How Can I Help My Dog’s Sensitive Stomach?

Just like us, dogs can experience stomach upset and digestive issues. There are several different causes of stomach problems in dogs. They could be suffering from a food allergy, food intolerance, a temporary illness, or a more generalised upset stomach. Knowing which category your dog falls under will enable you to help them most effectively. This blog will look at dogs suffering with more generalised tummy upset, for example as a result of things like an episode of gastritis, a viral illness, or eating something they shouldn’t have. In these cases, exploring sensitive stomach dog food and digestion supplements, and making adjustments to your pet’s treats could help you find a solution.

Tip: For more information on sensitive stomachs related to adverse food reactions, have a look at our blog Sensitive Digestion in Dogs: Food Allergies and Intolerances. This blog covers food allergies and intolerances, how to identify which foods are causing trouble, and suitable diets to try.

What are the Signs of a Sensitive Stomach in Dogs?

Dogs who suffer with problems with their digestion may display a range of symptoms. Signs that your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach include:

• Loose or runny stools
• Poor appetite
• Occasional vomiting
• Constipation
• Dull coat

Digestive issues can also be a sign of something else. To make sure that there are no underlying health issues causing your dog’s stomach upset, it’s important to visit your vet for a check-up.

If your dog has been cleared of health issues and it’s determined that a sensitive stomach is the problem, there are diets and supplements you can try to support their digestive system and help them to enjoy an active life.

Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

You might wish to consider trying a special digestive care diet. Some of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs include Royal Canin Veterinary Diets and Hill’s Prescription Diets. These science-based dog foods are formulated to maintain a healthy digestive system and provide the right amount of nutrients for your dog.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Wet Dog Food is a best-selling dog food for sensitive stomach issues. A highly digestible formula with balanced fibres including prebiotics, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Wet Dog Food is designed to support healthy digestion, particularly for dogs requiring a fat-restricted diet. It may be recommended by your vet to help manage conditions such as pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, or gastritis.

Royal Canin also offers a range of other wet and dry dog food options for breeds of all sizes and ages that suffer with sensitive stomachs.

Remember: Always seek advice from your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Probiotic Digestion Supplements

Sensitive stomachs in dogs can also be caused by difficulty digesting food. Extra support may be required to help your dog’s digestive system function as it should. Digestive health supplements can compete with ‘bad’ bacteria for nutrients, fighting off pathogens and boosting your dog’s immune system.

Probiotic supplements like YuMove Digestive Care and YuMove Digestive Care Plus provide gut-supporting natural ingredients, including a high strength BioActiv probiotic and prebiotic formula. These active ingredients work together to maintain a healthy natural balance in your dog’s digestive system to help soothe their sensitive stomach.

Some supplements come in tasty treat form to make them even easier to administer. Verm-X Crunchies for example, are delicious bites that contain natural ingredients and can be fed every day throughout the year to help restore and maintain gut vitality.

Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

We know how hard it is to deny dogs treats, but it’s important to be mindful of what we’re feeding them, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. Sometimes it’s best to avoid giving sensitive dogs treats altogether. If you do choose to give your dog treats, avoid rich ingredients and complex recipes as these are more likely to unsettle sensitive stomachs. Look for easy to digest proteins to reduce additional strain on your pet’s digestive system.

Burns Keltie Bites are a good example of a simple treat that is easy to digest. They contain all-natural ingredients, including brown rice, oats and potato, along with tasty chicken and fish.

For an even simpler recipe, try Nature’s Variety Freeze Dried Chicken Bites – these delicious high-quality treats are made from 100% chicken. The Turkey variety is another good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Other good treat options for dogs with sensitive stomachs include the chicken variety of Thrive ProReward dog treats and Pet Munchies Ocean White Fish Strips.

Wrapping Up

If your dog struggles with a sensitive stomach, first speak to your vet. They will be able to check whether your pet has any underlying health issues causing their digestive issues, and advise you on the best choice of dog food for sensitive stomachs when it comes to your individual pet. All dogs are different, so what works for one, may not be effective for another.

Visit our Animed Direct website for a full range of products to help with sensitive stomachs and aid healthy digestion.