What to Feed Dogs With Upset Stomachs
Dog lovers hate to see their furry friends feel under the weather. This is mainly because they can’t tell us when they feel nauseous, have bellyaches, and other discomforts they experience. Your dog’s health is likely as important as your child’s health. The better we know our precious pooches, the sooner we’ll pick up on symptoms of upset tummies. Most critical is what to feed dogs with upset stomachs.
View Table of Contents
- What are the Symptoms of Upset Stomachs in Dogs?
- What are the common causes of stomach upsets in dogs?
- When Should You Call Your Vet?
- What should you feed your dog with an upset stomach?
- 1. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
- 2. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Senior Formula
- 3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed
- 4. Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe
- 5. Royal Canine Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
- Can Dogs with Upset Stomachs Eat Homemade Food?
What are the Symptoms of Upset Stomachs in Dogs?
Diarrhea and vomiting are synonymous with upset stomachs. However, there are earlier signs that might indicate the presence of stomach issues before it comes to vomiting and diarrhea. Below is a list of red flags to look out for.
- Your dog may eat grass to soothe its stomach
- Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
- Seeming depressed
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Drinking less water than usual
- Unusual stretching to ease discomfort
- Licking objects, their lips, or licking the air
- Gulping to combat reflux
What are the common causes of stomach upsets in dogs?
The list of things that could cause stomach aches is endless. However, the most common cause is something your canine companion ate. Regardless of your dog’s age, they never outgrow their inborn curiosity. Testing the taste of anything they come across is not unusual.
The body’s way to expel something from its system is by vomiting or pooping. It is your dog’s internal protective mechanism, and perfectly normal. Below are several possible causes of your doggy dude’s gut problems.
- Food sensitivities or other chronic conditions
- Ingesting something that they shouldn’t
- Bacterial imbalances within the dog’s digestive tract
When Should You Call Your Vet?
Most instances of stomach upset are not life-threatening. However, you should never ignore it. Monitor the dog’s symptoms, and call your DVM if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Tell-tale signs to look out for:
- Worsening discomfort
- More than one diarrhea or vomiting episodes
- Blood in their poop or vomit
- Toy or other foreign objects in the pup’s stool or vomit
- Weakness or collapse
All these signs could indicate serious conditions like stomach bloating, pancreatitis, internal parasites, or severe allergic reactions. If you can identify something your dog ingested to cause the condition, immediate veterinary care might be necessary. These could include food toxic to dogs, plant material, or chemicals in the home or garden.
What should you feed your dog with an upset stomach?
It’s challenging to feed a pooch with a decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or other tell-tale signs of an upset stomach. Caring for a sick dog is stressful for both you and your canine companion. A bland diet can relieve some of these symptoms while also giving your dog the nutrition he needs to recover.
Several dog food brands include dry and wet recipes formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This article will discuss Dog Food Care’s recommendations for commercial dog foods for dogs with sensitive and upset stomachs. However, dog owners do not always understand the ingredient lists of branded dog foods. Therefore, it is always best to discuss the matter with your vet before choosing what to feed your ill dog.
1. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% Min, Crude Fat15% Min, Crude Fiber 4% Max, Moisture 10% Max
- Dry Matter Basis: Protein 29%, Fat 17%, Crude Fiber 4%, Carbs 50%
- Caloric Content: 388 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Key Feature: Features probiotic support for your furry friend’s gut health.
- Type of Product: Limited ingredient diet grain-free, gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adults Maintenance
- Average Price: $49.63 22-lb bag = $4.59-lb
- Best for: Adult dogs with sensitive or upset stomachs
This single-source protein recipe is free of chicken protein, and made with a nutrient-rich grain and gluten-free formula. Simple ingredients like lean, cold water salmon, chickpeas, tapioca and a unique blend of 20 nutritious superfoods are easily digestible and help protect your canine companion’s gut and immune health.
- Dog Food Care recommends Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Grain-Free Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Dry Dog Food as the Best Overall Kibble for maintaining gut health of Adult Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs.
2. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Senior Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% Min, Crude Fat 10% Min, Crude Fiber 5% Max, Moisture 10% Max
- Dry Matter Basis: Protein 28%, Fat 11%, Crude Fiber 4%, Carbs 52%
- Caloric Content: 409 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Key Feature: Fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Type of Product: Limited ingredient diet grain-free
- Life Stage: Senior Dogs Maintenance
- Average Price: $74.99 24-lb bag = $3.12-lb
- Best for: Senior Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food is for sensitive stomachs Formulated with just nine wholesome ingredients and no corn, soy, wheat, grain or artificial anything. This recipe has everything your senior dog needs to thrive during its golden years. It contains Probiotics for digestive health, and, antioxidants for good immunity. Furthermore, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids give your precious pooch all the tools required to keep feeling good.
- Dog Food Care recommends CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food as the best choice for senior dogs with upset or sensitive stomachs.
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Brown Rice, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22% Min, Crude Fat 15% Min, Crude Fiber 5% Max, Moisture 10% Max
- Dry Matter Basis: Protein 24%, Fat 17%, Crude Fiber 5.5%, Carbs 53%
- Caloric Content: 383 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Key Feature: This small-breed dog food features a single animal protein source, turkey. Also with potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to support gentle digestion.
- Type of Product: Limited ingredient diet grain-free and chicken-free
- Life Stage: Small Breed Adults Maintenance
- Average Price: $41.98 11-lb bag = $3.81-lb
- Best for: Small Breed Adults with Sensitive Stomachs
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, has fewer ingredients. It was selected with care to support dogs with food sensitivities. Blue Buffalo Basics recipes start with real meat from a single animal protein source not often used in dog food.
Furthermore, pumpkin and easily digested carbohydrates. The recipe features mini bites and the right blend of protein and carbs to meet your pup’s higher energy needs. It also contains LifeSource Bits, a unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are carefully selected to support your pal’s immune system, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance.
- Dog Food Care recommends Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food as the best choice for health maintenance of Small Breed dogs with sensitive stomachs.
4. Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Potatoes, Egg Product, Potato Protein, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% Min, Crude Fat 13% Min, Crude Fiber 3% Max, Moisture 10% Max
- Dry Matter Basis: Protein 28%, Fat 14%, Crude Fiber 6%, Carbs 54%
- Caloric Content: 410 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Key Feature: Great for pups with sensitive stomachs or on limited ingredient diets. With guaranteed levels of viable canine-specific probiotics to support GI health.
- Type of Product: Limited ingredients Holistic diet
- Life Stage: All Breed Adults Maintenance
- Average Price: $54.95 25-lb bag = $2.20-lb
- Best for: All Breed Adults with Sensitive Stomachs
Give your sensitive pooch complete, holistic nutrition with the Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Great for dogs that may have food-related stomach sensitivities. This specially formulated kibble contains easily digestible egg protein, alternate carbohydrate sources for sound digestion, and species-specific probiotics for a healthy digestive system.
That means that every bite packs good bacteria that are actually native to the canine GI tract, to help promote easy digestion and happy tummies naturally. Plus, since it’s enhanced with vitamins and minerals, and omegas for skin and coat health, it provides a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs in every bowl.
- Dog Food Care recommends Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. It is ideal for dog owners who prefer holistic methods of health maintenance for dogs with sensitive or upset stomachs.
5. Royal Canine Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Potatoes, Egg Product, Potato Protein, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 6% Minimum, Crude Fat 1.43% Minimum, Crude Fat 3.75% Maximum, Crude Fiber 1.9% Maximum, Moisture 76% Maximum
- Caloric Content: 350 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Key Feature: Great for pups with sensitive stomachs or on limited ingredient diets. With guaranteed levels of viable canine-specific probiotics to support GI health.
- Type of Product: A veterinary-exclusive wet dog food for dogs with long- or short-term digestive issues
- Life Stage: All Breed Adults Maintenance
- Average Price: 24 × 13.5-oz $110.16 = $4.59 Can
- Best for: Adults with food sensitivities.
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat in Loaf Canned Dog Food is a palatable, digestible low-fat wet dog food. Made for dogs that may have difficulties digesting fat, with a palatable texture. Prebiotics help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. A blend of dietary fibers supports healthy digestion for optimal stool quality. Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, from fish oil help nourish and soothe the GI tract.
A precise blend of antioxidants supports a healthy immune system. And the exclusive S/O Index supports urinary health by creating an environment unfavorable to crystal formation in the bladder. Ask your veterinarian about Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Kibble.
- Many dog owners prefer wet dog food for their dogs with upset stomachs. For them, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat in Loaf Canned Dog Food earns the recommendation of Dog Food Care.
Can Dogs with Upset Stomachs Eat Homemade Food?
According to the American Kennel Club, a bland diet instead of regular food can help relieve some symptoms. At the same time, it will also give your dog the nutrition he needs to recover. The AKC recommends the following home remedies, or rather, homemade food for dogs with mild cases of upset stomachs.
The condition can also include constipation, diarrhea, gas, and nausea. However, some of these symptoms could be the start of other serious conditions. Therefore, discuss persistent stomach problems with your vet.
Only use these recipes once you have ruled out other health issues and discussed your plan with your veterinarian. Always remember that dogs with existing health conditions like diabetes, cancer, food allergies, and senior dogs might need additional nutrition.
Bland Chicken and Rice
Foods like chicken and rice are mild, and the perfect ingredients for dogs with tummy troubles. Preparation of this bland meal is easy, with minimal ingredients.
- What you require: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and white rice.
- Although brown rice is more nutritious, it is tougher to digest, and not as bland as white rice.
- Do not add oils, butter, and added seasonings that can irritate your dog’s stomach and worsen the condition.
- Ensure you cook the chicken thoroughly and cut or shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- You can also purchase many bland chicken and rice foods if you prefer not to cook, for example:
Dave’s Pet Food Restricted Bland Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food.
Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites.
- Plain, unseasoned, boiled, shredded chicken is easy to digest
- It contains essential vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids, making it a great snack for dogs feeling under the weather.
- The chicken stays fresh in the fridge for three to four days, or you can freeze it for two to six months.
- Packaged shredded chicken is available to buy online.
Cesar Simply Crafted Chicken Limited-Ingredient Wet Dog Food Topper
Pumpkin
Pumpkin and sweet potato have similar digestive health benefits. Like sweet potatoes, pumpkin is also high in fiber, which helps regulate canine digestive systems.
Cooked, peeled, unsalted, and unseasoned pumpkin contains the following nutrients to give your dog a nutritional boost along with a little digestive help.
Vitamin E
Thiamine
Niacin
Vitamin B6
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorous
Dietary Fiber
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Riboflavin
Potassium
Copper
Manganese
Adding pumpkin to your dog’s meal usually helps regulate mild constipation. Veterinarians recommend one to four tablespoons of pumpkin, depending on your dog’s size.
Nummy Tum-Tum Pure Organic Pumpkin Canned Dog & Cat Food Supplement
Canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative to preparing pumpkin yourself. However, it must be unseasoned. Feeding your dog a can of pumpkin pie filling might end up sending you back to the vet. The spices and sugars could irritate your dog’s stomach and cause further complications.
Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Fiber & Diarrhea Relief Powder Dog Supplement
You can buy many pumpkin powders to add to your dog’s food.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a very mild, liquid meal, nutritious, and delicious. It adds moisture and flavor to dry food and encourages dogs with reduced appetites and upset tummies to eat.
- To make a bone broth to incorporate into your dog’s diet, fill a crock-pot with beef marrow bones.
- You can also choose to use bones with plenty of joints, like turkey and chicken legs.
- Cover the bones with 2-3 inches of water, cover, and cook on low for 20-24 hours.
- Let the broth cool for 2-to-3 hours in the fridge to let the fat form a hardened layer at the top.
- Scoop it off and store the jelly-like broth in the refrigerator.
- Freeze the broth in small containers like an ice cube tray for later use.
While bone broth is full of healthy bone marrow, cooked bones themselves are incredibly dangerous for dogs. Essentially, you should ensure you remove all the bones from your broth before serving. Strain the broth just to make sure no small bones escaped your notice.
For convenience, you can purchase a bone broth safe for dogs online.
Brutus Broth Bone Broth Chicken Flavor Hip & Joint Human-Grade Dog Food Topper
Baby Food
Veterinary emergency hospitals often use certain types of baby food to feed the dogs in their care. Dogs can easily swallow and digest baby food, and is a great way to give oral medications. Most importantly, veterinarians recommend feeding Stage II meat-based baby foods. For example, they can eat like chicken, lamb, and turkey, as long as the baby food does not contain any garlic or onion powder.
Gerber Baby Food 2nd Foods, Dinner, Sweet Potato & Turkey Purée
You may also consider an over-the-counter stomach and diarrhea treatment.
The AKC reminds dog owners that none of these recipes should be used as a replacement for proper medical care. However, feeding a bland diet when treating your dog’s upset stomach can alleviate some of your dog’s intestinal discomfort. Moreover, it will also provide him with foods he’ll love. These five recipes for dog digestive health also make delicious treats for when your dog starts feeling better, hence, consider saving some for later to reward your canine patient when he’s a healthy dog again.
Hopefully, we have answered your questions about what to feed dogs with upset stomachs.
If your canine companion is a bit overweight, why not check out this article for our recommendations for the
best low-fat dog foods for weight loss and weight maintenance.
