What causes issues with sensitive stomachs in dogs?
A sensitive stomach in dogs can be a common problem and there are several causes of it, including:
- Allergies: A food allergy is an immune response to something the body thinks is harmful. Symptoms of a food allergy in a dog include itchiness, recurring ear infections, and swelling, but it can also cause stomach issues like diarrhoea and vomiting
- Food intolerances: A food intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system but is believed to happen due to issues digesting a specific food or ingredient. As a result, food intolerance can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and wind
- Infections: A bacterial or parasite infection as a puppy can cause a sensitive stomach as dogs grow into adults, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea
- Bloating: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloating, occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists [2]. All breeds can develop bloat, but genetically it’s more common in certain breeds, like Great Danes, Irish Setters, and Weimaraners [3]
- Antibiotics: If your dog has had antibiotics, you may notice that they develop a sensitive stomach. As well as fighting the infection, antibiotics can kill the good bacteria that live in the gut, causing issues like vomiting and diarrhoea
Less common causes of a sensitive stomach can be:
- Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
What are the symptoms of a sensitive stomach in dogs?
The symptoms of a sensitive stomach to look out for include [1]:
- Diarrhoea (loose stools)
- Wind (pumping and/or burping)
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy/mobility
- Nausea
- Bloating
These symptoms can also be associated with other health issues and if you have concerns about your dog’s health, please contact your vet.
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Get Your Personalised PlanAre there any dog breeds common to sensitive stomachs?
While all dogs can experience stomach issues, some breeds are prone to it than others. Here are 5 dog breeds that are prone to have sensitive stomachs:
- German Shepherd: Food allergies is a common cause but this breed can also suffer with megaesophagus, a condition which causes the esophagus to expand and loose normal movement, meaning food can become stuck on the way to the stomach
- Great Danes: Another dog that is prone to megaesophagus. Great Danes are also known to suffer with bloat, which can be caused by overfeeding
- Labrador Retrievers: The cause of a sensitive stomach in this breed includes megaesophagus, bloat, food allergies, and eating things they shouldn’t – which labradors are fond of doing!
- Irish setters: Having a deep narrow chest makes the Irish Setter prone to bloat (GDV) where the stomach twists in on itself and fills with gas. Symptoms to look out for include retching or heaving without anything coming out, restlessness, and an enlarged abdomen
- Basset Hounds: Have deep narrow chests which makes their stomach prone to twisting. As well as this they can suffer from bloating that can be caused by food allergies or intolerances
What is the best dog food for sensitive stomachs?
A diet that is easily digestible is the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs as it reduces the stress on the digestive system. Look for dog food that is fresh, contains only natural ingredients, is free from filler ingredients like grains and carbs and synthetic additives and preservatives.
Adding a natural supplement like bone-broth to your dog’s raw meals can support them with a sensitive stomach. Bone broth is full of nutrients that support your dog’s immune system, digestion, liver, and helps to fight inflammation [5].
Why is raw food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, feeding a raw diet can be good for them because raw:
- Is bioavailable: The proteins we use are bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs more of the protein’s nutrients
- Contains mixed protein: Feeding a mix of proteins reduces the likelihood of overexposure to one specific protein, which is a cause of food allergies and intolerances
- Includes vegetables and fruit: Our raw food contains a balanced mix of vegetables and fruits, which are a great source of soluble prebiotic fibre. The prebiotics feed the friendly gut bacteria that help the digestive system absorb nutrients from food. Soluble fiber supports normal digestion
- Is high in moisture: Our raw food is frozen at source, so it retains its moisture, which is vital for keeping dogs hydrated and reducing the likelihood of them becoming constipated
- Is free from carbohydrates: Dogs don’t produce enough amylase, an enzyme that’s needed to break down carbs. This results in the carbs turning to sugar, which causes a number of health issues
- Is grain-free: Grains like brown rice, buckwheat, barley, bulgar, and oats can be allergens causing food allergies and intolerances in dogs. Also, including large amounts of grains in your dog’s diet can lead to inflammation over time
- Offers single protein meals: If your dog has an allergy or intolerance to a specific protein, we provide single protein meals so they don’t miss out
- Is frozen to keep it fresh: Our ingredients are frozen at source to retain their nutrients; these are mixed together while still frozen into meals, which are delivered to you frozen. Storage mites may be found in dry dog food, which could cause your dog to have diarrhoea or vomiting
We know that your dog is a loved member of your family and you want to do the best for them. To help you to do that, we have a range of helpful guides covering what dogs can eat so they get all the nutrients they need to be their healthiest, happiest self.
References
- Dog food for sensitive stomachs, Hillspet: https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-care/routine-care/caring-for-dog-with-sensitive-stomach
- Bloat in dogs, Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/bloat-in-dogs
- Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs, vca animal hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs#:~:text=Predisposed%20breeds%20include%20Great%20Danes,Bernard%2C%20and%203)%20Weimaraner.
- Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals, UFAW: https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/irish-setter-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-syndrome
- 8 reasons bone broth is the superfood your pup needs, American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
FAQs
Is grain free good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Grain-free food can be a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Grains contain lectins (proteins that combine to form carbohydrates), which are linked to Intestinal Permeability, commonly known as Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut is where food molecules leak into the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation.
The fermentation of grains in the digestive system can also cause bloat, which is when the dog’s stomach extends or twists.
What food is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
The best option is to choose a diet made with fresh, natural ingredients that supports your dog’s overall health. We choose the ingredients that go into our meals because of their nutritional benefits, so we don’t have to use synthetic additives that offer little nutritional value.
Choosing a low-carb diet is also a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We don’t include carbs like potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, and other grains in our meals, as these ingredients can cause a range of wellness challenges, including inflammation.
Are scrambled eggs good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A lightly scrambled egg made without milk can be fed to dogs with sensitive stomachs. Eggs are filled with nutrients, which can help support your dog’s recovery from stomach upsets. However, if your dog is having a sensitive stomach flare-up, avoid feeding raw eggs, as it is more demanding on the digestive system.
How many times a day should you feed a dog with a sensitive stomach?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach flare-up, it can be better to feed them smaller, more regular meals instead of 1 or 2 larger meals during the day, as smaller meals place less strain on the digestive system.
How do you know if your dog's food is upsetting their stomach?
If you have fed your dog and they experience issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, or wind within a short time, it can be logical to link it to food. If you have ruled out other potential causes like parasites, food allergy, or food intolerance and your pet has ongoing stomach issues, it’s best to chat with your vet to consider whether a sensitive stomach is the cause.
What should dogs with a sensitive stomach not eat?
The best option is to avoid food that you know flares up your dog’s stomach or that they are allergic to or intolerant to. Also, avoiding foods that are more difficult to digest, like food containing grains, can be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Is Bella & Duke suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Yes, our meals can be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Our food contains all the nutrients your dog needs, provided by high-quality proteins, select vegetables and berries, superfoods, and healthy fats. We don’t include grains, carbohydrates, or cow’s dairy in our food, which can be trigger foods for some dogs.
Is raw food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Raw food can be an option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Our meals use 100% natural, nutrient-rich ingredients, which means we don’t need to use additives or preservatives, which some dogs can be sensitive to.
What can I feed my raw fed dog with an upset stomach?
Feeding a complete, balanced, and easily digestible diet is best for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Proteins that are easier for dogs to digest include chicken, turkey mince, and fish. Supplementing your dog’s diet with natural bone broth gives a nutritional boost when they’re not feeling 100%.
What is the best protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
If your dog is experiencing a flare up of their symptoms, lightly scrambled eggs without milk are a fantastic source of protein, providing a complete range of amino acids. Chicken and turkey mince cooked with no-added seasoning are also good protein sources for dogs with sensitive stomachs during flare ups. Please avoid giving these proteins to your dog if you know they are allergic or intolerant.
What is the hardest protein for dogs to digest?
Proteins like beef, lamb, and duck are rich and can be harder for some dogs to digest.
What is the easiest digestible protein for dogs?
As long as your dog isn’t allergic or intolerant, proteins like chicken, turkey, and white fish are easier on the stomach, so these could be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
