Healthy Living for Dogs: How To Find Dog Food for a Sensitive Stomach

Digestive issues can affect all dogs. If you have a dog struggling with meals and treats because of digestive upset, it may be time to look for specific types of dog food for their sensitive stomach. Understanding why your pet is sick can help you decide which food is best suited for them.

Does Your Dog Need Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach?

How do you know that your dog has a sensitive stomach? Before you can purchase the right for your animal, you need to know what's happening in your pup's digestive tract. Symptoms of digestive issues include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Increased flatulence

Dogs with stomach pain may stay hunched in a praying posture. When lifted, they may yelp in pain. There can be a number of causes for these issues.

Stress

You might know that stress can cause stomach upset in humans, but it can do the same for dogs. Dogs under pressure or anxiety can suffer from stomach upset, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. Illness related to stress often occurs during travel, moving or significant changes.

Toxic Substances

Various substances and human foods are toxic to dogs. Human food, plants, flowers and other chemicals can cause digestive problems when ingested. Some of the toxins can result in severe illness. Even medication given to animals can cause digestive upset. While recovering, bland, simple dog food for sensitive stomach allow for the GI system to heal.

Inflammatory Conditions

A dog might have digestive issues due to allergies or inflammatory bowel disease. In some instances, the vet may recommend a feeding trial to figure out what types of foods are causing digestive upset. Once the vet diagnoses your furry friend, you must keep to a strict regimen that reduces stomach upset.

Infectious Illnesses

Young dogs and puppies are most prone to infectious diseases like parvovirus. However, older dogs can also suffer from bacterial, fungal and viral infections. While diet changes alone may not treat infectious conditions, many dogs are helped by a bland diet during and following treatment.

Which Foods Are Easy on Your Dog's Stomach?

There are several options for feeding a dog with a sensitive stomach. Whichever you choose, be sure to change the food slowly. If you change your dog's diet too quickly, it can make them sick. Instead, blend the new and old food and change the ratio gradually over several days.

Prescription Dog Food

Depending on your dog's condition and the severity of his stomach issues, a vet may prescribe dog food for sensitive stomach. Vets may suggest other diets before settling on a prescription. To find the right dog food, you must practice patience. A food that helps pups with similar issues may not help yours. If the food your vet suggests does not work, don't become discouraged. Instead, continue to try to find the right food. You may consult a veterinary nutritionist to find a custom-tailored meal plan for your pet.

Balanced Dog Food

Like most dog parents, you are probably well acquainted with the dog food aisle at most stores. There are an overwhelming amount of different formulas available. While this could be intimidating initially, it can be a help for dogs in need of other options to soothe their upset stomachs.

Look for dog foods that are complete and balanced, formulated with all of the necessary nutrients. If your pup has any nutritional deficiencies, a complete and balanced diet can help eliminate any digestive issues caused by them.

Home-Cooked Dog Food

Sometimes the best dog food for sensitive stomach is the food that you cook at home. Nowadays, more people are turning towards preparing meals at home for their pets. When you prepare your dog's food, you have control over the ingredients that you put in it.

For example, if your dog has an upset stomach or diarrhea, bland chicken and rice can soothe the stomach. Understanding your dog's basic needs can help you determine what kinds of foods to prepare.

Fatty Acids

Animal fats and plant seed oils make up the majority of fats in a dog's diet. Dogs require fatty acids to support the health of their cells and coat. You can include fatty acids in homemade meals by using plant-based oils like corn, canola, soybean or flaxseed. You can also add fish oil or fish treats to the meal to enhance the fatty acid content and add flavor to the food.

Fiber

For your pup's GI system to function correctly, they need fiber in his diet. When prepping dog food for sensitive stomach, consider different fruits and vegetables for fiber. Healthy plants for dogs include pumpkin, carrots, brown rice, flaxseed, apples and dark leafy greens.

Protein

There are 10 essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce on their own. You must ensure they receive the necessary amino acids when preparing their diet so their bodies can make protein. Without enough protein, they cannot transform glucose into energy. Protein sources for your dog include turkey, chicken, pork, lamb, beef and salmon. Try to use lean cuts of meat without bones, fat and skin.

Carbohydrates

When you think of your dog's diet, you might not think about carbohydrates. Dogs do require some carbs for energy. Starches and dietary fibers from sources like pasta, quinoa, oatmeal and rice can be included in a balanced diet.

Vitamins

Dogs require various vitamins and minerals to remain healthy, including vitamins A, B, E, D, C, and K and choline. Likewise, dogs require magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, calcium, sulfur, copper and selenium. However, keep in mind that too many vitamins and minerals can also be harmful. It is essential to give your dog balanced meals based on their breed, size, age and activity level.

Take Care of Your Pup With Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Finding dog food for sensitive stomach becomes a priority when you have a pet with digestive issues. Feeding and treating your dog doesn't have to be a pain. At 2 Dogs Treats, we understand the importance of your pup's health. Check out our selection of healthy treats for your canine companion!