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Are you looking for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs? As a pet parent, I understand how heartbreaking it can be to see your cherished canine in pain and discomfort.
That’s why I’ve spent countless hours collecting customer feedback, consulting with experienced pet owners, and conducting surveys to compile a list of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Please note that while over-the-counter dog food may help address common digestive woes, they don’t have the same therapeutic value as prescription diets. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian first to rule out any serious medical problems.
There are many signs that dogs might have a sensitive stomach: bad breath, flatulence, lack of appetite, lethargy, loose stools, and vomiting. However, these symptoms can also indicate a chronic illness.
If your vet has confirmed that your dog’s symptoms are simply due to food allergies or intolerances, then you may refer to our list of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs to help your beastfriend feel better.
How We Choose the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Many formulas claim to be the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, but they had to match certain criteria to make it onto my exclusive roundup. All products listed here have earned among the highest marks for overall satisfaction from both two-legged and four-legged critics, with hardly a growl or grumble.
✅ Reputable, Vet-Recommended Brand
Every item on this review hails from the kitchens of Blue Buffalo or Hill’s Science Diet—two giants in the pet food arena.
Blue Buffalo is a family-run empire that has clawed its way to becoming the #1 natural pet food brand in the US. They pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients—shunning the mystery meat and giving a big ‘nope’ to poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy.
Meanwhile, Hill’s Science Diet has been mixing up their pet potions for over 70 years, swearing by the power of science to keep dogs bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Apart from having unparalleled veterinary wisdom, they have a commitment to quality that’s as solid as a dog’s loyalty.
✅ Complete and Balanced Nutrition
While the goal is to find dog food that improves your pet’s digestive health, it must also be complete and balanced as it will serve as your pet’s staple diet.
All products reviewed are AAFCO-approved for a specific life stage. According to the FDA, commercial dog food must meet AAFCO’s minimum requirements to be considered “complete and balanced,” as outlined in the nutrient profiles, or pass AFFCO-conducted feeding trials.
You may alternate between dry and wet food, or use wet food as a topper to make it more appealing to your dog. Both wet and dry dog food can be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
✅ Naturally Delicious
Steer clear of the artificial trio: flavors, dyes, and preservatives. They’re like the junk food of the pet world — all show and no substance, with a side of ‘may cause itchy spots and tummy troubles.’
As long as the recipe consists of real, honest-to-goodness ingredients, dog food should taste great for the canine palate.
On the other paw, wet food is like a gourmet meal. They have more vivid flavor profiles and aromas, are easier to digest, and pack a hydrating punch for doggos who forget to hit the water bowl.
✅ Limited-Ingredient Diets vs. Grains
Limited-ingredient recipes only use a single protein source. By simplifying the menu to just a few ingredients, it can be easier to pinpoint the culprit.
These simplified formulas also reduce the workload on the digestive system of older dogs, making it easier for them to digest and absorb nutrients.
However, it’s worth noting that limited-ingredient dog foods tend may limit the variety of nutrients available to your dog.
Limited-ingredient diets may not provide all the necessary nutrients in the right quantities for every dog. If your pet has no grain allergies, it might be more cost-effective to choose a high-quality dog food that includes whole grains.
It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, some dogs with sensitive stomachs may tolerate chicken and grains just fine, while others may need to avoid one or both of these ingredients.
✅ Prebiotics and Probiotics
I selected diets brimming with prebiotic fiber and boosted with probiotics to keep Sniffer’s gut in a happy dance.
But here’s the funny thing about probiotics—they’re like party guests who might not stick around for the after-party. Always keep the bag shut and store it in a cold area. Otherwise, you may still need to supplement your dog’s diet with additional probiotics.
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Kibble and Canned Foods Reviewed
The following diets are a favorite recommendation among pet owners and vets alike. These formulas have earned accolades for their prowess in tackling common digestive woes.
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care for Puppies — Turkey & Potato Recipe (Dry Dog Food 4 lbs.)
Best Limited-Ingredient Dry Puppy Food
Among the best dog food for sensitive stomachs is the Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care. It has been a good match for many puppies, particularly for those with allergies to chicken and beef.
This recipe features turkey as its sole source of animal protein, along with easily digestible carbs, fibrous veggies, antioxidant-rich berries, and more. These natural ingredients are further enhanced with vitamins and chelated minerals otherwise known as Blue’s LifeSource Bits (the tiny dark brown bites).
In addition, the formula is fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 for healthy skin and coat, as well as DHA and RA fatty acids for optimal cognitive and retinal development.
Reviews:
Shawna | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My 5-month-old puppy was super struggling with itching, biting paws, terrible gas, diarrhea, and belching. This food changed his life.”
Kate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our puppy had never really liked his previous food, and then had several weeks of upset stomach. We gradually switched him to this from a bland diet and he loves it and even takes it as treats!”
2. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care for Adult Dogs — Turkey & Potato Recipe (4 lbs.)
Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food for Adults with Chicken and Grain Allergies
Limited-ingredient recipes are often the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. If your puppy loves the turkey and potato recipe, you may want to proceed to the adult formula as he grows older.
The approach to mitigate sensitivities is the same, although its nutrient profile has been adjusted to better suit the needs of adult canines. Protein is slightly lowered, while DHA and RA fatty acids are replaced with glucosamine to protect joints and increase mobility.
While this recipe retains the majority of its ingredients, it opted out of brown rice. Therefore, it is 100% grain-free. Lamb and salmon flavors are also available.
To elevate Sniffer’s dining experience, we suggest alternating or mixing the dry food with the wet food formula.
Reviews:
Megan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Switched my Frenchie from Fresh Pet to this to make it easier to store his food. He is tolerating it very well and seems to really like it. He has very sensitive skin and no hives or rashes with this food!”
Trish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My sweet Doodle has struggled with food issues/allergies since she was about four months old. She is now almost 2 years old and for the first time in her life, she is having normal poos! I’ve tried Purina kibble, fresh food options, etc., and even those did not produce as good of poo as this kibble does. I haven’t noticed a decrease in her itching, but it certainly hasn’t increased. Her eye goobies have decreased significantly which is a great sign that she isn’t allergic to what she’s eating. She’s been on this Blue Buffalo Basics for about a month now… She’s loving it and I’ve noticed zero issues thus far.”
3. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula (Dry Dog Food 11 lbs.)
Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food for Adults with Chicken and Grain Allergies
Another popular Blue Buffalo product crafted to promote optimal digestive health in our cherished canines is the True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula. Compared to Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, this dry dog food comes with a more budget-friendly price.
If your dog isn’t allergic to chicken, then this kibble might be the perfect match for him! The recipe uses deboned chicken as its primary animal protein source, while chicken meal plays a supporting role.
Embracing a holistic approach, the recipe also includes a medley of wholesome grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, to provide a balanced and satisfying dietary experience.
The synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics in this formula cultivates a thriving gut microbiome that leads to better absorption of the nutrients found in its wholesome natural ingredients.
Reviews:
Erika | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Chronic pancreatitis be gone! My dog has so many digestive issues—it’s unreal. He loves to be naughty and eat things he’s not supposed to resulting in bad episodes of diarrhea and pancreatitis. This food has been a godsend, to say the least. Solid poops, no issues (as long as he doesn’t eat things other than this food). He also has seasonal skin allergies and this food combined with a season injection of Cytopoint has given me peace of mind after 13 years.”
Eve | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I really hope you do not discontinue this food. It’s the only feed we have found that she loves and has stopped her every other week bile vomiting. If you don’t continue with this feed I will very reluctantly have to go elsewhere. She is a GSD with a very sensitive stomach and her vet approved of this food, so PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE.”
4. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin for Adult Dogs — Chicken Recipe (Dry Dog Food 4 lbs.)
Best Premium Dry Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Hill’s Science Diet offers a non-prescription line of dog food designed to alleviate mild digestive problems, with specialized formulas tailored to different breed sizes. During our survey to find the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, we discovered that this specific recipe is a cult favorite.
Hill’s Science Diet claims that their grain-based Chicken Recipe is optimized for adult canine nutrition and addresses common digestive woes.
Real chicken meat is the primary ingredient, which is then supplemented with chicken meal to boost its protein content. Meanwhile, the inclusion of chicken and pork livers contributes to a rich, enticing flavor profile.
Pet owners have also testified how this kibble gave their dogs healthy skin and lustrous coats. The results aren’t surprising, given that this recipe has a rich supply of vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and other key nutrients that promote a glowing, healthy coat.
Reviews:
Amanda | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“When I first got my boy, who is half Pyrenees and half mutt, I struggled to find a food brand that agreed with him. My other dog at the time was on Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Stomach (the salmon formula) as he had a chicken allergy. But after a few months, I realized he was still having soft/loose stool. Three other brands and months later, I decided to splurge and try this food for him. It might be expensive but man, it was worth it and I’ll never switch him to anything else after seeing how well he has done on it for several years now. His stools are consistently solid, his coat is so soft, and he is as healthy as can be. Highly recommend this food to anyone who has struggled with a sensitive-bellied pup!”
Denise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our 2-year-old Pug was experiencing soft, runny stools and licking his front legs such that he had hair loss. The vet put him on an antihistamine and probiotics. I was taking him to the vet every 2-3 weeks as he was not improving and the vet was continuing the same therapy. After 2 months, against the vet’s recommendation, we switched his dog food to Hills Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach and Sensitive Skin. His stomach issues stopped shortly thereafter and his skin is much improved. He is no longer licking his legs. It is expensive but much less than vet visits. Most importantly, he is much better physically!”
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin for Adult Dogs — Chicken & Vegetable Entrée (Canned Dog Food 12.8 oz x 12)
Best Premium Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs
When it comes to canned options, the Chicken & Vegetable Entrée by Hill’s Science Diet is also one of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
This wet food mirrors its dry counterpart by utilizing natural gut-healthy ingredients for easy digestion and optimal nutrient absorption, as well as an easy way to up Sniffer’s water intake. As for protein, this recipe uses chicken, turkey giblets, and fiber-rich legumes.
You may serve this gastronomic delight on its own as an alternative to your dog’s kibble or as a food topper. Every meal offers a symphony of essential macro- and micronutrients, ensuring that your beloved pet is in the pink.
Reviews:
Susan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our German Shepherd, Husky mix threw up very frequently so we switched him to Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach dog food. It has helped his stomach and he loves the flavor.”
Jennifer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’ve used Science Diet for most of the dogs I’ve had. Every vet that I’ve been to over the years has recommended Science Diet, and said I’m doing a great job by choosing it.”
6. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin for Adult Small & Mini Breeds — Chicken Recipe (Dry Dog Food 4 lbs.)
Best Small Breed Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
The Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin for Adult Small & Mini Breeds has garnered a strong endorsement from a multitude of pet owners of toy and small breeds, who consider it the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
This dry formula, like other offerings from Hill’s Science Diet, is the result of a collaborative effort by a team of seasoned veterinarians, expert nutritionists, and food scientists. Crafted using a carefully curated selection of natural ingredients, it provides complete and balanced nutrition that specifically caters to the needs of little dogs with delicate tummies.
Those who have introduced this diet to their beloved pets have witnessed benefits aplenty—a happy appetite, increased energy levels, improved bowel movements, itch-free skin, and thick lustrous coats.
Reviews:
Deborah | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“After trying different brands, I decided to buy the Hill’s Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach (small breed). It was the best decision for my small rat terrier, Ruby. She loves the taste and the kibble is very small for our little furry ones. So far, her stomach issues have cleared up since being on this food. She was having a lot of episodes of diarrhea and even vomiting on occasion. Glad to have found this one!”
Zoe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have a small super mutt that was regurgitating multiple times a week for almost a year. It helped with the antacid my vet prescribed but he was still projectile vomiting at least once a week. My vet recommended a diet change and then if that didn’t help an ultrasound. I was so worried because my dog seemed so uncomfortable sometimes even refusing to eat his breakfast. After we slowly transitioned to this diet it was like a miracle. His stomach seems 90% better, he still turns down a meal once in a while but there’s no more sudden regurgitation. He seems so much more relaxed and happy and has great energy. Highly recommended for sensitive stomachs!”
7. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal, Barley & Insect Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
The Pollock Meal, Barley, and Insect Meal Recipe by Hill’s Science Diet is a culinary marvel designed to appease even the pickiest of eaters with chicken allergies and upset bellies. This rare combination of ingredients might make you raise your eyebrow, but we trust the scientific wizardry behind this recipe.
You don’t have to take our word for it, though; a gazillion pets are more than willing to bark its praises! People with senior dogs have also voted this peculiar concoction as the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
While this peculiar concoction does have “hydrolyzed chicken” in its list of ingredients, it hardly ever causes allergic reactions and there’s a scientific explanation for that. And like all of Hill’s Science Diet foods, this formula was developed with the help of nutritionists and food scientists in the United States and is often recommended by vets.
So trust in the science, embrace the quirks, and revel in the joy of witnessing your pet thrive on this extraordinary recipe! It’s a bit on the pricey side, but the results are well worth it.
Hill’s Science Diet places a strong emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives. Feel confident that you are providing your pet with a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Reviews:
Louie78 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have to say I was a little skeptical about this food because it is pretty expensive and we have been using another brand. Our German Shepherd is very, very sensitive with his stomach and his skin but my German Shepherds both love this food they take right to it. It actually did not give them diarrhea when we switched over the foods and I have noticed a difference in their scratching and just their overall health and skin health. Will definitely spend the extra money to buy this and keep my pets on it.”
Momma15 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our 10-year-old Boxer mix is definitely enjoying this new formula. He’s been having issues digesting a lot these last couple of months but this food hasn’t seemed to be giving him any issues. The size is perfect for him. No complaints. I think this food could really help dogs like ours with gut issues. It’s even made his scruffy coat feel softer which is great as well.”
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Top 7 Ingredients | Caloric Content | Protein / Fat / Fiber | Availability |
 |
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Brown Rice, Potatoes, Pea Protein | 394 kcal/cup | 26% / 15% / 5% | 🏷️$20.98 on Chewy |
 |
Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fiber | 352 kcal/cup | 20% / 12% / 6% | 🏷️$20.98 on Chewy |
 |
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Potatoes, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Protein, Fish Oil, Pumpkin | 484 kcal/can | 7% / 7% / 1.5% | 🏷️$41.76 on Chewy |
 |
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Potatoes, Dried Egg Product | 394 kcal/cup | 24% / 13% / 6% | 🏷️$39.98 on Chewy |
 |
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum | 382 kcal/cup | 20% / 13% / 4% |
🏷️$21.37 on Amazon 🏷️$22.49 on Chewy |
|
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Turkey Giblets, Green Beans, Carrots, Green Peas, Potato Starch | 360 kcal/can | 5% / 3% / 1% | 🏷️$46.67 on Chewy |
 |
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Egg Product | 392 kcal/cup | 21% / 12% / 4% |
🏷️$21.36 on Amazon 🏷️$22.48 on Chewy |
 |
Pollock Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Starch, Chicken Fat | 385 kcal/cup | 22% / 12% / 4% | 🏷️$26.58 on Chewy |
How To Find the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs?
Apparently, you and your dog have to go through some trial and error to find the best dry dog food or wet food that works for them.
My goal is to narrow down your options, thus preventing more episodes of upset bellies and unnecessary dents in your wallet.
If you still haven’t identified which ingredients upset your dog’s tummy, it may be beneficial to try a limited-ingredient recipe.
As discussed earlier, it is wise to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues and identify any special dietary requirements for your dog.
For puppy parents, you may want to leap over to our review of the best puppy food. It can help you find a diet that is gentle on your pupper’s tummy while ensuring it meets the unique nutritional requirements of your little growing wolf.
Conclusion
These dog food formulas are a result of extensive research and dedication by their creators. Each has proven to be effective in addressing digestive issues in dogs, leading to improvements in their overall health and well-being. If you are struggling to get your furry pal to eat his food, we recommend adding food toppers to make it more enticing.
So, what are you waiting for? Try these formulas today and give your beastfriend the nutrition he deserves. While they may not be the cheapest option, they are certainly the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. Remember to keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms and ideally, work closely with your vet throughout the process.