Dog food for sensitive stomachs: what to look for
Updated: 3 days ago
If your dog has a tummy that seems to object to almost everything, you're not alone. "Sensitive stomach" is one of the most common reasons owners start looking for a new food. The right diet can make a real difference, but it helps to understand what's going on first.
Signs your dog may have a sensitive stomach
Soft or loose stools, or stools that vary a lot from day to day
Frequent wind
Occasional vomiting, especially after eating
Gurgling tummy noises
Grass eating, lip licking or reluctance to eat
Being fussy with food
Lots of things can cause these signs, from scavenging on walks to stress, parasites or an underlying illness. If symptoms are severe, sudden or ongoing, or there's blood in stools or vomit, please see your vet before changing anything. Once your vet is happy there's nothing more serious going on, diet is a great place to start.
Common causes of a sensitive tummy
Sudden food changes. Swapping foods overnight is a classic cause of upset stomachs.
Too many extras. Treats, chews and table scraps add up, and a rich mixture can be hard to digest.
A particular ingredient. Some dogs simply don't get on with a certain protein or cereal.
Rich or very high-fat food. Fat is a valuable source of energy, but some dogs cope better with moderate levels.
Stress and routine changes. A new home, a house move or kennels can all show up in the stools.
What to look for in sensitive stomach dog food
Highly digestible protein
Named animal protein that is easy to digest is the foundation. Every Dog's Life recipe is built on at least 50% meat or fish, including freshly prepared meat or fish.
A simple, clear ingredient list
The fewer surprises, the easier it is to work out what suits your dog. Each recipe tells you its main meat or fish and how much of it there is, for example 50% lamb in our Lamb recipe or 50% duck in our Duck recipe. Every product page lists the full composition so you can check exactly what's in the bag. If your dog is allergic to fish, please contact us before switching: some recipes contain fish, and we can help you choose.
No added grain
For dogs who don't get on with cereals, a grain free recipe removes one common suspect. All our recipes are designed to be suitable for dogs with grain intolerance or sensitivity.
Gentle fibre
Fibre helps food move through the gut and supports firm, well-formed stools. Our recipes use sweet potato and beet pulp, a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics feed the "good" bacteria in the gut. Our recipes contain MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), which may help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion.
Moderate fat
Our adult recipes sit at moderate fat levels, and our Light recipes are lower in fat still, which can suit dogs who find richer food harder going.
No added artificial colours or preservatives
Dog's Life recipes are naturally preserved with rosemary extract.
Which Dog's Life recipe for a sensitive stomach?
There's no single "best" food for every sensitive tummy; each dog is different. Owners often start with:
Grain Free Haddock with Sweet Potato & Parsley: a fish-based recipe with 26% freshly prepared haddock and added omega 3.
Grain Free Lamb with Sweet Potato & Mint: 50% lamb, with mint, which is thought to help aid digestion.
Grain Free Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry: turkey is a lean protein source.
If you already know your dog reacts to a particular protein, choose a recipe without it and check the full composition first.
How to change food for a sensitive dog
Go slowly. Our feeding guides recommend introducing a new food over around two weeks, and for sensitive dogs it's worth taking the full time. Mix a little of the new food into the old, increasing gradually. Our step-by-step switching guide has a mixing table that works for dogs of any age.
A few more tips:
Feed two or three smaller meals rather than one large one.
Keep treats to a minimum during the switch, or use kibble from their daily allowance.
Feed at the same times every day.
Keep a quick diary of meals and stools. It makes patterns much easier to spot.
Always make sure fresh, clean water is available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach? A complete food with highly digestible protein, a simple ingredient list and gentle fibre is a good place to start. The best food is the one your dog's tummy is happy with.
How long does it take for a new food to settle? Most dogs settle within two to four weeks of completing a gradual switch. Give a new food time before judging it.
Is grain free better for sensitive stomachs? It can be for dogs who don't tolerate cereals. For others, the protein source or fat level may matter more.
Is fish good for dogs with sensitive stomachs? Many owners find fish recipes suit their dogs well. Fish is also naturally rich in omega 3.
Should I feed chicken and rice to settle my dog's tummy? A bland diet is sometimes recommended by vets for a short time. Ask your vet first, and return gradually to your dog's complete food.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice.
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