Dogs usually have great appetites, and their stomachs can handle pretty much anything. However, not all dogs (and their tummies) are created equally. Some are simply super-sensitive.
The reasons for Spike's sensitive stomach situation
Most dogs have no issues when it comes to eating. Dinner disappears in seconds! However, changes can easily affect your furry friend's ability to digest its food properly.
This could be:
- Switching their food brand.
- A change in their overall health.
- Or even an emotional upset.
Your dog's digestive issues may not be serious, but it won't be pleasant for them. If the problems continue and Brutus begins to show signs that he's not enjoying his meal, it might be time to try a food that will be more stomach-friendly.
Signs that Snoopy has a sensitive stomach
Dogs with sensitive stomach issues are more common than one would think. Every dog is unique, but there are common indicators that you should pay attention to, for example:
#1. Gas
"Passing wind" is perfectly normal… to a point! If Fido has a little more flatulence than usual, it may be because of what you're feeding him. Look for a brand that specifies that it is the "best dog food for sensitive stomach and gas."
#2. Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the top indicators that the food is causing a sensitive stomach issue. It's crucial to switch your dog's food immediately. Please see a vet if the vomiting persists. It could develop into serious health issues if it's not dealt with.
#3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea may not be a big deal if it happens just once. However, if it occurs frequently, it could become dangerous for your dog. Daisy could get dehydrated quickly! Search for "the best dog food for sensitive stomach and diarrhea" and switch as soon as you can.
#4. Loss of appetite
When Fido forgoes his feast, it could be because he's finicky, but it could also be a sign of stomach sensitivity. Changing food to provide the proper nutrition with the flavor they crave will get their appetite back on track.
#5. Weight loss
If Winston is losing weight without any significant exercise routine changes or how much food he's eating, it could be a sign that he has a sensitive stomach.
No matter what is causing the symptoms, when your furry friend is feeling unwell, don't forget to give them a ton of love and affection. A dog ramp is a great idea to make it easier for Fido to get up on the bed to get close to you, their favorite friend.
Can certain ingredients cause stomach sensitivity in dogs?
Now that we've looked at the symptoms, here are some key ingredients to avoid if your pup has a sensitive stomach:
- Dairy
- Fruit
- Gluten
These are usually the main culprits when it comes to sensitive stomachs, even in humans!
What CAN you feed a dog with a sensitive stomach?
Ingredients and food tolerance are key factors in what you can feed your dog. Here are some things you can look for to help your puppy's gut:
Simpler foods: Foods with fewer ingredients are best for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Easily digestible ingredients: Lamb, rice, chicken, and potato are easy to digest. Food for dogs with stomach issues should contain simple ingredients like this -
Added vitamins and minerals: Foods that have added vitamins, minerals, and specific supplements may be more supportive for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Grain-free: Dogs love to eat grains. From wheat to corn, they'll gobble it all up. However, grains can cause problems with a dog's stomach. Choose high-protein foods over foods that contain grains to ease your dog's digestion.
A balanced and completed diet: Look for food labeled as "complete and balanced." It will give your dog the proper nutrition needed for overall health.
Enriched with probiotics: An aid for helping stimulate your dog's digestion, probiotics are an essential part of their diet. Your vet may also recommend probiotic supplements.
Dog food brands for sensitive stomachs
There are dog food brands that have designed new formulas, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Here are seven options you could explore:
#1. Purina's Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
This is a low-fat dog food designed for sensitive dogs. It was created to improve digestion and also to promote skin health. The formula contains salmon, rice, and oatmeal and provides all the essential macronutrients.
The fish oils and omega fatty acids are important for nourishing the dog's skin and coat. It also contains live probiotics, which are known to promote digestive health.
#2. Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet has been successful in helping alleviate digestive issues for several dog breeds. With highly-digestible ingredients such as chicken and brown rice, this food formula is perfect for a dog's overall nutritional needs and health.
This dog food is also prebiotic, which means it aids in the gut flora of a dog's healthy digestive system. Aside from being an excellent food for sensitive stomachs, it is also loaded with omega fatty acids and vitamin E, improving the dog's skin and coat health.
Another notable feature of this dog food is its prebiotic support, which promotes gut flora and leads to more robust digestion. It's also an excellent choice for a dog with sensitive skin because of its omega fatty acid and vitamin E content.
You could also try Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Wet Dog Food. This food is known as the best dog food for puppies with sensitive stomach issues.
#3. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
This dog food is made with high-quality recipes free of grains, gluten, wheat, corn, and soy. It contains ingredients like cold water salmon, chickpeas, carrots, and pumpkin, giving your pooch a wide range of nutrients.
This dog food is full of probiotics that help your dog's stomach absorb nutrients while also improving overall immune system health. With the addition of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, your dog's skin and coat will be extra healthy.
#4. Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Free from grains, gluten, corn wheat, and soy, Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The formula for this food is built on a minimal ingredient diet and substitutes egg protein for meat protein.
This is yet another dog food formula that contains probiotics. With added vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and other supplements, your dog will have a better stomach and overall health.
#5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance's Salmon & Sweet Potato dog food is ideal for a dog's sensitive stomach, as it is a limited ingredient diet formula designed for better digestion. Its formula is made from real salmon, sweet potatoes, and other ingredients that provide a dog with overall health.
This is another food that is free from any grains, peas, lentils, wheat or corn. As a limited ingredient dog food, your dog will digest it better and absorb the nutrients better. Being manufactured in the U.S., these foods meet higher standards, ensuring a higher quality product.
#6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
If you want to help your puppy's stomach by removing undesirable ingredients and providing a more nutritious dog food, Blue Buffalo's Basics L.I.D. Formula is the perfect solution. It has no grains, dairy, corn, soy, or other ingredients that are hard to digest.
It's a perfect formula for a sensitive stomach, created with a single protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. It also contains LifeSource Bits that provide antioxidants and vitamins. This high-fiber dog food also contains pumpkin seeds.
#7. Purina O.N.E. SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina O.N.E. Sensitive Systems doesn't just help a dog's sensitive stomach; it also helps dogs that suffer from other food-related sensitivities. This healthy dog food contains salmon, rice, and oatmeal, a perfect formula for muscle growth.
An easily digestible food, Purina O.N.E. Sensitive Systems claims to give dogs a ton of energy. It contains vitamin E and omega fatty acids, so your dog's skin and coat will become soft and healthy. It is known as one of the best senior dog food for sensitive stomach formulas around.
A final thought on Butch's best bet for better digestion
If you find that Fido is fighting to keep his food down, he may have a sensitive stomach.
This could be a precursor to more severe problems. Don't hesitate to visit your vet if symptoms persist.
Most issues with sensitive stomachs are caused by food. It gets tricky to ascertain whether it's a specific ingredient in the food or a food type. By changing your dog's diet, you'll be able to pinpoint which ingredients affect their stomach and which ones don't.
When it comes to your pup's sensitive stomach, food is the first step towards a happy and healthy digestive system. With foods designed for better digestion, you'll avoid unpleasant and unnecessary side-effects, and have a happy and healthy furry friend.
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