Does your canine companion have a sensitive stomach? You’re not alone. Many dogs suffer from digestive issues throughout their lives. While some pets only experience the occasional episode of constipation or diarrhea, other pups with frequent gastrointestinal upset benefit from specially formulated diets that are gentle on troublesome tummies.
Ready for a mealtime makeover? Read on for everything you need to know about how to select the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
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Best Overall Dog Food for Sensitive StomachsHill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog F... $84 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$84 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Wet Dog Food for Sensitive StomachsRoyal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz c... $120 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$120 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive StomachsHill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Dog Food, 27.5-lb bag $138 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$138 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive StomachsTaste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag $59 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$59 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Small Dog Food for Sensitive StomachsHill's Science Diet Small & Mini Breed Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Dry Dog Foo... $58 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$58 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
How To Find the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
While you always want to select the best food for your best friend, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, finding the perfect fit can be a little trickier.
“If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s important to choose a dog food that is easily digestible and gentle on their digestive system,” says Dr. Alejandro Caos, DVM, a Miami-based veterinarian with national, mobile, pet-care service The Vets.
Thanks to advances in veterinary nutrition and science, pet parents today have plenty of options when it comes to diets for sensitive stomachs. While this is great news, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of brands and formulas on the market.
Where to start? Here’s what to consider when selecting a new food for your dog:
- Your veterinarian’s input: “If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and to discuss dietary recommendations specific to your dog’s needs,” says Dr. Caos. “Your vet may recommend specialized prescription diets or provide guidance on selecting commercial diets that are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.”
- AAFCO standards: All commercial dog foods should meet standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a nonprofit that ensures pet foods contain the necessary nutrient profiles.
- Ingredients: Every pup is different, but dogs with sensitive stomachs frequently benefit from recipes made with a limited amount of quality ingredients, easily digestible carbohydrates and natural fiber sources. (More on that below.)
- Your dog’s age: Select a food formulated for your pet’s correct life stage (puppy, adult dog or senior dog) to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of nutrients and calories.
- Your dog’s size: If purchasing dry food, select an appropriate kibble size for your pet.
- Your dog’s overall health and symptoms: Different foods are formulated to address different health concerns. For example, if your dog’s stomach issues are caused by food allergies, ensure that the food you select does not contain any potential allergens.
9 Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best dog food for sensitive stomachs as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These top-selling, top-rated dog foods get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Overall Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Best service!
I am so pleased with the service I get from Chewy!! I really needed my autoship early, and you guys sent it out really fast and I got it within a day!! Alice (my dog) and I were so pleased! Thank you for your quick response and great service!!
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special for stomach
Toby was always sick when he was on other dogfood and always in vet office. His doctor put him on Science diet and he got better.
Best Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Tasty low fat Meal Option
For my dog who has a sensitive stomach and is already a picky eater this is something his taste buds enjoy so I’m glad I have that an option for him.
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Fast delivery, subscription pricing is fair
This gastrointestinal dog food is a must-have for my senior dog. It’s expensive so the discount in subscription pricing is nice and I don’t have to worry about trips to the store. Chewy delivers fast.
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For my dog, TASTE
She absolutely LOVES it. She hasn't eaten a full pan of food for months and all of this food disappears and she licks the pan.
Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Amazing!!
My dog is a very picky eater. This food helped my pup a ton when she had GI issues, and it’s the only dry food she reliably eats right when I put it out!
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Our vet recommended this diet for our dog after we took him in for diarrhea and bloody stools. I was doubtful, but it began working right away and has continued working. We mix it half and half with his old food (Royal Canin). My husband and I rate our dog’s poops and report back after walks - We thought it was normal for our dog to just have 3/10 poops much of the time, but he hasn’t slipped below an 8/10 since starting this diet.
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Fixed our dogs diarrhea issues
After months of vet visits and medications and bland diet, we finally tried this prescription food and immediately noticed a difference. Our girl now has regular normal poops and doesn’t have to be on any meds!
Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Grain and gluten free
My dogs enjoy Taste of the Wild High Prairie. I recently changed their food to this and it's been successful.
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Amount the dogs eat
You can really tell the quality of food based on how much they eat. I used to feed my dogs twice a day. Now just once a day.
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Food for Franki
Franki Loves it. She starts talking when it's time to eat and goes to the closet that holds her food. She eats it with out hesitation!
Best Small Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Ease
I can order her food and at the same time order special treats that are not always available at the store
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The ole man
When I can have Chewy deliver, top quality dog food to my door I anticipate the day they start bringing me something to eat also. Great product great service great company.
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So far so good!
Was looking for a different food from my dog with a sensitive tummy and this seems to be working well, she’s happy!
Best Large Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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My GSD likes it for chow as well as for a treat!
My dog always finishes her chow even though she is not very good motivated. She gets an extra portion for lunch or for 8pm “snack”. She always finishes it and she hasn’t had any GI problems thus far. Double win!
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Great product
My dog tolerated this food very well and loved it. The only bad thing is that there is a LOT of kibble dust, so would not recommend if you hand feed or use kibble as training treats.
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Delicious
Not only did the size of the kernels prove to be more attractive to our dog, it lead to him consistently finishing his meal. As a bonus, we noticed that his fur became thicket and softer! And his stools are now consistently firm
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomachs
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Easy TransitionRecioe
This was recommended by our veterinarian for our eleven month old Golden Retriever. There was no problem transitioning from his puppy food to this food. He loves the flavor
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Easy on Stomach, Nice Soft Coat
My girl likes the food, its easy on her sensitive belly, and coat is soft and shiny thanks to the salmon.
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The product arrived promptly
Ou dog is a finicky eater but eats this just fine. I like that it has no chicken meal in it.
Best Puppy Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Highly recommend!
We've had our puppy, Husky/German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix, on another puppy food brand that gave her bathroom emergencies several times in the middle of the night. After doing some research and within 2 days of switching her to this, along with a daily probiotic, her poops have been the most solid they've ever been since we've had her!
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seems fine
Kibble size is good for my golden retriever. He might be a picky eater though. I always get the chicken flavor and some days he’ll devour it and other days he won’t bother eating it. He also has itchy skin and will gnaw at his paws/legs/tail. So it might be the chicken/and or turkey that’s in the food that he might be allergic to. But he eats it, doesn’t throw up or have diarrhea. He’s 1 now so I’m switching him to adult food. I’ll be sticking with wellness core but doing fish and no chicken products this time to see if that helps him.
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Awesome and helpful
My lab puppy has had tummy problems since the day I brought her home. I moved her to the regular Wellness Core Puppy food and still had problems. Probiotics from the vet didn't help. Adding yogurt and pumpkin to her food didn't do the trick. Switching her to this did. Markedly so. "Things" are still a little soft, but no more frantic cries from the crate at night nor unpleasant surprises in the morning. Love this food.
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
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It was a miracle she was very ill. She is loving life again.
It is everything our Sweetie needs and she is healthy again. Thanks to our Dr and chewy she survived and is living a happy healthy life.
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Yorkie puppy loves these
I have a 5lb Yorkie who loves these treats. I got the other kind initially, baked soft and chewy(there was nothing soft or chewy about them) & had to give them away because they were way too hard. There are hard as well but I read a review that mentioned soaking them which I did and they actually soften up. I have to cut it up and get 8 treats out of 1 for my little pup but she absolutely loves these. Thankful to have found a treat she can finally enjoy while on her RX diet.
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Excellent customer service
I ordered the prescription dog treats for my dog and the script wasn’t an actual script so Chewy contacted my vet to get a proper script! Baby Girl, is very appreciative, thank you so much!! Definitely coming back!
How We Chose These Products
Gastrointestinal symptoms are no fun for dogs—or dog parents! That’s why we rounded up only top-selling dog foods for sensitive stomachs that have at least a 4-star rating by Chewy customers. Backed by thousands of ratings and reviews, these bestselling formulas are pet-parent approved.
Guidelines for Feeding Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Finding the right food for your sensitive pup may take some trial and error, and introducing the new food requires a slow-and-steady approach. While every pet is an individual, Dr. Caos says to consider the following for your dog’s digestive health:
- Limited-ingredient diets: “Look for dog foods with a limited number of ingredients, as this can help identify and avoid potential triggers for digestive upset,” says Dr. Caos. “Limited-ingredient diets typically contain a single-protein source and a few easily digestible carbohydrates.”
- Novel protein sources: Consider trying protein sources that your dog hasn’t been exposed to before, suggests Dr. Caos. “For example, if your dog has been eating chicken-based food and experiencing stomach issues, switch to a food with a different protein source, like lamb, venison or duck,” he adds.
- Easily digestible carbohydrates: Choose dog foods that contain easily digestible carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, brown rice or oatmeal. “These ingredients can provide energy while being gentle on the stomach,” says Dr. Caos.
- Natural fiber sources: Look for natural sources of fiber like pumpkin, beet pulp or prebiotic fibers. “These can help promote healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements without causing irritation,” he says. “Be cautious, as too much fiber may cause constipation.”
- Avoid common allergens: “If you suspect your dog has specific food allergies or intolerances, avoid ingredients known to be common allergens, such as wheat, soy, corn and dairy products,” says Dr. Caos.
How To Introduce New Foods to Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
It’s always advisable to slowly introduce a new food, but this is especially true for dogs with sensitive stomachs, who are more prone to common food-switching side effects like diarrhea and flatulence.
“It’s important to introduce any new food gradually to your dog’s diet, transitioning over a period of several days to minimize the risk of digestive upset,” says Dr. Caos.
Most experts recommend a week or two for transition. Follow these three steps when transitioning:
- Begin by mixing a bit of the new food into your pet’s current food, for a ratio of 25 percent new food to 75 percent current food.
- After two to three days, if your pet isn’t experiencing any adverse effects, increase the ratio to 50/50.
- Increase the ratio to 75/25 after another two to three days, and then finally fully transition to the new formula.
(For step-by-step tips and troubleshooting, consult our veterinarian-written guide to switching foods.)
Be on the lookout for signs the new formula isn’t agreeing with your pup. “Monitoring your dog’s response to the new food is also crucial,” says Dr. Caos. “If you notice any continued issues or worsening symptoms, consult your veterinarian for further guidance.”
Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs FAQ
Q: What are the signs of a sensitive stomach in dogs?
A: Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, excessive gas, vomiting, food avoidance, and excessive drooling or swallowing (which are signs of nausea). Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of the sensitive stomach and develop a treatment plan.
Q: What causes dogs to have sensitive stomachs?
A: Dogs can have sensitive stomachs for a variety of reasons, including food allergies and sensitivities, stress, parasites, bacterial and viral infections, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, poor diet and cancer.
Q: What dog breeds are prone to sensitive stomachs?
A: Any dog can experience a sensitive stomach, but some breeds are more prone to problems. Irish Setters, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Shar-Peis, Great Danes, Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers are breeds known to have genetic predispositions to gastrointestinal upset, Dr. Caos says.
Q: Do puppies grow out of sensitive stomachs?
A: Most puppies grow out of sensitive stomachs. The stress and excitement of experiencing new environments can cause an upset stomach, as can eating new foods. Symptoms usually resolve after the puppy is settled into their home and routine.
Q: Is wet or dry food better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A: Both wet food and dry food can be appropriate for dogs with sensitive stomachs, depending on what is causing the sensitive stomach and which symptoms are present. Wet food contains more water, so it can be preferable to dogs who experience constipation or dehydration.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a change in diet could help relieve symptoms. However, first consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of any gastrointestinal problems. Together, you’ll develop a personalized plan to address your pet’s stomach troubles, as well as any potential underlying health issues.
Sensitive Stomach: Next Steps
No one enjoys tummy troubles, including our four-legged friends. That’s why it’s important to feed your pup a high-quality diet that’s formulated for their individual health concerns and nutritional needs. It’s just as important to feed the appropriate amount for your dog’s size, age and activity level. Find out how much to feed a dog here.
Expert input provided by Dr. Alejandro Caos, DVM, a Miami-based veterinarian with national, mobile, pet-care service The Vets.
This content was medically reviewed by a veterinarian.
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