What are the best dog food for sensitive stomachs?
When your pup’s tummy is upset, everyone feels it. Gurgling bellies, loose stools, or even a lack of appetite can leave your best friend uncomfortable. And you, the pet parent, worried. So we've put together a list of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
At Barkaroo, we believe mealtime should fuel tail wags, not tummy troubles. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why some dogs struggle with sensitive stomachs
- Key ingredients to look for (and avoid) in dog food
- The best types of dog food for digestive health
- How to transition your pup to a gentler diet
Why Do Dogs Have Sensitive Stomachs?
Dogs can have digestive issues for many reasons. Some pups simply have a delicate system, while others react to certain ingredients. Common causes include:
- Food intolerances or allergies (like wheat, corn, soy, or even chicken)
- Sudden diet changes (switching foods too quickly)
- Rich, fatty foods that are tough to digest
- Low quality fillers that don’t provide real nutrition
Signs of a sensitive stomach may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or even refusing food. If these issues are ongoing, always check with your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions.
Ingredients to Look For in Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
When shopping for dog food for sensitive stomachs, you’ll want formulas that are gentle, digestible, and nutrient-rich. Look for:
- Limited ingredient diets (LID): Fewer ingredients reduce the chance of triggering a reaction.
- Easily digestible proteins: Lamb, salmon, turkey, or whitefish are often gentler than chicken or beef.
- Healthy carbs: Brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes are soothing alternatives to corn and wheat.
- Added probiotics & prebiotics: These support gut health and improve digestion.
- Omega fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and support skin/coat health.
Ingredients to Avoid
Not all dog foods are created equal. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, steer clear of:
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Excess fat and greasy fillers
- Corn, wheat, or soy (common irritants for some dogs)
- Too many protein sources at once (harder to digest)
Best Dog Food Types for Sensitive Stomachs
Dry Kibble: Look for premium formulas labeled specifically for digestive health. They’re convenient, shelf-stable, and often fortified with probiotics.
Canned/Wet Food: Softer on the stomach and easier to digest, though not always practical for every household.
Grain-Free Options: Some dogs thrive on grain-free diets (sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas as carbs). But not every dog needs grain-free, so it’s best to experiment with your vet’s guidance.
Novel Protein Recipes: Dogs who react to common proteins like chicken or beef may do better with lamb, venison, or fish-based diets.
Transitioning Your Dog to a New Food
Switching foods too quickly can upset your pup’s stomach even more. Follow this 7-day transition guide:
- Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 3–4: 50% old food, 50% new food
- Days 5–6: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 7: 100% new food
Barkaroo’s Recommended Pick
For pups with sensitive stomachs, we recommend trying our Nature’s Select New Zealand Lamb & Cold Water Recipe.
Why it works:
- Single-source protein (lamb & fish) that’s easier to digest
- Brown rice and oatmeal as gentle carbs
- Omega-rich fish for skin, coat, and gut health
- No fillers, no artificial junk, just premium nutrition
This recipe is designed to be both nourishing and gentle, so your dog can enjoy mealtime without tummy troubles.
The Barkaroo Takeaway
Finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs can feel overwhelming, but focusing on limited ingredients, gentle proteins, and high-quality nutrition makes all the difference. With the right food, and a little patience during the transition, your pup can go from belly aches to happy tail wags in no time.
✨ Ready to give your dog relief? Try our New Zealand Lamb & Cold Water Recipe today. Made for sensitive stomachs and happy, healthy pups.