Best For Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Natural Adult
Senior dogs have a different need for nutrients. With this formula, you can provide them with a limited ingredient diet that doesnt contain chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs. This makes it the ideal choice for aging dogs that have sensitivities to different food ingredients. Instead of any of those ingredients, this formula starts with real turkey as a single animal protein source alongside potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to gently support your dogs digestive system. Along with these gentle ingredients, this formula includes a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These life source bits are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to keep supporting your dogs immune system and healthy oxidative balance as he ages.
What Should I Do If I Think My Puppy Or Dog Has A Sensitive Stomach And Diarrhea
A vet can help you figure out why your dog is sick or having diarrhea.
It is always advisable you speak with a veterinarian when dealing with frequent, excessive diarrhea or bought of vomiting due to a sensitive stomach.
While an elimination diet that you diligently monitor can be started at home, youll still need the help of a vet to determine if there are any underlying health concerns. The diet should help eliminate what foods your dog or puppy may have sensitivity to such as beef, dairy, or wheat .
Once youve picked your new diet, introduce it gradually and give it a try as the only food that your German Shepherd receives. If they improve, then you can keep them on that diet.
Especially schedule a check-up if your dog or puppy is not recovering from mild diarrhea at home. German Shepherds with frequent bouts of diarrhea may become dehydrated which complicates their health further.
Dont wait to seek help when in doubt.
Speak to your veterinarian in situations where:
- the diarrhea is increasing and is accompanied with bouts of vomiting
- there are bloody mucous or blood in the stool
Most vet clinics have 24-hour emergency service so dont delay in seeking treatment. Some stomach problems cant be solved with food changes alone and need medications to help resolve them.
Why Do Dogs Suffer From Sensitive Stomachs
A variety of things can cause your dog to suffer from a sensitive stomach, and youll need to perform a little bit of detective work to determine the things that cause her the most trouble. You should learn as much as you can about the things that commonly upset dogs stomachs, but youll also have to engage in a little trial-and-error.
However, it is important to realize that it may be impossible to definitively determine the root cause of your dogs digestive difficulties. In such cases, youll simply need to do your best to find a dog food your dog can digest easily.
Four of the most common reasons for a dogs stomach sensitivity include:
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Homemade Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomach
There is always the option to make your own dog treats if your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach. Many of the commercial treats sold contain sweeteners and preservatives and sometimes color enhancers.
With homemade dog treats, you can completely control the ingredients and its not rocket science to make them. There are tons of recipes online. Here is one very basic and simple recipe for tasty beef/turkey treats.
Remember no salt, sugars, spices, or any additives are required
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Plain Beef/Turkey Treats
If you know your dog is not sensitive to beef or turkey then this type of treat will go down well with your furry pal.Purchase mince meat or ground turkey.Then make mince meat or turkey ground meat into small bite-sized little balls or lumps.Place them in the oven and bake until all the fat has gone and that they feel completely dryThis can take an hour or two.When dry and cooled place them in a bag and leave them in the fridge to keep them fresh.Then use the treats as needed.
WikiHowprovides great recipes for tasty homemade treats your dog will love and one good recipe is the Cinnamon Dog Biscuits.
Best For Puppies: Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe
Puppies are just as prone to upset tummies as adult dogs- if not more. After all, transitioning from milk to kibble can be a trial and error process that comes with loose stool and occasional vomiting. To avoid going through this process, its best to start off with balanced, high-quality puppy food right away. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe uses only premium, clean protein sources and has a formula with limited ingredients- so there are fewer possible culprits for your pets upset digestion. The formula for puppies is made with real chicken and whole egg, contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, and it is also grain-free so no corn, soy, or wheat anywhere on the list. Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, this dry dog food has everything your puppy needs to thrive without experiencing gastrointestinal upset!
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Do Vets Recommend Purina Pro Plan
Yes, Purina Pro Plan is good for dogs. Supported by over 400 Purina scientists, including nutritionists, behaviorists, and veterinarians, Pro Plan dog food formulas offer advanced nutrition and the highest quality ingredients to nourish your dogs better life. Pro Plan is recommended by veterinarians.
Canidae Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Premium easy-to-digest dog food
About: CANIDAE Life Stages Dog Foodis a premium-ingredient sensitive stomach dog food that is made without many of the problematic ingredients found in other foods.
Formulated by veterinarians to be easily digested, CANIDAE Life Stages is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Wed also recommend it as a great dog food for pit bulls or any other breed thats predisposed to joint issues as well as tummy troubles, since this dry dog food boasts omega fatty acids to help with joint healthy as well as probiotics and other compositional properties that make it easy on the stomach.
Features
- Fortified with pro-biotics to help ensure your pups digestive system works like it should.
- Suitable for puppies and dogs of all life stages, which eliminates the need to transition to different foods over time.
- Includes Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support joint health and promote good coat condition.
NOTE: While this food is available on Amazon, owners report receiving counterfeit or expired kibble that does not much the usual color or size of Canidaes food. For this reason, we recommend purchasing CANIDAE Life Stages from Chewy.com .
PROS
CONS
Lamb meal, brown rice, cracked pearled barley, rice bran, peas…,
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Customers Choice: Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics
We all know how probiotics are essential for gut health- and its no different for dogs. Enriched with live probiotics, this dry dog food is formulated to support your dogs immune system and promote healthy digestion in dogs with sensitive stomachs. In addition to live probiotic cultures, Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics combines real chicken and brown rice to create a recipe that is gentle on the stomach but packed with important nutrients. The formula is also unique because of its texture, as it combines both classic kibble pieces and tender shredded chicken bites, to make the food more tantalizing to picky eaters with sensitive tummies. And guess what- it usually does the trick!
American Journey Lid Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Key Features:
Ollie is human-grade dog food delivered right to your door step. This super premium food is our top choice for dogs because its formulated to specifically target skin, eye and hearth health.
Ollie is a fresh, minimally processed dog food. Ingredients are gently cooked to preserve flavor and nutrients. For pets with sensitive stomachs, Ollie doesnt contain any soy, corn or wheat.
- Pros: Fresh, human-grade dog food delivered to your door, customizable meal plans
- Cons: Requires a freezer, may take up a good chunk of space
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Is Dog Food Formulated For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs Healthy For My Pet
If your dog has stomach problems, it could help to move them to a diet specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. These diets are designed to get tummy issues under control.
Those dogs that have demonstrated gastrointestinal signs or recurring gastrointestinal signs can benefit from dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs, says Richardson.
Just keep in mind that if your dog has more severe GI issues, they might need a vet-prescribed diet to feel their best. This is especially important if your dogs sensitive stomach issues are a result of allergies.
An important distinction exists between dogs with a sensitive stomach and those with true food allergies. Those with food allergies require a specially formulated diet that is either completely hypoallergenic or what we call a novel protein source, such as duck or rabbit, that the dogs immune system does not react to, says Richardson. Over the counter diets that claim to be hypoallergenic or novel protein do not have the same quality control as veterinary prescription diets where there is absolutely no cross-contamination during the manufacturing of the diets.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Sensitive Stomach In Dogs
The classic signs of a sensitive stomach include intermittent loose stools or diarrhoea, nausea and excessive wind. There may be blood in the stools and your dog might vomit. Sometimes when a dog has eaten a food that triggers their sensitive stomach, theyll be less active and possibly reluctant to go for a walk. The odd self-limiting episode of wind or loose stools is part and parcel of a dogs life but if the symptoms become chronic and you notice weight loss, get your dog checked over by their vet.
This chart will help you understand and explain your dog’s stools to a veterinary professional.
The symptoms of sensitive stomach can be similar to those seen in irritable bowel syndrome , inflammatory bowel disease , colitis , gastroenteritis and pancreatitis , so its important to note the frequency and types of symptoms as this will help the vet with diagnosis.
Did you know that a sensitive stomach can spark off itchy skin in dogs? Look out for lots of scratching, areas of hair loss and sore, dry skin. In light coloured dogs, reddish-brown marks on the face known as tear stains are also a sign of irritated skin, which may be linked to a dietary sensitivity.
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Tips For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Finding the best food for your sensitive stomach is a challenging task. However, there are tips and tricks to make your task easier when buying food for your dog with sensitive stomachs.
Firstly, youll have to avoid feeding them anything too greasy or fatty. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can have a hard time digesting these foods. So instead, try feeding them a diet that is high in protein.
You should also avoid feeding your dog any spicy or salty foods because the seasonings and spices are not suitable for dogs health and immune system.
In addition, its essential to make sure that your dog is getting enough water. Dogs can often become dehydrated very quickly. So be sure to provide them with enough fresh water to drink.
If your dog is having trouble digesting food, you may want to try feeding them a probiotic supplement. Probiotics can help promote healthy digestion and can be especially helpful for dogs with weak stomachs.
Finally, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about prescribing them a digestive enzyme supplement. Digestive enzymes can help break down food to make it easier for the dog to digest.
What Is Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Sensitive stomach dog food is formulated to be highly digestible, with high-quality ingredients, so that it is gentle on your dogs digestive tract.
The best dog food for sensitive stomach is a special pet food type that is particularly formulated so that it is easily digestible. It contains high-quality ingredients and superfoods that are easy on your dogs digestive tract.
The best dog food for sensitive stomach usually contains a single protein source, has low-fat content, and is gluten-free. It promotes easy digestion and relieves symptoms of an upset stomach.
Many of these dog foods can be sold as limited ingredient diets that have been loaded with probiotics and prebiotic fiber, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids and contain low levels of carbohydrates.
Most dog food brands that sell sensitive stomach dog food will use antioxidants to boost your dogs diet and immune system prebiotics to help maintain healthy gut flora, fish oil to help maintain healthy skin and promote a shiny coat taurine, and othersupplements to improve heart health.
Finally, the best dog food for sensitive stomach will be free from excess carbs, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
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What Are The Causes Of A Sensitive Stomach
A sensitive stomach can be caused by a number of factors. Unfortunately, for some dogs it can be something they inherit, which means owners have to source sensitive stomach puppy food right from the start of puppyhood.
A sudden change of diet may also be the reason behind your dogs upset stomach. This is common. As dog owners, were always looking for the best food for our dogs. Thats great, but the more frequently we change our dogs diets, the less time they have to get used to the ingredients. Once you find a bag of food your dog likes, try sticking with it.
For many dogs, some ingredients just dont sit well. Certain types of meat can play havoc and dogs can quickly develop allergic or intolerant reactions. Thats why plenty of owners opt to buy hypoallergenic dog food – designed specifically for those with allergies or intolerances. Grains are also known to be particularly difficult for some dogs to digest.
Despite this, youll still find them in many commercial, mass-market bags of dog food. Thats because grains are predominantly cheap fillers – cost effective but lacking in nutritious value. You can discover more about grains and our dog foods in our ultimate guide to grain-free dog food.
For other dogs, a sensitive stomach may be triggered by something thats out of our control. Things like worms and bacterial infections can sneak their way into our dogs food – or stuff theyve eaten elsewhere.
Eliminate Extra Food Items
Not all dogs are walking garbage disposals. Some dogs, just like some people, suffer from sensitive stomachs that are easily irritated or upset. This can be challenging for owners struggling to find a way to make their dogs more comfortable at mealtimes. One possible cause of your dogs sensitive stomach is his diet. Sometimes, finding the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs can reduce your dogs symptoms and get his GI tract back on track.
Finding out if your dogs food is the issue is easy, although it might require some willpower on your part. Start by eliminating any extra food items from his diet. This includes table scraps, treats, and anything else your dog might enjoy nibbling on throughout the day. You should also check to see if your dog is sneaking into the trash, litter box, or any other forbidden treasure trove of things that make dogs sick. Not only will this help his stomach, it could also save him from a trip to the veterinary emergency room. If your dogs stomach is still upset after a few days without treats and scraps, and you are positive that he is not breaking into the trash while you are away, then it is time to examine the food itself.
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Best Overall Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
Purina is a premium brand with a name that you can trust. Their sensitive skin and stomach formula is fully researched using food trials and their formulas and backed by veterinary nutritionists.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon Adult Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food helps protect your dogs sensitive stomach with easily digestible ingredients. Crafted with real salmon and easy on the tummy oats, this research-backed formula contains no soy, wheat, or artificial colors or flavors that can cause belly upsets or skin flare-ups.
Alongside stomach-loving antioxidants for your dogs immune support, the nutritious bounty is crafted using EPA and glucosamine for joint health.
And, if that wasnt enough
The dry kibble is strengthened with both prebiotics and probiotics for beneficial digestion.
Buyers Guide: Picking The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
This sensitive food buying guide will help you choose the right food for your German Shepherd.
When selecting the right dog food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs, understanding what you should look for is critical to making the right decision for their health.
There are several factors to consider when comparing sensitive dog foods:
- Ingredients: One of the most important things to consider, especially for dogs with sensitivities and diarrhea issues.
- Life stage formulation: The life stage formulation helps to ensure your dog gets the right amount of nutrition and calories for their age.
- Price and budget: The price of sensitive dog foods, especially for a large German Shepherd, plays a role in which food many owners feed their dog. Some owners have a limited budget for speciality foods.
- Portion size : While you might think a large bag of dog food is a great deal, the calorie content is more important.
Lets take a peek at each of the standards so youll understand what to look for when buying your German Shepherds next bag of dog food.
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