Top 8 Best Dog Food for Digestive Problems in 2023 Reviewed

Highest Rated Food for Dogs With Gastrointestinal Issues

Hill’s Science Diet Adult – Best Overall

The Hill’s Science Diet Adult is the best dog food for sensitive stomach and gas due to a perfect blend of ingredients. This company manufactures specialized components, which targets various health condition.

The formula focuses on adult dogs, between the ages of one and six, which occasionally have loose stool and gastrointestinal disorder. However, this recipe contains a lot of proteins. It will soothe diarrhea-related issues.

It’s packed with prebiotic and oat fibers for better digestion and firm stool. We should also mention the presence of antioxidants. They are crucial for a healthy immune system.

Purina Pro Plan FOCUS – Ideal For Sensitive Skin & Stomach

According to many satisfied pet owners, Purina Pro Plan features a complete and well-balanced nutrition for adult canines. You should give your four-legged friend the best he deserves.

The first ingredient salmon, combined with prebiotic fibers, is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Also, the recipe is enriched with rice, oatmeal, and omega-3 fatty acids. The oatmeal is one of the most natural digestible carbohydrates.

These ingredients will promote healthy joints and mobility. The omega-6 fatty acid, as well as zinc, will give your pet nourished skin and a healthy looking coat. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS features the real salmon meat. And, it doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, or any additives.

Instinct Be Natural Recipe – Best Natural Dry Food

Whether your dog is sensitive to food, or you know that some formula will upset his digestion, then you want to provide him with the best possible nutrition. The Instinct Be Natural Recipe is made from wild-caught salmon.

This easily absorbed protein is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, for healthy skin and coat. The formula features carbohydrates and high amount of vitamins and minerals. They are ideal for balanced diet.

Also, a simple ingredient list, with one protein and one vegetable is designed with a purpose. It will allow you pet fast and efficient digestion, without causing any issues.

The blend doesn’t contain eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Wellness Simple Natural – Fit For Dogs With Allergies

Pet parents often neglect salmon, which is an excellent source of protein in dog food. The Wellness Natural Formula is perfect for canines suffering from skin conditions and allergies.

The food doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors. On the other hand, salmon oil will provide omega fatty acids, ideal for skin and coat.

Veggies, such as potato, will satisfy starchy cravings your furry companion may have. While some puppies love eating corn, it’s not a good idea to feed them in large portions. That’s why the product doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy.

Probiotics will promote excellent digestion, and help your best friend absorb nutrients.

Blue Buffalo Basics – Best Grain Free

This Limited Ingredient formula is the best dog food for sensitive stomach large breed. If your pet suffers from food sensitivities, or it’s prone to allergies than Blue Buffalo Basics will be the right fit.

The food is enriched with high-quality protein, including the turkey meat. However, there is no soy, corn, eggs, dairy, or wheat.

You will notice the presence of fish oil, in the form of omega fatty acids. With its help, your dog will have healthy skin and a shiny coat. Also, the product is packed with calcium and potassium. It will ensure strong bones and teeth.

The formula features glucosamine as well. Even though, at a low level, glucosamine will protect joints prone to disease.

Natural Balance – Perfect For All Ages

The Natural Balance diet is made to promote healthy digestion. Considering it provides complete and balanced nutrition, it will support your dog through all life stages.

It features a limited number of supreme proteins, as well as carbohydrates. Whether your dog has sensitive stomach, or you require some alternative solution, then this grain-free formula will be an excellent match.

The product is enriched with high-quality chicken. This exceptional protein source will offer your pet essential amino acids. And, it will help him maintain strong muscle tone.

If you are looking for a grain-free alternative, then sweet potato will be an excellent addition.

Merrick – Best Gluten-Free

Merrick Reach Chicken and Sweet Potato formula is excellent dry dog food. The level of nutrients is above average, as well as, the proportion of protein and fat.

The meat-based ingredients, like chicken, turkey, and salmon will ensure your four-legged friend has more than enough proteins. This product also features vegetables such as peas and sweet potatoes.

They are considered to be none-harmful carbohydrates and are absorbed efficiently. When we break down the calories, with this formula, you are getting 37% of protein, 38% of fat, and 25% of carbohydrates.

Canines use fat as a concentrated energy source. That’s why fat plays a crucial role in development and maintenance.

Holistic Select – Best All-Natural

The Holistic Select recipe is manufactured to support digestive health for your pet. It is enriched with active probiotics, fibers, and digestive enzymes. The food is combined with essential natural ingredients. They will ensure the absorption and utilization of all crucial nutrients.

Additionally, the food contains balanced amount of whole grains. It includes oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa, which boost up energy levels.

The mixture of healthy fruits and vegetables, including pumpkin and papaya, feature enough fiber and promote digestion. What makes this diet different is the small number of live microorganisms. They are often found in a digestive tract.

Buying Considerations

High Fiber Content

Fiber enriched diet will largely depend on your pet’s condition. However, there are two types of fibers you should pay attention to:

• Soluble fibers – increase the water content, often found in beet pulp, oats, barley, guar, root vegetables, and fruits
• Insoluble fibers – boost up the quality of loose stool and stimulate the colon. You can find them in potato, vegetable skin, and wheat.

Moderate Fat Content

High concentration of fat tends to slow down the digestion. It will increase the chances of acid reflux, diarrhea, and vomiting. In most cases, the best dog food for chronic diarrhea will have a balanced fat level.

Food containing 6-15% of dry matter, will be an excellent choice.

Easy To Digest

Digestibility is one of the crucial features when choosing a canine diet. It measures how fast nutrients are absorbed into the body.

Dogs with gastrointestinal issues should eat formula that has at least 85-90% digestibility. However, you won’t find this information on the packaging. A quick call to a company will provide you with this data.

Additives

A canine diet featuring additives may cause several side effects. That’s why you should avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Considering your pet has sensitive stomach, you need to select food with natural ingredients. They will promote digestion and ensure the motility of bowls.

Probiotics

Probiotics, or so-called good bacteria, restore the bacterial balance in the intestines. In most cases, pet care companies add Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus to their formula.

If your canine’s diet doesn’t contain these compounds, then you can buy probiotic supplements. Therefore, their role is crucial, and it will provide proper digestion.

What Causes Digestive Problems In Canines?

Protein

Even though dogs love meat, some breeds have a hard time digesting certain types of protein. For example, if your canine eats fish-based diet than switch to another protein source.

You can try with a lamb, chicken, or beef until you find his match.

Vitamins and Minerals

In most cases, commercial dog foods feature enough vitamins and minerals. However, some pet parents feed their dogs with home cooked diet or raw meat.

So, it’s possible that your furry companion is suffering from nutrient deficiency. Talk to your vet, to ensure proper digestion and the right nutrition.

Fat

A significant content of fat can cause diarrhea. To avoid this from happening, make sure to feed your puppy with chicken breasts or rabbit meat.

They are low in fat and should keep your canine’s diet in check. Try to find the best wet dog food for sensitive stomach, and cut down the fat intake.

Fibers

Sometimes puppies require more fiber in their diet. Oatmeal for dogs with diarrhea is an excellent choice. It can improve digestibility, without compromising other nutrients.

But, before you decide to introduce extra fibers to your dog’s diet, make sure to consult your vet.

Symptoms Of An Upset Stomach

Fever

Dog’s temperature is one of the indicators your pet has an upset stomach. For the most accurate results, you should use a rectal thermometer.

101.5 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be average body temperature. However, if it’s higher than 202, then you should rush your pet to a vet immediately.

Flatulence

Gasses are a regular occurrence with dogs. And, some breeds are more prone to flatulence, than others. Bacterial fermentation creates a byproduct, flatus.

A diet packed with fermentable fibers and certain types of carbohydrates often causes this disorder. Even though, flatulence might be natural, but too much gas points out that something is wrong with your canine.

Fatigue

Your four-legged friend can’t tell you what’s wrong unless you notice changes in his behavior. If your pet becomes withdrawn and less interactive with family, then he’s either in pain, or sick.

Fatigue is one of the symptoms and indicates digestive disorders. If you see changes in his behavior, take him to the vet clinic.

Bloody Stool

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis causes bloody stool. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but there are a lot of theories surrounding this condition.

It can be a change in food, a virus, or bacterial infection. If you notice a sudden difference in a previously healthy canine than this can be a symptom of Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

Vomiting

Vomiting is often caused by gastroenteritis, the inflammation of stomach and intestines. It can happen when you change your pet’s food, or your dog eats a foreign material.

Canines with gastroenteritis, in most cases, experience vomiting and diarrhea. However, this can be a temporary shift in bowel bacteria, so there is no need to panic.

Loose Stools

Loose stool is a clear sign your dog has digestive issues and can lead to dehydration. This condition often happens in repeated motions and can last for a couple of days.

It’s often runny and liquidly, so you can’t miss the initial symptoms. Make sure to address this problem as soon as you notice it.

Benefits Of A Good Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Stops Additional / Prolonged Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be an ongoing issue if you don’t act immediately. The condition can disappear within hours. However, the poor choice of food can prolong the symptoms, and lead to severe disorders.

That’s why you should focus on a balanced diet. There are a lot of food manufacturers on the market, so take your pick.

Prevents Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

IBD happens when canine’s stomach or bowels become home to an increasingly high number of inflammatory cells. They can disturb normal absorption of food, and cause changes in the tissue.

However, a proper dog diet can minimize the symptoms and even prevent this disorder.

Prevents Allergic Reactions

Signs of allergic reaction may depend, but mostly they involve itching. They can happen at any time, regardless of your dog’s age. Vomiting, diarrhea, and gassiness are usually followed by allergic reaction.

On the other hand, a well-balanced meal, that will match your pet’s needs is the right answer.

Gives Proper Nutrition

A sensitive digestion dog food is packed with proteins, fiber, omega fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin. It will promote digestion and decrease the chances of developing diarrhea.

This type of nutrition has a specially balanced set of ingredients. It eases the absorption of nutrients and boosts up your canine’s health.

Balanced Diet

In this case, you can either resort to homemade dog food for acid reflux or choose some of the popular manufacturers. However, purchasing a canine’s food will give you peace of mind.

Pet care companies usually choose a variety of healthy ingredients. And, they are designed to prevent the loose stool.

Prevents Inactivity

Inactivity often indicates digestive problems. It means your furry companion is in pain and he doesn’t want to move.

Once you change his daily habits and switch to better food, his condition will significantly improve. Take him to the vet, just in case, to confirm your suspicions.

Reduces pain

The majority of dog feeding formulas feature probiotics. They have a significant impact on your pet’s digestive tract. With the proper food, you can restore intestinal flora and enhance digestion.

Automatically, this will reduce the pain, or any discomfort your pet may have.

Just be patient! It takes a couple of days for your dog to restore his normal functions.

Eliminates Food Sensitivities

Usually, food sensitivities are linked to allergies. If your dog’s digestive tract is damaged enough, then you’ll have troubles finding the right food.

But, focusing on his diet, and introducing a formula that will match his condition, may have numerous positive effects. Later on, you won’t have to worry about food sensitivities any more.

Healthy Skin

Dog food for sensitive stomach is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They enable your dog to have a shiny coat and healthy skin.

The skin is one of the most critical body parts. And, as a pet owner, you need to make sure it’s stay protected.

Helpful Tips for Canines with Digestion Problems

Here are a couple of tricks, which can help you solve this issue:

• Millet – vets often prescribe white rice in case of diarrhea. However, some canines have a hard time digesting white and brown rice. That’s why using a millet is an excellent choice.
• White potato – it’s an easily digestible vegetable, which makes it perfect for gastrointestinal issues. You can boil, steam, or bake the potato. Make sure to remove the skin before serving it.
• Banana – it will help your pet restore energy, and hydrate his digestive system.
• Peppermint – this cooling herb is excellent for stomach problems. Peppermint will calm the intestinal muscles and enabled trapped gasses to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can too much protein in dog food cause it?

There is no connection between protein intake and diarrhea with dog. Usually, canine’s food is packed with high-quality protein, and it’s one of the main ingredients.

However, some breeds are sensitive to certain types of proteins. For instance, maybe lamb meat causing your canine to have diarrhea.

• Can boiled chicken and brown rice help alleviate the symptoms?

Yes!

You can make small rice balls with boiled chicken and pumpkin. Mix them with natural herbs, to further boost the digestive tract of your pet. Spices such as fennel, rosemary, and slippery elm will be a perfect choice for this mix.

• Should I give them a bland food diet?

Bland food diet is crucial during this period. Ingredients you should use:

• White rice – if your dog can digest it
• Cooked chicken
• Chicken broth
• Pumpkin
• Boiled potato
• Herbs
• Probiotics

You can find many DIY recipes online. With the help of a bland diet, your pet will be able to overcome this condition.

• What are good homemade food recipes that can help improve loose stools?

Here are a couple of recipes that should do the trick and they only involve cooking:

• Boiled chicken, or boiled turkey breast
• Canned tuna
• Cooked eggs
• Canned pumpkin
• White rice
• Boiled sweet potato
• Bone Broth