PrimaDog grain-free venison & turkey sensitive dog dryfood

Dog food for a sensitive stomach

Finding the right dog food for a sensitive stomach can be a bit of a mission. Sometimes, you will have to give a few different foods a whirl to see what sits right with your furry friend. Certain types of dog food can give a sensitive dog a proper bellyache, leading to issues like diarrhoea, constipation, or a bit of gassy trouble.

And that is not all, dodgy food choices can even lead to vomiting or acid reflux. Sensitive dogs might also start showing skin troubles or end up with pesky yeast infections.

What is the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

So, what is the lowdown on good dog food for a sensitive stomach? Well, to save you from playing food roulette with your furry friend, it is worth picking the food with care. Plus, give your dog’s stomach a bit of time to adjust to anything new – too many sudden switches can just stir up more trouble. Check out our guide on changing your dog's diet for more tips. For some extra know-how on feeding a dog with a sensitive stomach, give this article a read.

Easily digestible dog food for a sensitive stomach

When it comes to dog food for a sensitive stomach, ensuring easy digestion is the key. Dogs are carnivores, so their digestive system is shorter and snappier than ours or plant-munching critters.

What kind of dog food is easy to digest?

  • Watch those carbs. Dogs are better carb-processors than cats, and carbs can lend a helping paw in the digestion department. However, be cautious if the first thing you spot on the dog food label is grains or other plant-based ingredients. Too many carbs in your dog's chow can throw digestion off-kilter and hinder nutrient absorption. In dog foods wheat, maize, and rice are the most usual sources of carbohydrates.
  • Protein matters. Some protein sources might not sit well with your dog's tummy or skin. So, pay attention to the type and quality of meat or fish in the dog food for a sensitive stomach. For many, gentle options include venison, fish, duck, turkey, and lamb – easy on the digestion, and a hit with the taste buds.
  • Cooked over raw. Our four-legged pals have a carnivorous core, but raw meat might be a smidge too rich dog food for a sensitive stomach. So, choose cooked meat for easier digestion. Cooked meat is a good complement to a sensitive dog's diet. For safety and better digestion, cook only boneless meats. 
     

Want to spice up your dog's palate? Dive into our guide on broadening their culinary horizons.

For all PrimaDog Grain-free dry dog foods, we have picked only well-tolerated and stomach-friendly protein sources such as herring, duck, venison, and turkey. Read more about the products.

Put fats in balance

Does your dog often have symptoms of acid reflux? A dog that huffs, licks its lips, and licks the floor or paws may be suffering from acid reflux, a common woe in the world of furry pals.

The high fat content of food tends to crank up the symptoms of acid reflux, which is why you should choose foods and treats with a moderate fat for a sensitive dog and avoid oil supplements. If your dog's current food boasts a fat content around the 20% mark, consider switching to something with around 15% fat. See if this tweak makes any difference to the symptoms.

Sometimes, it is a particular ingredient that is the troublemaker. In such cases, a bit of trial and error is in order. For a dog with discomfort, go for a dog food that is as different as can be from their previous food. This means that the new food should contain different sources of protein and carbohydrates than before.

Dog and owner PrimaDog

Solving the mystery behind your dog's symptoms

Let's get to the bottom of those stomach or skin troubles your furry friend's been having. Knowing what is causing the symptoms makes finding the right dog food a whole lot easier.

The dog may be sensitised or allergic to a particular ingredient. Usually, if it is hypersensitivity, their stomach might throw a tantrum. But if it is more about the skin, we might be talking allergies. It is always a good idea to contact your vet before things get too serious.

Allergy symptoms in dogs

  • Itchy skin and constant scratching
  • Rashes
  • Flaking skin
  • Yeast infections in the ears or skin
  • Stomach and intestinal symptoms

Allergy tests are a bit hit-and-miss for our four-legged friends. That is why with dogs, food allergies are usually diagnosed using elimination diet. It means a strictly limited diet, always planned together with your vet. It is like a culinary detective mission, but with your vet as the chief investigator. Sometimes, though, even after all the sleuthing, the mystery remains unsolved.

But do not fret! Even without going full-on detective, there might be just the right dog food for a sensitive stomach. If a particular food keeps the dog feeling tip-top and trouble-free, why mess with a good thing? Get the lowdown on picking the perfect food for your dog in our handy guide.

When your dog is on a grain-free diet, do not forget about its treats and chews. PrimaDog's selection of grain-free treats and chew bones are not only tasty, but you will also find just the right fit for your furry friend from our extensive range. Explore PrimaDog treats. Happy snacking!

Wrap-up: Feeding a dog with a sensitive stomach

1. Play detective: Whether your dog is suffering from acid reflux, abdominal pain, itchy skin, or other, try to find out the cause of your dog's symptoms. It is a good idea to have a chat with your vet too.

2. Picky with protein sources: Choose easily digestible protein sources. They are like the easy-listening tunes of doggy dining.

3. Be mindful of digestion: Keep an eye on ingredients that might not sit well, like too many carbs in dry dog food or bones and cartilage in raw food.

4. Fat check: If your dog is prone to acid reflux, give the fat content a once-over. It might just be the culprit. Also cut out all fatty treats, like dried pig ears.

5. Mix it up but not too fast: Feel free to experiment with different foods and ingredients. Just remember to introduce changes gradually, no need to rush.

6. Keep it steady: If you have found a diet that is a hit with your dog and keeps it in top form, no need for unnecessary switches.

If you are struggling to pin down the perfect dog food for a sensitive stomach from different dry foods, why not give wet dog food or sausages for dogs a go? Wet dog food packs a double punch – not only it offers a tasty meal, but it is also a hydrating hero thanks to its high water content.

PrimaDog grain-free dog dry food

PrimaDog wet foods are all about keeping it natural. The range includes wheat-free meals and sausages for dogs as well as grain-free Mini Meals. All of them are meaty complete dog foods with plenty of flavour. Learn more about the products.