:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spruce-pets-header-illo-9e753c7d2d5c41c78b01bea00f975fd3.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-ebe5f5f249f5440a9bb133fa7a58c2c8copy-09d778f605c44130a3c86198d11f16bd.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-ebe5f5f249f5440a9bb133fa7a58c2c8copy-09d778f605c44130a3c86198d11f16bd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NelvaJ.BryantDVMMPH-84579b9904d74e2eaa1c0d8b94c2923a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Hills-ScienceDiet-SensitiveStomachandSkin-Chicken-Cavin-01-39a7b1b54edb4781922bedf1c3331221.jpg)
The Spruce Pets / Margot Cavin
If your dog is experiencing digestive discomfort—including but not limited to loose stools, flatulence, or vomiting—they may have a sensitive stomach that would benefit from a transition to a special diet for their particular needs.
As a starting point, we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian first. They'll help you find the right diet for your individual dog and their delicate digestive system.
"Highly digestible proteins, carbs, and fat along with prebiotics and probiotics help dogs get back to normal quickly," Dr. Lewis Singleton, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Princeton, New Jersey, told The Spruce Pets.
There are many dog foods on the market that claim to be specially formulated for digestion and gut health, so we surveyed a wide array to help you select the food that best aligns with your veterinarian's guidance for your dog's digestive health.
Best Overall
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hills-science-diet-adult-sensitive-stomach--skin-dry-dog-food-05ce2489b7cc46dabdd61cd41be5d4d1.jpg)
Amazon
Contains real chicken and prebiotic fiber
Provides fatty acids and vitamin E
Widely backed by certified veterinarians in the United States
Crafted with beet pulp which may not appeal to all dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula was developed with the help of certified veterinarians in the United States and is a top choice for many veterinarians, including Dr. Singleton.
The dry kibble dog food is available without a prescription and is readily available for purchase. It's designed for adult dogs and made with real chicken as the first ingredient. Each serving provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help your dog feel their best. This dog food is blended with prebiotic fiber (from beet pulp), to help support digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome. It also contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.
All ingredients are highly digestible to encourage nutrient absorption and ease your pet's upset stomach. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula can also be found as wet food with chicken & vegetables, salmon & vegetables, and turkey & rice flavors, which can be mixed with dry kibble. There is also a version for small breeds that makes it easier for tiny mouths to consume.
Price at time of publish: $75 for a 30-pound bag
Key Ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley | Life Stage: Adult | Food Type: Dry| Packaging Size: 4, 15.5, or 30-pound bag
Best Budget
Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Formula Natural Adult Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PurinaONESmartBlendSensitiveSystemsFormulaNaturalAdultDogFood-2799f71b638e4ab0ac8ae8157904ef0f.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Made with salmon, rice, barley, and oats
Provides vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and glucosamine
Promotes a strong immune system
Contains grains which may not suit all dogs' diets
Purina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems is a reasonably priced dog food that can be found at most major retailers. The sensitive stomach formula is made with salmon, rice, barley, oats, and animal fat—which most dogs can easily digest. A serving also provides your dog with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids which studies have shown can help promote a healthy coat and skin in most dogs.
Price at time of publish: $43 for a 31.1-pound bag
Key Ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat, beef fat, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal | Life Stage: Adult | Food Type: Dry | Packaging Size: 8, 16.5, or 31.1-pound bag
Best Dry
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Gluten Free Dry Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SolidGoldLeapingWatersSensitiveStomachGrain-FreeGlutenFreeDryDogFood-21913ac864d045a1a01c6370cef1bbb1.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Provides omega fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin C
Salmon is the first ingredient
Grain-free dog foods with legumes (peas and lentils) are under investigation by the FDA as a potential link to heart health complications in dogs
Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Dog Food is made with salmon, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and chicken fat for protein. The formulation provides omega-3s and omega-6s to support your dog's skin and coat. If your vet has determined that your dog would benefit from a grain-free diet, this might be a suitable option for you. It's free of grain, gluten, and potatoes. A grain-free diet is not recommended for all dogs. The FDA has issued an ongoing investigation potentially connecting grain-free dog foods and the use of legumes (lentils and peas) to heart health issues in dogs, particularly larger breeds.
Price at time of publish: $73 for a 22-pound bag
Key Ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, chickpeas, lentils, peas, chicken fat, tapioca, salmon meal, dried eggs, pea fiber | Life Stage: Adult | Food Type: Dry | Packaging Size: 4 or 22-pound bag
Best for Seniors
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food Adult 7+
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sciencediet-de1416a10e3d434895033b2f35c50334.jpg)
Chewy
Contains both grains and proteins
Three lead protein options, chicken & barley, beef & barley, turkey & barley
Supplemented with key nutrients
Two can sizes available, 5.8 or 13 ounces
Some flavor options are more readily available than others
Hill's Science Diet Wet Food 7+ is a nutritionally balanced formulation for senior dogs with sensitive digestive systems. The chicken & barley recipe has a flavor that appeals to most dogs and is full of high-quality protein to help older canines build and maintain muscle. The senior-specific dog food is also available with beef or turkey as the main protein source, but all flavors provide antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, vegetable fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals. All ingredients were carefully selected with the assistance of certified veterinarians for easy digestion and immunity support.
Price at time of publish: $34 for a pack of 12 cans, each 13 ounces
Key ingredients: Water, chicken, cracked pearled barley, pork liver, whole grain corn, dried whey, dried beet pulp, corn gluten meal, chicken liver flavor, soybean oil, flaxseed | Life Stage: Senior | Packaging Size: 5.8 or 13-ounce can | Food Type: Wet
Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food Sensitive Skin & Stomach
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PurinaProPlanDryPuppyFoodSensitiveSkinStomach-f29f9f509a3c4e02bbfa2a4cdae8bb33.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Combines salmon, rice, and probiotics
Supports a healthy coat and skin
Omega-6s support growing pups' vision and brain development
More expensive than other brands
If you have a puppy with a sensitive stomach, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach combines easy-to-digest salmon and rice with probiotics. It's often recommended by veterinarians, including Dr. Singleton. With omega-3s in the form of fish oil, this dry food supports a healthy coat and skin. It also has omega-6s from sunflower oil to nourish your growing pup's vision and brain development.
Price at time of publish: $66 for a 24-pound bag
Kay ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley, fish meal, canola meal, beef fat, dried yeast, oat meal, pea protein, salmon meal | Life Stage: Puppy | Breed Size: All | Packaging Size: 4, 16, or 24-pound bag | Food Type: Dry
Best for Large Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed Formula Dog Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/petsmart1-0bc91b2349ee44b3a3a0d68dcc9ac5c7.jpeg)
Courtesy of PetSmart
Stomach-friendly barley, rice, and oat
Contains highly digestible fibers, probiotics, and glucosamine
Wheat, soy, and artificial flavor-free
More expensive than other brands
Some dogs might not like the salmon flavor
For canines over 50 pounds, Purina Pro Plan's Adult Sensitive Large Breed Formula is a good option. With balanced nutrition and easy digestion in mind, this dry dog food's main ingredient is salmon. After that, you'll find tummy-friendly barley, rice, oat, animal fat, and fish oil, along with highly digestible fibers, probiotics, and prebiotics.
The recipe is free of wheat, soy, and artificial flavors, which can cause upset stomachs and allergies in some larger breed dogs. Your furry friend will love the appetizing salmon flavor and appreciate not having a belly ache.
Price at time of publish: $87 for a 35-pound bag
Key Ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal, fish meal, salmon meal, beef fat | Life Stage: Adult | Packaging Size: 24 or 35 pounds | Food Type: Dry
Best for Small Dogs
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed Natural Food for Dogs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smallbreed-8a1b0c0322384ad8b6d4c4ac91967812.jpg)
Blue Buffalo
Includes real turkey, oatmeal, and pumpkin
Contains a medley of vitamins and minerals
Easy for small breeds to chew
Only comes in 4 or 11-pound bags
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed food is designed for dogs weighing 11 pounds or less. The recipe begins with real turkey and includes brown rice, oatmeal, peas, potatoes, and pumpkin. These ingredients all support the unique energy needs of smaller dogs. It also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and a medley of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the small-bite kibble is easy for small breeds to chew, swallow, and digest.
Price at time of publish: $46 for an 11-pound bag
Key Ingredients: Deboned turkey, oatmeal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, potatoes, canola oil, pea fiber | Life Stage: Adult | Packaging Size: 4 or 11 pounds | Food Type: Dry
Best Wet
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Food
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hills-science-diet-adult-sensitive-stomach--skin-canned-food-b613b73fd72944fabc5f5e6ec456d71e.jpg)
Amazon
Formulated with the help of certified veterinarians
Soft, wet texture helps dogs to consume and digest
Provides vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids
Available in three flavors Chicken, Salmon, and Turkey
Primary ingredient is chicken broth, but flavor on front is listed as turkey & rice
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food can be served on its own or mixed with your dog's favorite dry kibble. The formulation is made in the United States and was developed with the help of certified veterinarians to be highly palatable and gentle on sensitive stomachs. This wet food provides a nutritionally balanced mix of proteins and grain along with a number of key nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.
Price at time of publish: $69 for 12 cans, each 12.5 ounces
Key Ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice | Life Stage: Adult | Breed Size: All | Package Size: 12.5 ounce can | Food Type: Wet
Best Supplement
NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/naturvet-advanced-probiotics--enzymes-plus-a90e1b327a114c198e21fa84d9446a7f.jpg)
Amazon
Specially formulated to balance and support the gastrointestinal tract
Contains six different probiotic strains
Treat-like flavor
Texture can be too crumbly sometimes
The right dog food can be a game-changer, and some cases call for a special supplement. We recommend NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes, specially formulated to balance and support your dog's gastrointestinal tract. PB6 Probiotic means it has six different probiotic strains. This helps the gut maintain a healthy level of good bacteria for a settled stomach and balanced intestines. Your pet will gobble up this supplement since these soft chews taste just like a treat.
Price at time of publish: $28 for 120 soft chews
Key Ingredients: Brewers dried yeast, glycerin, dried potato product, flaxseed, lecithin, canola oil, calcium sulfate | Life Stage: Adult | Packaging Size: 70, 120, or 240 soft chews | Food Type: Chewables
Overall, Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. This vet-recommended brand uses chicken as the first ingredient, along with an easily digestible blend of prebiotic fiber, omega-6 fatty acids, and other gentle ingredients for a balanced microbiome. If you're looking for a wet food option, talk to your vet and see if you can get a prescription for Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat. This tasty canned food nourishes dogs with appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What To Look For In Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should always consult with your veterinarian to determine if any adverse reactions are caused by a particular ingredient. Once you know what to avoid or to focus on, you can start by checking the label on the dog food for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Nutritional Adequacy Statement. Then choose the right life stage (puppy, adult, senior) to make sure your dog is getting the nutrients they need.
Ingredients
According to the AAFCO, a healthy, well-balanced diet for your dog must provide protein, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water. The source of these nutrients (e.g. chicken for protein, beet pulp for fiber, oats for carbohydrates) that make up the ingredients in your dog's food may be the cause of discomfort for your dog.
Probiotics
Probiotics are foods or supplements that provide strains of friendly bacteria that help the digestive system function properly. If a dog is given antibiotics for an upset stomach, your veterinarian might also advise a probiotic supplement and/or food with probiotics to help bring your dog's digestive system back to normal.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are foods that activate the bacteria in probiotics. Prebiotics are typically high in fiber and when they enter the large intestine and start to break down, the good bacteria from the probiotics feasts on the prebiotics to stimulate the digestive system.
Dry Food or Wet Food
Wet food contains more water which helps to hydrate your dog, but some dogs might find dry food more palatable when their stomach is upset. It's important to make sure your dog is getting the nutrients they need from the food you feed them. For sensitive stomachs, you can you opt for wet or dry food, but ultimately it is up to what works for your dog and their digestive needs.
-
Is wet dog food better than dry dog food for sensitive stomachs?
No, both can be gentle on your dog's digestive system and can help to alleviate your dog's discomfort. It's important to collaborate with your veterinarian to find out why your dog's stomach is sensitive. They may recommend an elimination diet to find out which ingredient(s) is causing the negative reaction in your dog's tummy. It's also important to slowly transition your dog from one food to the next to avoid additional digestive interruptions.
-
Is grain-free dog food better for sensitive stomachs?
Not for all dogs. If you and your veterinarian determine that grains, such as rice and corn, disagree with your dog's digestive system then you will most likely find a dog food positioned as grain-free will help to reduce your dog's mealtime discomfort. At this time the FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
Additionally, grain-free diets are primarily made up of legumes (lentils and peas) and starches (potatoes and sweet potatoes), which are not good sources of taurine, an amino acid, for dogs. Natural sources of taurine are animal meats like beef, turkey, eggs, and fish. Some dog foods are supplemented with taurine.
-
Is raw food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
No, but it can be helpful for some dogs. For dogs who have allergies or food sensitivities, switching from commercially produced dog food to a raw food diet may be beneficial. To ensure your dog is receiving all the key nutrients they need, you should always work with your veterinarian to determine whether a raw diet is right for your dog.
Learn More: The Pros and Cons of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was researched and written by Theresa Holland, a writer and animal lover with substantial experience covering pet products and breed guides.
To make this list, she consulted Dr. Lewis Singleton, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Princeton, New Jersey. Holland also researched the market and reviewed ingredient lists.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-726775213-5b76f682c9e77c00500860f8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-v2-The-8-Best-Premium-Dry-Foods-for-Cats-in-2021-4150202-01-7405151293e7415ea7d342e253c8a2f0.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Dog-Foods-5a66865ef12a46bbab78d12653a8a65a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jorge-zapata-unsplash-chubby-pug-897a682109ac4140a71e67f6111c4168.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Wet-Dog-Foods-a0d7aca7e750484d8dc1b4cc2ba8a7a3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-184860436-e0705d46bbb5475081f990889ccd82f3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/parakeetfood-e5a9346bb2bd4ac38d1450e8eae656bf.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1191033764-abc44760dcbd4fcbad24cdf79488d013.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-valentines-day-dog-treats-tout-ad3b60c88a054c94bb48fa92708a70c1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-wyson-UTIcatfood-5lb-ardito_0882-17d23ea89d3643e1a4c81a6d700e823a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-the-best-budget-dog-foods-5270232-b0112b77939a4fdbad7dd52124e59350.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Dog-Treats-of-2023-5f63138c1e5e431596cb58333fca2806.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Purina-cannedcatfood-proplanchicken-ardito_8658-d360b7fd8abc41379f3022841451aae9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-7-best-probiotics-for-cats-4692771-38bd379f50e24f05b02e97a9d9cc0485.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-The-8-Best-Glucosamine-Supplements-for-Dogs-of-2021-4167609-01-32741d7a5d02452a9314d413ba4f7d5f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-holiday-dog-treats-6889368-0cf51b6c5f4b4fa8bdc2a15b5e7141ef.jpg)