A lot of puppies in the first few months of their lives get sensitive stomachs. As their immune and digestive systems develop, they may become more susceptible to vomiting and diarrhoea when stressed or eating new food. These issues often improve as your puppy ages, but it could be a sign of a more serious condition or a chronic sensitive stomach if symptoms persist. Luckily, there are puppy food options for sensitive stomachs out there.
Our guide below explores the signs of a sensitive stomach in puppies, the best food to feed your pup, and the ingredients to avoid if your dog is having trouble keeping things down. We will also explore our top brands here at Fetch, helping you make the best decision for your pooch.
- How Can I Tell if My Puppy Has a Sensitive Stomach?
Here are the key signs to look out for if your puppy has a sensitive stomach
- What is the Best Food for a Puppy with a Sensitive Stomach?
Some food options are better than others when soothing a dog’s stomach
- What Ingredients Should I Avoid When Feeding a Puppy with a Sensitive Stomach?
Some foods can trigger illness in your dog; here’s what to look out for
- What Brands are Recommended for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs?
Here are our top choices at Fetch
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
How Can I Tell if My Puppy Has a Sensitive Stomach?
There are some key signs of sensitive stomachs in puppies, including:
- Loose, watery stool, or diarrhoea
- Excessive gas
- Vomiting
- Reluctance to eat or slow eating
- Abdominal pain (evident if you touch their tummy and they flinch or they have a hunched posture)
- Lethargy
- Skin issues, if it’s an allergy
If your puppy shows any of these symptoms, you may find that their current food is aggravating the issue. Consult a vet if these issues persist to rule out any underlying medical issues. Before changing their diet, book an appointment with a canine nutritionist for information on what food to choose and how to gradually make the change to prevent further gastrointestinal upset.
What is the Best Food for a Puppy with a Sensitive Stomach?
When choosing dog food for your sensitive pup, consider options that are easy to digest and are free of common irritants and allergens, such as wheat, soy, beef and chicken. We recommend cold-pressed puppy food for easy digestion; it is cooked at lower temperatures than regular kibble, preserving natural enzymes and breaking down quickly in the stomach. This prevents bloating, swelling and digestive discomfort.
For extra comfort when eating, look for puppy food that includes novel proteins, such as turkey and fish, and hydrolysed diets that encourage gentle digestion and reduce potential triggers.
You can browse our full collection of puppy food here.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid When Feeding a Puppy with a Sensitive Stomach?
It is important to check the ingredients carefully when buying food for puppies with sensitive stomachs. Common red flags on ingredients lists include:
- Ingredients that are identified as common food allergens, such as dairy, eggs and yeast.
- Common protein allergens: beef and chicken are the main culprits
- Low-quality carbohydrates, including wheat, soy and corn
- Artificial ingredients like colours and preservatives
- “Meat meal” or food where the main protein source is not explicitly specified
Puppy food that states the main novel protein source used and uses easily digestible carbs, such as sweet potato, is the best choice if your pup is suffering from a sensitive stomach.
What Brands are Recommended for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs?
At Fetch, we recommend the following brands for pups with sensitive stomachs:
- Raw Puppy Food: raw novel proteins such as turkey and rabbit are easily digestible and mimic your dog’s ancestral diet, making them perfect for your dog's growth and health. Naked Pup rabbit is 100% fresh, grain and gluten-free, and contains the natural prebiotic chicory root, which promotes good gut flora.
- Cobbydog Cold Pressed Puppy Food: not only is DARF cold pressed puppy food full of natural ingredients and minimally processed, but it is also in a smaller pellet form than regular kibble, making it easier for your puppy to chew and digest.
- Arquivet Semi Moist Cold Pressed Puppy Food: crafted from 75% fresh meat and vegetables, fruits and medicinal herbs, Arquivet is the go-to option if you want to provide your dog with a complete diet from the very beginning. The semi-moist texture also makes it much more palatable for picky eaters.
Puppies with sensitive stomachs need food that is not only going to soothe their symptoms, but will also support their rapid growth and developing immune systems too. To craft a bespoke diet plan for your puppy, get in touch with one of our canine wellbeing experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Puppies Outgrow Sensitive Stomachs?
Yes, many puppies do outgrow their sensitive tummies as their immune systems develop. However, some puppies have underlying conditions which may need monitoring as they grow into adulthood.
Are There Specific Dry Puppy Foods Recommended for Sensitive Stomachs?
There are plenty of dry puppy food options out there, ideal for young pups with sensitive stomachs. At Fetch, we recommend the Nourish Rite brand, a grain free option with formulas tailored towards small and large breeds alike. They have novel protein options such as salmon and turkey for pooches with allergies.
Is Sensitive Stomach Puppy Food Safe for Everyday Feeding?
Puppy food for sensitive stomachs is safe for everyday feeding as part of your dog’s regular feeding schedule. You can work out how much your puppy should be eating by using our puppy feeding calculator below.
How Does Sensitive Stomach Puppy Food Differ from Regular Puppy Food?
Sensitive stomach puppy food differs from regular puppy food as it pays more attention to high digestibility, including novel proteins and excluding common allergens like wheat and soy. Puppy food that ticks all of these boxes is perfect for almost all puppies, not just those with sensitive stomachs.
Can Certain Foods Help Quickly Settle a Puppy’s Upset Stomach?
Bland, easily digestible food should be your go-to option if your puppy suddenly develops an upset stomach. Try feeding them boiled chicken (if they don’t have an allergy), white rice or pumpkin, but don’t force them to eat if they aren’t feeling up to it.