Last Updated on January 22, 2021 by adrienne hardwick
Many dogs have a sensitive stomach, and it is not something that we think about when buying food for them.
Just like people, they have their own set of foods that may cause an upset or even diarrhoea, and so must be avoided to ensure they remain happy and healthy.
Of course, the hard part can be sourcing dog food that’s good for them.
Whether it’s down to allergies or simple sensitivities, we are here to help source a delicious dog food that they will want to gobble up without causing them unnecessary discomfort once they are finished.
From start to finish, this guide is packed with everything you need to know about finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs UK.
1. Editors Pick
AATU Wet Food (Chicken)
2. Budget Pick
Burgess Sensitive Hypoallerenic
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. AATU Wet Food (Chicken)
- 2. Burgess Sensitive
- 3. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
- 4. Eukanuba Daily Care Sensitive Digestion
- 5. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care Low Fat (Wet)
- 6. Purina Pro Plan Medium Puppy
- 7. Arden Grange Sensitive Adult
- 8. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
- 9. BETA Sensitive Adult
- 10. Harringtons Puppy Turkey and Rice
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
Now that you are ready to pick up some dog food for sensitive stomachs, it’s a good idea to learn more about the process of picking the right one as well as which features you should be keeping an eye out for to help with their digestive problems.
Age. Even with a sensitive tum, you will need to pick the right dog food for the age and needs of your dog. While they all work to calm the gut, what you have to consider is the nutritional value as well.
Puppy food has more calories and minerals for healthy growth than adult food, and senior food contains less fat and different minerals when compared to adult and puppy food.
Grain/Wheat. This is a huge cause of sensitivities, and many dogs are more affected by the inclusion of wheat and grains than you might think. It can cause diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, and gas – just like in humans. A grain free option is useful for your dogs sensitive stomach.
Ingredients. There are some specific ingredients that you need to keep your eye out for. Those that are high in fibre, like beet pulp and sweet potato, are great for making stools firmer. Similarly, probiotics can boost healthy gut bacteria to settle the stomach.
On the other hand, fatty foods and too many artificial ingredients should be avoided as these can make your dog feel very unwell and trigger stomach upsets.
Protein Content. This is an important part of any diet because it is what gives your dog the energy they need to keep going throughout the day. It also gives you a good idea of how much meat is in the dog food as opposed to filler ingredients such as an excess of potatoes. A good protein content in wet food is around 10% minimum and 15-20% minimum in dry dog food.
Limited Ingredient Food. This works a lot like an elimination diet, and it is a great way to try and pinpoint what your dog is sensitive to. It allows you to better pinpoint ingredients when they cause stomach upsets so that you can remove them from their diet.
1. AATU Wet Food (Chicken)
Editor’s Pick
This meaty wet food is sure to have your dog drooling. It’s a sensitive stomach recipe without the disappointing taste and meant content. It’s free from all grains, gluten, and white potatoes to ensure that your pup is able to digest it well and enjoy the rest of their day without discomfort.
The protein content is impressive for wet food at 11%, and it also contains 6% fat and 2.5% ash. This is a really nice balance that will keep your dog happy and healthy. It also uses completely natural ingredients and is free from many of the artificial nasties that may cause gastric distress.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Lucerne, Peas
- Texture: Wet/Dry
- Type: Grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a brilliant dry dog food with a high level of protein, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and gastric-related illnesses.
Sample Buyer Review
— Kathryn Hawes
2. Burgess Sensitive
Budget Pick
This affordable kibble is gentle on both your bank account and your dog’s stomach. It’s free from gluten and maize, while also avoiding soya and dairy so that your pup fully benefits from its hypoallergenic features. It even contains fish oils for a rich and healthy coat.
In addition to aiding digestion, it also boosts the immune system, encourages a healthy heart, and supports strong bones, joints, and muscle formation. It contains 21% protein as well as a fat content that is low at 10.5% and an acceptable ash content of 7%
- Key Ingredients: Rice, Turkey Meal, Unmolassed Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Whole Linseed
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive tums
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This hypoallergenic dry dog food has been developed to offer a gentle touch on sesitive stomach, while also providing your dog with plenty of beneficial nutrients for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Gary Newman
3. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
Best for Slow Metabolisms
Not every dog has a speedy metabolism, and this can cause them to gain masses of weight very quickly. It is in situations like this that you need a food that is low in fat and still packed with nutrients. This wet food from Royal Canin does just that with the added bonus of gastric care.
This means that pups with a sensitive stomach can benefit from this delicious food, and it is supported by vets for its gentle touch – often being offered after surgery. Its protein content is 8.5%, which is excellent for wet food, and the fat content is 6.5%. The ash content is low at 2%.
- Key Ingredients: Meat derivatives, fish derivatives, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, oils and fats
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult/Senior
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach, weight loss
Should You Buy it?
Yes, if you have a dog with a slow metabolism they will absolutely benefit from this fantastic dry dog food. It is low in fat without skimping on nutrients and protein to offer a balanced diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Joanne Cutbush
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Eukanuba Daily Care Sensitive Digestion
For Sensitive Active Dogs
This kibble is ideal for working and active dogs that need something that’s kind on their bodies. After all, even the best working dogs can have dietary requirements. It’s loaded with ingredients, like beet, to firm stools and make digestion a smoother process for your pup.
In addition to enhancing the digestion process, it also improves balance and gives the immune system a nudge in the right direction. It’s quality nutrition, and this is reflected in the excellent protein content at 23% as well as 13% fat (quite low) and an acceptable level of ash at 6%.
- Key Ingredients: Dried Chicken And Turkey, Rice, Maize, Animal Fat, Dried Beet Pulp
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Gastric care
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach, working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Definitely, this is great food and the tagline Fuel for Extraordinary Dogs with Unique Health Needs is certainly fitting here. It’s on of the best foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Elaine Stanmore
5. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care Low Fat (Wet)
For Delicate Bellies
This wet food is low in fat but remains a meaty and delicious meal for any dog. It’s a great way to ensure they benefit from a diet that is low in fat and kind on the digestive system without taking away the flavours they would enjoy from other commercial food.
It has the lowest fat content we have seen at 2.2%, and while 6% is a little low for protein, but not bad for wet food. It also contains 1% ash. It is packed with good nutrients to promote health and wellbeing, including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a strong immune system and joints.
- Key Ingredients: Meat derivatives, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables, minerals
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Digestive health, low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach, weightloss
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This isn’t just a good wet food because it is gentle on a sensitive stomach, but also because it can aid other health issues that arise because of an excess of fat in the diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
6. Purina Pro Plan Medium Puppy
For Sensitive Puppies
This kibble is the perfect size for medium pups to happily crunch at every mealtime, and the best part is that they won’t have to suffer from a sensitive stomach afterwards. It supports the immune system, as well as the healthy growth of muscles and joints as they grow into adults.
The protein levels are quite high 30%, which is good, and there is 19% fat. The ash content sits at 8%. There is even dental protection as they teethe. This kibble is packed with nutrients to promote firm stools and easy digestion that will allow them to run and play like normal puppies.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Dehydrated poultry protein, Wheat, Soya meal, Animal fat, Rice
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Gastric care
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach, medium puppies
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely, it is great food. It doesn’t just provide them with something that is easy to digest, but all of the other growth, health, and wellbeing elements that you would normally expect.
Sample Buyer Review
— Mark Beighton
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Arden Grange Sensitive Adult
Best Pick for Multiple Sensitivities
This versatile kibble is exceptional because of the range of sensitivities that it can cover. It is free from grains, gluten, artificial ingredients, soya, and beef – common causes of an upset or sensitive stomach in dogs. The fish oil also promotes a shiny coat and a strong immune system.
It contains an excellent protein level at 25% as well as 14% fat and 8% ash. This is quite a balanced figure, and the fat content remains low enough that it shouldn’t cause any sensitivities. It’s naturally hypoallergenic without removing any of the nutritional benefits regular foods have.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh ocean white fish, sweet potato, fish meal, potato, refined chicken oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free, hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For:Sensitive stomach, skin allergies
Should You Buy it?
You should buy this food because it has been specially designed to be kinder on their digestive systems as well as tackling multiple sensitivities. It’s a good, solid, dog food.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
8. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
For Low-Fat Diets
Being able to combine low-fat and sensitive food is often a blessing, and it means that you can maintain your dog’s weight without also worrying about how they might react to the food. Hills is loaded with good nutrients to support healthy bones and joints as well as a strong immune system.
It even contains special minerals that aid in nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body is taking what it needs as opposed to potentially missing out. This food contains 23% protein, as well as being low in fat at 7%, and 1.6% ash. It’s rich in nutrients, flavour, and canine benefits.
- Key Ingredients: Pork, turkey, rice, rice flour, maize
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For:Sensitive stomach, weight loss
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This food comes from a specialty brand that understands your dog and their digestive system – providing them with a food that is gentle and won’t trigger sensitivities.
Sample Buyer Review
— Andysweimy
9. BETA Sensitive Adult
Best Free from Artificials Pick
This delicious kibble is perfect for dogs who are sensitive to proteins like beef. It’s gentle on the stomach and packed with nutrients from the rich fish ingredients – including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These help to strengthen the immune system as well as give dogs a healthy, shiny, coat.
The kibble itself is sneaky in that it is larger than usual thanks to its dual shape. This ensures that dogs eat slower to aid digestion and help lessen potential sensitivities. The kibble contains 25% protein and 14% fat. The ash level isn’t bad either at 7.5%, and it’s full of good nutrients.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Wheat, Corn, Mica, Carrot, Spinach
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Free from artificial ingredients
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Sensitive stomach
Should You Buy it?
Yes, it is a fantastic food that won’t bother a sensitive stomach and also provides your dog with plenty of nutrients for a balanced diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Karen Dye
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Harringtons Puppy Turkey and Rice
For Sensitive Little Pups
This kibble is easy for puppies to eat due to its smaller size, and also kind on their sensitive stomach to reduce sensitive reactions. It should be noted that this is not a great food for gluten sensitivities or intolerances as it does contain these, but it is great for pups that can’t eat soya and beef.
Nutritionally, it is very strong, and it contains loads of great ingredients to help settle the stomach and keep stools firm (like beet pulp). It is low in fat at only 10%, which is very helpful, and has a great protein content of 28%. The ash level is also acceptable at 8%, so it’s balanced.
- 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?
Yes, this is a great food to buy. It’s gentle and nutritionally rich, but just remember that it might not be suitable for all sensitivities – namely gluten.
Sample Buyer Review
— claire
FAQs
What is the Easiest Food for Dogs to Digest?
The easiest food for a dog to digest are things like white fish, chicken, and turkey. Proteins that are low in fat and leaner make for a gentler touch on the digestive system. This is why so many foods for sensitive stomachs contain bland and low-fat ingredients.
What is Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs?
Dog food for a sensitive stomach has been specially formulated to be gentle on the digestive tract. The ingredients are easily digested and usually high quality to help avoid stomach upsets and diarrhoea.
Read Here: Best Dog Foods Guide
How Do I Know if My Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach you will normally notice things like diarrhoea, bloating, and excessive wind. In some cases, there might be blood in their stool or vomiting. Nausea is also a common symptom, and if your dog is licking their lips a lot this usually means they feel unwell.
What Causes Dogs To Have a Sensitive Stomach?
Generally speaking, sensitive stomachs are caused by intolerances or sensitivities to certain foods and ingredients. This can include common intolerances such as wheat and grains, each of which is often the cause of bloating, gas, and nausea.
How Do I Transition My Dog to Sensitive Food?
The important thing is not to rush them, or you are just going to cause them further gastronomic distress. You have to slowly transition from 20% new food and 80% old food all the way to 100% new food. This will take you about a week, possibly two if you have a very sensitive pup.
What is a Limited Ingredient Dog Food?
A limited ingredient dog food contains fewer ingredients, and this helps youtube pin down specific ingredients that may cause your dog’s stomach to become upset. When looking at good limited food, these will generally contain the following:
- Single novel protein
- A limited number of ingredients
- Most protein sourced from meat
- Low to moderate fat
- Probiotics (to aid digestion)
Final Thoughts
We care about your dog’s digestion, and sensitive stomachs can be difficult for everyone to endure. That’s why we have put so much work into finding the best possible foods for their bellies so that they can be comfortable after every meal.
Each of the foods that we have chosen are ones that will help improve your dog’s gastronomical health and help prevent things like diarrhoea.
Of course, we know that not everyone has the budget for fancy or expensive foods, and that is why we have provided a wide range for you to choose from. Royal Canin is our favourite for sensitive pups, but they are all great choices.
What were your thoughts on our guide to the best dog food for sensitive stomachs? Were we able to help you find something delicious and gentle, or have you been left searching for the perfect food? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so let us know 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.
