What To Feed a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need to eat foods that are easy for them to digest, but it can be difficult for pet parents to distinguish between foods that are made for dogs with sensitive stomachs and those that aren’t.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for dogs with stomach issues. Each pet has their own needs, so even if another breed seems to thrive on the same diet, your pet may not. It all depends on the dog, but a change in diet may help your dog if it's having digestive issues.
Here are some tips on what to feed your pet if he or she has a sensitive stomach.
How To Check If Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach
Digestive issues are common in dogs. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you may notice occasional vomiting, loose stools, or flatulence, which can be caused by a variety of factors. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or both, poor appetite, difficulty maintaining weight, and low energy.
If any of the previous symptoms appear to be severe, bring your dog to a veterinarian promptly. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of many serious illnesses, and even excessive flatulence can be a sign of a disease or a condition that requires veterinary attention.
Reasons Why Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach
There are many reasons behind a dog’s digestive issues, including dietary and underlying health problems. Foods that cause indigestion typically have too much fat, insufficient fiber, or a type of protein that does not agree with the dog's digestive system.
Many dogs suffer from food allergies, most commonly to chicken, beef, and eggs. Allergies occur when your dog’s immune system reacts to a normally harmless food. Food allergies can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary from digestive irregularities to other systems, such as respiratory issues.
Dogs can have food intolerances, too. Food intolerances are more common than allergies and can arise from any ingredient in a diet, whereas food allergies are often triggered by just a few ingredients. Food intolerances, unlike allergies, typically only affect the digestive system.
What To Feed a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach
So, what should you feed a dog with a sensitive stomach?
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Make sure you choose high-quality dog food. Don’t just buy the first food you find in the store - some brands might make foods that include ingredients that are unsuitable for your pet.
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Try A Pup Above's high-quality, freshly cooked dog food. A fresh and balanced diet often alleviates the symptoms of an upset stomach, like itchy ears and skin. Fresh, whole food is easier to digest, good for your dog's skin and coat, and is more flavorful than processed foods. The best dog food indeed that you may find! A Pup Above offers four recipes grounded in research and a sound knowledge of holistic nutrition, and each recipe is made from fresh human-grade ingredients that include essential vitamins and minerals.
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Consider a dog food that is specially formulated for sensitive stomachs. You may want to try foods marked “for dogs with sensitive stomachs” or “hypoallergenic”. Special diets for sensitive stomachs typically have essential nutrients like extra fiber and a moderate amount of fat to help firm up loose stools. Your vet may be able to recommend a prescription formula that works optimally for your dog’s specific needs.
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Reduce fat, but add fiber to your dog's diet. The best dog foods for sensitive stomachs have reduced fat content and can help reduce inflammation. Fiber can help, too. The fiber in some foods moves food through the digestive tract more quickly and helps the dog's body absorb nutrients. It also provides nutrients to the good bacteria in the dog's intestines, which improves gut health.
- Include probiotics in your pet’s diet. Probiotics are healthy and friendly bacteria that can help keep the intestines healthy, balanced, and well. Probiotics can impact the dog's gut health positively and help improve signs linked to various causes of GI problems.
Why Feed Your Dog Wet Food for a Sensitive Stomach?
We've explored what your dog with a sensitive stomach might need in their diet, but how about wet food? Is it a good choice for them? When it comes to managing digestive sensitivities in dogs, the type of food can make a big difference.
Wet food, which you'll find canned or in pouches, often features a softer texture and is rich in moisture. This makes it not only appetizing but also easier on the stomach than harder, dry kibble.
What Are the Digestibility Benefits of Wet Food?
When it comes to digestion, wet food offers several benefits for dogs with sensitive stomachs. First, the higher moisture content in wet food helps break down ingredients more easily, aiding in smoother digestion and less strain on your pup’s digestive system.
This is particularly helpful for dogs that struggle with constipation or dehydration, as wet food provides extra hydration that helps move things along more comfortably.
Another plus? Wet food is often more palatable and easier to chew, making it a great option for older dogs or those with dental issues. Since the food is softer and doesn’t require as much chewing, it’s less likely to irritate the stomach during digestion.
Lastly, wet food can also contain fewer complex carbohydrates, which may be harder for some dogs to digest.
Why Picky Eaters Tend To Prefer Wet Food
Ever noticed how, when given the choice, your dog might skip the dry kibble and go straight for the wet food? It's not just your dog — many picky eaters do the same. Wet food smells and tastes stronger, which really can catch a dog's interest.
The soft, easy-to-chew texture also feels better in their mouths compared to harder, crunchy kibble. For a dog that's fussy about food, these small things make a big difference, turning an ordinary meal into a feast they can't wait to gobble up.
Can Wet Food Help With an Upset Stomach and Diarrhea?
We've already mentioned that wet food is great for dogs with constipation because it helps keep them hydrated, but what about when your pup has diarrhea? Yes, wet food can help here too!
It’s soothing on the stomach and easy to digest, which can calm things down in the digestion department. The high moisture content of wet food also helps replace fluids that might be lost during bouts of diarrhea, keeping your pup hydrated.
Plus, the right wet food can provide a balanced dose of nutrients without being too heavy, helping your dog's digestive system get back on track smoothly and comfortably.
Canned vs. Fresh Food for Sensitive Stomachs
When it comes to wet food, we have choices — canned or fresh. Each has its merits, but what works best for a dog with a sensitive stomach? Canned food is readily available and convenient, offering a long shelf life and a variety of flavors. However, it often contains preservatives and additives that might not agree with all dogs, especially those with delicate digestive systems.
Here at A Pup Above, we're big fans of fresh, human-grade meals, especially for our sensitive-stomached friends. Why? Because fresh food, like our sous-vide meals, is prepared with minimal processing and without the additives found in many canned options.
Our cooking method gently brings out the flavors and preserves the nutrients in the food, ensuring your dog gets a tasty and nutritious meal every time.
For instance, our Turkey Pawella and Beef Pot Roast recipes are made with non-GMO veggies and human-grade turkey and beef, cooked slowly to retain all their goodness. This makes them not only delicious but also easy on your pup's tummy, helping to avoid any digestive drama.
What Dog Foods To Avoid
It is equally important to consider what foods to not give to your dog. In general, you want to create consistency in your dog’s diet and moderation in all ingredients, but in addition:
- Avoid high-fat food. It's never a good idea to feed your dog bacon, fatty pieces of meat, poultry skin, or any other high-fat human foods. These don't settle well in delicate stomachs, and they can contribute to pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
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Avoid giving them table food. Table scraps can throw off the balance of your pet's diet, resulting in stomach upset. Don't give scraps from the table, and be careful to keep even small amounts of leftovers out of reach.
- Avoid excessive treats. Make sure you don’t overfeed your pet with treats. Treats are intended to be just that—a treat, not a replacement for dog’s meals. Treats should also be healthy for your pup, not loaded with fats or dyes.
Sources:
Probiotics for Dogs | American Kennel Club
Food Intolerance in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
Diet Change for Dog's Sensitive Stomach | American Kennel Club
