Dinnertime is the best part of many dogs’ days, but sadly for some, it can come with unpleasant consequences. If you know your doggo has a sensitive stomach, don’t just ignore it. There are things you can do and foods you can feed them that will soothe their sore belly and prevent future digestive issues.
What causes dogs to have sensitive stomachs?
Some dogs are born with a sensitive stomach, whilst others develop digestive issues at a later age. This can be the result of health conditions, food intolerances, changes in diet, or eating things they shouldn’t. Illnesses that commonly cause a sensitive tummy include pancreatitis, worms, bacterial infections, parasites, ulcers, and tumours. If you have concerns about your dog, make an appointment with your vet.
How to know if your dog has a sensitive stomach
If your pooch has a sensitive stomach, you may notice they’re not quite themselves. They might seem more lethargic or less playful, and may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
Excessive gas
We know what you’re thinking, isn’t flatulence just part of being a dog? Well yes and no. While they will pass the occasional bit of wind without it being anything to worry about, if you notice your doggo is particularly gassy (and you’re certain it’s not just someone else in the room passing the blame!), it could be down to digestive issues. Dogs with sensitive stomachs are prone to excessive gas that can smell bad enough to clear a room, so it’ll probably be hard to miss!
Diarrhoea or soft stools
The consistency and frequency of your dog’s poops can tell you a lot about their digestion. If they’re suffering from reoccurring diarrhoea or you’ve noticed their poops are particularly loose or mucusy, there’s a high chance they’re experiencing tummy troubles. If this is the case with your pooch, schedule an appointment with your vet, as it could lead to more serious problems, like dehydration, if left untreated.
Vomiting
Dogs will vomit from time to time, particularly if they gobble up something they shouldn’t (commonly grass or food scraps they find on the floor). But if they vomit frequently, it could indicate an issue, especially if it happens alongside other symptoms.
Lack of appetite
For a lot of dogs, food is their favourite thing in life. So, if your pooch is off their meals, it could be a sign they’re experiencing digestive discomfort. If your dog hasn’t eaten anything for 24 hours, seek veterinary advice.
Excessive panting
While it’s normal for dogs to pant when they’re hot or have been exercising, excessive panting can be a sign that your dog is feeling under the weather. Keep an eye on them to check if they’re panting at unusual times or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.
Using the process of elimination in your dog's diet
It’s hard to know what to feed a dog with a sensitive stomach unless you know what’s causing it, but sometimes it can be tricky to pinpoint what the trigger is. If their diet is the cause, it could be their main meal, treats or even human table scraps. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to use a process of elimination to narrow down what could be causing their digestive troubles. Treats and human foods are easy places to start. Try removing one at a time and if neither leads to any improvement in your dog’s tummy troubles, move onto their main meal, and try swapping it for a special dog food for sensitive stomachs. If your dog eats a mix of wet and dry food, it’s best to swap out one at a time so you can identify which is the cause.
Foods that could be causing problems
Many human foods are toxic for dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as serious health complications. Key foods to avoid include grapes (including raisins, sultanas, and currants), onions, garlic, leeks, chocolate, and any foods containing the artificial sweetener, Xylitol. Other foods such as dairy products and fatty foods may not be toxic but are likely to irritate a sensitive stomach and aren’t recommended for dogs. Dogs can also experience a sensitive stomach from ingredients in their dog food, especially if they have a food allergy. Amongst food-allergic dogs, the most common food allergens are beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat. If you have reason to believe your dog’s food is causing their sensitive stomach, a change of diet could be the solution.
Changing their diet
Your vet will be able to recommend a new diet for your pooch to help resolve their tummy troubles. This is likely to include food that contains a small number of high quality, highly digestible ingredients, rather than lots of processed, unnatural ingredients. There are many varieties of commercial dog foods designed for sensitive stomachs, and in some cases, dogs may benefit more from eating home-cooked meals. As a sudden change in diet can upset a dog’s stomach, take a gradual approach to introducing your dog’s new food over the space of around ten to 14 days. Start by feeding three parts of the current food mixed with one part of the new food, and gradually mix more of the new and less of the old until they’ve completely transitioned.
Commercial foods
Commercial dog food is the most convenient option, as it’s ready to go and there are plenty of sensitive stomach varieties to choose from. Check that any product is complete and balanced for your dog’s age and life-stage to ensure the food will provide them with the nutrition they need.
Home cooked foods
Simple home-cooked meals, such as boiled chicken and rice (without seasoning), can also aid an unsettled stomach. This can be a good short-term fix for tummy troubles but won’t provide complete and balanced nutrition for the long-term. Always check with your vet if you want to switch your dog into a home-cooked diet.
When it's time to see a vet
Sometimes an upset stomach will resolve itself within a day or two. If it occurs on a frequent basis (once a month or more) or your dog is experiencing severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, you should get them seen by a vet as soon as possible. Fortunately, for most doggos with sensitive stomachs, often all it takes is a change of diet to feel their best again. But if ever in doubt, always check with your vet. To learn more about how to keep your pooch happy and healthy, check out the PEDIGREE Help Hub.
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