What is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach?

Key points

  • If your dog often gets diarrhea, experiences vomiting or flatulence, it could be a sign that it has a sensitive stomach.
  • The best way to help a dog with digestion issues is to figure out what food component is causing the problem and switch the pet to a more appropriate feed.
  • Insect-based dog food is an excellent choice for pets with sensitive stomachs.

Few things are more heartbreaking for pet parents than seeing their pets feeling unwell. Of course, we all hope that our dogs can be happy and healthy 24/7, but unfortunately, if your furry friend has a sensitive stomach, this is frequently not the case. This article will examine the causes of digestion issues in dogs and explain what you can do to help your pet be healthy and happy despite its sensitive stomach.

What causes digestive problems in dogs?

brown french bulldog wearing red and white santa hat sitting on yellow pasta

If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you might be tempted to keep trying more and more different pet foods and diets, hoping to find an option that works well for your dog. However, this is a mistake. Instead, your first step should be figuring out what causes your pet’s digestive issues. For instance, your dog might be allergic to a specific type of meat or another dog food ingredient, or it might have more serious underlying health issues such as stomach cancer or an autoimmune disorder. We recommend that you consult a vet to rule out serious conditions and get general feeding advice before proceeding.

Sensitive stomach symptoms in dogs

When we talk about a dog having a sensitive stomach, we usually mean that the pet often suffers from intestinal upset and discomfort.

Here are some symptoms that dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience regularly:

  • Diarrhea or loose stool
  • Vomiting
  • Flatulence

You might see one or more of these symptoms in your dog, but if any of them are severe, you should make an appointment with a vet as soon as possible.

How to help a dog with a sensitive stomach?

Eliminate extra food

sliced meat beside silver knife

Once you’ve made sure your dog is not ill, take a closer look at its diet and habits. The first step is to ensure that your pet is not eating trash in your home or outside. If you live with children, check that they are not feeding your dog food scraps and similar things, and stop giving your pet treats. Many dogs will feel significantly better after a few days without treats, table scraps, trash, and other items. But if your pet is still getting sick, this most likely means that the issue is with its food.

Dog food components that can cause digestive issues

Protein

Many dogs are allergic to certain types of protein. For instance, your pet may not tolerate beef but be completely happy eating chicken or fish protein. Try switching to a different protein source for a few days and see if your pet feels better. We suggest you consider Gopetcan – a leading insect-based pet food brand that’s good both for your pet and the environment.

Fiber

sliced carrots on chopping board

If your dog’s diet does not contain enough fiber, it may experience intestinal discomfort. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, beet pulp, psyllium, and inulin are excellent sources of fiber for dogs.

Fat

Take a close look at the list of ingredients in your pet’s food. If the list includes oils or fats as one of the first four items, your pet’s diet might be too fatty.

Vitamins and Minerals

If you’re giving your pet high-quality commercial food, the dog is most likely getting enough vitamins and minerals. However, if your pet is eating homemade or raw food, it might be malnourished. Talk to your vet to ensure that your dog is getting enough nutrients.

Purchase quality dog food

potato fries

There are many dog food brands on the market, but not all of them are created equally. To ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life, try to choose a nutritionally balanced and complete pet food made from high-quality ingredients. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet before trying a new food for your dog.

Best commercial dog food for sensitive stomachs

While there are many types of dog food that are marketed towards dogs with digestion issues, one option that stands out is insect-based pet food. This eco-friendly alternative to regular pet food is made with healthy insect protein using sustainable practices. Here are a few reasons why dog food made from insects is better for sensitive stomachs:

  • Single protein – Gopetcan dog food is made only with insect protein, making it easier to digest for most pets.
  • New protein source – If your pet is already allergic to one or more sources of protein, Gopetcan’s kibble will be a great choice. Since insect protein is very new on the market, your dog is unlikely to have an allergic reaction to it.
  • Hypoallergenic – Our pet food is carefully formulated using only hypoallergenic ingredients that are very gentle on the canine stomach.
  • Probiotic – Insect-based pet food from Gopetcan helps support your dog’s gut microbiome and ensures proper digestion.

How to transition your dog to a new food?

black and white short coated dog sitting on white ceramic round plate

Unlike humans, dogs can’t just switch from one food to another in an instant, especially if they are prone to stomach problems. It’s best to make the transition very slow. The first time you give your pet new food, the meal should contain only about 10% of new kibble and 90% of the pet’s old food. If your dog reacts well to this, spend the next few weeks slowly increasing the proportion of new food in the mixture while decreasing the percentage of old food at the same time.

FAQ

What helps a dog with a sensitive stomach?

Many dogs with sensitive stomachs prefer bland home-cooked meals or single-protein dry and wet commercial pet food.

Which dog breeds have sensitive stomachs?

Digestion issues can occur in all dogs regardless of their breed. However, elderly dogs and small dog breeds are most commonly prone to intestinal discomfort. Flatulence is especially common in pugs, golden retrievers, and boxers.

Does my dog have a sensitive stomach?

If your dog often has diarrhea and experiences flatulence or vomiting, it might have a sensitive stomach. However, you should visit a vet to rule out more serious health issues.