10 sensitive stomach dog foods

Updated 26/06/2024

A sickly stomach is just as common in our furry friends as us humans, so as a pet parent, you can rest assured that there are heaps of sensitive stomach dog foods on the market for your pooch to try. While a change in diet can clear up your pup’s sickly symptoms, any gastrointestinal upset should be met with a visit to the vet – especially if symptoms continue or if they’re accompanied by other issues.

If you’ve been reassured that your pup isn’t suffering from anything sinister, their upset stomach is something you’ll want to be on top of before welcoming a pet sitter. To help you find the right formula, we’re here with a range of popular dog foods for sensitive stomachs. So without any further ado, let’s tuck in…

What might be causing your dog’s sensitive stomach?

If your poorly pup is suffering from gastrointestinal upset, unfortunately, it could be a symptom of a range of illnesses or allergic reactions. Assuming you’ve had the all-clear from your vet, you can go ahead and search for the right sensitive stomach dog food for your pooch. There really is no one-size-fits-all approach – the process will be trial and error (if you don’t go down the at-home allergy test kits, but more on those shortly). It may take various dog foods for sensitive stomachs before you find something that is the right fit for your pup, as there are simply so many ingredients to consider. These can include soy, corn, eggs, dairy, and even beef or chicken. It’s also worth noting the treats you reward your pup with and any table scraps you share to keep them settled during dinner time, as these snacks can also cause tummy troubles.

And if settling on a dog food for sensitive stomachs that doesn’t irritate your pup but still not knowing what ingredient your pooch is allergic to doesn’t sit right with you, your veterinarian can refer your dog for further investigations and testing. 

10 dog foods for sensitive stomachs

Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach

The Purina Pro Plan salmon and rice is a seriously popular one amongst pet parents of pups with sensitive stomachs. If it’s meat your dog seems to be sensitive to, this sensitive stomach dog food might just fit the bill - packed with salmon protein (and therefore essential fatty acids), it’ll not only avoid irritating your pup’s stomach, but it’ll support their joint health, mobility, skin and coat as well. This particular pack is designed for small, medium and large breeds, plus there’s a whole range if you’d like to explore formulas specific to your dog’s size.

First five ingredients: Water, fish, salmon, rice, potato protein

Natural Balance chicken and sweet potato

Sometimes a limited ingredient diet is the best way to go when you’re looking for food for  a dog with an upset stomach. This formula for sensitive tummies is naturally wheat-free. Designed to support gut health, find sweet and white potatoes in this recipe, which are a great grain-free fiber source. Also find chicken as the first ingredient (which means it makes up most of this kibble), which is of course packed with protein that’ll support the maintenance of strong muscles. It’s also completely free of soy, gluten, and artificial colors and flavors, so if you know that those tend to irritate your pup, this kibble might be a safe bet.

First five ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, potatoes

Natural Balance bison and sweet potato

Like the chicken and sweet potato blend, this bison-based kibble is made with limited ingredients and is naturally grain-free, so it might just be one of the best dry dog foods for sensitive stomachs if you know your pup can’t tolerate wheat and other grains. The potato-based fiber means it’s going to be easy to digest, which every sensitive stomach dog food should be. If you know your pup is sensitive to chicken, this bison blend is a great alternative and certainly packs a punch on the protein front. Like the chicken blend though, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s also free of soy, gluten and artificial colors and flavors.

First five ingredients: Sweet potatoes, bison, potatoes, pea protein, potato protein

Nutro Natural Choice chicken and brown rice

If you’re after dog food for sensitive stomachs yet you know your pooch can tolerate grains, this dry dog food from Nutro is a great way for your pup to get the nutrients they need. The sensitive stomach formula is made with non-GMO ingredients, and contains chicken, so you can rest assured your pup is getting the protein those muscles need. It’s free of corn and soy, so no worries if those ingredients tend to irritate your dog’s stomach. Reviews have also reported that the blend leaves their pup’s coats soft and shiny (which is probably due to the sheer amount of antioxidants packed into the biscuits).

First five ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley

Orijen six fish dry dog food

This kibble from Orijen is made with six (yes six!) different types of fish, so you can be sure your pup is getting the protein and fatty acids they need for strong muscles and a healthy coat, joints and skin. It’s also been freeze-dried, which means it not only packs a punch on the nutrition front, but also on flavor. Reviews have reported that after eating this, pups are left with lots of energy and solid stools.

First five ingredients: Whole mackerel, whole herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder

Blue Buffalo Basics salmon and potato

Like with the other sensitive stomach dog foods containing fish, this salmon and potato blend from Blue Buffalo is packed with omega-6 fatty acids, and reviewers have reported that their dogs’ coats were left soft and shiny. If you know your furry friend’s stomach gets upset by the usual animal proteins, this blend might do the trick - it contains just one single source of protein which is accompanied by potatoes, peas and pumpkin which provide the fiber to aid digestion gently. Also find a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have been selected to support your pup’s immune system and life stages.

First five ingredients: Deboned salmon, peas, potatoes, pea starch, salmon meal

Wellness Simple turkey and potato

If you’re after dog food for sensitive stomachs that's more unique, this simple blend from Wellness might do the trick. Some dogs with meat allergies cope much better on unusual or novel (new) proteins, and turkey fits this description. The first ingredient is turkey (and the second is turkey meal), so you can rest assured that your pup will be getting all the amino acids they need to support the maintenance of healthy muscles. Free of wheat, corn, soy, gluten and artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, this blend contains only the good stuff alongside digestible carbohydrates that contain the fiber your pup needs to digest their food.

First five ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes

Natural Balance lamb and rice for puppies

If you pet parent a younger pooch, you’re probably on the lookout for sensitive stomach puppy food. This blend from Natural Balance is worth a try - packed with protein (lamb features twice in the first three ingredients), it’s perfect for supporting the growth of strong muscles. Also find additional fish oils and vitamin supplements that’ll help your new pup grow a healthy, lush coat of fur. You can also rely on the blend’s brown rice that’ll support your pup’s gut health.

First five ingredients: Lamb, brown rice, lamb meal, brewers rice, rice bran

Nulo Freestyle salmon dry dog food

If you’re still searching for the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs, this blend from Nulo might be worth a try. The dry biscuits contain all the protein and fatty acids your pup needs for a happy coat and strong muscles and it’s grain-free, so perfect for pups with an intolerance to wheat.

First five ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, chickpeas, chickpea flour, canola oil

Instinct Raw Boost kibble

If wet dog food isn’t your pup’s thing but they still crave the flavor (like most of our canine friends!), this combination of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw ingredients will pack a punch. Food for dogs with sensitive stomachs should still contain all the nutrients your pup needs, and this blend from Instinct has considered that - just take a look at the ingredient list to explore its variety of not only protein, but also veggies and additional vitamins and minerals.

First five ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, peas, tapioca, canola oil

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Remember, if you are unsure of what to feed your pet, a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is the perfect person to ask for advice. Some people choose to avoid feeding store bought meals altogether and instead use home-cooked preparations, which can be ideal for sensitive stomachs or dogs with multiple health issues. A veterinarian can help make sure your home-cooked meals are nutritionally and minerally balanced, so always reach out for help in this area. 

Peanut butter dog treat recipes

Fancy treating your hungry (yet sensitive) hound to a few homemade dog treats? Well we all know that the four-legged friends in our lives go crazy for peanut butter, so we can all agree they’ll be nuts about these peanut butter dog treats.