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... $82 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$82 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 $133 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$133 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... $56 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$56 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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French bulldog approved
We have two French bulldogs and they have been eating this for years, Have tried all other options this one works
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As Advertised
We had been struggling with Willows diet since we rescued her last October. We were giving her very little kibble and feeding her chicken and rice twice daily along with pumpkin, carrots, flaxseed and Bernie’s perfect poop. On Hills for sensitive stomachs along with the other supplements she has maintained consistently solid bowel movements. Thank you!!
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Dog tested and dog approved
I have been using your product since my dogs first started eating solid food. They have enjoyed meal time and we have never had any upset belly issues or problems with digestion
Best Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Lifesaver
My senior Husky was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy over a year ago, and her veterinarian recommended this diet. We’ve tried all of the other brands that make low fat diets, as well as a couple of homemade low fat diet. Royal Canin is the only one that consistently works for her! She doesn’t have any more GI issues, and her protein levels have been stable since using Royal Canin GI Low Fat. We use it on combination with the kibble, depending on what she’s in the mood for. She had dropped down to 46lbs, but she’s now back to 51lbs and looks amazing. She eats 2 cans per day, or 1 can and 1 1/4 cups of kibble. The only...
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Messed up order restores faith in Chewy
My latest order took over two weeks and five people to sort out but I finally got it. There is too much history to write in a review so I will just say it was complicated. Two people restored my faith in Chewy, Jennifer and Clay on July 17. Jennifer understood my complete frustration, apologized profusely and turned me over to her supervisor, Clay who fixed the problem. Clay went over and above what he needed to do to be certain I was a very satisfied customer who would continue my relationship with Chewy. Mistakes happen, how they are handled makes all the difference. In this case Jennifer and Clay were the difference!
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Dog food
My dog does really well on this food. Easy to order and fast delivery. So glad I can now order 12 cans if needed instead of just 24
Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Solved our problem.
We adopted a lab mix that had a problem. Her stools were extremely runny. Medication wasn't working and the vet recommended the dog food she ordered. Worked great!.
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Excellent food!
My pup has digestive issues and this food has made a world of difference! She eats it every day and I just add a bit of topper to add extra tasty. Keeps her regular and no issues!
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Our dog ended up getting pancreatitis and this was food was prescribed by the vet. Our baby is healthier and happy. She loves it. Canned and the dry formula. We’re just so glad she survived the pancreatitis but we have to be sure she eats nothing else or it could trigger another attack. She’ll be 3 in September
Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I have been feeding this dog food as part of my Standard Poodles diet for years. She is 11 years old and is still active and looks much younger than her age.
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She loves it!!
I wanted to try a really good grain-free food and this was it!! She loves it and she’s doing great on it.
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Great addition to diet
We introduced the High Prairie to our two golden retrievers and they loved it. In addition, they tolerated it well.
Best Small Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Best at great price
Our hound girl has a sensitive belly and itch-prone skin. The formula had promoted healing and regularity. The price is very competitive for a science diet.
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My dogs love it!
My senior dogs were having digestive issues with other brands of kibble, so I decided to try Science Diet. They both love it and no longer have health issues.
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Vet approved dog food
My dog’s vet said this would be the food he would choose for my Morkie. She’s doing very well eating it.
Best Large Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
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Consistent ordering process and speedy delivery
I have come to rely on Chewy for my pets' special diet food and treats. Always consistent, and the speedy delivery ensures that I get what I order when I need it.
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Purina pro plan sensitive skin & salmon
We changed dog food brands and type due to possible food allergies. Our dog enjoys this food and so far has tolerated it well. As always, Chewy’s makes our lives easier by home delivery.
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Great Dog food
My nine-year-old St Bernard, Hank, and 8-year-old Black Mouth Curr, Glory love this. Hank's ear allergy has vanished.
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomachs
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Purina Pro Plan
Our black lab became allergic to the chicken in his food so we switched to this and so far it seems to have helped him. This was also recommended to me by our veterinarian.
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Perfect as usual
Bought canned food for my older dog who’s having dental surgery this week. Called customer service just before midnight on Saturday night! Yes! Spoke with someone who assured me it would be delivered before my dog’s surgery. Sure enough, less than 48 hrs later it was here! Perfect.
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It has helped her allergies!
I used to take my Wiggles the Beagle to the Vet for expensive allergy shots, I have fed her this food for 2+ years and this year she has not had any hotspots or scratching.
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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A Different Address
We are on vacation and needed special food for our dog. Chewy was able to deliver the needle food to a different address than out home and it came just when we needed it! Thank you Chewy! Would recommend this item but only if prescribed by your vet. This was a special food prescribed for a dog with special needs and needs a prescription which Chewy quickly verified.
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Tasty treat for prescription
My dog is on a special diet obviously and she loves these. I wish they were just a little larger as she is a Rottweiler but they’re nice and crunchy.
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Elimination Diet for Skin Infections + Seizures
people on here give 1 star for the most absurd things. pls remember just because THEIR dog is a picky eater or didn't work bc THEIR dog's issues aren't related to diet, doesnt mean this food sucks and deserves a 1 star. my dog started having major skin infections and full grand mal seizures (idiopathic epilepsy) at the same time. it's been horrible to experience. vets SUCK. they're just like human doctors.. they don't listen. they only want to medicate for $$$. i feel STRONGLY bc of many reasons my dogs diet is triggering his seizures and skin issues. we started him on this elimination diet. it's not been long enough to draw a conclusion,...
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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