Contents
- Our Top 5 Sensitive Stomach Foods Choices
- Dog food Intolerance Defined
- UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL DOG FOODS
- Sensitive Stomach Dog Food FAQ
- Symptoms Of Dog Sensitive Stomach
- Why Are Some Dogs so Sensitive?
- What Does it Mean if Your Dog Throws up Undigested Food?
- What To Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach?
- Does “Sensitive Stomach Dog Food” Blends of Dog Food Actually Work?
- Diet for Sensitive Stomach?
- What Is the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach and Skin
- Ingredients Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs Should Avoid
- Ingredients that Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs Should Have
- Best Meat for a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach?
- Is Venison Good for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
- Top 4Â Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach – Adult:
- Best Puppy Food For Sensitive Stomach
Our Top 5 Sensitive Stomach Foods Choices
- Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Nutri Source Grain Free Seafood Select
- AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Adult Dog Food
- AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Puppy Food
This article focuses on sensitive stomach issues, symptoms, and remedies that involve special diets and special food considerations.
Dogs are a joyous animal full of curiosity and play. When their stomachs are upset or hurt, they become lethargic and lose that inner joy that makes dogs such a wonderful companion.
Fortunately, there are ways to bring back the “happy” to your dog. What to expect inside:
- When to go to the vet: It is always recommended that sensitive stomach symptoms be diagnosed by a vet as many of those symptoms mimic more serious diseases such as cancer or intestinal tumors. When these ailments are the result of food, then smart pet owners learn to adjust the quality of their pooches diet to include higher-grade foods with fewer byproducts and fillers.
- Key Definitions – such as that for food intolerance, food allergies, etc. This article helps to define what food intolerance is and how it differs from other similar conditions, such as food allergies. Expect deep information about what special dog foods do and why they can be a good choice for man’s best friend.
- Examples – A great example of what to expect from this article is information about labels, including the definition of what “crude” means and how ingredients that are “crude” are not necessarily easy to digest. Another example would be why certain types or proteins are better for dogs than are others.
- A Rich FAQ section – There is also a FAQ section that helps dog lovers discover answers to common questions such as what the symptoms of a sensitive stomach are and foods that may help alleviate those issues and foods that tend to cause sensitive stomach symptoms so that you can easily avoid products with those foods in them.
Because we all love our dogs, we review several brands of adult dog food and food for puppies too. Let’s get started.
Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Comparison
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dog food Intolerance Defined
Food intolerance in dogs is a physical restriction that prevents the dog from digesting food. Without digestion, the body does not benefit or absorb the nutrients in the food.
Those differences create different responses.
Food intolerance might cause upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal discomfort. Food allergies cause an allergic response such as itchy skin, hives, and even death. The Pardue Veterinary lab explains how to set up a food trial so that you can isolate and remove risky foods from your dog’s diet.
UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL DOG FOODS
Food for animals should contain a label that matches the Association of American Feed Control Office (AAFCO) standards. Food on the label is listed in descending order based on weight. Labels must present a guaranteed analysis of the food’s contents, which includes:
- Crude Protein — Crude protein is not necessarily protein that is easy to digest. In fact, crude protein means many things such as shoe leather.
- Crude fats — Crude fats are not necessarily healthy fats or even if the fats are digestible. A crude fat can be toxic such as motor oil.
- Crude Fiber — Complex carbs that are difficult to digest or even toxic.
Sensitive Stomach Dog Food FAQ
Symptoms Of Dog Sensitive Stomach
Vomiting: One of the biggest clues that your dog has a sensitive stomach is vomiting. Vomiting can be occasional or very frequent. Vomiting is also a symptom of many health disorders for both pups and adult dogs. Any episode of vomiting that 
lasts more than a day or that occurs more than three times in a 24-hour period should warrant a visit to the vet.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is an indication that there is a digestive issue.
Gas: Excessive gas is also a clue that your dog’s stomach is upset.
Lethargy: Lethargy is a big clue. When your active dog does not want to play, run, or get up, they are lethargic. This can mean that their stomachs hurt, that their intestines are cramping and that they do not feel good.
Why Are Some Dogs so Sensitive?
There are a variety of reasons why some dogs are more sensitive to foods than others are. The breed of the dog is one example. Certain breeds such as Scottish Terriers are known to have more sensitivity to foods. Sometimes it is age.
Puppies and older dogs may also have more problems with new foods or even their regular foods. Like humans, dogs change as they age. A puppy who is sensitive to food may outgrow that issue as their body changes.
What Does it Mean if Your Dog Throws up Undigested Food?
Regurgitation of undigested food is different from vomiting. Usually, when Puddles throws up what he just ate, it is food that has not made it all the way to his stomach. When dogs eat too fast, they impact their esophagus and then throw up that food. It is a common issue with all dogs and not normally a concern.
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine explains that some dogs develop a condition known as megaesophagus. This occurs when the muscles of the esophagus lose muscle tone. The result is almost a pocket where food stacks up. The esophagus is designed to constrict so that food is pushed into the stomach. When that does not happen, dogs regurgitate.
What To Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach?
Water is one of the best things to give a dog when it has a sensitive stomach.  Many dry foods have very little water or moisture in them and can cause stomach problems. If your dog vomits, then water helps them recover the lost fluid which helps keep them hydrated. Foods that hold water include winter squash and pumpkin and are perfect for dogs who are dehydrated.
Time is another thing that you can give your dog. Make sure that they are eating their food slowly and not scarfing it down. Make sure that you feed your dog at regular intervals as outlined on the food’s label. Megaesophagus becomes inflamed when food is consumed too quickly.
Does “Sensitive Stomach Dog Food” Blends of Dog Food Actually Work?
Some brands of sensitive stomach foods do work. Much of this depends on what is in the food and your dog’s reaction to it. Be sure to read the list of ingredients and not just the marketing on the front of the bag.
Remember too, that when switching to a new food, to do so gradually. Every two –
three days, replace a quarter of the old food with new food over the course of a week. Do so until your dog is eating 100 percent of the new food. Transitioning helps their bodies get used to changes in their diet.
Diet for Sensitive Stomach?
Diets for dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to be bland. If you are opting to cook for your dog, the American Kennel Club suggests chicken and brown rice. The goal being to provide a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbs recommended for your breed of dog.
Also keep in mind that dogs are very much like humans in that some sources of protein are harder to digest than others. If puddle’s diet is primarily chicken, consider switching to another type of meat, such as beef. Also, be sure to check with your veterinarian. The nutritional needs of dogs change with age, the amount of exercise,  and other lifestyle habits.
For serious stomach issues, the vet may suggest a prescription diet, especially if Puddles does not adapt to either a high-quality commercial dog food or your homemade variety of foods. It is also a good idea to always check with a vet first, before changing your dog’s food simply to rule out other health problems.
What Is the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach and Skin
Because dogs are much like people, there is no magic formula for dog food that fits the problems of both a sensitive stomach and sensitive skin. These issues are best overcome by approaching them from the unique perspective of your dog.
Ingredients Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs Should Avoid
Many ingredients in commercial dog food are difficult to digest. Those vary from one dog to the next. A few of the top foods to avoid if your dog has food sensitivity issues are ingredients such as:
- Meat byproducts including chicken byproducts and beef byproducts
- Hard plant materials such as peanut shells or corn meal
- Highly modified sugars such as corn syrup
- High-fiber food additives such as wheat bran.
- Dog snacks such as dog biscuits or rawhide chews should also be avoided. These products can be reintroduced later when food sensitivities are rectified.
When it comes to choosing your dog’s food, be sure to read the label carefully. Quality dog food labels list real foods rather than a long list of chemicals.
Ingredients that Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs Should Have
Because dogs are as unique as are humans, food sensitivities are usually unique. Diets for sensitive stomachs include more ingredients that are whole foods rather than highly processed foods. Consider adding the following to your dog’s diet:
- Cooked brown rice or even oatmeal
- Fresh, cooked chicken rather than chicken meal or chicken byproducts
- Fresh vegetables, such as yams, sweet potato, and even pumpkin. Cooked, canned pumpkin that is unsweetened is also good. These foods add quality fiber to your dog’s diet which helps to absorb fats and excess water.
- If your dog does not have a dairy allergy then consider introducing cottage cheese to their diet. Cottage cheese is a great source of easy to digest protein that is also bland. Both of those facts help dogs digest food better.
Best Meat for a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach?
Chicken is usually the first meat of choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, there are many meaty foods available. Dogs may also have a food intolerance to certain types of meat so consider the following meats as sensitive-stomach friendly:
- Bison – easily digested and makes a great substitute for meat for dogs that do not tolerate beef or chicken.
- Venison – also easily digestible and on par with bison.
- Duck – a great substitute when your dog is sensitive to chicken-based protein. It is also one of the first ingredients that you find in sensitive-dog foods.
Is Venison Good for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
Yes. Venison is good for a couple of reasons. First, it is an easy protein to digest. It can also be a much cheaper form of meat than beef or specialty proteins such as Kangaroo. Venison is one type of protein that is great for dogs with chicken or beef allergies or intolerances.
Venison also makes a great choice for meats that are not commercially raised per Michigan State University.
Top 4Â Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomach – Adult:
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food is stocked with quality ingredients. It has a 4.6-star rating from reviewers on Amazon. The list of ingredients includes smoked salmon, fruits, and vegetables. It is available in a variety of protein types including bison plus venison, boar, lamb, salmon, wildfowl, and venison.
- A taste of the wild with SMOKED SALMON; REAL SALMON is the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, PROTEIN rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- First five ingredients are – Salmon, fish meal, sweet potato, potatoes, and canola oil.
- Comes in a variety of sizes and flavors to accommodate specific diets or to help dog owners avoid certain proteins.
- 79 percent of Amazon reviews were five-star
- Grain-free
Cons
- Product ingredients are not 100 percent made in the U.S.A.
- Five percent of Amazon customers rates this product with only one-star
- Top complaints include a variation in the size of the nuggets from Amazon versus those purchased locally.
- Several complaints of mold found in the bags
- Quality complaints seem to indicate a possible change in the food formula as many of those complaining claim to have used this product without incident for years and note recent purchases.
Overall, people and dogs love Taste of the Wild dog food. While there are very few complaints, those complaints are consistent.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has 4.6 stars from Amazon reviewers. Their grain-free dog food comes in turkey, duck, and lamb & Peas varieties. The smallest sized bag is 4.4 pounds, while the largest bag is 25.3 pounds.
The brand is specially formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and is completely grain- and gluten-free. Expect a short list of only essential ingredients. No fillers and plenty of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Formulated For Dogs With Food Sensitives - Made With One Animal Protein Source And No Grain Or Gluten
- Contains The Fewest, Most Essential, Easily Digestible Ingredients
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- The first five ingredients are Turkey Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola oil and Turkey (Turkey Flavor)
- 64 percent of Amazon reviewers rates this product with five stars
- Multiple flavors available so dogs are never bored.
- Grain- and gluten-free
- Socially Responsible Company
Cons
- Six percent of Amazon reviewers rated this product with just one star.
- Company changes formula without informing pet owners with dire results. – Important because this is a food specially designed for pets with sensitive stomach issues.
Nutri Source Grain Free Seafood Select
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
Nutri Source Grain Free Seafood Select Dog Food uses high-quality natural foods as ingredients. It has a 4.6-star rating from reviewers on Amazon. The list of ingredients includes Chicken, chicken broth, lamb, ocean fish, pearl barley, brown rice, etc.
- Balanced Nutrition For All Life Stages
- Salmon Protein Source
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- First five ingredients are – Salmon, menhaden fishmeal, peas, pea flour, and pea starch.
- Comes flavors to accommodate specific diets or to help dog owners avoid certain proteins.
- 92 percent of Amazon reviews were five-star
- Grain-free
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- One percent of Amazon customers rates this product with only one-star
- Top complaints were that their dogs did not like the taste of it. Two complaints were that it caused yeast-allergies to flare up again.
Overall, people and dogs love Nutri Source Grain Free Seafood Select. What is really important about this product is the very low number of complaints. One, two, and three-star reviews on Amazon total only four percent of the total number of reviewers. Most people rated this product with five stars. Most five-star praises are in direct conflict with those rating the product with low-star ratings. Most reviewers have dogs who love the taste. No quality control issues were reported.
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Adult Dog Food
Our Rating 4.5/5 Stars
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Adult Dog Food uses quality healthy-focused and nutrient rich natural foods as ingredients. It has a 4.5-star rating from reviewers on Amazon. The list of ingredients includes California Avocado, brown rice, white rice, oatmeal, and chicken meal.
- One (1) 30 Pound Bag: Avoderm Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat: Premium Dry Dog Food Made With California Avocados To Promote Healthy Skin, Coat, Immune System And Overall Health
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- First five ingredients are – Chicken meal, ground whole brown rice, ground white rice, oatmeal, chicken fat.
- Contains quality antioxidants
- Helps to boost immune systems
- 79 percent of Amazon reviews were five-star
- Grain-free  and soy free
- Created to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages
Cons
- Six percent of Amazon customers rates this product with only one-star
- Top complaints were that their dogs did not like the taste of it. Other complaints include concerns over the list of ingredients and how they have increased over time. A few complaints center around dogs who have enjoyed the product but recently have become developed stomach sensitivities.
Overall, AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Adult Dog Food is well received by people and dogs. Most reviews point to cases where their dog has had severe sensitive stomach issues that resolved when they switched to the AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Adult Dog Food.
Best Puppy Food For Sensitive Stomach
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Puppy Food
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Puppy Food uses antioxidant-laden, nutrient rich natural foods as ingredients. It has a solid 4.1-star rating from reviewers on Amazon. The list of ingredients includes California Avocado, brown rice, white rice, oat bran, rice bran, and chicken meal.
- One (1) 15 Pound Bag: Avoderm Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Puppy Food
- Specially Crafted For Puppies: Made With Dha To Provide Healthy Development Of Your Puppy'S Brain And Vision
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- First five ingredients are – Chicken meal, ground whole brown rice, ground whole white rice, chicken fat, and oat bran
- Contains quality antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Immune system builder
- 66 percent of Amazon reviews were five-star
- Created to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for puppies
Cons:
- Four percent of Amazon customers rates this product with only one-star
- Top complaints were loose stools and excess gas. Other complaints include concerns over the size of the nuggets for puppies. There were a few complaints about pups not liking the taste.
AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula Puppy FoodFood is well received by people and dogs. Most reviews point to cases where their pups went from normal digestion to gassy and loose stools. For most consumers, this puppy food is spot on the money and consumers rave about positive changes to their dog’s coat.
As you can see, a sensitive stomach is fairly common in dogs. The causes are as unique as the dogs are. The takeaway here is that sensitive stomach dog food helps to reduce the painful symptoms that dogs suffer from and helps to return your pooch to that joyful creature that you love. If you loved this article consider leaving a comment and sharing your story and following us on Pinterest. We’d love to hear from you.
I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. Little did they know that bringing a Labrador Retriever into their apartment would determine not only the course of their son’s professional career but also my love life.
Having obtained a Computer Science Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, I went on to pursue an IT career in the Big Apple. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. There, I got a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Web Development. As a means of supporting myself through college, he found a salesman job at a local paper company, where he met Mary, the love of my life and the person I’d end up creating My Sweet Puppy with.
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found the articles very good and informative
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
What is gastritis in dogs?
What is bloat? When do I call the vet?
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.I am in no way connected to the content written within this website, most especially the German Shepherd blog. This website hires other writers for their blogs.Please do not contact me regarding website content. I only write content within the comments section.What is Bloat in Dogs?
According to the American College of Veterinary Associations (ACVS), ” It has also been suggested that elevated feeding, dogs that have previously had a spleen removed, large or giant breed dogs, and stress may result in an increased incidence of this condition. A 2006 study also determined that dogs fed dry dog foods that list oils (e.g. sunflower oil, animal fat) among the first four label ingredients predispose a high risk dog to GDV.” via ACVS.
” Several studies have been published that have evaluated risk factors and causes for gastric dilatation and volvulus in dogs. This syndrome is not completely understood; however, it is known that there is an association in dogs that:
have a deep chest (increased thoracic height to width ratio)
are fed a single large meal once daily
are older
are related to other dogs that have had the condition.” via ACVS
Bloat results from your dog having eaten a large meal, followed by plenty of exercise. Your dog may first try to vomit,will have rapid breathing, dry retching, abdominal discomfort, show signs of restlessness, and have excessive drooling. Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that needs to be taken seriously. At the first signs of bloat, you’ll need to visit your emergency veterinarian, even if it’s at 2.am. Waiting for a few hours could result in your dog dying. It is caused by the stomach twisting along its axis, and also by the accumulation of gas together or without fluid. There are certain dog breeds that are more prone to bloat like the German Shepherd and Great Dane. Saint Barnards, Standard Poodles,Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers,and Gordon Setters are also dog breeds that may be affected. That’s not to say that other dog breeds are not affected by bloat. As the dog’s age increases, so does his or her susceptibility to bloat.
Your veterinarian will most likely find a weakened or rapid pulse rate, pale mucous membranes, and possibly other signs of shock. That said, x-rays are used to diagnose stomach rotation. Your dog will need urgent veterinary care with a prompt diagnosis. Always avoid giving your dog lots of water after exercise, to avoid stomach distention. Your veterinarian will probably also recommend feeding smaller meals to your dog instead of a few large meals. Surgery may also be recommended for bloat.
A research paper published by The American Veterinary Association (AVMA) concludes that ” Gastric foreign body (GFB) was found to be a significant risk factor for GDV in dogs. The study findings suggested that a large- or giant-breed dog with a gFB was approximately 5 times as likely to develop GDV as a similar dog with no gFB. Results indicated that there was a strong correlation between GFB and GDV in dogs. However, further cohort studies are needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the presence of a gFB and the development of GDV in dogs.” via AVMA
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. This is sometimes caused by something that the dog has eaten that has in turn injured the stomach lining. Signs include vomiting, sometimes with the materials that the dog has ingested. Your dog may also throw up bile, fresh blood, or digested blood. Your dog’s hindquarters will most likely be raised with chest and forequarters close to the ground. Excessive thirst after vomiting is displayed, and there may be some diarrhea. If your dog does this for a long period of time, there will be longterm weakness, tiredness, weight- loss, hair- loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possibly an acid-based disorder. That said, if gastritis symptoms are present, consult with your veterinarian. Not only is it very painful for your pooch, but it can be very dangerous as well.
For more on bloat in dogs, visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
For more on gastritis in dogs, visit:https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-dogs