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Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Puppy with a Sensitive Stomach Being Comforted by Her Owner

Finding the best food for a dog with a sensitive stomach can be tricky. That’s because even though some digestive problems can be controlled with a simple change in diet…

Others can be caused by something far more serious… which would require professional help for proper diagnosis.

Once your vet has ruled out a serious medical condition, you may wish to see if your dog’s digestive issues may be caused by either a food allergy… or a food intolerance… and if your pet might benefit from a simple change in diet.

On this page… we’ll share with you The Dog Food Advisor’s 10 best foods for a dog with a sensitive stomach… and we’ll answer the 7 most frequently asked questions about feeding dogs with food-related digestive issues.


Dog Food Advisor's Editor's Choice Seal for Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
for March 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 best dog foods for sensitive stomach for March 2024.




We Feed Raw dog food in bowl

We Feed Raw Turkey Patties

Rating:

Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • See all 6 available recipes

This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… ““I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs.””

Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com

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Farmers Dog Fresh Food

Farmers Dog Fresh

Rating:

Fresh Pork is one of 4 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies)

This Farmer’s Dog recipe acquires the majority of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis confirms the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.

A fresh, human-grade recipe custom designed and packaged to fit the nutritional needs of all puppy breeds. As close to a homemade dog food as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “We have noticed clearer eyes, shinier coat, and much more energy!”

Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com

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Raised Right Fresh Human-Grade Dog Food Review

Raised Right Dog Food

Rating:

Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
  • Type: Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.

One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus… especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.

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Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food

Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs

Rating:

Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach is one of 4 dry recipes rated in our review of the Diamond Care product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Potatoes, egg product, potato protein, tomato pomace, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach derives the bulk of its animal protein from highly digestible dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 14% fat and 50% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

A complete and balanced, limited ingredient recipe… safe for daily, long-term feeding.

Sample buyer review… “My dog is an old girl and suffers with stomach issues. This has helped her with that. I recommend it to anyone with pets who have stomach issues. And it smells good too. No grains. It’s a great dog food.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Dog Food

Rating:

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin is one of 4 sensitivity recipes covered in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet Adult product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley, brown rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

This Science Diet formula derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 22% protein, 14% fat and 55% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.

A balanced option that includes prebiotic fiber to encourage the growth of natural gut bacteria and help regulate stools. Recommended by veterinarians.

Sample buyer review… “My 13yr old corgi has been having stomach issues for a couple years and I have tried all sorts of things. She loves this food and so far, no issues. No more nausea and vomiting and better stools! Very pleased.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach

Rating:

Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice is one of 4 sensitive skin and stomach recipes analyzed in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (Barley, rice, oat meal)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

This Purina Pro Plan recipe acquires the main portion of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.

A highly digestible, single-protein formula recommended by breeders and veterinarians alike… with favorable ratings from verified users, too.

Sample buyer review… “In the past 2 years, I have spent $1000’s of dollars and tremendous hours of research trying every organic and natural option for my beloved Goldens and their sensitive tummies and allergies. I remain baffled why some foods seem to work for a few months and then they don’t. Our breeder and 3 different vets have always stood by Purina Pro Plan. While I still don’t love the long list of ingredients, my fur babies are high energy and active pups with shiny coats and happy bellies.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Wellness Core Digestive Health Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Digestive Health

Rating:

Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Wellness Core product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, turkey meal , chicken meal , brown rice, barley, oat groats
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oat groats)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

Wellness Core Digestive Health derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

A highly digestible, probiotic-coated dry kibble formula, enhanced with digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers and probiotics to support optimal gut health. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dog has some digestive issues and this was recommended to us by our veterinarian. Ever since making the change we’ve had zero issues. I cannot say enough good things about this food. We even moved our senior furbaby to their formula and she’s been acting so much younger ever since.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Royal canin Veterinary Diet Low Fat Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Kibble

[rating:NR]

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal is one of 5 dry digestive recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brewers rice, wheat, barley)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal gets the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 22% protein, 9% fat and 60% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.

A highly digestible, low-fat formula that’s ideal for treating a wide array of canine digestive disorders. Recommended by veterinarians.

Sample buyer review… “This is a quality dog food. My dog had very bad digestive issues. Since we switched her to Royal Canin Gastrointestinal she has been doing very well. Plus, she loves it.”

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Wellness Simple Ingredient Dog Food

Wellness Simple Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Rating:

Wellness Simple Ingredient Turkey is one of 6 dry recipes contained in our review of the Wellness Simple Ingredient product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

This Wellness recipe derives the major part of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat and 49% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

With no grains, gluten or wheat, this limited ingredient diet makes an affordable option for both skin and stomach sensitivities. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dogs have stopped itching and chewing and they both love this food!”

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Nulo Freestyle Limited Plus Salmon Formula

Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy and Adult Dry Recipe

Rating:

Nulo Sensitive Digestion is one of 4 limited ingredient recipes rated in our review of the Nulo Freestyle Limited Plus product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, chickpeas, chickpea flour, canola oil
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life-stages
  • Best for: Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies)

This Nulo Freestyle formula takes the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh salmon and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

Boasts a single source of animal protein… which helps eliminate a number of potential allergens, like chicken, eggs or peas. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dogs have been eating Nulo for about 2 years now and they love it! One on my dog was always super picky but also has allergies. My other one had a sensitive stomach. Both have had no issues since switching to Nulo. It’s a bit pricey but I think it’s worth it.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Hills prescription id with Turkey wet Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Wet Dog Food

[rating:NR]

Hills Prescription I/D Digestive Care with Turkey is one of 5 wet recipes covered in our review of the Hills Prescription Diet product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Water, turkey, rice, pork liver, egg product, corn
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn)
  • Profile: All life-stages
  • Best for: Adult and medium/small breed puppies

This Hill’s prescription formula of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 23% protein, 9% fat and 60% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

A professional veterinary design with a long-term, proven history. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My fur baby was having problems with his bowel movements, and his vet prescribed this for him. He devours his food (especially) with this food, but it helped with his digestive issues. I saw an immediate difference.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Go Sensitivities Salmon Dry Dog Food

Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Diet

Rating:

Go! Sensitivity and Shine Salmon is one of 6 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Go! Sensitivities product line.

Created as a limited ingredient option with no by-product meals, wheat, corn or soy. The addition of probiotics also promotes digestive health, while omega 3’s help maintain a healthy skin and coat.

  • First 5 ingredients: De-Boned salmon, salmon meal, tapioca, peas, lentils
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life-stages
  • Best for: Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies)

This Go! limited ingredient formula gets the lion’s share of its animal protein from fresh salmon and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

This is a great option for dogs with both skin and stomach sensitivities. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My English Bulldog Ruth seemed to be allergic to everything. She kept getting rashes on her underbelly and ear infections. We had her on royal canine Rx special food but she hated the taste of it. It was always partially eaten. We heard about this and thought to give it a try. She liked it from day 1 and her rashes cleared up within days. No problem with stool either. I feel like we won the lottery with this dog food.”

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Instinct Raw Boost Sensitive Gut

Instinct Raw Boost Gut Health Dry Dog Food

Rating:

Raw Boost Gut Health is one of 12 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, peas, tapioca, canola oil
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

This Instinct product acquires the major part of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 19% fat and 39% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.

A highly digestible formula containing no corn, wheat or soy. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dog loves it! We were trying to find the best type of meal for him, and rawboost was a life changer!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Canidae Grain Free Lamb and Pea Recipe

Canidae Grain Free Pure Dry Dog Food

Rating:

Canidae Pure Lamb and Pea is one of 10 limited ingredient recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potato, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

This Canidae formula gets most of its animal protein from both lamb and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

A popular, limited ingredient diet that’s free of gluten, grain, wheat and soy. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Dog with allergies to gluten and several other things LOVES this food, and it loves his stomach! No allergic reactions! We are now sporting clear skin, a healthy shiny coat, no itching, no odor and happily moving forward with life! Great dog food! And very reasonably priced.”

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How can I tell if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

Some of the most common signs your dog may be suffering from a sensitive stomach include one or more of the following:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas or bloating
  • Decrease in activity
  • Gurgling noises
  • Signs of abdominal pain

In the following video, Dr. Al Townshend, staff veterinarian at Wellpet, discusses the signs of food allergy or ingredient intolerance in dogs… and how the right diet can help control a sensitive stomach.


What type of dog food is best for a sensitive stomach?

There are 3 types of food that may help a dog with a food-related digestive problem:

  • Limited ingredient dog food
  • Hypoallergenic dog food
  • Prescription GI dog food

What is a limited ingredient dog food?

Limited ingredient diets are dog foods that contain fewer components… which can help you pin down the specific ingredient to which your pet may be sensitive.
The best limited ingredient dog foods typically contain:

  • Single novel protein
  • Limited number of ingredients
  • Most protein sourced from meat
  • Low to moderate fat
  • Probiotics (to aid digestion)

What should I avoid in a limited ingredient dog food?

Avoid feeding any limited ingredient recipe that contains any of the following low quality items:

  • Excessive fillers (soybean hulls, wheat mill run, corn bran, etc.)
  • Artificial flavors
  • Coloring agents
  • Controversial preservatives
  • Chemical additives

What is hypoallergenic dog food?

Hypoallergenic dog foods are made by using proteins that have been chemically “split” into their basic amino acid building blocks.

That way, the offending ingredient becomes virtually “invisible” to your dog’s immune system… so your dog is less likely to have an allergic reaction to the food.


What are prescription GI dog foods?

Prescription GI (gastrointestinal) dog foods are special purpose diets made for dogs suffering from digestive problems. These recipes typically include similar limited ingredient or hypoallergenic designs.

However, in addition, they also include ingredients specifically designed to support healthy digestion.


How do I safely transition to a new food if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, be patient. Don’t rush the transitioning process. Take your time to minimize the chance of GI upset.

Start with about 20-25% of the “new” food and 75-80% of the “old” food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100% over the next 7 to 10 day period.

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

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