So many dogs have food intolerances. Some have illnesses or food allergies that cause several other digestion issues. When your pet has digestion issues, picking a good dog food for him can be challenging since they have special dietary considerations. This article will highlight the best dog food for digestive problems available in the market today.
There are so many things that cause indigestion in dogs. Some dogs may have an intolerance to certain foods or a food allergy. Sometimes, a chronic illness can cause digestion issues. Puppies and senior dogs have a more sensitive digestive system. Some certain types of food can worsen the stomach issues that your dog has.
So, what are some of the best dog foods for digestive problems? We will help you identify some of the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Before we help you choose dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, let’s look at some of the things to consider when choosing dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Things to consider when buying dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs
If your dog has digestive issues, you need to be extra cautious when picking food. Here are some things to consider before getting dog food:
Ingredients
When selecting food for a dog with stomach issues, it is important to consider the ingredients used in dog food. All dogs need a balanced diet to thrive and stay healthy. However; you need to select dog food with a limited number of ingredients if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Food with many ingredients can easily upset your dog’s stomach.
The ingredients found in the dog food you choose should be easy to digest. Ingredients that are easy to digest are ideal for dogs with digestive issues and a sensitive stomach.
Grain-free Dog Food
Grains are tasty and nutritious but they may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Most dog food manufacturers use grains in their ingredients. Wheat and corn are some of the most common ingredients that are a source of energy and carbohydrates. These ingredients can, however, cause stomach upset and indigestion in your pet especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Supplements
If you choose a dog food with limited ingredients, it might be hard for your pet to get all the nutrients he needs. To ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he requires, get dog food that contains additional supplements such as probiotics which aid in digestion and food absorption.
Amount of Protein
Dog food with low levels of protein is not healthy for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some dogs may find it easy to digest carbohydrates but dogs with sensitive stomachs may have a hard time digesting foods with low protein.
Top 10 Best Dog Food for Digestive Problems Reviews
There are so many dog food brands in the market that claim to be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs but fail to live up to their promise. It can be hard for some dog owners to identify and select a dog food that is ideal for their dog especially if their pet has a sensitive stomach. Here are some of the dog food brands ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food is quality dog food from a reputable brand that makes dog food based on the specific nutritional needs of different dog breeds. They make recipes for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. The dog food is made using quality ingredients that are safe for your dog.
The adult dog food has simple ingredients that are easy to digest to help alleviate indigestion and other stomach issues in dogs. The formula is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains antioxidants that help improve the health of the dog’s coat. The food contains Vitamin E and C to help improve the immunity of your pet.
The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food is available in canned or dry food to meet the needs of different dogs. It does not contain any fillers as only real ingredients are used to make the food formula. The food has omega 6 fatty acids that help your dog have healthy joints bones and coats.
Pros
- The food formula is made using simple ingredients that are easy to digest, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It is from a reputable brand that only uses high-quality ingredients to make their food.
- The adult dog food is formulated with Vitamin E and C to help boost your dog’s immunity.
- It contains omega 6 fatty acids to ensure a healthy and shiny coat, strong bones and joints.
- The food is available in both canned and dry food form.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food has antioxidants that help dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It is free of any additives, fillers or preservatives.
- The dog food is suitable for both small and large dog breeds.
Cons
- This food formula is formulated for adult dogs only thus it may not be suitable for puppies.
2. Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Food
The Royal Canin Gastrointestinal low-fat dry food formula is a premium dog food formula that is designed for dogs with gastrointestinal problems. The food formula is made with chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, wheat, barley, chicken fat, beet pulp, fish oil, vitamin and mineral supplements. All the ingredients used to make dry dog food are quality and safe for your pet.
The low-fat dry dog food is formulated with chelated minerals for better absorption and digestion of food. It has an AAFCO analysis in the label that indicates modest fat levels to make the formula gentler for dogs that find it hard to digest fat. It contains minimal fiber content to prevent stomach upsets and indigestion.
The food formula works for many dogs with GI disorders and is, therefore, a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains vitamins and minerals that help boost the overall health of your dog.
Pros
- The dog food is made using easily-digestible protein and carbohydrates.
- It is formulated with chelated minerals for easy digestion and absorption of food.
- The dry dog food has minimal fat content to make it easy for dogs that find it had to digest fat.
- It keeps your dog full for long without causing any indigestion or stomach upsets.
- The food formula is suitable for dogs with GI disorders.
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal low-fat dry food has low levels of fiber to prevent stomach disorders in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- The food has vital minerals and vitamins that boost the health of your pet.
Cons
- It is an expensive dog food formula.
- Some ingredients such as chicken by-product meal and brewer’s rice are not desirable.
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Dog Food is a popular dog food formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is a grain-free formula that is designed to support healthy intestinal function. The dog food contains pumpkin which aids in digestion, turkey protein as well as pea fiber to keep your dog full without causing indigestion. The formula has a healthy carbohydrate content from oatmeal, potatoes and brown rice content.
The limited dog food does not contain any harmful ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. It is free from preservatives, animal by-products, additives or colorants. The dog food has a blend of fruits, vegetables, and micronutrients selected specially to promote digestive function. It has fewer ingredients which makes it suitable for dogs with stomach sensitivities and a digestive problem.
All the ingredients used to make the dog food are easy to digest and the dog’s body uses it for energy. It provides your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet and helps to alleviate most problems associated with food sensitivities or allergies. The food has Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to improve the coat and skin.
Pros
- The dog food does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives and is therefore safe for your dog.
- It is made in the USA by a reputable brand that is renowned for making quality dog food.
- The food formula is grain-free to help support healthy digestion and intestinal function.
- The Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Dog Food has a blend of fruits, vegetables, and micronutrients that promote digestion and help boost the health of your pet.
- It contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to improve the coat and skin of your dog.
- The limited dog food formula has healthy carbohydrate content from oatmeal, potatoes and brown rice to keep your dog full without causing indigestion.
Cons
- It does not contain any probiotics to ensure a healthy digestive system.
4. Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions
Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions is a specialized food formula for dogs with food sensitivities. The dog food is made with chicken meat, chicken by-products, chicken by-product meal, cornmeal, beet pulp, whitefish, and oatmeal. It contains flaxseed which is rich in omega fatty acids which help ensure a healthy and shiny coat. The food formula has vitamin supplements, and chelated minerals to improve digestion and food absorption.
The dog food is rich in antioxidants to boost the immune system of your pet. It contains a blend of dietary fiber to aid digestion and prevent stomach upsets in dogs prone to the condition. The food formula is not only suitable for dogs with stomach problems, but also for dogs with skin sensitivities. It comes in kibbles that are easy for small dogs to chew.
The Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions has a pleasant taste that is ideal even for dogs that are very picky. The food is slightly expensive but it is a great choice for dogs that are on permanent medication for GI issues. It is free of fillers, gluten meals, wheat, soy, sprayed-on rendered fat or protein concentrate.
Pros
- It is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients to ensure safety.
- The dog food formula does not contain fillers, gluten meals, wheat, soy, sprayed-on rendered fat or protein concentrate.
- It has dietary fiber to help with digestion without causing stomach upsets.
- The food formula comes in kibbles that are easy for small dogs to chew.
- It has flaxseed which is rich in omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat.
- Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions contains chelated minerals to improve digestion and food absorption.
- It is formulated with antioxidants to boost the immune system of your dog.
- The dog food has a pleasant taste.
Cons
- It is slightly expensive.
- Some dogs may not like the dog food formula.
5. IAMS Sensitive Naturals Adult Dry Food
Iams Sensitive Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food is a food formula for adult dogs with gastrointestinal problems. It contains ocean fish, brewer’s rice, sorghum, fish meal, barley, and dried fruits and vegetables. The food formula is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost the overall health of your pet.
All the ingredients used to make the dog food are safe for your dog. The dog food does not have the stinky smell that most fish-based dog food formulas have. It is free of any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and is therefore safe for your pet. Dry dog food uses ingredients that are easy to digest to avoid indigestion and stomach upsets. It is from a reputable brand that makes quality and reliable dog food formulas.
Pros
- It is formulated for dogs suffering from GI issues.
- The adult dry food contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help ensure that your dog is healthy.
- The dog food does not contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- It provides your dog with all the nutrients he needs without causing any stomach distress.
- The ingredients used to make the dog food are safe and easy for your dog to digest.
- It is from a renowned brand that makes quality products.
Cons
- The ingredients contains unspecified animal fat, animal digest, brewer’s rice, and unspecified ocean fish.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of dog food.
6. Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog Food is a quality dog food formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The ingredients used to make the food formula are all natural and easy to digest. The dog food is designed to help solve sensitivity issues without causing discomfort to your pet. The main ingredient in the dog food is salmon. It provides your dog with enough protein that is ideal for a healthy diet.
The dog food contains omega 6 fatty acids to ensure that your dog has a shinier and healthy coat. It contains oatmeal which provides your pet with fiber needed to digest food and to keep your dog full without causing any stomach disorders. The food formula has a pleasant taste that most dogs love. It is a tasty meal that is not only ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs but also those with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog Food has a pleasant taste that most dogs love.
- It is made with natural ingredients that are safe and easy for dogs to digest.
- The food formula is from a reputable brand.
- It has omega 6 fatty acids to boost a healthy and shiny coat in your pet.
- The dog food is made using oatmeal which is a rich source of fiber to help in digestion and keep your dog full without causing stomach upsets.
- It contains salmon which is a great source of protein to help in muscle growth and development.
- The food is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.
7. CANIDAE All Life Stages
CANIDAE All Life Stages is a reliable food formula that is suitable for dogs in all life stages. It is available in two varieties to suit your dog’s taste. The dog food comes in chicken meal and rice and lamb meal and rice varieties. The two varieties contain a sole animal protein for easy digestion. The dog food has fewer ingredients to help alleviate digestive problems.
The formula consists of 23% protein, 4% fiber, 12.5% fat and 10% moisture. The dry dog food is idea for a household with multiple dogs of different ages and sizes. It is free of wheat, soy or corn. The dog food has chondroitin and glucosamine to help strengthen your dog’s joint and bones. It provides your pet with all the nutrients he needs to remain strong and healthy without causing any stomach upsets.
Pros
- The food formula keeps your dog’s skin and coats healthy and shiny.
- It is ideal for dogs of all life stages, making it a great choice for homes with multiple dogs of different ages.
- The dog food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for strong and healthy joints and bones.
- It contains a single protein source for easy digestion and food absorption.
- The CANIDAE All Life Stages has fewer ingredients to prevent digestion problems.
- All the ingredients used to make the food are safe and high quality.
- It does not contain wheat, soy or corn, additives, fillers or preservatives.
- It is all-round dog food.
8. Merrick Whole Earth Farms
Merrick Whole Earth Farms is a quality dog food that is made using a blend of quality nutrients to promote healthy nutrition and a balanced diet in dogs. It is a protein-rich dog food that has multiple protein sources such as beef, pork and lamb meat. Protein not only helpss in muscle growth and development but it is often easier to digest for most dogs.
The dog food formula does not have soy, wheat, corn, or by-products. All the ingredients used to make the food are quality and safe for your dog. It is available in 5 different variations to meet the needs of different pets. It has duck and turkey, salmon and white fish.
Salmon and whitefish are a great source of omega fatty acids that help improve the appearance of your dog’s coat and skin. All ingredients in the food formula are designed to provide your dog with vital nutrients he needs to thrive without causing stomach problems.
Pros
- It is a grain-free food formula that is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- The dog food provides your dog with omega fatty acids from salmon and whitefish for a shiny and healthy coat and skin.
- It is a protein-based dog food to make it easier for dogs to digest and absorb nutrients.
- All the ingredients used to make the formula are quality and safe for dogs.
- It is from a reputable brand that does not include fillers, preservatives, color or artificial flavor.
- The food formula comes in 5 different varieties to suit the needs of different pets.
Cons
- It does not contain a probiotic to help digestion.
9. Natural Balanced LID Beef
The Natural Balance LID Beef is a great food formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is made using premium ingredients that are easy to digest. The dog food consists of 32% protein with beef as the first ingredient. The high protein levels keep your dog full longer without causing any stomach problems.
The food is grain-free to alleviate any food allergies and sensitivities. It does not contain fillers, chicken ingredients, or even potatoes, making it a great choice for dogs that find it hard to digest grains and high levels of carbohydrates. The dog food has peas and chickpeas as the source of carbohydrate.
The carbohydrate content in dog food is easy to digest. The food formula comes in kibble form which makes it easy for the dog to chew. Natural Balance LID Beef has fewer ingredients to help avoid any stomach upset and indigestion.
Pros
- The dog food does not contain soy, corn, chicken, wheat, artificial flavors or colors.
- All the ingredients used to make the formula are quality and safe.
- It consists of 32% protein from beef to make it easy for your dog to digest and absorb nutrients.
- The food formula has peas and chickpeas as a source of carbohydrates to provide your dog with energy to stay active.
- Peas and chickpeas also provide your dog with fiber which aids in digestion.
- Natural Balance LID Beef provides your dog with all the nutrients needed without causing and stomach problems.
- It has a short ingredient list, making it an ideal choice for dogs with stomach sensitivities and food allergies.
Cons
- It lacks a probiotic.
10. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Grain-Free
Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey is a USA made dog food formula that is made with quality ingredients. It is a GMO-free, grain-free diet designed for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs. The food has a single-animal protein sourced from turkey to make digestion easy. The less the number of ingredients in a dog food formula, the easier it is for your dog to digest the food.
The food formula does not contain eggs, corn, wheat, or soy. It has 30% crude protein and other essential nutrients suitable for both puppies and adult dogs. The dog food has GanebenBC30 which is a probiotic that aid in digestive health. It is a low carb dog food that contains chickpeas and sweet potatoes as the source of carbohydrates and fiber. The food formula does not have artificial colors or preservatives.
Pros
- The dog food is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives.
- It is made in the USA with quality ingredients.
- The food formula contains 30% crude protein to make it easy to digest.
- It is a GMO-free and grain-free dog food that is designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
- The grain-free dog food contains chickpeas and sweet potatoes as a source of fiber and carbohydrates to provide your dog with enough energy.
- The ingredients used to make the formula are safe and quality.
Cons
- There are no so many reviews on dog food.
Conclusion
There are so many dog food brands in the market but most of them are not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. When looking for dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, you need to consider dog foods that have fewer ingredients. The more ingredients found in a dog diet, the easier it is for your dog to get stomach problems.
Most dogs with sensitive stomachs find it had to digest foods with higher fiber content thus you should also ensure that the dog food you choose has less fiber. Fiber helps in digestion but too much fiber can cause indigestion and stomach upsets.
The dog foods we have reviewed are some of the great choices available in the market for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We hope that you have found a dog food that suits your dog’s sensitive stomach from our review.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.