Din-dins is an important part of a dog's day but can be tough on dogs that have sensitive tummies. Dog food is not a one-size-fits-all product, which is why finding the best dog food for your dog with a sensitive stomach is vital as every dog is different and some pooches are going to have certain intolerances, allergies and sensitivities.
Just like with us, food intolerances are very unique to the individual dog. Foods that often cause trouble include soy, meat, carbohydrates and dairy. We've included an intensive list in this article so you can really get to the cause of the problem. Vets and animal nutritionists are incredibly clued up when it comes to food allergies and sensitivities and there are so many options out there to ensure there is food that your dog will be able to eat.
Best dog food for sensitive stomachs at a glance:
• Editor’s Pick: Pooch & Mutt, The Health and Digestion Bundle - View on Pooch & Mutt
• Best dog food for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin, Digestive Care Wet Dog Food - View on Amazon UK
• Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs: Wagg, Complete Sensitive Wheat-Free Chicken and Rice Dog Food - View on Pets At Home
• Best wet dog food for sensitive stomachs: Lily's Kitchen, Classic Dinner Multipack Wet Dog Food - View on Lily's Kitchen
Once you know what gives your dog a bad tummy, you can avoid it much more easily. Make sure to collaborate with a vet – so, you can find the best diet for your pooch. Luckily, there is plenty of dog food out there for hounds with sensitive tummies, as well as dog food for allergies and itchy skin, waiting for your perfectly hungry pooch.
In fact, an upset stomach is one of the most common reasons for dogs to see their vet, according to Bondvet. Luckily, lots of brands are making dog chow that doesn't contain certain ingredients that'll flare up your pup's upset tummy. At Take a Break Pets, we've found the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Best dog food for sensitive stomachs
Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs
www.petsathome.com
Up first, we have our top dry food pick from Wagg. Their complete, sensitive food contains a doggie staple: chicken and rice. Not only is it wheat-free for gluten-free pups, but it contains no added, dairy, soya or artificial colours. Plus, it offers immune alongside digestive support with an added Vitamin E – and reduces odours. This is a favourite of ours and it’s made in the UK.
Customer Review: “My dog has a sensitive tummy and is a fussy eater but does love this food.”
Pros
- Wheat-free
- No added dairy, soya or artificial colours
- Offers immune and digestive support
Cons
- Made in a factory that handles wheat
- Dry food may not suit all dogs
| Suitable for: | All dogs from four weeks |
- Ingredients: Chicken, Maize, Whole Grain Barley, Rice, Chicken Fat (Omega 6), Beet, Dried Whole Green Peas, Whole Linseed (Omega 3), Minerals & Vitamins, Chicory Root (FOS), Yucca
Editor’s Pick
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Made to help your dog with its digestive health, we personally love this “Health & Digestion” bundle from Pooch & Mutt. This collection is brimming with prebiotics and probiotics, which give your dog the best gut and digestive health. This improves their stool quality and flatulence, too.
Save seven per cent with this job lot, which contains the following:
2kg Grain-Free Health & Digestion Dry Food
1 x 200g Pouch Of Bionic Biotic Powdered Supplement
6 x Packs Health & Digestion Mini-Bone Treats
Customer Review: “Good mix of products at a reasonable price. My two beagles love this brand.”
Pros
- Great value
- Aids digestion, stools and flatulence
- Packed with probiotics and prebiotics
Cons
- No wet food included in bundle
| Suitable for: | All adult and senior dogs |
- Ingredients:
- Dry Food
- Freshly prepared salmon, sweet potato, dried salmon, potato, peas, salmon oil, salmon gravy, alfalfa, beet pulp, linseed, parsley, brewers yeast, psyllium, cranberry, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, minerals, vitamins, mannanoligosaccharides (prebiotic mos), fructooligosaccharides (prebiotic fos), yucca schidigera extract.
- Treats
- Oat flour, rice flour, dried chicken, chicken gravy, yeast extract, charcoal, parsley), vitamin e, mixed herbs, chicory extract, yucca extract, with analytical constituents: crude protein, crude oils & fats, crude fibre, inorganic matter
- Supplement
- Ground micronized maize, maize gluten meal, chicory roots, mannan-oligosaccharides (prebiotic mos), beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, yeast, oat feed meal, fish oil (1%), calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, rapeseed oil.
Best wet dog food for sensitive stomachs
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Next, we have an entry from Lily’s Kitchen, which is a brand that leads nutritional and healthy dog food in the UK. We recommend this Classic Dinner multipack, making it super accessible as well as tasty! This pack includes “Cottage Pie”, “Chicken and Turkey Casserole”, “Lamb Hotpot” and “Sunday Lunch”. Don’t they sound fantastic? Lily’s Kitchen prepares its food with fresh ingredients and proper meat. Their meals do not contain any added sugar, wheat, corn or soya. Instead, they contain botanicals to aid digestion.
Customer Review: “After years of searching for pet food that my Malshi will eat - we tried Lily's. Not runny, not smelly, just good food. It is expensive for the size of portions, but it works!”
Pros
- Selection of four nutritious recipes
- Added botanicals to aid digestion
- Wholesome, natural ingredients
- No cheap fillers or nasties
Cons
- Not all meals are grain-free
| Suitable for: | All dogs from four months |
- Ingredients:
- Chicken & Turkey Casserole
- Fresh Chicken, Freshly Prepared Turkey, Carrots, Squash, Pearl Barley, Brown Rice, Apples, Broccoli, Peas, Blueberries, Vitamins & Minerals, Flaxseed, Golden Rod, Nettle, Aniseed, Celery Seed, Rosehips, Marigold Petals, Cleavers, Seaweed, Alfalfa, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root.
- Cottage Pie
- Fresh Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Apples, Broccoli, Green Beans, Vitamins & Chelated Minerals, Flaxseed, Golden Rod, Nettle, Aniseed, Celery Seed, Rosehips, Marigold Petals, Cleavers, Seaweed, Alfalfa, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root.
- Lamb Hotpot
- Fresh Lamb, Potatoes, Squash, Apples, Carrots, Blueberries, Broccoli, Peas, Flaxseed, Golden Rod, Nettle, Aniseed, Celery Seed, Rosehips, Marigold Petals, Cleavers, Seaweed, Alfalfa, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root.
- Sunday Lunch
- Fresh Chicken, Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, Spinach, Apples, Vitamins and Chelated Minerals, Herbs, Safflower Oil, Golden Rod, Nettle, Aniseed, Celery Seed, Rosehips, Marigold Petals, Cleavers, Seaweed, Alfalfa, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root.
Best dry puppy food for sensitive stomachs
www.petsathome.com
If your puppy is having tummy problems, we recommend this AVA Optimum Health Medium Dry Puppy Food. This particular 15kg is suitable for medium breeds, however, Pets At Home stocks 15kg bags for small and large breeds, too. AVA’s dry food is made from gentle, natural ingredients that are hypo-allergenic, and completely free of wheat gluten, soya, pork and dairy. Made with quality protein, AVA ensure improved digestive and immune health. This food will aid your puppy’s growth and development.
Customer Review: “When we got our Rottweiler puppy, he was on Royal Canin. We were recommended AVA by Pets At Home and I've never looked back! He loves this food and it's packed full of goodness. I found he had loose stools on Royal Canin but since changing to AVA he has been absolutely fine. Highly recommend to anyone with dogs with a sensitive tummy.”
Pros
- Hypo-allergenic wheat-free recipe
- Calcium promotes oral health
- Tailored shape and size for your pet
- Full of nutrients to aid growth and development
Cons
- Only chicken variety
- Contains egg and grains
| Suitable for: | Medium breed puppies (Six weeks to one year); 15kg bags for small and large breeds are available too |
- Ingredients: Chicken (Meal, Fresh, Fat, Gravy), Brown Rice, Maize, Beet Pulp, Whole Dried Egg, Salmon Oil, Brewer’s Yeast, Minerals, Pre-biotic Fructooligosaccharide, Beta-glucans, Pre-biotic Mannanoligosaccharides, Yucca Extract, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Cranberry Extract, Green Tea Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Best wet puppy food for sensitive stomachs
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
If your puppy is having tummy problems and prefers wet food, we recommend Lily’s Kitchen Complete Wet Puppy Food. Coming in a pack of six cans, this “Chicken Dinner” for puppies is your ultimate go-to meal. Packed with healthy veg and botanicals, this will help your puppy with its stomach upset. Wholesome, tasty and complete, this Puppy Recipe is a winner.
Customer Review: “I've fed my English Setter on (and other quality foods) this from aged about 10 weeks to very recently when he reached 13 months of age. He's quite a picky eater but nearly always wolfed it down. Sadly, I won't be buying any more because he's now almost fully switched to adult food. It's a great start for puppies.”
Pros
- Grain, dairy and wheat free
- Health, natural ingredients
- Botanicals to aid digestion
Cons
- One flavour per pack
| Suitable for: | From weaned puppies to around 12 months – depending on the breed |
- Ingredients: Fresh Chicken, Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamins & Chelated Minerals, Salmon Oil, Golden Rod, Nettle, Aniseed, Celery Seed, Rosehips, Marigold Petals, Cleavers, Seaweed, Alfalfa, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root.
Best value sensitive dog food
www.petsathome.com
Finally, we recommend this James Wellbeloved wet dog food. Not only is it great value, but it’s naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive tummies with no beef, pork, soya, eggs, wheat or dairy. It’s complete, balanced dog food – and perfect for any pup aged one to seven years. This food contains added seaweed for iodine, as well as Omega 3 and 6 oils for healthy skin and glossy coats.
Customer Review: “I decided to switch my dog's wet food for something more nutritious and of better quality. I was supposed to buy another brand but it was out of stock and there was a great sale for this one. My dog seems to be enjoying them a lot and I'm happy seeing her eating with such an appetite!”
Pros
- No soya, wheat or dairy
- Rich in iodine and Omega 3 and 6 oils
Cons
- No variation - only turkey in pack
| Suitable for: | Adult dogs aged one-seven years |
- Ingredients: Turkey, rice, dried carrots, dried peas, dextrose, minerals, dried beet pulp, sunflower oil, linseed oil, alfalfa, seaweed, fish oil, tomato powder.
Best dry senior dog food for sensitive stomachs
www.petsathome.com
Your senior dog needs plenty of support, too. This AVA Optimum Health hypo-allergenic and gluten-free dry food is a good choice. Suitable for dogs over the age of seven of a medium-sized breed, this dog food supports your pup into their old age – with added glucosamine for joint health and pre-biotics for stools. Plus, it contains Omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat conditions. It supports heart, kidney and brain function. If your senior is a small or large breed, no worries. There are 2kg bags available for them, also.
Customer Review: “My dogs really liked this food, and I thought the smaller-sized kibble was perfect for senior dogs.”
Pros
- Hypo-allergenic wheat-free recipe
- Glucosamine promotes healthy joints
- Tailored shape and size for your pet
- Full of nutrients to keep your dog healthy
Cons
- Only chicken variety
- Contains egg and grains
| Suitable for: | Medium breed seniors (7+); 2kg bags for small and large breeds are available, too |
- Ingredients: Chicken (Meal, Fresh, Fat, Gravy), Brown Rice, Maize, Whole Barley, Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil, Brewers Yeast, Whole Dried Egg, Minerals, Pre-biotic Fructooligosaccharide, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Beta-glucans, Pre-biotic Mannanoligosaccharides, Yucca Extract, Cranberry Extract, Green Tea Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Best wet senior dog food for sensitive stomachs
www.petsathome.com
If your senior dog requires wet food to support their tricky tummy, we recommend this Burns Adult and Senior Wet Dog Food variety box. Proudly made in Wales, this Burns wet food will support adult and senior dogs with hypoallergenic, natural ingredients to help dogs with sensitive skin and tummies. Coming in 94 per cent recyclable packaging, this variety pack contains three delicious packs of each: “Organic Chicken”, “Hearty lamb”, “Free-Range Egg” and “Wild Fish”, which gives them a good balance of proteins.
Customer Review: “My ten-year-old dog has been a fussy eater all his life, he also had smelly loose stools and chronic flatulence. He would turn his nose up at every other dog food I've tried, finally, he absolutely LOVES this food, he even loves the fish, which he's never eaten before. His stomach is so much better, no stinky farts! His stools are very healthy. So pleased with this dog food.”
Pros
- Gluten-free and hypoallergenic
- Four delicious varieties
- Packed with protein and veg
Cons
- Not grain or dairy free
- Inconsistent texture due to seasonal ingredients
| Suitable for: | Adult and senior dogs; see feeding guide for portions |
- Ingredients:
- Organic Chicken
- Organic Chicken, Carrots, Organic Brown Rice, Minerals.
- Free Range Egg
- Free Range Egg, Carrots, Organic Brown Rice, Minerals.
- Wild Fish
- White Fish, Carrots, Organic Brown Rice, Fish Oil.
- Hearty Lamb
- Lamb, Carrots, Organic Brown Rice, Minerals.
Best dog food for sensitive stomachs
Coming in a tasty pate-style loaf, this Royal Canin Digestive Care Wet Dog Food is formulated with digestive health in mind and equipped to help any pooch with their tummy troubles. Packed with nutrients to aid healthy digestion, this food is suitable for adult dogs of all shapes and sizes. This product is available as dry food with crunchy and highly palatable kibble.
Customer Review: “I bought this product after my vet recommended it, I buy hypoallergenic dog food for my dog, which is prone to upset stomachs. I bought Purina Hypoallergenic dry dog food but wanted a wet product to mix with this. I decided on Royal Canin wet food. This mixed well with the dry food and my dog clearly enjoyed it.
However, it was very expensive, particularly when combined with dry food which was also expensive. My dog weighs 22kg and is normally classed as medium-sized. I was giving her just one sachet per day, mixed with the dry food and this worked out a lot every month. I am now trialling a much cheaper hypoallergenic wet food which I am introducing gradually.”
Pros
- Supports healthy digestion
- For dogs prone to digestive sensitivity
- Veterinarian recommended
- Combines well with dry formula
Cons
- Not as great value compared to other multipacks
| Suitable for: | Adult dogs over 10 months old |
- Ingredients: Meat and animal derivatives, derivatives of vegetable origin, cereals, oils and fats, minerals, and various sugars. With nutritional additives: Vitamin D3: 190 IU, E1 (Iron): 5 mg, E2 (Iodine): 0.3 mg, E4 (Copper): 2.4 mg, E5 (Manganese): 1.4 mg, E6 (Zinc): 14 mg and one technological additive: Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin: 2.2 g.
Best sensitive dog food multipack
This Harringtons wet dog food bumper pack contains 16 meals, four of each: lamb, turkey, chicken and beef. Not only are these doggie meals grain-free, but they contain chicory – a prebiotic known to help digestive health. Plus, they have added seaweed as a source of vitamins and minerals, as well as green-lipped mussel – which aids brain development and joint support. They're delicious, too. Harrington says: “No nasties. No surprises. Just natural, wholesome goodness.” Paw-fect.
Customer Review: “All my dogs - including the FUSSIEST one - absolutely LOVE these trays!!! These are the preferred flavours for my dogs. They smell yummy, have good texture, full of goodness and the packaging is recyclable.”
Pros
- Grain-free and hypoallergenic
- All natural ingredients
- Locally sourced and made in the UK
Cons
- If you have a large dog, you may go through these trays quite quickly if fed to the guidelines on the back of the box
| Suitable for: | All dogs aged eight weeks and above |
- Ingredients: (Various Meat) with Potato, Peas, Carrot, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Dried Tomato, Seaweed, Green Lipped Mussel, Chicory, Parsley, Basil, Green Tea, Rosemary, Rosehip
FAQs
What are the symptoms or signs of a sensitive stomach in dogs?
According to dog healthcare brand YuMove, there are a few dog upset stomach symptoms you need to watch out for:
• Wind
• Dull coat
• Loose or runny stools
• Loss of appetite
• A change in the number of stools or toilet frequency
• Accidents around the house
• Poor overall health
Though these symptoms may not seem too unusual, they could be a sign of something serious. So, if you’re concerned about your pooch, book a vet check-up. Your dog might have munched on something it wasn’t supposed to, perhaps. Hopefully, you’ll get some answers and treatment. These are some signs you definitely shouldn’t ignore:
• Blood in poo
• Unplanned weight loss
• Lethargy
• Signs of abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Unsettled tummy for more than three days
When it comes to signs like these, visiting your vet is our urgent advice. Once you know what the issue is, you can start an investigation into your pooch’s diet. This will improve their quality of life.
Do dogs have allergies, intolerances and sensitivities?
Perhaps you're thinking: what are the causes of a dog's stomach upset? Much like with us, food intolerances are very unique to the individual. However, we’ve made a list of the common culprits. Foods that often cause trouble include:
• Soy
• Carbohydrates (such as rice and potato)
• Meats (such as beef, lamb, chicken and turkey)
• Dairy products (such as eggs and milk)
• Fish
• Veggies
• Other novel proteins (such as duck, venison and rabbit)
To figure out which of these triggers your dog’s tricky tummy, we suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients. It’s a little trial and error, but you'll soon understand which food is the culprit.
There are some alternatives, also. You can feed your dog the food you've made at home. Just make sure to research what nutrients, protein and energy suit their age, life stage, lifestyle and breed. Plus - do your research to avoid your dog from munching on any toxic foods (such as onions, avocados and grapes).
On the other hand, there is the infamous raw diet. Of course, your puppy might thrive on a raw diet. But, there are risks with a diet such as this. Again, it's tricky to get that balance right. We'd recommend talking to your vet about this one.
Should I buy wet or dry dog food for sensitive stomachs?
Dr Linda Simon, lists some pros and cons of wet and dry dog food for dogs for Pooch & Mutt - and determines which is best for sensitive stomachs. We've summarised her thoughts below.
Wet food
On wet dog food, she writes that it's generally "more appetising" for your dog's palate.
As wet food is full of moisture, your dog could gain a "lot of beneficial hydration from wet dog food" and could keep your dog fuller for longer, which is a plus if you have a senior dog or a pup who goes on long walks. Plus, wet food is easier to chew, so it's "easier for those with dental diseases to manage". Also, wet food often contains more "protein-rich meat" which is great for active dogs who "need plenty of protein to maintain their lean muscle mass."
However, there are disadvantages of wet dog food. Not only is it messier and smellier, but wet dog food has a shorter shelf life and should be eaten "within a few days to still remain appetising to your pooch". Dr Simon adds that wet dog food for sensitive stomachs can be harder to portion and generally more expensive than dry across the board.
Dry food
Dr Simon turns her attention to dry dog food, picking apart their advantages, of which there are quite a few.
As touched on previously, dry dog food for sensitive stomachs can be much more economical and longer-lasting than wet dog food. Plus, it's easier to manage (when dividing into portions); not to mention less messy when your pup tucks in - especially for breeds that have little doggy beards like Schnauzers.
She adds "Wet food is softer on sensitive teeth... [but] dry dog food has a munchy quality that is beneficial to dental health and even helps keep their teeth clean" as it reduces plaque build-up
Disadvantages of dry food include: it doesn't provide moisture or hydration - so, wouldn't suit a pup who likes to run around. Plus, they're tougher on teeth, despite being better for doggy dental health. Also, Dr Simon mentions that dry food is "not as sensory", stating dry food as a "less exciting option" when it comes to din-dins. She adds that "in many cases, [dry food] is more likely to contain preservatives". This isn't true of all brands, though.
So, which is best?
Whether you choose wet or dry is a personal choice based on the lifestyle and health of your pup. If you have a fussy dog, wet food is your best bet. Dogs prefer consistency in their meals as too much change in their diet can result in an upset tummy. It's recommended to gradually introduce and integrate new food into their bowls.
Though Dr Simon says that most dogs "do well on a mixed diet", she concludes that wet food is better for sensitive stomachs as "those prone to constipation often do better on wet food diets made from all-natural ingredients". She also adds, "opt for one enriched with prebiotics and/or probiotics when possible".
Looking for more food options for your pooch as they approach their twilight years? We've got a whole article dedicated to senior dog food that will soon get your old hound's tail wagging.
Can I give my dog human food?
No - you shouldn't be giving your dog a lot of human food. We're all guilty of passing leftovers to begging doggies under the table on occasion. If it is a plain meal with meat, veg and potatoes, it'll mostly be fine for your dog. But, the question is: why is human food bad for dogs?
Often, our food contains ingredients that are high in sodium and sometimes toxic to your canine - as we covered earlier. As their digestive system differs greatly from ours, they can't digest our food, which is generally too rich or fatty. In fact, eating it can lead to an upset tummy and maybe even pancreatitis.
Want some more information on foods that you shouldn't be feeding your dog? Battersea Dog's Home has put together a great piece on foods that are toxic for dogs and advice on if your dog has eaten any foods on the list.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.