The 9 Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Last Updated on March 4, 2020 by Gail Ramirez

Just like humans, some dogs also suffer from sensitive stomachs. While this is rarely a life-or-death situation, these poor dogs usually struggle with food digestion, and they experience different troubling gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you have a dog that is going through such, it is crucial to have it examined by a vet to make sure that the dog is suffering from a sensitive stomach and not other severe ailments.

Dogs do experience other severe health issues that result in similar symptoms, so you need to be certain. If your dog is suffering from a sensitive stomach, then it would greatly benefit from the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Dog foods that are formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs help to prevent and resolve this issue. Here is a guide as well as our top picks for the best dog food for sensitive stomach.

The Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs Are:

Product	Details
1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat	Top Pick	Dry Food Adult All breed sizes For a healthy immune system	Check Current Price
2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Sensitive digestion, no corn, wheat, soy, and pea-free	Check Current Price
3. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free WetDog Food		Wet Food Adult All breed sizes Sensitive digestion, grain-free, gluten-free, limited ingredient	Check Current Price
4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Supports digestive healthy and healthy immune system	Check Current Price
5. CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food		Dry Food All life stages All breed sizes Healthy digestive system, no corn, wheat, and soy	Check Current Price
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredients Grain-Free Formula		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Sensitive digestion, grain-free, limited ingredient diet, no corn, wheat, and soy	Check Current Price
7. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Grain-free, no corn, wheat, and soy	Check Current Price
8. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Grain-free, healthy digestion, no corn, wheat, or soy	Check Current Price
9. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food		Dry Food Adult All breed sizes Pea-free, veterinary diet	Check Current Price

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat  — Best Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Problems

Royal Canin is one of the most trusted brands in the pet food market. If you are looking for the best dog food for dogs with gastrointestinal problems, then the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food is what you need. This dry kibble diet from Royal Canin is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and digestive issues.

If your dog vomits regularly after eating, this dry kibble formula contains probiotics to help establish good gut bacteria, keeping your pup happier and healthier. The top five ingredients of this food are brewers rice, chicken meal, wheat, barley, and dried plain beet pulp. This food helps with digestive issues including lack of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.

It also contains a precise blend of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. It soothes the GI tract with omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA. The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids also help with healthy skin and a shiny coat. It is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.

The minimum protein content of this food is 20 percent while the minimum and maximum crude fat contents are 4.5% and 8.5% respectively. The calorie content of this food is 240 kilocalories per cup, which is somewhat low, and the maximum crude fiber content is 3.6 percent.

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2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach — Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

The Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, which is why it made it to the top of our list. This food contains highly digestible ingredients and carefully selected recipes that will not upset the tummy of your dog. It contains a single protein source, which is salmon.

This food is rich in fish oil and sunflower oil to provide your dog with sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

It contains vitamins including Vitamin B such as B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12 for skin, heart, and digestive health, and vitamin A for maintaining and developing the brain and eye. It also contains natural prebiotic fiber for enhanced digestive health.

This food is also very easy for dogs to digest and it is gentle on the digestive system, thanks to the perfect blend of ground rice, barley, canola meal, and oatmeal. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin from sources like salmon meal and fish meal, to provide your pet with healthy joints and bones.

Other ingredients in this food include natural flavoring, brewers dried yeast, and chicory root inulin. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, and other artificial ingredients. The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the crude fat is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a calorie content of 429 kilocalories per cup.

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3. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free WetDog Food — Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach-Vomiting

The Instinct line by Nature’s Variety has been around for a very long time and the brand has a long-standing reputation for quality. Not only is this food super-rich in protein, but it is only made with all-natural ingredients and added vitamins. It is the ideal dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies.

It is a limited ingredient diet with grass-fed lamb as the only source of protein. Lamb meal is the first ingredient of this food and it is an easily digestible protein. It is also a less common allergen in dogs. This dog food is highly recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs because of its short ingredient list.

This food is made with purposeful ingredients like a single veggie. It is 100 percent free of grain, corn, soy, potato, wheat, chicken, beef, carrageenan, fish, eggs, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

The ingredients in this wet dog food are lamb broth, lamb, lamb liver, ground dried chickpeas, guar gum, natural flavor, sodium phosphate, and sodium carbonate. The protein content is 7 percent while the minimum crude fat is 4 percent. It contains 92 kilocalories per 3-0z pouch with a maximum crude fiber content of 2 percent.

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4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe — Best Dog Food for Digestion

When it comes to making dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, Hill’s Science Diet is one of the best brands to run to.

From the enormous number of satisfied customers down to the extraordinary nutrient-rich profile of this formula, this dry dog food for dogs with sensitive digestive systems has helped many pet owners manage the gastrointestinal sensitivities of their dogs.

This food features a powerful blend of natural ingredients to provide your pet with an easily digestible diet. It also contains brewers rice as the major ingredient as well as a chicken meal as its second protein source.

The first five ingredients of this food are chicken, brewers rice, chicken meal, yellow peas, and cracked pearled barley. Brewers rice is easily digestible and it contains less protein than chicken.

This special blend is gentle on the digestive system and it is balanced for everyday feeding. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to provide your pup with healthier skin and a shinier coat. Vitamin C, E, and antioxidants in this food work together to help support a healthy immune system.

This food contains a minimum of 21 percent protein and a minimum of 12 percent fat. The calorie content is 392 kilocalories per cup with a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent.

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5. CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

CANIDAE is another very popular brand in the pet food manufacturing industry. The CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal and Rice Formula made it to our list because it is one of the best dog food for sensitive stomach. The primary source of protein in this food is lamb meal.

It also contains a blend of wholesome grains such as barley, rice, and millet. All these ingredients are easy on the tummy and they are easily digestible.

What further boosts the absorption of nutrients in the gut is the added cellulase and 100 million colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

The enzyme that hastens the digestion of cellulose is cellulase, making this food very easy to digest so that it will not upset the tummy of your dog. It also includes HealthPLUS Solutions, a trio of antioxidants, probiotics, and omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids.

This dry dog for dogs with sensitive stomachs is completely free of common allergens such as corn, soy, and wheat. The added minerals and vitamins plus the premium ingredients make for great tasting nutrition.

This food is suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. It contains an impressive 23 percent protein while the crude fat content is 12.5 percent. The calorie content of this food is 457 kilocalories while the maximum crude fiber content is 4 percent.

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6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredients Grain-Free Formula — Best Dog Food for Upset Stomach

This limited ingredient diet from Blue Buffalo is 100 percent grain-free and it supports healthy intestinal function, making it an excellent choice for dogs with digestive issues.

The first five ingredients of this food are deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, pea starch, and peas. It also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep the bones and joints of your pet healthy.

This food also contains healthy carb sources such as brown rice and oatmeal. It does not contain any harmful ingredients that could put your pet in danger.

This formula is free of animal by-products, preservatives, colorants, and additives. It features a powerful blend of vegetables, fruits, and micronutrients, which have been carefully picked to enhance the digestive system.

It works better for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, and digestive issues, as it has limited ingredients. All the ingredients are easy on the stomach and they are easily digestible.

It is also free of beef, chicken, eggs, wheat, and corn. This food is crafted with Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system, healthy oxidation balance, and life stage requirements.

The protein content of this food is 20 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 12 percent. The calorie content of this food is 352 kilocalories per cup with a maximum crude fiber of 6 percent.

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7. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe — Best Dog Food for Digestion

The Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog food is one of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. This food is also a great option for dogs with digestive issues. It features a precise blend of high-quality ingredients that promote healthy nutrition, providing your pet with a nutritionally balanced and complete diet.

This is a protein-rich formula and it contains multiple protein sources such as pork, beef, and lamb meat. Protein-rich diets are good for digestive problems, as too many carbs may worsen the issue. This formula is also free of corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. It is not artificially flavored, colored, or preserved.

This food is available in four different flavors, so you can peak anyone that appeals to your dog. The available flavors are Chicken & Turkey, Pork, Beef and Lamb, Salmon and Whitefish, and Turkey & Duck. It is also available in three different bag sizes: 4, 12, and 25 pounds. All the ingredients used are rich in protein and they support healthy digestion.

It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to provide your pet with strong nails, a shiny coat, and healthy skin. It contains an impressive 26 percent protein while the minimum crude fat is 14 percent. The calorie content of this food is 348 kilocalories per cup and the maximum crude fiber is 3.5 percent.

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8. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If you want to nourish your pup with the balanced diet nature intended, then the Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best ways to do that. This food is formulated with novel proteins including lamb and roasted lamb. The first five ingredients of this food are Lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and lentils.

It also contains other wholesome ingredients such as chicory root and peas to nourish your dog without upsetting its stomach. It is a trustworthy formula with complete and balanced nutrition as well as a flavorful feast for your little friend. It is ideal for small, medium, and large breeds. It is completely grain-free and gluten-free.

The natural recipe comes with added vitamins and powerful antioxidants from real veggies and fruits to support overall health. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. This food is made with ingredients from sustainable and trusted sources and it does not contain any corn, grain, wheat, filler artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

It is also crafted with a proprietary K9 strain probiotic blend to provide your pet with a healthy digestive system. The protein content is 25 percent with a whopping 15 percent crude fat. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent while the caloric content is 338 kilocalories per cup.

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9. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

This food comes with plenty of essential antioxidants, omegas, and hydrolyzed protein. The Hill’s Prescription Diet offers an instant improvement to the sensitivities of your dog and provides optimal health benefits.

This food is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is loaded with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to keep the skin and coat of your dog healthy and shiny.

The top five ingredients of this food are corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, and calcium carbonate. The highly hydrolyzed protein also improves the stool quality of your dog. It also eliminates food-related causes of skin irritation and it helps maintain a healthier skin barrier.

The caloric content of this food is 354 kilocalories per cup while the protein content is 14 percent. The crude fat content of this food is 10 percent and the maximum crude fiber content is 5 percent.

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Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider before Buying Good Dog Food

Fewer Ingredients

When picking dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, the food must be complete and balanced. This means that the food has to contain only a limited number of ingredients.

This is because dog foods containing loads of ingredients may upset the tummy of your dog. The best options are dog foods with basic meats and rice.

Grain-Free

Grain-containing dog foods may be tasty to some dogs, but they are not ideal in this case. Some brands use grains as the basic ingredient instead of protein that the dog really needs.

Easy to Digest Ingredients

The best dog foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs are those that promote healthy digestion. Some good examples include lamb, chicken, sweet potato, rice, and potato.

Probiotic Content

Probiotics form a very important part of a dog’s diet, as they contribute to a healthy digestive system. They aid proper and easy digestion, which is why they need to be a part of your dog’s food.

Ingredients to Avoid

There are specific ingredients you should stay away from when shopping for dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The ingredients include BHA/BHT, wheat, gluten, corn syrup, colors, soy, corn, animal by-products, rendered fat, and propylene glycol.

Final Thoughts

Dog owners need to be very careful when finding the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as some ingredients can make the issue worse.

Our top pick is the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food because it is formulated specifically for dogs with digestive issues. It contains highly digestible proteins and it helps with vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.