Finding the best food for a new puppy is a big task. Being attentive to puppy nutrition sets them on a path of healthy growth and development. A lot depends on the breed, the owner's budget, and the size of your new pup. Are you looking for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs? Learn more about why dogs have tricky digestive issues, and what you can do to help. We cover 15 fantastic dog food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Take a look at our nutrition guide and find the best food for your puppy.
Bringing home a new puppy is a very exciting time. Along with the cuddles and excitement, owners have a lot of preparation to do. Of course, they will want to ensure they have all the right supplies and are set up for everything a puppy might need. One area owners are concerned about is finding the best food for puppies.
Nutrition is critically essential for puppies from the very first day they are born. While they need their mother’s milk for the first few weeks to survive, most puppies are well on their way to eating puppy kibble by the time they are two to three months old. What food is best for a puppy depends on a few different things. Not all products are created equally. Additionally, not all dogs need the same calories or amount of food. The dog’s age, breed, and size all factor into the best food for them. Healthy nutrition is a huge part of responsible pet ownership.
Feeding your pup the proper chow is critical to his lifelong health. He will get energy, nutrients, and sustenance from his diet to fuel growth and correct development. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so even though they can eat some adult foods, they should not. Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about choosing the best puppy food for your adorable new pup.
Some dogs have very sensitive stomachs and need food designed for their particular needs. Finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs is a challenge, as there are many choices on the market. Not all dogs are the same, nor are all foods created equally. For paw parents trying to help their pups with sensitive stomachs finding the best food can be a very trying time. Owners can find themselves spending lots of money and trying many different products that claim to be suitable for dogs with sensitive digestive issues and end up getting nowhere.
There are a variety of things that can cause canines to have sensitive stomachs. Sometimes these issues will affect them throughout their life. Other times they can develop with age or come on suddenly. Some breeds, like the German Shepherd, and Great Dane, have very sensitive stomachs and are at high risk of developing life-threatening conditions like bloat. It is essential if you have a dog that has a sensitive stomach that you find the right food to meet their needs.
Owners should always look for foods made with the best quality ingredients, especially named proteins, on the labels. With all the available products, we know that picking the right one can be a daunting process. In this guide, we go over some of the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs. Our product reviews and information will help you decide what to feed your sweet but sensitive pup.
It can be hard to keep up with all the new trends to find the best dog food, but there are five primary categories of canine chow. Most puppies do very well on high-quality, puppy-formulated kibble. This is often combined with other food categories, including wet, semi-moist, fresh cooked, or freeze-dried.
Kibble Or Dry
Dry dog food is also called kibble. This is one of the most commonly used varieties of canine foods. Kibble is the most affordable type. There are many flavors and varieties available. Kibble is made with the same ingredients as most other dog foods.
These include animal proteins, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and other added vitamins and minerals. Ingredients are mixed, ground into a paste, cooked, and then pressed into pellets. There are many high-quality kibbles available that are formulated specifically for puppies, as well As for breed size. There are even some breed-specific formulas.
Wet Or Canned
Canned is the most common choice for wet food. It can sometimes come in a pouch or plastic container, or even a loaf. Wet foods will contain all the same ingredients that are found in kibble. It tends to be slightly pricier. Some wet foods are much higher in fat.
Canned food often comes in a paste, stew, or chunks in gravy formula. It has a higher moisture content than kibble. It is important to read the ingredients on canned food, as some lower-quality manufacturers will use wheat gluten as a substitute to form meaty-looking chunks. Wet food can be a nice addition to a puppy’s diet, adding extra moisture and a flavor boost.
Semi-Moist
Semi-moist dog food, especially the kind shaped like human meat, has very low nutritional value. These products often have a lot of added colors, flavorings, and preservatives. Though dogs may love the taste of these, these are best kept for an occasional treat. It is imperative to stay away from these, if possible, for puppies, as these are low in nutritional value and high in bad fats and calories.
Fresh Or Human Grade
Fresh-cooked human-grade dog food is one of the most expensive yet most nutritious foods. The fresh market is rapidly growing, and many different subscriptions are available. Owners can have fresh, extremely high-quality meals delivered to their door for their dogs.
Some pet owners may choose to make their own but should only do so with guidance from their veterinarian. Fresh meals retain incredible taste and nutritional value as most are gently cooked in small batches. These recipes are often limited-ingredient and are quite tasty. Human-grade ingredients mean that all ingredients used are safe for human consumption.
Freeze Dried
Freeze-dried pet foods are becoming increasingly popular. These give dogs the incredible taste and nutritional value of a raw or lightly cooked diet but are more shelf stable. Just like fresh meals, these are made from the highest quality human-grade ingredients and can be a wonderful choice for pet parents who lie somewhere between kibble and fresh meals.
Freeze-dried foods taste fantastic, and dogs go crazy for them. They can be used as standalone meals or as treats and meal toppers. Some can be served right from the container, while others must be rehydrated first.
Raw Or BARF
Some owners may look into raw or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Diets.) These consist of raw meat, bones, vegetables, and other limited ingredients. Raw diets are relatively tricky and are not appropriate for puppies, so it is best to stay away from the raw diet until your pup is much older and his digestive system has matured.
What Causes A Dog To Have A Sensitive Stomach?
Of course, one of the top causes of digestive sensitivity is our pet’s food. Those fed poor-quality food or who eat a lot of human snacks may experience more digestive problems. Sometimes it is not even the quality of food but the amount of consumption that is the problem. For this reason, it is crucial to have portion control and meal regularity for your pup.
Sometimes certain ingredients in dog foods can cause digestive issues. In some cases, foods high in fiber and fat may be the culprit. Other times it is the quality of ingredients or the specific protein source. Some pups have more difficulty digesting red meat, while others may have a hard time with chicken. Corn, other carbohydrates, and plant fibers can also be more problematic for some canines to digest. It can be hard to tell which ones because every pooch is different. Food allergies and intolerance can be tough to identify, and you may need to have your vet run some tests and use trial and error to see what ingredients trigger your dog’s discomfort.
High-fat foods and fat-heavy diets are more difficult for dogs to digest. Therefore, reading your food labels and ensuring the ingredients start with a named animal protein is essential. If added fats and oils are at the top of the ingredient list, that food may be more challenging for certain dogs to break down.
Low-quality ingredients are also a big digestive problem. Owners can look at brand websites, recalls, lawsuits, and any nutritional studies the company may have done on their products. Additionally, looking at other customer reviews is an excellent way to understand how these foods affect different animals.
Sometimes canines can suffer from digestive issues that impact their gastrointestinal function. This can include infections like the canine parvovirus. Some breeds are much more susceptible to parvo than others. These include German Shepherds, American Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, and English Springer Spaniels. Other conditions like colitis, and inflammation of the large intestine, bowel, or colon, can cause digestive issues like painful diarrhea. Diet, an underlying disease, parasites, allergy, or kidney issues can sometimes cause this.
Other conditions like constipation, gastritis, ulcers, malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) all cause significant discomfort and digestive concerns. Many of these can be managed by diet.
In some cases, more severe diseases like cancer can cause digestion problems. Always discuss your dog’s sensitive stomach and digestive concerns with your veterinarian. It is better to do so sooner rather than later. Even causes that are not very serious can be quite painful. It is vital to eliminate any serious medical issues or diseases and find the right nutrition for your pup. Your veterinarian can help examine your pup, discuss what they are currently eating, and suggest what they should eat. They will rule out any serious underlying medical issues. Additionally, if something more serious happens, you and your veterinarian must work together to meet your dog’s dietary needs.
Dog chow comes in several different varieties. Some may be easier to digest than others. There are many different sensitive stomach formulas available in various forms. Dry, wet, freeze-dried, fresh, and even raw diets are all options for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Buying Guide
If your pup has a sensitive stomach, you will want to make an educated decision about what food to choose. Of course, this is a trial-and-error system, but you do want to be careful. Rapid changes in your dog’s diet can trigger digestive issues and sometimes worsen the problem. Owners will want to be very aware of the ingredients used, the process they are cooked with, and the company’s background information. Look at a company’s background, see what they stand for, how long they have been around, and what animal-related causes they contribute to. You can also look for any kind of studies they have performed. These are generally available through a brand’s website. Also, research any lawsuits or recalls issued and the outcome.
Ingredients To Look For
Along with looking into a company, owners must look at the ingredients that go into dog food. Owners can start by consulting the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines about what should go in dog food. If dog food contains an ingredient you do not know, look it up before buying it. Remember that in pet food, ingredients are listed by weight. Healthy dog chows should contain the following ingredients:
- Protein
Protein is a critical ingredient in all dog food, regardless of form. It is an essential component in a canine’s development. Protein fuels a pup with energy for growth and activity. Additionally, canines cannot store any extra protein in their bodies and must restock this essential element through their diet. They also get amino acids from protein. Protein plays a vital role in a dog’s overall health, including growth and muscle development, immune system function, energy, brain development, and skin and nail health. Look for foods with whole meat or meals listed in their first ingredients.
Canines adore the taste of meat, so look for foods that use high-quality animal proteins. Some proteins in dog foods will be much easier to digest than others. Eggs are high in protein and very easy to digest, as well as beef, chicken, and lamb. Organ meat is also easy to digest, so things like the heart, liver, and kidneys are good ingredients to look for.
- Healthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should be a part of a canine diet. Carbs from healthy grains, vegetables, and fruit provide energy and fiber—these help with digestion and energy in the form of glucose.
- Omega Fatty Acids
Fatty acids in canine diets give them important components like energy and stimulate growth. Fatty acids are pivotal in bone and joint health. These assist with fat-soluble vitamin absorption, control inflammation, and serve a vital role in the composition of cell membranes. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are highly important. These come from proteins like fish, poultry, and red meat.
- Fruits & Vegetables
These provide fiber, which helps in the digestive process. Fruits and veggies also offer antioxidants, vitamins, and other good nutrients that bolster the immune system and aid in keeping them healthy. Berries like cranberry and blueberry, pineapple, apple, banana, cantaloupe, and sweet potatoes are just a few.
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin
These are two compounds that support joint health and work to relieve pain and inflammation. Glucosamine is also an essential element in cartilage. It can be harvested from shellfish shells like shrimp, crab, and lobster. Glucosamine is necessary for canines, particularly mature pups, more giant breeds, and especially energetic puppies.
- Vitamins & Minerals
Canines need several different vitamins and minerals in their diets to stay healthy.
Vitamin A works to boost the immune system.
Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system.
Vitamin D controls calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamins C & E are antioxidants that work to support whole health.
Vitamin K works to metabolize calcium and helps prevent the formation of blood clots.
Iron transports calcium around the body.
Calcium and phosphorus are part of bone structure.
Zinc works to improve healing.
- Water
Hydration is critical to canines. Though they drink plenty of it, they also need moisture in their diet. If your dog eats a lot of dry kibbles, offer extra water, and mix in wet or fresh food occasionally to get that extra moisture boost.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has A Sensitive Stomach?
You may start to notice some signs that your pup is having a challenging time digesting meals. This can show up in the form of stomach upset or pain, discomfort, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Your pup may also have difficulty with bowel movements, blood in the stool, constipation, hard stools, and loose stools. Some poor pups will have itchy skin, excessive scratching, sores, and hair loss.
How To Support A Dog With A Sensitive Stomach
- Easy to digest food, with low fat and natural animal proteins.
- Limited-ingredient recipes are best.
- Try single-protein foods.
- Consider grain-free or limited grains.
- Look for high-quality, fresh ingredients.
- Stay away from highly processed products.
- Consult your vet and pet nutritionist at the first sign of trouble.
- Be patient, and do not give up on your pup.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, some pups have extremely sensitive stomachs. Finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs can be challenging. There are plenty of options to choose from. Owners should look for foods with natural proteins, limited ingredients, and no artificial flavors or colors. Look out for hard-to-digest grains and low-quality meat meals.
Always consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s digestion, nutrition, health, or bowel habits. We hope you and your sweet pup find the best choice that does not irritate or upset those sensitive tummies.
