10 Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods to Try
Updated on April 15, 2022
Some dogs can gobble down everything but the kitchen sink and come bouncing back for more, while others have a bit more trouble in the digestion department. If your dog tends to get gassy or experiences loose stools or occasional vomiting after eating, switching to a sensitive stomach dog food might be worth considering.
Although it’s very common for dogs to have digestive issues every now and then given how curious they are when it comes to tasting the world around them, a sensitive stomach requires a little more effort on your end to ensure your pup feels good and eats well.
The right sensitive stomach dog food will allow your pup to enjoy mealtime without experiencing the unpleasant symptoms that a regular diet might cause, thanks to highly digestible ingredients and a relatively short ingredient list.
Before switching dog foods, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s stomach sensitivities so she or he can help identify the cause and rule out any underlying health issues.
Our Picks
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- Overall Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right
- Best Fresh Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Balanced Remedy
- Best Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Food
- Best Prescription Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Hill’s Prescription Diet Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
- Best Vegetarian Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula
- Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult 7+
- Best Budget-Friendly Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food
- Best Low-Fat Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
- Best Value Limited-Ingredient Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula
- Best Dog Food for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
10 Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods
Overall Winner: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Our pick: Raised Right
Get 20% off your first 16 bag box with code PETS20
| Flavor | Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe | Original Beef Adult Dog Recipe | Original Pork Adult Dog Recipe | Original Chicken Adult Dog Recipe |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult | Adult | Adult |
| Form | Fresh frozen | Fresh frozen | Fresh frozen | Fresh frozen |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver | Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver | Pork, pork heart, pork liver | Chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver |
| Protein Analysis | 19% min | 23% min | 20% min | 20% min |
| Calories | 328 kcals/cup | 408 kcals/cup | 368 kcals/cup | 360 kcals/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
You won’t find extensive ingredient lists or unwanted fillers in Raised Right recipes. This family-owned, human-grade dog food company creates limited ingredient recipes that are veterinarian-formulated to be high in protein, low in carbs, and great for sensitive stomachs. In fact, because the company uses no high-carb fillers, like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat fillers, most Raised Right recipes have less than 2 percent carbs.
Best of all, the ingredients in Raised Right recipes are truly limited for easier digestibility. All of their adult dog recipes have 10 ingredients or less, with some having as few as just 7 or 8 ingredients. And the company was even able to formulate their adult dog recipes to meet AAFCO’s requirements for a complete & balanced diet without having to add any synthetic vitamins or minerals…just simple, nutritious whole foods.
Highlights
- Recipes formulated by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet food formulation expert Steve Brown
- Offers limited ingredient recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs
- Most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs because they don’t use any high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat
- Each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients in a USDA-inspected facility
- Strict laboratory testing with every batch cooked
- Choose from custom meal plans or sample boxes to try first
Things to Consider
- Be sure to follow the packaging and feeding instructions carefully, as each dog’s caloric requirement is unique
- Raised Right formulas are shipped frozen and must be stored frozen
- Refrigerate each formula to defrost overnight and serve to your dog for 6 days from the refrigerator
Best Fresh Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Our pick: Just Food For Dogs Balanced Remedy
| Flavor | PantryFresh Balanced Remedy | Fresh Frozen Balanced Remedy |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Form | Shelf stable, wet | Fresh frozen, wet |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Ground turkey breast | Ground turkey breast |
| Protein Analysis | 5% min | 5% min |
| Calories | 38 kcal ME/oz | 39 kcal ME/oz |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes | Yes |
JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) understands that while all dogs are amazing, not all dogs’ stomachs are created equal. Founded in 2010, JustFoodForDogs creates veterinarian-developed, fresh, whole-food recipes in one of their nine American kitchens. All of their ingredients are edible by humans (yes, you could eat it), contain no preservatives, and are shipped fresh or frozen to thaw and serve.
JFFD features two sensitive stomach dog food varieties. Balanced Remedy is available in both fresh-frozen and PantryFresh formulas. These diets are designed to support your dog’s digestive health with one protein source (ground turkey), one solitary starch source (rice), and low-fat levels. Time and time again, veterinarians recommend Balanced Remedy in fresh frozen and PantryFresh versions for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Even sensitive tummies deserve variety. Your dog can enjoy four highly digestible formulas thanks to JFFD’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach Variety Box. The pack includes Fish & Sweet Potato, Venison & Squash, Balanced Remedy, and Joint & Skin Support. Take advantage of the 50 percent off your first variety box deal.
Highlights
- Both formulas contain 100 percent whole food ingredients.
- Each PantryFresh meal can be stored unopened for up to two years, making it the perfect option when traveling or boarding your dog.
- Balanced Remedy is a veterinary support diet that doesn’t require a prescription.
- Low-residue diets to support a dog’s sensitive stomach
- Fresh frozen meals shipped from JustFoodForDogs kitchens to your residence.
- PantryFresh is 31 calories per ounce; Balanced Remedy is 39 calories per ounce.
- JFFD products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance
Things to Consider
- The PantryFresh Vet Support Balanced Remedy Recipe is low-fat, but it is higher in fat than the frozen Balanced Remedy.
- Refrigeration is required after opening PantryFresh meals.
- Long-term use of Balanced Remedy is not recommended without speaking to your dog’s veterinarian first.
- Food is a bit pricey
Best Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food
Our pick: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Food
| Flavor | Chicken & Barley |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken, chicken meal, egg product, chicken fat |
| Protein Analysis | 20% min |
| Calories | 394 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
This highly digestible recipe from Hill’s gets a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon. Happy customers love how this kibble is gentle on stomachs while also promoting healthy skin and coat. It features chicken as the first ingredient, plus a nourishing prebiotic fiber that fuels good gut bacteria.
Highlights
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains beet pulp, a nourishing prebiotic fiber that fuels beneficial bacteria
- Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids offer skin and coat support
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Available in 4-, 15.5-, and 30-lb bags
- Made in the USA
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Things to Consider
- If your dog has an egg or chicken sensitivity, this will not be a good fit
- There are other versions of this recipe available geared toward small/mini breeds or large breeds, as well as a grain-free recipe and a “small bites” recipe with extra small kibble size
Best Prescription Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Our Pick: Hill’s Prescription Diet Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
| Flavor | Original |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Hydrolyzed chicken liver |
| Protein Analysis | 19.1% min |
| Calories | 354 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Hill’s is well-respected for its high quality and science-approved formula—and the skin/food sensitivities formula is no exception. Clinically proven nutrition to help avoid adverse reactions to food, this option promises to help control any gastrointestinal issues.
Highlights
- Features highly hydrolyzed animal protein and a single purified carbohydrate source
- Includes antioxidants for optimal health benefits
- Enriched with essential fatty acids
- Taste is very similar to a more traditional dog food
- Available in both dry kibble and wet food
- No gluten, soy protein, lactose, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Things to Consider
- This pet food requires authorization from your veterinarian
Best Vegetarian Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Our pick: Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula
| Flavor | Vegetarian |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Brown rice, oat groats, barley, peas, potato protein |
| Protein Analysis | 18% min |
| Calories | 365 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities to meat and dairy, and you are considering a vegetarian or vegan dog food, Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula is a premium option. It’s designed to provide all breeds of adult dogs a complete and balanced alternative to a meat-based diet. This formula offers dogs the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source, but it is made with no animal or dairy products.
Highlights
- Vegan formula
- Premium energy sources including brown rice, oatmeal, and potatoes
- Natural health support from green peas
- Supports healthy skin & shiny coat
- Complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs
Things to Consider
- Before switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet, work with your veterinarian to ensure it’s a good fit for your pet
Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Our Pick: Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult 7+
| Flavor | Salmon & Rice |
| Life Stage | Senior |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Salmon, fish meal |
| Protein Analysis | 29% min |
| Calories | 401 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
This sensitive stomach dog food comes packed with high-quality ingredients, including real salmon as the primary protein source, easy-to-digest oatmeal, omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil, and natural prebiotic fiber. It’s also fortified with live probiotics for digestive health. This is Dr. Burch’s go-to choice for pups with sensitive stomachs, since many food sensitivities in dogs are associated with beef or chicken, she says.
Highlights
- Fortified with stomach-friendly ingredients
- High protein without being hard on the stomach
- Omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health
- Very good price for a specialty food
- Made without corn, wheat, or soy
Things to Consider
- Certain reviewers said the formula is more crumbly than other brands
Best Budget-Friendly Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Our Pick: Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food
| Flavor | Lamb & Rice |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Lamb, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, chicken meal, dried egg product |
| Protein Analysis | 25% min |
| Calories | 382 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
You don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to ensure your dog is eating what they need to in order to support their sensitive stomach. Iams Proactive Health Minichunks (particularly the lamb and rice flavor) contains natural fiber and prebiotics to support healthy digestion. This small, easy-to-eat kibble is also a great choice for dogs who might be experiencing dental issues.
Highlights
- Small kibble size makes it easy to eat and digest
- Includes high-quality ingredients, like lamb and wholesome grains
- Features a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health
- Very budget-friendly compared to other brands
Things to Consider
- Certain dogs might take some time to warm to the lamb flavor
Best Low-Fat Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Our Pick: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
| Flavor | Original |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat |
| Protein Analysis | 20% min |
| Calories | 248 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Looking for a top-quality dog food that’ll cover just about any digestive issue your pup might be facing? The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food comes highly recommended by both Burch and Simons for its high-quality ingredient list and highly digestible proteins and prebiotics that have been specially formulated to promote digestive health and healthy bowel movements.
Highlights
- Made with low-fat ingredients
- Popular among veterinarians
- Great for a wide variety of digestive issues
Things to Consider
- Requires authorization from your veterinarian
Best Value Limited-Ingredient Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Our Pick: Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula
| Flavor | Original |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Egg product, potato protein, chicken fat |
| Protein Analysis | 25% min |
| Calories | 410 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
The Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula is an excellent option for those shopping for top-quality dog food at a fair price. It boasts easy-to-digest egg and potato proteins and beneficial fiber from psyllium seed husk. It might not be the cheapest on the market, but the limited-ingredient formula and fortified probiotics designed to thrive in the GI tract make the budget-to-quality ratio well worth it.
Highlights
- Made with vitamins and minerals that help foster healthier skin and coat
- Made in the USA by a family-run company
- Fortified with probiotics that will survive through the GI tract
Things to Consider
- Certain reviewers have noticed a dark powder coating that was off-putting for their pups
Best Dog Food for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
Our pick: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
| Flavor | Lamb & Oatmeal | Salmon & Rice | Salmon & Rice Large Breed |
| Life Stage | Puppy | Puppy | Large-Breed Puppy |
| Form | Dry | Dry | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Lamb, fish meal, beef fat, dried egg product, salmon meal | Salmon, fish meal, beef fat, salmon meal | Salmon, fish meal, beef fat, salmon meal |
| Protein Analysis | 28% min | 28% min | 28% min |
| Calories | 428 kcal/cup | 428 kcal/cup | 417 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
With real lamb or salmon as the first ingredient, and easy-to-digest oatmeal or rice, Purina Pro Plan’s puppy formula is gentle on stomachs while supporting your puppy’s growth and development. It contains DHA from omega-rich fish oil to support brain and vision development, antioxidants to support the immune system, live probiotics for digestive and immune health, sunflower oil for healthy skin and coat, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth.
Highlights
- Choose from Lamb & Oatmeal or Salmon & Rice recipes
- Sunflower oil supports healthy skin and coat
- Natural prebiotic fiber supports growth of healthy bacteria in the gut
- No artificial flavors, colors, corn, wheat, or soy
- Available in 4-, 16-, and 24-pound bags
Things to Consider
- If you have a large breed puppy, the Salmon & Rice recipe is available in a large-breed formula
Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Buyer’s Guide
Dog Breeds Prone to Sensitive Stomachs
Several dog breeds are considered to be prone to tummy trouble and more serious gastrointestinal illnesses over their lifetime. Some of the more common breeds with sensitive stomachs include:
- Boxers
- Irish Setters
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Labrador Retrievers
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Scottish Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Yorkshire Terriers
Benefits of Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Yes, dogs with sensitive stomachs will typically require a specific diet—but it doesn’t mean you have to cook up a homemade diet or go out of your way to have special food prepared. Sensitive stomach dog food is crafted to be easy for pet parents to ensure their pup is eating well thanks to the combination of microbes and probiotics—but it doesn’t require any more effort than a standard dog food.
“Ideally, we would keep these dogs on the same diet rather than regularly changing what they are given,” explains Dr. Linda Simons, a veterinarian based in London. “Similarly, we should not offer them additional food such as human food, treats, and chews, as these may upset the stomach. For most, providing a commercial diet aimed at those with sensitive gastrointestinal systems works best.”
According to Simons, dogs can be sensitive to any ingredients, including chicken, potato, and peas. It can be a case of trial and error to determine what your dog reacts to, but sticking to dog foods with short ingredient lists that have meat or fish as the first ingredient (which is most sensitive stomach dog foods on the market) will make things much more simple, as hypoallergenic foods are generally well tolerated.
Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: What to Look For
Although there are plenty of sensitive stomach dog food formulas on the market these days, there are still certain factors you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting your dog’s new diet:
Look for added probiotics. “I recommend looking for foods with added probiotics to help encourage healthy gut bacteria, which will decrease stomach sensitivities,” suggests Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian with Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. Probiotics contain non pathogenic bacteria, which increase the ratio of normal to pathogenic intestinal microbes. Increasing the number of good microbes in the intestines helps to decrease the risk of a sensitive stomach.
Seek out a formula that has inulin. Burch also suggests looking for diets that have inulin present in their formulation. Inulin is a prebiotic soluble fiber. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. These complex carbohydrates will also decrease the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Avoid recipes with long ingredient lists. Choose nourishing foods that provide an ideal balance of protein, fats, carbs, and dietary fibers, and avoid those with fillers or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives where possible.
