Being a pet owner, you are responsible for its health and happiness. From diet and hygiene to activities, you have to be careful about it all. If your pet dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s important to keep its diet regular, and avoid leftovers or the wrong kinds of foods.
Here is more on how you can care for your canine with a sensitive stomach.
Symptoms
Dogs with sensitive stomachs usually show the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
- Flatulence
- Decreased appetite
- Skin rashes
The symptoms of a sensitive stomach can be like those seen in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis (inflammation of the colon), gastroenteritis (infection of the digestive system) and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Hence, it is important to note the frequency and types of symptoms, as this will help the vet with the diagnosis.
- A sensitive stomach can also cause itchy skin in dogs. You might notice scratching, areas of hair loss and sores, and dry skin. In dogs with light coats, reddish-brown marks on the face, known as tear stains, might be a sign of irritated skin, which may be linked to a dietary sensitivity.
- Some classic signs of a sensitive stomach include intermittent loose stools or diarrhea, nausea and excessive wind. You can tell your dog feels sick if it is not eating or if it’s licking its lips and swallowing a lot. There may be blood in the stools and your dog might vomit too.
- Sometimes, when a dog has eaten a food that triggers its sensitive stomach, it will be less active and possibly reluctant to go for a walk. The odd self-limiting episode of wind or loose stools is part and parcel of a dog’s life, but if the symptoms become chronic (long-term) and you notice weight loss, get your dog checked by a vet. He or she might recommend certain dog foods that prevent and cure their sensitive stomach.
Causes
Some of the causes of a sensitive stomach in dogs are:
- Your dog might be born with a sensitive stomach or it might have inherited the same. This condition can also pop up unexpectedly at any age.
- If you have recently changed your dog’s diet, it might trigger tummy troubles. A bout of overindulgence can be another cause of an upset stomach. In such cases, starting your pet on sensitive stomach dog foods can help.
- Worms, bacterial infection and motion sickness during travel can all lead to stomach upset.
- If you or others in your household have the habit of adding dinner scraps to your dog’s food, this might cause the problem. Or, you might have the habit of giving it the last bite of whatever you eat. Or maybe, you toss him a treat every now and then. Both these habits can cause an upset stomach.
- If you are training your dog and giving him a treat as reward occasionally, then it is alright. But you should not treat him by dozens a day.
- Be careful while feeding your dog food prepared for people. Sometimes, such foods can be too rich or spicy.
- If you also share your home with cats and leave their food out where your dog can reach it, it might be snacking even more than you realize. Many dogs enjoy cat food as it is higher in protein and fat content. However, it is not good for them.
So, if you notice any symptoms of stomach upset, try eliminating all human food from your dog’s diet. Avoid giving regular treats too and put your cat’s food in a safe spot where your canine pal can’t access. If the stomach issues still don’t improve, it’s time to pay attention to the dog food. The best way forward is to consult a vet and then offer sensitive stomach dog foods to see gradual improvement.
Dietary tips for treating stomach upsets in dogs
In case your dog shows signs of a sensitive stomach, first figure out what it is actually eating. Cut out table scraps and treats and make sure your dog is not filling up on discarded items from the bins or anything else it is not supposed to eat. Once you have got this snacking habit under control, turn your attention to the main meal.
Here’s a checklist you can go through to make better diet choices for your pet. Sensitive stomach dog foods are of course a good bet always. You can also consult a vet to get a better understanding of the foods that suit the best for your pet.
- An easily digestible diet with moderate fat content cuts down the work of your dog’s digestive system.
- A diet with a restricted list of ingredients is a good idea as it narrows down the search for the culprit component.
- Certain proteins can be a problem for some dogs, and so, it makes sense to go with a single protein source diet to help eliminate the cause.
- Grains are known to cause inflammatory reactions in the digestive system of a dog. So, selecting grain-free recipes can be beneficial.
- Choose minimally processed, high-quality foods that are free from artificial additives.
- Look for nutritionally complete and balanced products to ensure your dog is supplied with all the nutrients they need in the right amounts.
Best sensitive stomach dog foods
There are many ingredients in conventional dog foods that can bother the stomach in some dogs. For example, insufficient fiber, too much fat, a specific protein or something else can upset a dog’s sensitive stomach easily. So, while shopping for a food that might relieve your dog’s discomfort, you will have to start reading labels carefully. Some of the best sensitive stomach dog foods are:
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nourish your furry friend with Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe. This dry dog food is specifically designed for adult dogs. It features real chicken first and contains prebiotic fiber to support a balanced microbiome for healthy digestion. This recipe also delivers a generous dose of vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat. You will be glad to know that it’s backed by decades of cutting-edge research, and your dog will love the way every bite tastes!
Key benefits
- Contains prebiotic fiber to support your dog’s digestive health
- Highly digestible and encourages nutrient absorption
- Made with natural ingredients, vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and other nutrients to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat
- Made with quality global ingredients
- Formulated by Hill’s—a veterinarian recommended brand in the pet food industry
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
This dog food is packed with wholesome nutritious ingredients that improves your dog’s overall health. Your canine friend will enjoy real, deboned salmon as the first ingredient, which provides a single source of animal protein and a rich flavor. Made with easily digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes, this grain-free kibble is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. This hearty meal is made with valuable limited ingredients that contain the nutrients your dog needs, and is without corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors that can slow him down. And to nourish your dog’s skin and coat, flaxseed offers omega-3 fatty acids and sunflower oil supplies omega-6 fatty acids. Feed your dog a meal that is formulated with premium limited ingredients that deliver fuel for any journey, no matter what you have planned for the day.
Key benefits
- This limited ingredient dog food has a single animal protein source, and is also grain-free. So, it makes a great food option for dogs that may experience itchy skin and have a sensitive stomach.
- Delivering high-quality animal protein that helps maintain lean muscles, this kibble is made with 25% protein and has deboned salmon as the first ingredient.
- Gives your dog a wholesome meal that provides easily digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes. This way, the carbs are more easily absorbed by the body.
- Your dog gets complete and balanced nutrition, without exposure to ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors.
- The food contains nourishing fatty acids to nurture your dog’s skin and coat, with omega-3 from flaxseed and omega-6 from sunflower oil.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula is one of the best sensitive stomach dog foods you can find. It is made with nutrient-rich salmon as the first ingredient, for a protein-rich recipe your dog will crave and love. Plus, it has prebiotic fiber for the sensitive stomach for a highly digestible formula that nourishes the beneficial bacteria found in your dog's intestine. This special recipe includes ingredients such as rice and oatmeal to provide easily digestible sources of carbohydrates for your dog. Also, it is packed with fish oil-a source of omega 3 fatty acids, to help support healthy joints and mobility, and omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to nourish your dog's skin and keep its coat looking healthy. And best of all, it is made without corn, wheat or soy.
Key benefits
- Salmon is the main ingredient for this high-protein recipe that helps support your dog’s lean muscles.
- Oatmeal is an easily digestible source of carbohydrates, making it great for sensitive tummies.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are added to help support your dog's joint health and mobility, and so, he can keep going on many adventures with you.
- The food includes omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to keep your dog's skin healthy and its coat shiny and beautiful.
- This food is manufactured without corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors and flavors.
Blackwood Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
This sensitive stomach dog food is flavorful, easy-to-digest and delivers superior nutrition in every bowl. Slow cooked in small batches, this delicious meal will produce fast results. Your pet will look happy and healthy in no time. It is an everyday diet for your sensitive canine, and made with super-premium, all-natural lamb protein that delivers optimal nutrition for optimal wellness. Plus, it is boosted with probiotics to aid in digestion, and contains no artificial flavors or colors.
Key benefits
- This recipe promises wholesome nutrition and ease of digestion with every serving.
- Supplemented with probiotics to enhance digestion, it will keep your dog’s tummy as well as taste buds happy.
- The food is cooked in small batches, so that you know that each bite is crafted with care.
- It is made with super premium, all-natural chicken protein, to keep your dog going all day.
- Nutritionally complete and balanced meal is guaranteed for adult dogs, which means your fur baby will not suffer from any deficiencies.
To conclude, when you are ready to change to sensitive stomach dog food, avoid making the switch suddenly, as this can cause further stomach upset. Instead, make the change gradually, over five to seven days. Also, read labels on food packages carefully while shopping and consult a vet for better guidance.
