Dog Food For Sensitive Tummies

In Australia, it's estimated that 20-30% of dogs experience some form of food intolerance or sensitive stomach issues. Just like people, dogs can react badly to certain foods, leading to discomfort and digestive problems.

If your dog is often troubled by stomach upsets, choosing the right sensitive stomach dog food can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll guide you through understanding why some dogs need sensitive stomach dog food, what to look for in these foods, and how to make the best choice for your pet.

Why Do Dogs Face Digestive Issues?

Dogs can suffer from a variety of digestive problems, which often express themselves through symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or even just general discomfort. These issues can be caused by many reasons, including allergies, dietary intolerance, or more serious health conditions. We recommend visiting a vet if the symptoms persist, but in many cases, the solution could be as simple as switching to a specifically formulated sensitive stomach dog food.

Sensitive stomachs in dogs are not uncommon, and recognising the signs early can help prevent more serious issues. Symptoms to look out for include irregular bowel movements, signs of discomfort after eating, changes in appetite, and any of the more severe symptoms mentioned earlier.

Common Symptoms of Sensitive Stomach in Dogs

Figuring out if your dog has a sensitive stomach is essential for providing them with the right care and diet. A "sensitive stomach" in dogs generally refers to mild but frequent digestive upset. Here’s how you can identify if your dog might be struggling with this issue:

The most obvious signs that your dog might have a sensitive stomach include:

• Occasional Vomiting: If your dog vomits from time to time without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of a sensitive stomach.
• Loose Stools: Watch out for stools that are consistently soft or poorly formed, as these can indicate digestive problems.
• Flatulence: Excessive gas is not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also be a sign of a sensitive stomach.

Your dog might show just one of these symptoms, or they could display all three. It’s important to observe their general behaviour along with these symptoms to better understand their condition.

What Causes Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs?

Several factors can contribute to your dog's sensitive stomach:

1. Dietary Intolerance: Just like people, dogs can be intolerant to certain types of food ingredients. Common culprits include certain proteins, grains, or artificial additives.
2. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can upset your dog's digestive system and lead to long-term sensitivity if not treated properly.
3. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or liver disease can cause continuous digestive discomfort.
4. Poor Diet Quality: Feeding your dog cheap or poor-quality dog food can lead to a sensitive stomach. These foods often contain fillers or low-grade ingredients that are hard for dogs to digest.

Choosing the Right Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

When selecting a sensitive stomach dog food, it’s important to know what ingredients will help and what to avoid. This will help you pick the best food for your dog:

Ingredients to Include

• Easily Digestible Proteins: Look for foods that contain high-quality proteins, like turkey, or fish. These are easier for dogs to digest and less likely to cause stomach upset.
• Prebiotics and Probiotics: These support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which can help improve digestion and reduce discomfort.
• Natural Ingredients: Foods with natural ingredients can reduce the chance of your dog reacting badly to inorganic matter in their food.
• Dietary Fibre: Ingredients like sweet potato, pumpkin, and beet pulp can help regulate your dog’s digestion and improve stool quality.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Complex Grains: Ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat can be tough on a dog’s digestive system and should be avoided in sensitive stomach dog food.
• Artificial Additives: Colours, flavours, and preservatives might irritate your dog’s stomach. Opt for natural foods where possible.
• Fatty Foods: High-fat diets are harder for dogs to digest and can exacerbate sensitive stomach issues.

Tips for Managing a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach

Besides choosing the right sensitive stomach dog food, here are some additional tips to help manage your dog’s sensitive stomach:

• Regular Feeding Schedule: Consistent meal times help regulate your dog’s digestion.
• Avoid Human Food: Spicy, rich, or fatty human foods can be really bad for a dog’s stomach. Stick to dog food that’s designed for their digestive system.
• Keep Hydrated: Always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water, as proper hydration is key to digestive health.
• Monitor and Adapt: Keep an eye on how your dog reacts to their new diet. If symptoms persist, consult your vet as adjustments may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Sensitive stomachs in dogs can be a challenge, but with the right sensitive stomach dog food and good dietary management, your dog can live a happy and healthy life. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about your dog’s health, a visit to the vet is the best course of action.

Make sure to introduce any new food slowly, mixing it with your dog’s current food and gradually increasing the proportion over the course of about ten days. This can help prevent further digestive upset as your dog adjusts to the new food.

FAQs

What can I feed my dog for a sensitive stomach? 

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, foods like specially formulated sensitive stomach dog food boiled chicken, gentle veggies like pumpkin and sweet potato are recommended. These are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.

What food is easy to digest for dogs? 

Opt for novel protein sources such as venison, duck, or salmon, which are easier to digest compared to traditional proteins like chicken or beef. Including blueberries can also provide antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins to support your dog's health.

What is homemade recovery food for dogs? 

Homemade recovery food for dogs can include protein sources like skinless chicken or turkey, scrambled eggs, and carbs like well-cooked rice or sweet potato. These ingredients are gentle on the stomach and aid in recovery.