Some dogs can gobble down everything but the kitchen sink and come bouncing back for more, while others have a bit more trouble in the digestion department. If your dog tends to get gassy or experiences loose stools or occasional vomiting after eating, switching to a sensitive stomach dog food might be worth considering.

Although it’s very common for dogs to have digestive issues every now and then given how curious they are when it comes to tasting the world around them, a sensitive stomach requires a little more effort on your end to ensure your pup feels good and eats well.

The right sensitive stomach dog food will allow your pup to enjoy mealtime without experiencing the unpleasant symptoms that a regular diet might cause, thanks to highly digestible ingredients and a relatively short ingredient list.

Before switching dog foods, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s stomach sensitivities so she or he can help identify the cause and rule out any underlying health issues.

Our Picks

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10 Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods

Overall Winner: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Our pick: Raised Right

Raised Right dog food

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FlavorOriginal Turkey Adult Dog RecipeOriginal Beef Adult Dog RecipeOriginal Pork Adult Dog RecipeOriginal Chicken Adult Dog Recipe
Life StageAdultAdultAdultAdult
FormFresh frozenFresh frozenFresh frozenFresh frozen
Protein
(Ingredients)
Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liverBeef, beef heart, carrots, beef liverPork, pork heart, pork liverChicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver
Protein Analysis19% min23% min20% min20% min
Calories328 kcals/cup408 kcals/cup368 kcals/cup360 kcals/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?YesYesYesYes

You won’t find extensive ingredient lists or unwanted fillers in Raised Right recipes. This family-owned, human-grade dog food company creates limited ingredient recipes that are veterinarian-formulated to be high in protein, low in carbs, and great for sensitive stomachs. In fact, because the company uses no high-carb fillers, like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat fillers, most Raised Right recipes have less than 2 percent carbs.

Best of all, the ingredients in Raised Right recipes are truly limited for easier digestibility. All of their adult dog recipes have 10 ingredients or less, with some having as few as just 7 or 8 ingredients. And the company was even able to formulate their adult dog recipes to meet AAFCO’s requirements for a complete & balanced diet without having to add any synthetic vitamins or minerals…just simple, nutritious whole foods.

Highlights

  • Recipes formulated by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet food formulation expert Steve Brown
  • Offers limited ingredient recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs
  • Most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs because they don’t use any high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat
  • Each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients in a USDA-inspected facility
  • Strict laboratory testing with every batch cooked
  • Choose from custom meal plans or sample boxes to try first

Things to Consider

  • Be sure to follow the packaging and feeding instructions carefully, as each dog’s caloric requirement is unique
  • Raised Right formulas are shipped frozen and must be stored frozen
  • Refrigerate each formula to defrost overnight and serve to your dog for 6 days from the refrigerator

Best Fresh Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Our pick: JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy 

Just Food for Dogs
FlavorPantryFresh Balanced RemedyFresh Frozen Balanced Remedy
Life StageAdultAdult
FormShelf stable, wetFresh frozen, wet
Protein (Ingredients)Ground turkey breastGround turkey breast
Protein Analysis5% min5% min
Calories38 kcal ME/oz39 kcal ME/oz
Meets AAFCO Standards?YesYes

JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) understands that while all dogs are amazing, not all dogs’ stomachs are created equal. Founded in 2010, JustFoodForDogs creates veterinarian-developed, fresh, whole-food recipes in one of their nine American kitchens. All of their ingredients are edible by humans (yes, you could eat it), contain no preservatives, and are shipped fresh or frozen to thaw and serve. 

JFFD features two sensitive stomach dog food varieties. Balanced Remedy is available in both fresh-frozen and PantryFresh formulas. These diets are designed to support your dog’s digestive health with one protein source (ground turkey), one solitary starch source (rice), and low-fat levels. Time and time again, veterinarians recommend Balanced Remedy in fresh frozen and PantryFresh versions for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Even sensitive tummies deserve variety. Your dog can enjoy four highly digestible formulas thanks to JFFD’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach Variety Box. The pack includes Fish & Sweet Potato, Venison & Squash, Balanced Remedy, and Joint & Skin Support. Take advantage of the 50 percent off your first variety box deal.

Highlights

  • Both formulas contain 100 percent whole food ingredients.
  • Each PantryFresh meal can be stored unopened for up to two years, making it the perfect option when traveling or boarding your dog.
  • Balanced Remedy is a veterinary support diet that doesn’t require a prescription.
  • Low-residue diets to support a dog’s sensitive stomach 
  • Fresh frozen meals shipped from JustFoodForDogs kitchens to your residence.
  • PantryFresh is 31 calories per ounce; Balanced Remedy is 39 calories per ounce.
  • JFFD products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance

Things to Consider

  • The PantryFresh Vet Support Balanced Remedy Recipe is low-fat, but it is higher in fat than the frozen Balanced Remedy.
  • Refrigeration is required after opening PantryFresh meals. 
  • Long-term use of Balanced Remedy is not recommended without speaking to your dog’s veterinarian first. 
  • Food is a bit pricey 

Best Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food

Our pick: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Food

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food
FlavorChicken & Barley
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Chicken, chicken meal, egg product, chicken fat
Protein Analysis20% min
Calories394 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

This highly digestible recipe from Hill’s gets a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon. Happy customers love how this kibble is gentle on stomachs while also promoting healthy skin and coat. It features chicken as the first ingredient, plus a nourishing prebiotic fiber that fuels good gut bacteria.

Highlights

  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains beet pulp, a nourishing prebiotic fiber that fuels beneficial bacteria
  • Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids offer skin and coat support
  • Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
  • Available in 4-, 15.5-, and 30-lb bags
  • Made in the USA
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed

Things to Consider

  • If your dog has an egg or chicken sensitivity, this will not be a good fit
  • There are other versions of this recipe available geared toward small/mini breeds or large breeds, as well as a grain-free recipe and a “small bites” recipe with extra small kibble size 

Best Prescription Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Our Pick: Hill’s Prescription Diet Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

Hills food sensitivities food for dogs
FlavorOriginal
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Hydrolyzed chicken liver
Protein Analysis19.1% min
Calories354 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

Hill’s is well-respected for its high quality and science-approved formula—and the skin/food sensitivities formula is no exception. Clinically proven nutrition to help avoid adverse reactions to food, this option promises to help control any gastrointestinal issues.

Highlights

  • Features highly hydrolyzed animal protein and a single purified carbohydrate source
  • Includes antioxidants for optimal health benefits
  • Enriched with essential fatty acids
  • Taste is very similar to a more traditional dog food
  • Available in both dry kibble and wet food
  • No gluten, soy protein, lactose, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Things to Consider

  • This pet food requires authorization from your veterinarian

Best Vegetarian Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula

Natural Balance plant powered dog food
FlavorVegetarian
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Brown rice, oat groats, barley, peas, potato protein 
Protein Analysis18% min
Calories365 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities to meat and dairy, and you are considering a vegetarian or vegan dog food, Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula is a premium option. It’s designed to provide all breeds of adult dogs a complete and balanced alternative to a meat-based diet. This formula offers dogs the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source, but it is made with no animal or dairy products.

Highlights

  • Vegan formula
  • Premium energy sources including brown rice, oatmeal, and potatoes
  • Natural health support from green peas
  • Supports healthy skin & shiny coat
  • Complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs

Things to Consider

  • Before switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet, work with your veterinarian to ensure it’s a good fit for your pet

Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Our Pick: Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult 7+

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
FlavorSalmon & Rice
Life StageSenior
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Salmon, fish meal
Protein Analysis29% min
Calories401 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

This sensitive stomach dog food comes packed with high-quality ingredients, including real salmon as the primary protein source, easy-to-digest oatmeal, omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil, and natural prebiotic fiber. It’s also fortified with live probiotics for digestive health. This is Dr. Burch’s go-to choice for pups with sensitive stomachs, since many food sensitivities in dogs are associated with beef or chicken, she says.

Highlights

  • Fortified with stomach-friendly ingredients
  • High protein without being hard on the stomach
  • Omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health
  • Very good price for a specialty food
  • Made without corn, wheat, or soy

Things to Consider

  • Certain reviewers said the formula is more crumbly than other brands

Best Budget-Friendly Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Our Pick: Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food

IAMS sensitive stomach dog food
FlavorLamb & Rice
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Lamb, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, chicken meal, dried egg product
Protein Analysis25% min
Calories382 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

You don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to ensure your dog is eating what they need to in order to support their sensitive stomach. Iams Proactive Health Minichunks (particularly the lamb and rice flavor) contains natural fiber and prebiotics to support healthy digestion. This small, easy-to-eat kibble is also a great choice for dogs who might be experiencing dental issues.

Highlights

  • Small kibble size makes it easy to eat and digest
  • Includes high-quality ingredients, like lamb and wholesome grains
  • Features a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics
  • Contains omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health
  • Very budget-friendly compared to other brands

Things to Consider

  • Certain dogs might take some time to warm to the lamb flavor

Best Low-Fat Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Our Pick: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin GI food for dogs
FlavorOriginal
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat
Protein Analysis20% min
Calories248 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

Looking for a top-quality dog food that’ll cover just about any digestive issue your pup might be facing? The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food comes highly recommended by both Burch and Simons for its high-quality ingredient list and highly digestible proteins and prebiotics that have been specially formulated to promote digestive health and healthy bowel movements.

Highlights

  • Made with low-fat ingredients
  • Popular among veterinarians 
  • Great for a wide variety of digestive issues

Things to Consider

  • Requires authorization from your veterinarian

Best Value Limited-Ingredient Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Our Pick: Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula

Diamond Care sensitive stomach dog food
FlavorOriginal
Life StageAdult
FormDry
Protein (Ingredients)Egg product, potato protein, chicken fat
Protein Analysis25% min
Calories410 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?Yes

The Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula is an excellent option for those shopping for top-quality dog food at a fair price. It boasts easy-to-digest egg and potato proteins and beneficial fiber from psyllium seed husk. It might not be the cheapest on the market, but the limited-ingredient formula and fortified probiotics designed to thrive in the GI tract make the budget-to-quality ratio well worth it. 

Highlights

  • Made with vitamins and minerals that help foster healthier skin and coat
  • Made in the USA by a family-run company
  • Fortified with probiotics that will survive through the GI tract

Things to Consider

  • Certain reviewers have noticed a dark powder coating that was off-putting for their pups

Best Dog Food for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach

sensitive stomach dog food from Pro Plan puppy
FlavorLamb & OatmealSalmon & RiceSalmon & Rice Large Breed
Life StagePuppyPuppyLarge-Breed Puppy
FormDryDryDry
Protein (Ingredients)Lamb, fish meal, beef fat, dried egg product, salmon mealSalmon, fish meal, beef fat, salmon meal Salmon, fish meal, beef fat, salmon meal 
Protein Analysis28% min28% min28% min
Calories428 kcal/cup428 kcal/cup417 kcal/cup
Meets AAFCO Standards?YesYesYes

With real lamb or salmon as the first ingredient, and easy-to-digest oatmeal or rice, Purina Pro Plan’s puppy formula is gentle on stomachs while supporting your puppy’s growth and development. It contains DHA from omega-rich fish oil to support brain and vision development, antioxidants to support the immune system, live probiotics for digestive and immune health, sunflower oil for healthy skin and coat, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth.

Highlights

  • Choose from Lamb & Oatmeal or Salmon & Rice recipes
  • Sunflower oil supports healthy skin and coat
  • Natural prebiotic fiber supports growth of healthy bacteria in the gut
  • No artificial flavors, colors, corn, wheat, or soy
  • Available in 4-, 16-, and 24-pound bags

Things to Consider

  • If you have a large breed puppy, the Salmon & Rice recipe is available in a large-breed formula

Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: Buyer’s Guide

Dog Breeds Prone to Sensitive Stomachs

Great Dane resting at home

Several dog breeds are considered to be prone to tummy trouble and more serious gastrointestinal illnesses over their lifetime. Some of the more common breeds with sensitive stomachs include:

  • Boxers
  • Irish Setters
  • German Shepherds
  • Great Danes
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Miniature Schnauzers
  • Scottish Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Yorkshire Terriers

Benefits of Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

sensitive stomach dog food in a bowl

Yes, dogs with sensitive stomachs will typically require a specific diet—but it doesn’t mean you have to cook up a homemade diet or go out of your way to have special food prepared. Sensitive stomach dog food is crafted to be easy for pet parents to ensure their pup is eating well thanks to the combination of microbes and probiotics—but it doesn’t require any more effort than a standard dog food.

“Ideally, we would keep these dogs on the same diet rather than regularly changing what they are given,” explains Dr. Linda Simons, a veterinarian based in London. “Similarly, we should not offer them additional food such as human food, treats, and chews, as these may upset the stomach. For most, providing a commercial diet aimed at those with sensitive gastrointestinal systems works best.”

According to Simons, dogs can be sensitive to any ingredients, including chicken, potato, and peas. It can be a case of trial and error to determine what your dog reacts to, but sticking to dog foods with short ingredient lists that have meat or fish as the first ingredient (which is most sensitive stomach dog foods on the market) will make things much more simple, as hypoallergenic foods are generally well tolerated.

Sensitive Stomach Dog Food: What to Look For

Although there are plenty of sensitive stomach dog food formulas on the market these days, there are still certain factors you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting your dog’s new diet:

Look for added probiotics. “I recommend looking for foods with added probiotics to help encourage healthy gut bacteria, which will decrease stomach sensitivities,” suggests Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian with Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. Probiotics contain non pathogenic bacteria, which increase the ratio of normal to pathogenic intestinal microbes. Increasing the number of good microbes in the intestines helps to decrease the risk of a sensitive stomach.

Seek out a formula that has inulin. Burch also suggests looking for diets that have inulin present in their formulation. Inulin is a prebiotic soluble fiber. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. These complex carbohydrates will also decrease the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Avoid recipes with long ingredient lists. Choose nourishing foods that provide an ideal balance of protein, fats, carbs, and dietary fibers, and avoid those with fillers or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives where possible.