Just like humans, some dogs have sensitive stomachs. While this is rarely a fatal issue, these affected dogs often struggle to digest their food properly and experience distressing gastrointestinal symptoms.
It’s important to have your dog examined by a vet to make sure that he is indeed suffering from a sensitive stomach and not another illness. Several health issues can cause similar symptoms, so before you go out and get your dog the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, you’ll need to rule these out. Luckily, there are several foods designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Today, we’re going to look at some of the best ones, and how your dog can benefit from them.
Symptoms of a Sensitive Stomach
Dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs usually display a relatively similar assemblage of symptoms. However, some dogs experience these symptoms more intensely than others. Nevertheless, your furry child may have a sensitive stomach if he displays any of the following:
- Diarrhea – Runny stools are another symptom that infrequently troubles all dogs, but repeated episodes indicate the presence of a sensitive stomach.
- Vomiting – While vomiting is somewhat normal in dogs, recurring bouts of vomiting likely suggest that your dog has a sensitive stomach.
- Gas – If your dog can’t seem to stop breaking wind, he is probably suffering from a sensitive stomach. Gas-x can help handle symptoms, but ideally, you’ll want to settle your dog’s tummy problems at the root.
Why Dogs Suffer From Sensitive Stomachs?
Various circumstances can cause your dog to suffer from stomach problems. Four of the most common reasons include:
Your Dog is Incapable of Digesting Some of the Proteins or Fat in his Food
Some dogs may be unable to digest some protein or huge quantities of fat, so it’s important to stick to easily digestible proteins, such as chicken or lamb, and avoid high-fat meals.
If your dog’s stomach issues are a result of him eating something unusual, his upset stomach can be calmed with a serving of simple foods.
Your Dog May Be Allergic to Some of the Proteins in His Diet
Although food allergies normally cause skin-related symptoms, they can also affect your dog’s digestive system. Food allergies are usually handled by eliminating all prevalent allergens from your dog’s diet until the problem is fixed, and then examining his response when he is reintroduced to the meal.
Your Dog is Incapable of Digesting the Ingredients in His Treats
Your dog’s treats may contain ingredients that upset his digestive system. Avoid treats while trying to resolve your dog’s sensitive stomach problems.
Your Dog May Be Suffering From Emotional Discomfort
Anxiety can also cause your dog’s digestive system to struggle. It may help keep a history of your dog’s experiences and meals to find the causal agent. It may also help to give your dog a comfortable retreat of his own.
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
It can be challenging to calm down your dog’s sensitive stomach, but being the responsible parent that you are, you may have tried a few different options to no avail. The following foods are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and are highly recommended by responsible owners who have already offered them to their pooches.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is an excellent, quality dry food for dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs. Salmon, a protein source that’s generally fairly mild, is the main ingredient. It doesn’t contain wheat, corn, soy, by-products, or synthetic flavorings. Furthermore, it has a healthy portion of prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Dog Food
There are many advantages to wet dog food. Wet food is often more appetizing than their dry counterparts, and usually contains more protein. If your dog favors wet food, the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Dog Food is your best bet. The Natural Balance wet food comes in seven delicious flavors, each including a single protein and carbohydrate source like sweet potato, chicken, lamb, and even brown rice. Owners assure it’s an easy-to-digest food that their dogs cherish. The finely ground texture is excellent for seniors and puppies alike.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Senior
As dogs age, their allergies and sensitivities become more apparent. The Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Senior is one of the best options out there if you need a dog food specifically for seniors. Another limited-ingredient food, this dry food contains real turkey and potato. It also includes ingredients, such as pumpkin, to help your senior dog’s digestive tract perform its best. This dry food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health, and taurine to help support heart health.
Iams ProActive Sensitive Skin & Stomach Grain Free Dog Food
Dry food is a very convenient choice; however, many dry foods contain grains that can upset sensitive stomachs and contribute to weight gain. Iams ProActive Health Sensitive Skin & Stomach Grain Free Dog Food provides your pooch with a healthy, all-around diet without added chemicals, soy wheat, or grains. Furthermore, the added Omegas help keep your dog’s skin and coat itch-free. Flavors include: chicken with peas or salmon with lentils, giving your dog a reliable source of carbohydrates.
Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry
If you have a fat pooch at home and your veterinarian has recommended he shed a few pounds, the Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Food is your best bet.
Fatty dog foods can irritate an already sensitive stomach even more. That’s why this food is formulated to target those afflicted areas and keep your dog from gaining those extra pounds. Several owners say their veterinarian prescribed this food for conditions such as pancreatitis or other stomach problems, and many say it really helps.
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Takeaway
No matter which food you decide to offer your dog, be sure to make the switch slowly. With a little patience, some trial and error, and lots of affection, you’ll surely find the most suitable food for your dog’s sensitive stomach.
