It’s awful to see your dog feeling unwell, and even worse when you walk into the garden and step in a massive wet one.
Diarrhoea is a common condition in dogs, but we’re not talking about the odd upset stomach in this guide. If your dog has a persistently bad stomach, you may need to reassess what you are feeding them.
Of course, the first step is speaking with your vet to rule out any other underlying conditions.
Once they have confirmed it is their diet, you can start looking at a food that is kinder on their digestive system.
That’s why we have compiled this detailed guide on the best food for dogs with diarrhoea, helping you to find the perfect fit.
1. Editors Pick
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
2. Budget Pick
IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Food
- 2. IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat
- 3. Specific Digestive Support
- 4. BETA Sensitive Adult
- 5. AATU Free Run Chicken
- 6. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care (Wet)
- 7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
- 8. Burgess Sensitive
- 9. Harringtons Puppy Turkey and Rice
- 10. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Medium Puppy
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
Before you choose your stomach settling food, there are a few important things that you need to keep an eye out for. These will help you to choose the best food, and also give you a little more information on how you can improve your dog’s digestive health.
Age. Even with digestive health, you do need to keep this aspect in mind. Different ages groups require different nutrition and calories, and the size of the kibble in dry food is impacted as well. For puppies, the little chunks are much smaller and easy to manage for better digestion.
Grain/Wheat. This is a common cause of stomach upsets in dogs, and it could be the reason why your pup is suffering. Removing foods with grains and wheat in them can have a massively positive impact on their health and even stop things like diarrhoea, bloating, and wind.
Fat Content. Fatty foods can cause some serious diarrhoea in dogs, and this is why you should avoid a fat content of 20%or higher in dogs with sensitive guts. Ideally, you will keep it to 15% or below, but this really does depend on your pup.
Protein Content. Interesting, a common cause of stomach upsets is an allergy to the protein in the food you are feeding them.
Your pup could be allergic to fish, chicken, beef, lamb, pork, or any other protein that is in their food. You should first get them allergy tested by the vet, and then source food that doesn’t include the damaging protein.
Wet or Dry? You may automatically think that dry food is the best and only choice for helping dogs who have bad stomachs, but in actuality, there are plenty of wet foods that are gentle on the gut as well. Wet or dry, it doesn’t matter as long as it settles their stomachs.
1. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Food
Editor’s Pick
From one of the most trusted and reliable brands on the market for gastric health, Royal Canin provides a nourishing meal without the unwanted side effects. It’s ideal for dogs with IBD, gastritis, colitis, and so much more. It is also recognised as one of the best foods by vets.
Its protein content is 8.5%, which is great for wet food, and the fat content is a mere 6.5%. EVe the ash content is low at 2%, and it is loaded with omega 3 and 6 to provide a healthy coat and joints. It doesn’t have a massive amount of ingredients either, making it a limited ingredient food.
- Key Ingredients: Meat derivatives, fish derivatives, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, oils and fats
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Hypoallergenic, sensitive stomachs
- Life Stage: Adult/Senior
- Suitable For: Gastric health, sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a great food for gastric health and sure to settle your dog’s stomach so that they can enjoy mealtime and feel relaxed after eating.
Sample Buyer Review
— Elizabeth Rusinowski
2. IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat
Budget Pick
This crunchy goodness comes from one of the most reputable and used brands in the country. Not only is this sensitive food fantastic for those who suffer from stomach upsets, but it’s the ideal kibble for dogs that could also stand to lose a little weight and get back in shape.
It contains a good 20% of protein as well as an impressive 10% fat – ideal for weight watchers and sensitive tums alike. The ash content is relatively low at 6%, and you have the benefit of ingredients like omega 3 and 6 to improve the immune system and leave a healthier coat.
- Key Ingredients: Maize, Dried Chicken and Turkey, wheat, sorghum, barley, dried beet pulp
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs, weight loss
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a great buy. It comes from a good brand, and the kibble is easy for all breeds to eat and digest. Plus, it is loaded with ingredients that will firm stools and settle stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
3. Specific Digestive Support
Best for Multiple Sensitivities
This kibble is ideal for dogs who are incredibly sensitive and perhaps react to more than one of the ingredients in standard dog food. It has been made with ingredients that are easy to digest as well as minerals that have been designed to maximise nutrient absorption while eating.
It contains 25% protein, which is excellent, alongside a slightly higher fat content of 13%. The ash levels are at an acceptable 7%, and the food also contains special ingredients that bid bad gut bacteria to prevent them from clinging to the intestinal wall – relieving stomach distress.
- Key Ingredients: White Rice, dried egg products, fish meal, maize starch, minerals, pork fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs, multiple sensitivities
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. While this can be considered more of a specialist dog food, it is perfect for dogs who suffer from multiple sensitivities as it excludes some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Rachel Fribbens
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. BETA Sensitive Adult
For Those on a Budget
This kibble is a great option for those who want something that is light on the stomach and also packed with the omega fatty acids that salmon is so well-known for. This dog food doesn’t just boost the immune system, it also improves digestive health and is made with no artificial ingredients being one of its common causes.
The kibble is dual-shaped, meaning that is is larger and bulkier than your standard kibble. This promotes slower eating to improve digestive health. The food itself contains 25% protein as well as 14% fat. The ash level isn’t bad either at 7.5%, and you get a good balance of nutrients.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Wheat, Corn, Mica, Carrot, Spinach
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Free from artificial ingredients, budget
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Definitely, this is a great budget pick. It doesn’t use the highest quality meat ingredients, but it is still a fantastic choice due to the stomach-settling nature of the food.
Sample Buyer Review
— Kirstie Phillips
5. AATU Free Run Chicken
Best Protein-Rich Pick
This gentle kibble is also available as a tinned wet food if your dog prefers something a little softer, and it is a great solution for those who have sensitive stomachs.
Each of the ingredients, down to the vegetables included, has been chosen for its gentle touch and nutritional value.
This is considered a high protein food, and so is not suitable for every sensitivity issue. It contains a whopping 32% protein, as well as 17% fat and 7% ash. It is completely free from grains, gluten, and white potatoes to minimise reactions and leave your dog full and happy.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, Peas, Lucerne
- Texture: Dry
- Type: High protein content, grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. If your dog does not have a protein sensitivity, or suffers from canine IBS, this is the best possible food for them. It’s natural, gentle on the body, and packed with good nutrients.
Sample Buyer Review
— Rachel Hurford
6. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care (Wet)
Best Wet Food for Diarrhoea
This delicious wet food comes from a trusted and reliable brand. Developed to be low in fat but high in digestive benefits, it’s perfect for conditions ranging from colitis all the way to pancreatitis. It’s full of good bacteria and ingredients, like ginger, that settles the stomach.
Its fat content is exceptionally low at just 2.2%, and the protein content of 6% is a little low but still acceptable for wet food. It also contains 1% ash, and is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for smooth digestion, a healthy coat, and an improved immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Meat derivatives, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables, minerals
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Digestive health, low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs
Should You Buy it?
You should buy this wet food. It is an excellent choice for sensitive pups that need a lower fat content in their life, and also ensures that they still remain healthy and strong.
Sample Buyer Review
— Susan Day
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
For Low-Fat Diets
Another one from Hills, this kibble is ideal for those who are on a bit of a diet and also suffer from a sensitive stomach.
Each of the ingredients has been chosen to aid digestion, helping food to move through the stomach at a regular pace instead of a sluggish and uncomfortable one.
It helps with the absorption of nutrients into the body from the gut, ensuring that your dog gets the most out of their diet. The food itself contains 23% protein, alongside an impressively low 75 of fat, and 1.6% ash. It’s an impressive and beneficial food any way that you look at it.
- Key Ingredients: Pork, turkey, rice, rice flour, maize
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat, gastric comfort
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a great dry food to buy. It is low in fat for pups who need to keep their weight under control, as well as packed with loads of good nutrients to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Sample Buyer Review
— Marjorie35
8. Burgess Sensitive
Top Hypoallergenic Pick
This tasty kibble has been developed for those who need food that is both hypoallergenic and gentle on the stomach. It contains gentle carbs and low-fat meat to ensure good digestion, as well as the inclusion of beet pulp for added fibre to keep stools nice and firm.
It contains 20% protein alongside 10% fat, although the ash content is a little higher than we tend to like at 10%. However, it does contain fantastic amino acids and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote overall health and wellbeing, as well as a beautiful shiny coat.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, Lamb Meal, Unmolassed Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Fish Oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomachs
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is a great brand of dog food, blending a hypoallergenic recipe with sensitive stomachs to benefit dogs who suffer from all kinds of food intolerances.
Sample Buyer Review
— Samantha Beazer
9. Harringtons Puppy Turkey and Rice
Best Puppy Pick for Diarrhoea
This is a brilliant dry dog food for puppies that want something filling and delicious without too many fillers.
Its lack of added ingredients means that it is kinder on the digestive system, but it is not free from gluten so puppies who have a sensitivity here might want to try the next puppy food.
However, it remains nutritionally strong and contains ingredients that are settling for other sensitivities. It has a high protein content of 28% as well as being low in fat at only 10%. The ash content is also acceptable at 8%, making it a balanced food for your pup to enjoy.
- Key Ingredients: Maize, Turkey Meal, Rice, Meat Meal, Poultry Fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Natural
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. It is good food for puppies that is gentle on their digestive system and highly nutritious. Plus, there are no added nasties.
Sample Buyer Review
— Judith Kirk
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Medium Puppy
Best Medium Puppy Pick for Diarrhoea
This tasty kibble is the perfect pick for puppies that have unsettled stomachs that need some extra attention. It’s even made with colostrum to boost the immune system and help improve their defences against illness from a young age. Plus, you can feed them this until they are two.
It contains an impressive protein level of 30%, as well as 19% fat. The ash content sits at 8%, and this food is loaded with nutrients to promote firm stools and smooth digestion that won’t cause distress or discomfort. It even provides them with added dental protection.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Dehydrated poultry protein, Wheat, Soya meal, Animal fat, Rice
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Gastric care, immune system boosting
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
You should definitely pick this food up. It is ideal for growing puppies that need a healthy diet that has also been combined with something to settle their sensitive stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Tanya McShane
FAQs
Should I Starve My Dog if They Have Diarrhoea?
Yes, you should starve your dog if they have diarrhoea. Adult diarrhoea in dogs should be starved for 24 hours, and puppies should never be starved for more than 12 hours at a time.
This is because puppies are still growing and require calories and nutrients more regularly than adults.
What is the Most Common Cause of Diarrhoea in Dogs?
The most common cause of diarrhoea in dogs is them eating something they shouldn’t. Usually, this is something from the bin or off the ground when they are walking.
Other times, it could be down to a gastrointestinal illness or something more severe – hence you should take your dog for a vet immediately.
Read Here : Best Dog food For Pancreatitis
What Should You Feed a Dog with Diarrhoea?
The best food for a dog who has diarrhoea is chicken or white fish and rice. This should be fed for 3-5 days to ensure the stomach upset stops.
Usually, a vet will recommend this to see if it halts the diarrhoea and it is the best food because of how bland it is to keep to a bland diet. It’s also a great quick remedy if you want to see if your dog settles before going for an expensive vet visit. You may want to start your dog on probiotics to help your dog’s digestive system get back to good health; check out our full guide here.
What if There is Blood in My Dog’s Diarrhoea?
If there is blood in your dog’s diarrhoea this is usually more serious than a simple stomach upset or a reaction to the food they are on. It could be colitis or parvo, each of which can become very serious.
For this reason, you should always take your dog to the vet if you notice blood in their stool. While it can be normal for puppies to have a little blood in it, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts
We all want the best food for our dogs, and while changing their diet can be hard it can also lead to better digestive health and a happier household. It’s important that they have a happy gut so that they can live a happy life.
It is for this reason that we have ensured a wide selection of foods have been made available for you to choose from – many of which will fit in nicely with your budget without compromising on quality.
Royal Canin and Hills are certainly our top choices for nutritious foods that are also incredibly gentle on dog’s stomachs when they are suffering.
What did you think of our guide to the best food for dogs with diarrhoea? Were you able to find something that settled your dog’s stomach, or are you still in search of good dog food for their gut? We love hearing from you so please leave us a message in the comments below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.