How to feed dogs with sensitive stomachs

A dog with a healthy gut is a much happier dog (understandably!) – so, what do you do if you suspect your four-legged friend is experiencing tummy troubles? Recognising symptoms and understanding their causes can help you take any necessary steps to manage your furry companion’s well-being. Here, you’ll find our top tips on extra care for dogs with sensitive stomachs, from recognising the signs and understanding some causes,to advice for care and support. We can also help you feel informed when it comes to choosing the right kind of food to suit your dog. Be gone, upset tums!

“There are a wide range of signs that can indicate your dog may have a sensitive tummy”

Symptoms of a sensitive stomach

There are a wide range of signs that can indicate your dog may have a sensitive tummy, including the more obvious signs (vomiting) and the more subtle ones (slight changes in behaviour).

LOOK OUT FOR...

Poor immunity and frequent infections

These are less common but still worth keeping in mind

Frequent diarrhoea and variable stools

Sometimes loose, sometimes constipated. (Especially after the smallest dietary change)

Less energy

Your dog may be weak, lacking in energy or lethargic. They may be reluctant to go for a walk

Variable appetite

A lack of appetite could be due to a sensitive stomach

Excessive wind

The odd episode of wind is normal for dogs, but frequent wind can be a sign that something is wrong

Always take your dog to the vets for a check-up if you notice any of these symptoms - they may be caused by a medical problem that needs treatment.

If your vet rules out any medical cause for the symptoms, they may tell you that your dog has a sensitive digestion and advise on a particular type of diet.

Causes of poor digestion

There are many causes that can contribute to a dog’s upset stomach. Just like some people, some dogs seem to be predisposed to having a ‘sensitive’ digestion. This may be linked to their medical history, their genetic makeup, the foods that they have eaten, or a combination of all these factors.

Other causes can include:

• Diet - A sensitivity to specific foods in your dog’s diet (such as certain meats or gluten, for example) can cause mild inflammation in the digestive system. A bad reaction to a new diet can also cause an upset stomach. It’s important when changing a dog’s diet to do so gradually. You can learn how to here

• Dietary allergy - Where the body mounts an immune response to certain parts of the diet (if this is the case, a vet may diagnose a dietary allergy following certain screening tests)

• Anxiety - Poor digestion can be linked to behavioural issues such as fear or anxiety in some dogs

• Medical complaints - These need to be diagnosed and treated by your vet

• Worms - Poor digestion may indicate your dog has worms - don’t forget to worm your dog regularly

Care and support

There are many causes that can contribute to a dog’s upset stomach. Just like some people, some dogs seem to be predisposed to having a ‘sensitive’ digestion. This may be linked to their medical history, their genetic makeup, the foods that they have eaten, or a combination of all these factors.

Other causes can include:

• Diet - A sensitivity to specific foods in your dog’s diet (such as certain meats or gluten, for example) can cause mild inflammation in the digestive system. A bad reaction to a new diet can also cause an upset stomach. It’s important when changing a dog’s diet to do so gradually. You can learn how to here

What to feed dogs with sensitive stomachs

If your vet suspects your dog has a sensitivity to a certain meat protein, then you may need to choose a diet that doesn’t contain this meat. Give it a few weeks to see how this goes. Try a recipe with a different single protein source instead - rather than one with a mixture of meats - to get a clearer result.

Similarly, some dogs are believed to be sensitive to wheat so may do better to avoid foods that are high in cereals. You might want to see how your dog adjusts to a wheat/ gluten free diet - such as a grain-free recipe.

As mentioned earlier, it’s essential when introducing a new diet that you do it gradually over a period of around a week. This is so your pet’s digestive system can become accustomed to the new food – which is especially important if they already have a sensitive tummy. 

“IF YOU NOTICE ANY SYMPTOMS, THE FIRST THING TO DO IS TO TAKE THEM TO THE VETS”

Causes of poor digestion

The way you feed your dog can also affect how they digest their food. Make sure to...

• Always serve their food at room temperature (not straight from the fridge)

• Offer your dog two smaller meals rather than one large meal a day

• Don’t feed before exercise or before bed

• Feed them in a calm environment – this is especially important if you have several dogs and there is competition around feeding time

The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.