practical option for dogs struggling with food sensitivities. The wheat-free recipe features lamb with rice, providing 21% protein and 10.5% fat content that supports adult and senior dogs’ nutritional needs. Dogs with tummy troubles often show improvement when switching to specially formulated foods like this.
The brand’s long history dating back to 1873 speaks to their experience in creating quality pet nutrition. We appreciate that this food contains wholesome ingredients without artificial colours, flavours or sugars. Many owners report their dogs enjoy the taste despite it being a specialised diet, which can be rare for hypoallergenic options.
For working or active dogs, the slow-release energy from wholegrain cereals helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. The inclusion of essential oils for coat health and antioxidants for immune support adds value beyond just digestive comfort. At 12.5kg per bag, it offers good value for multi-dog households or larger breeds with sensitive tummies.
BETA Sensitive Salmon Dog Food
BETA Sensitive Salmon is an excellent choice for dogs with digestive issues thanks to its gentle formula and high-quality ingredients.
Pros
- Salmon as the primary ingredient provides digestive-friendly protein
- Contains natural prebiotics to support gut health
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
Cons
- Premium price point compared to standard dog foods
- Some dogs may need time to adjust to the flavour
- Kibble size might not suit all dog breeds
This salmon-based dry food offers proper nutrition for dogs with sensitive tummies. BETA has created a formula with salmon as the number one ingredient, providing easily digestible protein that’s gentler on your pet’s stomach. The 14kg bag represents good value for owners of medium to large breeds.
The dual-shaped kibble design helps with dental health while making the food more interesting for your dog. We appreciate the addition of natural prebiotics, which have been proven to support digestive health. For dogs experiencing both stomach upsets and skin irritation, the formula contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that nourish the coat from within.
Made in the UK with selected natural ingredients, this food avoids common irritants that can trigger digestive problems. Many owners report improvements in their dogs’ digestion after switching to this formula. The recipe also includes vitamins and zinc to help manage skin reactions, making it a comprehensive solution for sensitive dogs rather than just focusing on stomach issues alone.
Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion Dog Food
This grain-free turkey formula is an excellent choice for medium and large dogs with sensitive stomachs, providing balanced nutrition with highly digestible ingredients.
Pros
- Promotes healthy gut flora with proven increase in beneficial bacteria
- Turkey is the primary ingredient for quality protein
- Grain-free formula with cassava as an alternative energy source
Cons
- Higher price point than standard dog foods
- Only suitable for medium and large breeds
- May require gradual transition to avoid digestive upset
Dogs with sensitive tummies need special care when it comes to their diet. Pro Plan’s Sensitive Digestion formula addresses this common issue by focusing on ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system. The grain-free approach replaces typical allergens with more digestible alternatives like cassava.
What makes this food stand out is its focus on gut health. The formula increases beneficial bifidobacteria, which helps maintain a balanced gut microflora. This scientific approach to nutrition means fewer digestive upsets and better quality stools for your pet.
We appreciate that turkey is the number one ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source that’s often well-tolerated by sensitive dogs. At 12kg, the bag offers good value for medium to large breeds, though the premium price reflects its specialised formulation. Many owners report improvements in their dogs’ digestive issues after switching to this food, making it worth considering if your furry friend struggles with tummy troubles.
Wagg Wheat Free Dry Dog Food
This UK-made dog food is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs thanks to its wheat-free formula and natural ingredients.
Pros
- Made without wheat for sensitive digestion
- Contains vitamin E for immune support
- Great value in a large 12kg bag
Cons
- Only available in one flavour option
- Granule size may be too large for tiny breeds
- Packaging isn’t resealable
Dogs with sensitive tummies often struggle with regular food, but Wagg’s Wheat Free formula addresses this common problem head-on. The recipe contains no artificial colours or flavours, making it gentler on your pet’s digestive system. We’ve found that owners particularly appreciate how this food helps reduce stomach upsets in dogs that previously struggled with other brands.
The chicken and rice formula provides a balanced meal that’s suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. With added vitamin E to boost immune health, it’s designed to support your dog’s overall wellbeing beyond just digestive comfort. The 12kg bag offers excellent value, especially for multi-dog households or owners of larger breeds.
Many customers report that even their fussiest eaters enjoy this food. The UK manufacturing adds another layer of quality assurance for concerned pet parents. While it lacks a resealable package, storing the food in a separate container can easily solve this minor inconvenience. For dogs who regularly suffer from digestive issues, this affordable option could be a simple solution to a frustrating problem.
Burgess Sensitive Salmon Dog Food
We highly recommend this quality dry dog food for pups with sensitive tummies due to its specialised formula and positive customer experiences.
Pros
- Formulated without common ingredients that trigger sensitivities
- Contains prebiotics to support gut health
- Helps develop strong bones and a glossy coat
Cons
- Limited to one flavour option (salmon)
- Some dogs may need time to adjust to the taste
- Larger 12.5kg bag might be too much for small dog owners
Burgess Sensitive Salmon Dog Food is specially designed for dogs with digestive issues. The recipe avoids many common ingredients that typically cause sensitivities in dogs. Many owners report their itchy, uncomfortable pups showing marked improvement after switching to this food.
The formula includes helpful prebiotics that support healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These good bacteria help form solid stools, reducing the messy clean-ups that often come with digestive problems. The added antioxidants and vitamins also boost your dog’s immune system.
Another benefit is the salmon-based recipe that helps develop a shiny coat and strong joints. The food comes in a large 12.5kg bag, offering good value compared to premium alternatives. We’ve noticed many customers mention how their previously fussy eaters seem to enjoy the taste, making mealtime less stressful for both dogs and their owners.
Buying Guide
When looking for dog food for sensitive stomachs, we need to consider several key factors. These will help you find the right option for your furry friend.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Quality protein sources are essential. Look for easily digestible proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid by-products and unnamed meat sources.
Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes can be gentle on your dog’s digestive system. These provide energy without upsetting sensitive tummies.
Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health. These beneficial bacteria help maintain digestive balance and improve nutrient absorption.
What to Avoid
Certain ingredients may trigger digestive issues in sensitive dogs. Be cautious about these common irritants:
| Ingredients to Avoid | Why They Can Cause Problems |
|---|---|
| Artificial colours | May cause allergic reactions |
| Chemical preservatives | Can irritate sensitive digestive systems |
| Wheat and corn | Common allergens for many dogs |
| Dairy products | Many dogs are lactose intolerant |
| Fillers and by-products | Low nutritional value, harder to digest |
Special Formulations
Limited ingredient diets (LID) contain fewer components, making it easier to identify potential triggers. These formulas typically include one protein source and one carbohydrate source.
Grain-free options might benefit some dogs with specific sensitivities, but they aren’t necessary for all sensitive stomachs.
Hydrolyzed protein formulas break down proteins into smaller pieces, making them less likely to trigger immune responses in very sensitive dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need special care when it comes to food choices. Here we address common questions about selecting the right nutrition for dogs with digestive issues.
Which dog foods are recommended to manage diarrhoea in canines with delicate stomachs?
For dogs with diarrhoea, we recommend limited-ingredient diets that are easily digestible. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal offers a veterinary-approved formula that helps firm stools and supports digestive health.
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d is another excellent choice, specifically formulated to reduce stomach upset and promote stool quality. It contains prebiotic fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric is also highly effective for managing diarrhoea. Its gentle formula uses high-quality protein sources and has reduced fat content to ease digestion.
Are there specific brands of dog food that help reduce vomiting in dogs with sensitive digestive systems?
Burns Original is well-regarded for dogs prone to vomiting. Its simple recipe with brown rice and chicken minimises digestive upset and promotes gut stability.
Forthglade’s Natural Lifestage range provides gentle nutrition with no harsh ingredients that might trigger vomiting. Their wet food options are particularly soothing for sensitive tummies.
James Wellbeloved offers hypoallergenic formulas with single-source protein that can significantly reduce vomiting episodes in sensitive dogs. Their turkey and rice combination is particularly well-tolerated.
What options are available for dogs with both sensitive stomachs and skin allergies?
Arden Grange Sensitive contains ocean white fish and potato, making it ideal for dogs with multiple sensitivities. It avoids common allergens while supporting both skin and digestive health.
Barking Heads Tender Loving Care combines salmon with sweet potato instead of grains, helping dogs with dual sensitivities to food and environmental factors.
Lily’s Kitchen Grain Free recipes use novel proteins like venison or duck paired with sweet potato, which rarely trigger allergic reactions in the skin or gut. These recipes also include added omega oils for skin health.
What should one look for in dry dog food to ensure it is suitable for a sensitive stomach?
Limited ingredients should be your first priority. Fewer components mean fewer potential irritants for sensitive dogs. Look for foods with 10 or fewer key ingredients.
High-quality protein sources are essential. Single-source proteins like lamb, turkey, or fish are easier to digest than multiple protein blends.
Avoid artificial additives completely. Opt for foods without colours, preservatives, or flavour enhancers, as these commonly irritate sensitive digestive systems.
Moderate fat content (between 10-15%) prevents digestive overload. Too much fat can overwhelm sensitive stomachs and cause discomfort.
What are the benefits of feeding wet food to dogs with digestive sensitivities, and what brands are best?
Wet food provides higher moisture content, which aids digestion and helps keep dogs hydrated. This is particularly helpful for dogs who might not drink enough water.
The soft texture requires less digestive effort compared to kibble. Sensitive stomachs often process wet food more easily, reducing the chance of discomfort.
Naturediet’s Sensitive range offers excellent wet food options with gentle ingredients like white fish and rice. Their steam-cooked preparation preserves nutrients while enhancing digestibility.
Forthglade Grain Free wet meals contain carefully selected ingredients with added prebiotics. Their single-serve trays maintain freshness and portion control.
Can homemade meals be a better alternative for dogs prone to stomach upset, and what recipes are advisable?
Homemade meals can be beneficial when properly balanced. They allow complete control over ingredients and quality, eliminating hidden additives that might cause upset.
A simple chicken and rice recipe works well for many sensitive dogs. Boil plain chicken breast and white rice in a 1:2 ratio. Then, add a small amount of pumpkin for fibre.
Poached white fish with sweet potato offers another gentle option. Cook both thoroughly without seasonings and serve in small portions until tolerance is established.
We recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist before switching entirely to homemade meals. Dogs require specific nutrient balances that can be challenging to achieve without professional guidance.
