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Every dog owner wants the best for their furry companion, and this extends to the food they eat. However, not all canines are created equal when it comes to their digestive systems. Some dogs, just like humans, may experience sensitivities or allergies that require a more specialized diet. If your pup frequently suffers from digestive upsets or food intolerances, finding the best foods for dogs with a sensitive stomach becomes crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into the dietary needs of these special canines and offer guidance on making the best nutritional choices for their unique requirements.
Causes of Stomach Issues in Dogs
Most of the digestive issues of dogs are attributed to the diet they have. Dogs with weaker digestive systems and a sensitive stomach either consume a lot of fibre-rich diets or lack fibre altogether. Too much fat content in the diet can also trigger digestive issues.
If food is not the culprit, the sensitive stomach can be because of pancreatitis, bacterial growth, or certain intestinal parasites. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of your dog’s sensitive stomach, the best thing to do is take your pet to the veterinarian for a detailed examination and accurate diagnosis to rule out any chances of serious illness such as canine cancers.
Once done with the examination, and you are sure that only food is causing digestive issues, try to find foods that would work for him. Start with offering small portions of new foods to see how your dog reacts to them. But if you are confused about the food options, don’t worry; we have got you covered.
We have combined a list of the top 7 foods you can give to dogs with sensitive stomachs. But first let us tell you a little about the dog breeds that are more prone to having sensitive stomachs.
Dog Breeds Prone To Have Digestive Issues
Any dog breed could have problems with the digestive system, but certain breeds are more prone to sensitive stomachs than others. Some sensitive stomach dog breeds are boxers, Irish setters, Scottish terriers, Shih Tzu’s, Yorkshire terriers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.
7 Homemade Foods Suitable For Dogs With A Sensitive Stomach
While preparing foods for your dog, always remember to apply the same sanitation techniques that you would use for yourselves. Although these foods are safe for sensitive stomachs, still it is best to observe and watch out for any signs of digestive issues caused after eating them. If you find out that your dog is sensitive to certain foods, stop feeding him that specific food type.
1. Turkey, boiled or lean chicken
This yummy food option isn’t only every dog’s favorite but also a popular choice for pups with an upset stomach. Serve your pup a portion of boiled chicken and turkey in specific if he has an upset stomach already. Turkey and chicken breasts are great for pups with digestive problems. They provide a good source of protein without a lot of fat and fiber content.
While servingboiled chicken meat or turkey to your pups, be careful about the seasoning. Too much seasoning can trigger stomach issues or aggravate the already present symptoms.
2. Eggs
Eggs are another good source of proteins, and they can be highly nutritious for your pup and are a good food option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. But eggs cannot be served raw; they need to be cooked. The eggs must be boiled or cooked without using oil, as oil can result in diarrhea in the pups. Keep in mind that the eggs served must also be seasoning free.
3. White Rice
White Rice is yet another nutritious and yummy food option for dogs with sensitive stomachs and gives dogs the same level of nutrition as it would to humans. But be sure to cook the rice thoroughly before feeding it to your dogs. Hot rice must also not be served. Rice for pups needs to be cooked without any oil or seasonings.
4. Bone broth
All the dog owners know this, dogs love bone broth. This yummy treat not only is every dog’s favorite but is also suitable for their tummy. Homemade bone broth is loaded with many essential nutrients and is easy to digest. To serve the bone broth to your pup, make sure to let it cool down fully in the bridge and remove the upper layer of fat from the broth. Too much fat in the broth can result in an upset tummy.
5. Potatoes
Just like rice, potatoes can be a nutritious meal for your dog. Boiled or grilled potatoes are best for dogs with stomach sensitivity without any oil or seasonings. Potatoes are loaded with vitamins that not only make them a nutritional meal but are also suitable for your dog’s taste buds.
Raw potatoes contain a toxic compound that cannot be digested and causes food poisoning if taken in larger quantities, called solanine. Cooking potatoes reduces the levels of this toxin and makes them safe. Make sure to cook potatoes before offering them to your dog fully. You can add a little milk and mash the potatoes to make them tasty for your pup.
6. Tuna or salmon
If canned, tuna or salmon can be a healthy and tasty treat for your dogs. But be careful about the type of canned fish you are using. Use canned fish that have no added salt in it. The best way to feed fish to your dogs is to add a little of the canned fish to your dog’s meal.
All sorts of fish, especially tuna and salmon, must be served in smaller quantities to your dog. The stomach acids of dogs aid digestion and kill bacteria. But tuna is one of the fishes that carries intestinal parasites and higher levels of mercury, so moderation here is the key.
7. Baby food
It isn’t just your infant/toddler favorite, but it is also among the top favorite dog foods. Baby food, because of its consistency, is very easy to swallow, and it is easily digested. Therefore, baby food is one of the best options for dogs prone to stomach issues.
Ingredients to Avoid for Dogs with a Sensitive Stomach
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, it’s crucial to recognize and avoid specific ingredients that can exacerbate their condition. A dog’s stomach may react negatively to certain foods, just like humans can have adverse reactions to specific items. Here are some ingredients that are commonly problematic for dogs with sensitive digestive systems:
Common Allergens:
Certain protein sources, especially beef, chicken, and dairy, can be common allergens for some dogs. It’s essential to be aware of any allergies your dog may have and avoid those triggers.
Grains:
Some dogs can be intolerant to grains, especially corn, wheat, and soy. While not all grains are bad, and some like rice can be gentle on a stomach, it’s crucial to note any adverse reactions.
Artificial Additives:
Avoid foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These can irritate a dog’s stomach and may cause digestive upset.
Fillers:
Cheap fillers like meat by-products, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal offer little nutritional value and can be hard on a sensitive stomach.
Fats:
While fats are an essential part of a dog’s diet, high-fat foods can be hard for some dogs to digest. Look for foods with moderate fat content, especially if your dog has a history of pancreatitis.
Spices and Onions:
Some spices, along with onions and garlic, can be toxic to dogs and should always be avoided.
Sugars and Sweeteners:
Dogs don’t need added sugars in their diet. Moreover, some artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are toxic to dogs.
Dairy:
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t digest lactose found in milk and other dairy products, which can cause diarrhea.
Processed Treats:
Many commercially available dog treats are loaded with additives and preservatives, which can upset a sensitive stomach. Opt for natural treats or simply use pieces of their kibble for rewards.
Always monitor your dog’s reaction whenever introducing a new food or treat. It can be beneficial to maintain a food diary, noting what your dog eats and any subsequent reactions. This can help pinpoint potential irritants and allergens.
Final Word
Foods for Dogs With A Sensitive Stomach? According to veterinarians’ recommendations, dogs with sensitive tummies can be fed stage II meat-based baby foods. Options can include meat, chicken and lamb as long as the baby food is without any added spices like garlic and pepper. Dogs with stomach upset often need bland foods; therefore, it is best to avoid species, salt, and oil altogether.
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