TL;DR: This blog explores optimal dog food choices for sensitive stomachs, focusing on tailored diets and easily digestible ingredients.
- Identify Triggers: Recognize and avoid allergens like beef, dairy, and wheat.
- Seek Veterinary Advice: Consult with a vet to diagnose and create an appropriate feeding plan.
- Opt for Special Diets: Consider limited-ingredient or specialized diets.
- Choose Gentle Ingredients: Select foods with digestible proteins and no artificial additives.
- Support Digestive Health: Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics to enhance gut health.
Any dog parent knows that their canine family can be just as fussy with their food as the pickiest human at the dinner table. But what if your pup’s eating habits are actually signs of a sensitive stomach?
It's not uncommon for dogs to experience gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. It’s a difficult situation, especially as you're trying to figure out the best way to help them feel better. The good news? There are plenty of dog food options specifically formulated with sensitive stomachs in mind.
Does Your Dog Have a Sensitive Stomach?
Just like humans, dogs can experience gastrointestinal troubles that are uncomfortable. Oftentimes, an upset stomach is a response to a “dietary indiscretion.” Dr. Emily Gould, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences explains that this could be eating a food that upsets their GI track or ingesting a foreign object.
Common signs of GI upset include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Excessive Gas
- Lethargy
Some dogs have frequent bouts of gastrointestinal upset, causing these symptoms to be present after every meal. When symptoms become chronic, it may mean your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Common Triggers for Sensitive Stomachs
Identifying what triggers your dog's sensitive stomach can feel like trying to solve a dietary mystery. Beyond eating things they shouldn’t, here are some of the most common triggers for dogs with digestive issues:
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Food Allergies and Intolerances: Dogs can develop allergies or intolerances to certain types of food. As we’ve talked about before, some experts estimate that 20% of pets will develop allergies over their lifetime. Common allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, egg, and soy.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, often relate to the quality of ingredients or specific additives in food. Many dogs with sensitive stomachs have food sensitivities rather than true food allergies.
- Stress: Dogs can experience stress just like people, and it can affect their gastrointestinal health. Changes in their environment, a new pet in the home, or even separation anxiety can lead to digestive issues.
- Underlying Health Issues: Sometimes, what seems like a sensitive stomach can actually be a sign of a more serious condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or infections. It's crucial to rule out these possibilities with your vet if you notice their systems persisting.
How to Support Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
If you think your dog has a sensitive stomach, we always recommend speaking to your vet as a first step. They can help you rule out any other possible conditions and provide the best direction for a treatment plan. If they determine that diet is the root cause, they may have try an elimination diet for your dog.
As the experts at Tufts explain, this involves feeding your dog a special veterinary diet for a few weeks to understand what triggers your pet’s upset stomach. It’s a time-consuming process but is one of the best ways to understand your dog’s specific dietary needs.
Once you know which foods to avoid, you and your vet can tailor a diet to help your pup feel their best.
Best Dog Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
As you can see, diet plays a major role in how your pet looks and feels – especially if they have a sensitive stomach. If you notice your dog isn’t feeling well after mealtime, it may be time to switch to better dog food for their digestive system.
But what dog food is best for sensitive stomachs? With so many options out there, making the choice can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help!
Here are some of the best qualities to look for in dog food for sensitive stomachs:
Easily Digestible Ingredients
Foods formulated with highly digestible proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are gentler on your dog's digestive system. Look for whole food ingredients that aid in easy digestion.
Fish happens to be one of the best protein sources not only because of its many health benefits but also because it is very easy to digest.
Limited Ingredients
Dog foods with fewer ingredients can reduce the risk of your dog reacting negatively. These diets make it easier to pinpoint what might be causing stomach upset if it occurs. Limited-ingredient diets also often focus on quality rather than the number of ingredients, choosing only highly digestible and high-quality sources.
These foods are also easier on their overall digestive health, making them ideal for dogs with chronic stomach sensitivity.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
These are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut flora, which can significantly improve digestion and overall GI health. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that help nourish the good bacteria in your dog's gut. Simply Naked Pet Food uses Chicory Root in our fish-first dinners since it’s an excellent source of fiber that excels as a prebiotic.
Probiotics are added to some dog foods to help maintain healthy gut flora. They can aid in digestion and help combat the effects of stress on the gastrointestinal system.
No Artificial Additives
Avoid foods containing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which can aggravate a sensitive stomach. Opt for foods flavored naturally with their ingredients rather than through added artificial flavors. This not only prevents potential reactions but also often leads to a better nutrient profile.
At Simply Naked Pet Food, we’re proud to offer some of the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as well as meals fit for all life stages. Our fish-based recipes include Omega 3 fish oil, natural probiotics, and a comprehensive array of vitamins and minerals, ensuring your pet enjoys a wholesome, balanced, nutritious meal every time.
We know that when it comes to dog food for sensitive stomachs, it’s what is inside that matters. That’s why we use real, human grade quality fish and limited whole ingredients to create a balanced meal even our most sensitive furry friends can enjoy.
Make the switch to fish today and dive into our selection of fish-first dog food.
