Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach, Gas, and Diarrhea Problems

Most dogs naturally have tummy troubles and finding a suitable food brand can be problematic. You need to know the ingredients that could irritate your pet’s stomach. This is the first step to solving the problem.

However, tummy troubles can be fixed by picking the right dog food for sensitive stomach. This article will highlight five top products to consider for your pet.

When it comes to treating sensitive stomachs, there is no sole approach. There are several methods of trial and error that have to be tested to know what will work for your pooch. The most recommended method is the restricted diet strategy. It involves feeding the dog with food with certain ingredients to prevent allergies and irritation.

Top 5 Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach, Gas, and Diarrhea

1. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

This dog food brand applied an efficient scientific approach to the development of the food. It is based on the various needs of different age groups and breeds. It is formulated for sensitive skin and stomach.

The food is made with high-quality ingredients and has additional nutritional compounds like omega-6 fatty acids. These ingredients promote a healthy coat, provides vitamin E and C for a robust immune system as well as essential antioxidants that help dogs with sensitive stomachs.

It is nutritionally balanced with simple ingredients that aid digestion and this may make it ideal for dogs with such health problems. The dog food is made in different varieties to offer a personalized experience to both small and large dogs.

It also comes in two types: canned or dry dog food depending on the needs and preferences of your dog.

The food may be ideal for dogs with allergies and may help clear up their skin within a short while after use. Its high-quality ingredients also make it a good meal for dogs as there is no chance of the pets overindulging in it.

2. NUTRO Natural Choice Health Benefit Dog Treats

This natural dog food for sensitive stomach is packed in a pastel-colored minimalist package. The kibble is chicken flavored with a blend of simple and healthy ingredients to provide nutrition for your pet.

It is fortified with natural grains and mixed with natural fiber sources like chicory, pumpkin and natural coconut fibers. These ingredients help to strengthen the digestive function of your dog.

Although this food is rich in ingredients, it is also a dry treat, and you’ll need to hydrate your pet when you feed them this food. The water will help them assimilate the food and all its nutrients.

It is important to note that this food is 100% organic. It does not contain any artificial flavors or color, preservatives or fillers. This may make it an ideal treat for your dog if he suffers from sensitivities and allergies.

The product is made specifically to support your pet’s immune function and intestine health. The treat gives your dog access to antioxidants, real protein, and vitamins.

It also does not sacrifice taste or nutrition to provide this feature. Lastly, they make a great training treat for all dogs, including puppies.

3. BLUE Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Grain Free Turkey & Potato Dry Dog Food

Just like its name implies, Blue Basics dog food contains the basics that your dog needs to stay healthy, satisfied and happy. It is made with a simple grain-free formula, which supports a healthy intestinal function.

It contains pumpkin, turkey protein, and pea fiber as well. In addition, the healthy carb requirements of dogs are covered with oatmeal, potatoes and brown rice.

This food does not expose your pet to harmful ingredients that may have serious side effects. It is free of preservatives, animal by-product, additives or colorants.

It contains a healthy blend of fruits, vegetables, and micronutrients that have been selected carefully as they aid proper digestion in dogs.

This food may be ideal for dogs that are on a restricted ingredient diet because of food sensitivities. It is also suitable for dogs who need food made from real ingredients. This makes it easier to assimilate and digest. This way, their bodies can use it for energy.

It contains an intense flavor profile that is gotten from fresh ingredients, and the natural flavors were preserved to provide a delightful taste sensation.

4. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature’s Variety

Instinct Limited Ingredient dog food is grain-free and comes in so many varieties. Some include duck, turkey, peas, and lamb. It also has different bag sizes to make it more affordable.

The small bag is only 4.4 pounds, but the biggest bag is about 25.3 pounds. This way, you will only have to buy what your pet can consume quickly if you prefer it.

The brand is formulated for pets with sensitive stomachs. This is why the common triggers of tummy problems such as grain and gluten are absent in the ingredient list. The ingredients are also free of fillers but contain lots of healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is also made with an animal protein source and contains easily digestible ingredients. This may make it ideal for dogs with diarrhea.

5. Merrick Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Dry Dog Food

This dog food has a good meat protein source. The source is pork meal, and it is a good meat protein for dogs. Lots of high-quality dog food brands use pork meal as their main ingredient as it contains up to 80% protein that your dog needs. It is a good source for all dogs.

Merrick Dry Dog Food also gets its main carbohydrate source from sweet potatoes and potatoes. Potatoes contain up to 7% protein and about 92% carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes also contain 6% protein and about 93% carbohydrates.

These options provide excellent sources of fiber. Lots of dog owners worry about the sugar content of potatoes. However, this should not be a cause for concern except the dog has blood sugar issues.

The product also contains peas which may cause tummy problems in some dogs as they may find it difficult to digest the food. This ingredient has 22-24% protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Even though it is a healthy option, it may cause some digestive problems for extremely sensitive dogs.

Symptoms of Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs

Different signs help dog owners to detect sensitive stomachs in dogs. Some signs to look out for include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Painful bowel movements
• Itchy Ears
• Itchy skin
• Skin Rashes
• Loss of appetite
• Energy changes (hyperactivity or lethargy)
• Unwillingness to eat during mealtimes
• Noisy stomach (rumbling, gurgling)
• Flatulence (gas)
• Aggression (rare, but it happens)

When you notice any of these signs of the potential digestive or systemic sensitivity in your pet, you should find out which ingredient is responsible for the irritation or allergy.

Why Some Dogs Have Sensitive Stomachs

Sensitive stomachs can affect any breed of dog and can be caused by a long list of factors and some include:

Intolerances

Some pets exhibit intolerance to carbs most of the time, and this is characterized by gastrointestinal illness. Other lactose intolerant puppies show symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea or bloating.

It is easy to spot an intolerance problem in your dog and link it to a particular ingredient or food by the way they react to it after it has been ingested. To be sure, you should visit a vet to confirm your suspicions.

Food allergies

In many cases, dogs become allergic to particular protein sources when they have been exposed to the ingredient or food source for a long time. This is why it is vital to diversify the dog’s diet properly so they can benefit from a variety of nutrients. This will definitely improve their immunity.

Another cause of food allergies in dogs is the presence of some food additives that can seriously disrupt the dog’s nervous system.

Underlying Issues

Occasionally, the dog may exhibit a sensitive stomach or allergy as a symptom of other underlying issues such as parasite infections, pancreatic deterioration, spoiled food, and toxicity. As a result, the allergy will be resent for shorter periods and can be treated easily with pharmacologic therapy.

If the symptoms do not subside after some time, then you should take the pet to the vet. The vet can detect the sensitivity and offer recommendations or place them on a restricted ingredient diet.

The Benefits

Getting food that is specially formulated for sensitive stomach helps prevent various allergic reactions in dogs. It’s necessary to study your pet to know when he/she needs special food.

You must try to understand what he can eat and what must be avoided to prevent tummy troubles. The food you provide must also give the dogged strength, optimum energy, and nutrition.

Inflammatory bowel diseases

When you buy specially formulated food for sensitive stomachs, you could also prevent the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Allergic reactions

Many dogs may develop allergies to regular dog foods. This is the time to get special food to promote optimal health.

Balanced diet

When the diet contains all the necessary ingredients, it will help the dog to maintain a healthy gut and balanced bacteria.

Prevents diarrhea

Most dogs display tummy problems through diarrhea. A healthy stool is solid in form, and loose stool can be caused by food allergy. When you restrict the dog’s diet, you will help aid digestion to produce firmer stools.

Prevents inactivity

When a dog has tummy problems, he is more likely to become inactive, and this will cause other health problems.

Reduces food sensitivities

When you feed your dog with healthy food, it will provide the nourishment they need despite being sensitive to some foods.

Prevents suffering and pain

Digestive problems can cause pain and agony when not checked properly. Getting the right dog food for sensitive stomach will reduce allergies and pain.

Allergic reactions to food

Eating one kind of food daily may cause an allergic reaction. Try to switch things up with the food to avoid allergic reactions.

Healthy skin

A good diet reflects on the skin of your dog. Getting good food for sensitive stomach helps make their skin shine and keeps skin diseases at bay.

How can you take care of a dog with sensitivities?

Here are some tips and guidelines to help you care for your dog with food sensitivities.

Start by finding out the food allergies your dog has. When you confirm this, do not allow strangers to give treats to the dog. Be sure to change the food every two months. You can also mix it up with other brands instead of using one formula for years.

Try the elimination and addition method to find the problem as it may be more accurate that allergy panel tests. Watch out for products with food additives, since they also cause allergies in dogs.

Also, try to reduce fat and carbs in the dog’s diet. Meat and grains should also be limited so check the ingredient list for this. Be sure to review your observations with the vet. Lastly, pick high-quality dog food.

Conclusion

Caring for a dog with a sensitive stomach is a full-time job. It doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow these steps to find high-quality food, your dog’s tummy troubles will be over.

The Hill’s Science Diet dog food is an excellent start for a dog with a sensitive stomach because it is balanced with simple ingredients to aid digestion. It is also specially formulated for dogs with allergies.