Feeding a high-quality diet can make all the difference in a dog's life, especially if they suffer from digestive issues. As a Labrador Retriever owner, a dog known for his voracious appetite and tendency to allergies, I have personally tried nearly a dozen different dog foods before finally finding the one that works for me. I believe Spot & Tango UnKibble is the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Made with only fresh ingredients and a super simple recipe, it's perfect for dogs with upset stomachs.
Choosing the best dog food for sensitive stomachs is an investment in your pup's health… [+] Long-term health and well-being.
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If you're worried your puppy might have an upset stomach, don't panic. “It's common for dogs to have sensitive stomachs,” says veterinarian Dr. Iram Gradan. “Many dogs suffer from digestive issues, which can often be managed and alleviated with the right diet and care.” While it's always wise to consult with your vet before changing your dog's diet, we've handpicked a range of brands and recipes to cater for different needs and help your pet feel its best. Whether you're raising a puppy or trying to extend the life of an older dog, you'll find a high-quality dry, wet and grain-free food to support your dog's digestive health.
Overall, the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs: Spot & Tango UnKibbleBest dry food for dogs with sensitive stomachs: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient GrainsBest wet food for dogs with sensitive stomachs: JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato (21-pack)Best treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs: Bocce's Bakery Quack, Quack, Quack Training BitesBest food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs: Ollie Fresh Dog FoodBest puppy food for dogs with sensitive stomachs: Open Farm Ancient Grain Dry Dog FoodBest grain-free dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs: Open Farm New Zealand Venison Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Finding the right food for dogs with sensitive stomachs can take years, but Spot & Tango makes it easy. The brand's UnKibble is made with fresh, whole ingredients, gently dried to keep all the nutrients intact. I've been feeding my picky eater cod + salmon and turkey + sweet potato formulas for over a year without any signs of digestive upset. Both recipes contain ingredients like pumpkin and sweet potato that vets recommend for dogs with sensitive stomachs. “These natural fiber sources support healthy digestion,” explains veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Kong.
The best thing about Spot & Tango is that it's customizable. You can mix up recipes and choose from four different options with each delivery. While it may seem like a bad idea to change your dog's diet regularly, rotating proteins can help reduce food sensitivities and maintain a healthier body mass. However, you should avoid chicken recipes. Many dogs with sensitive stomachs cannot tolerate chicken or other protein sources.
UnKibble is super convenient for busy pet owners: it's easy to store, travel friendly, and doesn't need to be refrigerated like fresh produce. Plus, the personalized scoop takes the guesswork out of feeding and makes it easy to make sure your dog is eating the right amount.
Open Farm, the top dry dog ​​food brand by Forbes Vet, combines ethical sourcing and quality ingredients in one package. This premium dry dog ​​food combines wild-caught salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with a blend of superfoods and ancient grains that benefit your dog's overall health. It also contains non-GMO, gluten-free oats and quinoa, which provide essential nutrients and aid digestion. Coconut oil, known for its metabolic benefits, provides an energy boost, while pumpkin and apple further support digestive health.
What's not in this food is just as important as what's in it. “Avoid ingredients known to cause allergies or intolerances in dogs,” says Kong. “Common culprits are dairy, corn, wheat and soy. Artificial additives, preservatives and by-products should also be avoided as they can cause digestive issues.” All Open Farm recipes are free of these allergens, along with peas, potatoes, corn and legumes, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato recipe uses fresh, whole ingredients to provide a gentle, healthy meal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Made with wild Alaskan Pacific Cod and sweet potato. The omega-3s in the fish support healthier skin and a lustrous coat, and the fiber in the sweet potato helps soothe and regulate digestion.
Many owners report that their dogs who have been unable to tolerate other proteins have had no problems with this fish-based dog food. “We have seen benefits from a new protein source that reduces inflammation and promotes digestive health,” says veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. This wet food for sensitive stomachs is a great choice if your dog needs an alternative to common ingredients like chicken or beef. Plus, the fresh frozen preparation method creates a taste and texture that even picky eaters will enjoy, making mealtimes less stressful.
A healthy diet is all about a little indulgence. This treat from Bocches Bakery is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs who need a little love. It's a low-calorie, chewy treat made with simple, natural ingredients that are gentle on your pup's digestive system. The main ingredient is duck, which veterinarians cite as a great ingredient to look for. “I recommend choosing novel protein sources like venison, duck, and salmon, which are easier to digest than traditional protein sources like chicken and beef,” says Crowe. The addition of blueberries supports your dog's immune system with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
These treats are made in the USA with no by-products, no fillers and no wheat, making them perfect for dogs with certain food sensitivities. Each small training bite contains just 4 calories, making them perfect for dogs of all sizes. Small dogs can eat them with peace of mind, while larger dogs can eat a few at a time.
For senior dogs, nutrition is key to maintaining their health. Ollie Fresh Dog Food stands out with its fresh, high-quality, and convenient meal plans that are suitable for all ages. “Ollie uses only 100% human-grade ingredients that are highly digestible,” says Dr. Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN. This makes the brand's food a great choice for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs and special dietary needs.
Ollie's recipes are created with the guidance of leading pet health experts and use only clean, simple ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve their nutritional value. Choose high-quality proteins like turkey, beef, chicken, lamb and pork combined with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and grains that help provide the protein your senior dog needs while supporting their overall health.
Because older dogs typically eat less, Ollie's nutritious food is more affordable than you might think. Plus, it might even teach your senior dog new tricks. Dozens of customers tell us that their senior dogs, who previously showed little interest in food, now don't waste a bite of Ollie's food.
Managing your puppy's gut health from the get-go can prevent a lot of problems down the road. “Early intervention is key to managing sensitive stomachs,” says Crowe. “As a veterinarian, I've seen the transformative power of targeted care and nutrition.” That's why new pet owners love Open Farm's Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food, named best overall puppy food by Forbes Vetted. The formula helps prevent the development of allergies in young puppies and avoids common digestive irritants like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And the kibbles are small enough to fit in little mouths, making them easy for puppies to chew and digest. Open Farm is also convenient to order and store, and it's not as expensive as other options, which is an important factor to consider for any hungry pup.
Another popular recipe from Open Farm, this grain-free dog food is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs. It's packed with protein from humanely raised, grass-fed venison, providing all the nutrients your dog needs without the common irritants. Venison is a novel protein that's not commonly eaten, making it perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. “Protein source plays an important role in dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs,” says Crowe. “I recommend choosing novel protein sources like venison, duck, and salmon, as these are easier to digest than traditional protein sources like chicken.”
This grain-free food also contains non-GMO vegetables and superfoods to support your dog's overall health. Open Farm sources all of its ingredients from certified family farms, ensuring that they are free of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids. Plus, the company's commitment to sustainability and traceability means you're making a better choice for the environment, too. It's also easy to feed: just scoop, pour, and you're done. Many pet owners, including editors at Forbes Vetted, praise Open Farm as a great option for those who don't have the time or budget to feed their dogs raw.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted's home and kitchen editors have plenty of experience testing, researching, and reviewing the best pet products on the market, and we've published plenty of expert roundup articles on pets and everything that comes with them, including the best dry dog ​​food, the best dog food delivery services, and more.
Forbes Vetted's home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: Associate Editor Rebekah Lowin, Senior Editor Amanda Arnold, and Editor Sholeen Damarwala. This article was written by Kelly O'Sullivan, a lifelong dog owner and current owner of a yellow Labrador retriever named Sunny. Sunny suffered from food and environmental allergies for years, and this was the beginning of Kelly's journey to heal Sunny through nutrition. Kelly read The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer, and it changed her life (and Sunny's). Kelly was also previously the editor-in-chief of a pet-focused website and has interviewed dozens of veterinarians about canine nutrition. For this article, O'Sullivan consulted four veterinarians to help her find the healthiest, highest-quality dog ​​food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Dr. Iram Gradan (Veterinarian), Dr. Sabrina Conn (Veterinarian). We update this story regularly to recommend the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs. The most recent update was by Kelly O'Sullivan in May 2024.
How to choose the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs
To find the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, we considered expert recommendations, personal experience, and key ingredient factors to ensure each choice supports digestive health and overall wellness.
We focused on popular recipes from reputable pet food brands known for quality, reliability and ethical sourcing. We also consulted with veterinarians about ingredients and protein sources that may be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, we drew on our own experiences as pet owners. We evaluated the quality of ingredients, the content of protein that is safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and compliance with AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. We included a variety of options, including grain-free, dry, wet, and suitable for puppies, adult and senior dogs.
What to consider when choosing the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs
AAFCO Standards
First, check to see if the dog food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) complete and balanced nutritional standards. This ensures that the food provides all the essential nutrients your dog needs.
High-quality raw materials
Look for dog foods made with quality ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to always make sure the first ingredient listed is the primary protein source. Other than that, the fewer and more recognizable ingredients listed, the better. Some ingredients may aggravate sensitive stomachs. Crow advises dog owners to avoid foods that contain common allergens, such as dairy, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives and preservatives.
New Protein Sources
Novel protein sources may be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest. Crowe recommends proteins like venison, duck, salmon, and other fish. “I've seen that novel protein sources can help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health,” Crowe explains.
