The Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs: Our Top Picks 2024

In this blog post, I will share my top picks for the best dog foods for sensitive tummies in 2024 based on ingredients, quality, and results I’ve personally seen with my dogs and clients’ pets. I’ll provide actionable advice so you can confidently choose a food to help avoid upset stomachs, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and poor nutrient absorption.

What Causes Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs?

Before jumping into diet tips and food suggestions, it’s helpful to understand what causes stomach sensitivity in the first place. Common culprits include:

• Food Allergies: Grains and chicken are common triggers (American Kennel Club).
• Intolerances: Ingredients like dairy, eggs, and soy (PetMD).
• Acute Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria or parasites (VCA Hospitals).
• Chronic Conditions: Such as IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (Merck Veterinary Manual).

Determining the exact cause takes vet testing, but switching to a sensitive stomach diet can help ease symptoms in the meantime.

What to Look for in a Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Through consulting with veterinary nutritionists and observing what works best for my dogs, I have some key criteria for choosing a stellar sensitive stomach dog food:

• Limited Ingredient Diet: Avoids common allergens and uses one novel protein and carbohydrate source. Reduces variables to determine intolerances (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
• Grain-Free: Grains like corn, wheat, soy, and beef are frequent allergens or hard to digest for some pooches. Going grain-free avoids these potential issues (Pet Food Industry).
• High Protein: Important for muscle maintenance and avoiding nutrient deficiency when food sensitivities reduce nutrient absorption. Aim for at least 18% (American Veterinary Medical Association).
• Moderate Fat: Too little fat risks weight loss while too much can trigger nausea and diarrhea. Look for around 12-15% from fish oil, chicken fat, etc. (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine).
• Probiotics & Prebiotics: These support healthy and plentiful gut flora for proper digestion and immunity. Soluble fiber also soothes the gut lining (The Merck Veterinary Manual).

Now that you know what to evaluate, let’s get to my top recommended dog foods for sensitive tummies this year!

Top Recommendations for 2024

1. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice

As a trusted brand used by many breeders and veterinary nutritionists, Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula tops my list as the #1 best dog food for sensitive stomachs in 2024.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Real Salmon: Sole protein source (Purina Pro Plan).
• Easily Digestible Rice and Oat Meal: Ideal for sensitive stomachs (Purina Pro Plan).
• Fortified with Prebiotic Fiber: Supports digestive health (Purina Pro Plan).
• Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids: Help reduce inflammation (American Kennel Club).

Impressive results during my own clients’ trials support this formula. It avoids common allergens, uses a novel protein, provides probiotics, and includes digestive enzymes.

2. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe

For a similarly trusted brand that avoids grains altogether, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula is another excellent choice.

As a veterinarian-recommended brand that abides by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association nutritional guidelines, you can feel good about feeding Science Diet.

Highlights of this sensitive stomach pick include:

• Real Chicken: Sole protein source (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Grain-Free: Potato and peas for carbs (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Prebiotic and Soluble/Insoluble Fiber Blend: Supports digestion (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Omega-6s and Vitamin E: For skin health (American Veterinary Medical Association).

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Potato

Trusted brand Blue Buffalo also makes the list with their Basics line’s salmon and potato formula.

Key ingredients include:

• Single Animal Protein Source: Salmon (Blue Buffalo).
• Limited Carb Source: Potatoes (Blue Buffalo).
• Peas and Pumpkin: Provide extra fiber (Blue Buffalo).
• Probiotics: Support healthy digestion (Blue Buffalo).

The smaller kibble size also works nicely for little breeds prone to tummy troubles. And a matching canned version is available to mix in for picky eaters.

4. Best Budget-Friendly Runner-Up: Purina ONE Sensitive Systems

For pet owners needing a more affordable alternative, Purina ONE’s Sensitive Systems formula offers quality for a reasonable price.

It delivers on most of the ideal sensitive stomach criteria I outlined earlier at a mid-range cost.

Key strengths:

• Salmon: #1 ingredient (Purina ONE).
• Grain-Free: No corn, wheat, soy (Purina ONE).
• Dried Chicory Root: For prebiotic fiber (Purina ONE).

Also check our article on Find Out Which Dog Food is Best for Your Pup’s Energy and Vitality

Switching to a Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Tips

Changing foods suddenly can further upset your pup’s tummy. To transition sensitively, follow these tips:

1. Gradually Transition: Over 5-7 days mixing in more of the new food and less of the old each day (American Kennel Club).
2. Stick to One Recipe: For at least 8 weeks to accurately test results (PetMD).
3. Note Symptoms: And stool quality to determine improvements (American Veterinary Medical Association).
4. Work with Your Vet: Especially if symptoms worsen or persist.

While identifying food intolerances and optimal nutrition takes some patience and adjustments, it offers lasting relief and health once you find what works for your furry friend!