Some dogs have a sensitive stomach. They may be sensitive to some food items.
The right dog food can help to aid in digestion. The correct one is dependent on the dog’s age, size, health and the issue.
Best dog food for a sensitive stomach
A sensitive stomach prefers food that is easy to digest. And has simple ingredients.
Some good choices might be foods that have:
- Easily digestible protein
- Limited ingredients
- Moderate fat
- Prebiotic fiber
- Probiotics
- Gently carbs (rice or other gentle carbohydrates)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
A few dogs might also benefit from a food that is made of a single primary animal protein.
So, what is causing a dog’s sensitive stomach?
Many things can cause this.
These may include:
- Sudden diet changes
- Food intolerance
- Food allergies
- Eating too quickly
- Eating table scraps
- High-fat foods
- Infections
- Parasites
- Stress
- Certain medications
Prolonged or severe digestive issues should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
Which Ingredients Make a Great Dog Sensitive Stomach?
Foods with ingredients more easily digested may be beneficial to dogs with digestive issues.
Examples include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Lamb
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
- Prebiotic fiber
- Probiotics
The right ingredients will be based on what your dog will tolerate.
If a dog doesn’t tolerate chicken, then it needs a different protein.
Is Limited Ingredient Dog Food Better?
For some dogs, it can be beneficial.
A limited ingredient diet is a diet with reduced amounts of protein and carbohydrate ingredients.
This can help narrow down the possibility of the cause of the digestive ailments.
But for not all dogs, limited ingredient food is not a good choice.
The diet should, however, continue to be complete and balanced.
Are Grain-Free Diets Healthier for an Upset Gut?
Not necessarily.
Certain doggies can easily digest grains like rice, and oatmeal.
It is not necessary to always opt for a grain free diet simply because a dog has an upset stomach.
Grain may not need to be eliminated from your dog’s diet if your veterinarian feels your dog is not having any problems with the grain.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken and Rice with an upset tummy?
Sometimes a temporary bland meal is made up of plain cooked chicken and rice.
Chicken and rice are not a complete feed for long-term feeding, though.
If your dog continues to have stomach issues, talk to your vet about a complete digestive dog food.
Is Pumpkin good for a Dog’s Sensitive Stomach?
Some dogs may be helped by a plain pumpkin that contains fiber.
In some instances it can help maintain normal stool consistency.
Don’t use pumpkin pie filling; it can have sugar and spices.
But portion size is important as too much pumpkin can upset digestion.
If Dog Food Should Contain Probiotics?
Probiotics are added to some sensitive stomach dog foods.
Probiotics are good bacteria which can help with digestion.
Prebiotics can also be added to aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut flora.
Your veterinarian can let you know if you should consider giving your dog a probiotics supplement or not – not all dogs need them!
Which foods are unsafe for dogs that have an upset stomach?
Some foods that could be troublesome are:
- High-fat foods
- Spicy foods
- Table scraps
- Large amounts of dairy
- Sudden diet changes
- Dogs that are intolerant to foods.
- Very rich treats
Dogs should not eat toxic food. Like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions or xylitol containing food products either.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Needs To Change His Diet?
Sudden changes can lead to an upset stomach.
If possible make it a step by step process over the course of several days.
For example:
- Begin by feeding the old food and a small portion of the new food.
- Gradually increase the new food
- Each day, decrease the amount of old food by 10% to 15%.
- Continue until your dog is eating only the new food
It might take a bit longer for more sensitive dogs.
Also Read: Can Dogs Have Cinnamon? Safety, Risks and What You Should Know
Should You Feed Smaller Meals?
Yes, it’s possible that smaller meals can help some dogs.
You can take the daily total of food. Break it up into 2 or 3 smaller meals.
This can help make digestion easier. It can assist dogs that tend to eat too quickly.
How to know the new food is working?
Are the food’s characteristics improving as it is being made?A good food is indicated by:
- More normal stools
- Less gas
- Reduced vomiting
- Better appetite
- Stable body weight
- Normal energy levels
Your dog’s tummy may need to get used to a new food and it might take a while.
When to Visit a Vet?
If your dog has any of the following symptoms, consult a vet:
- Repeated vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Severe tiredness
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
Not all digestive issues are food related.
A vet can assist in excluding infection, parasites and other medical issues.
Favorable dog foods for sensitive stomachs are typically easily digested and nutritionally well balanced. It uses ingredients which your dog is able to digest with ease.
Some dogs may benefit from food that has simple proteins, probiotics or prebiotic fiber.
If your dog’s digestive issues persist, collaborate with a veterinarian. They will determine the problem and what diet works best for your dog.
FAQs
What do you feed a dog with a sensitive stomach?
A well-designed food that contains all the necessary nutrients and is easily digestible can be good to try, as well as one that is moderate in fat content, and has a protein that is well tolerated by your dog.
What is the time frame for a new dog food to take effect?
It may take a few days for digestive changes to improve, although it can take longer for some dogs.