best limited ingredient dog food for sensitive stomachs
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Before you start searching for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, its important to start out by figuring out whats causing your dogs digestion issues. Some dogsjust like some peopleare sensitive to certain food ingredients. For others, a sensitive stomach could be a sign of a more serious problem. Make an appointment with your vet to talk about what symptoms your dog is experiencing (vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, gas, or something else) and do an examination. Your vet might ask you to bring in a stool sample to help diagnose any issues or test for parasites. While this might seem like a lot to do up front, remember that dog food isnt cheap! You could save money in the long run by working with your vet to figure out how best to resolve your dogs sensitive digestion, and whether its their food or something else causing their tummy troubles.
What Causes Dogs to Have Sensitive Stomachs?
Once serious conditions like stomach cancer are ruled out, its time to examine other possible causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs. There is a wide variety of food items that dogs can have trouble tolerating. Some dogs are sensitive or even allergic to certain proteins, like chicken or beef. Another possibility is that your dogs diet is lacking something, like fiber, vitamins, or minerals. It could even contain too much of something, like fat. Your dogs dog food might not even be the problem! If your dog has a habit of getting into the trash, or if your dog eats a lot of treats and table scraps, something other than their dog food could be causing their upset tummy.
How to Know if Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach
The term sensitive stomach is usually used to describe mild intestinal upset in dogs.
Symptoms of sensitive stomachs in dogs include:
- Occasional vomiting
- Loose stools
- Flatulence
Your dog could have one of these symptoms, or they might have all of them. If any of their symptoms are severe, its critical to talk with your vet immediately. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of many serious illnesses and even gas can be a sign of a disease or condition that requires urgent veterinary attention.
Elimination Diet for Sensitive Dogs
One possible cause of your dogs sensitive stomach is their diet. You can test out different varieties of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs to help learn what will reduce or eliminate your dogs symptoms and get their digestive system back on track.
Finding out if your dogs food is the issue is easy, but it will require some discipline on your part. In consultation with your vet, start by eliminating any food items from your dogs diet other than their actual dog food. This includes table scraps, treats, and anything else your dog might eat throughout the day.
Monitor your dog to confirm that they arent sneaking into the trash (indoor and outdoor), recycling bin, cat itter box, compost pile, garden, barn, chicken coop, or any other hidden cache of food or snacks (pet or human) where they can eat things they should not be eating. If your dogs stomach is still upset after a few days of eliminating all other food, and you are positive that they are not sneaking into other food sources, then its time to evaluate the food youre feeding.
Dog Food Ingredients That Can Upset Stomachs
Dog foods are formulated to be complete and balanced, which means they can include a range of different sources of nutrition, including proteins, fats, grains, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients like vegetables and fruits. For dogs, there are a few key areas of these nutrition sources that can trigger sensitivities in some dogs.
Food-related causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs:
- Protein source
- Fiber source
- Fat content
- Adequate vitamins and minerals
- Quality of ingredients
Protein
Some dogs just dont digest certain types of protein well. For example, if your dogs current dog food is made with chicken as its protein source, talk with your vet about switching to a dog food thats formulated with a different protein sourceoften beef, lamb, or fishto do a food trial and see if that resolves the issue. Be sure youre not feeding your dog any treats or table scraps while you try out a new food, or your findings wont be very helpful.
Fiber
Some dogs do better with extra fiber in their diets. Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber, according to Merck Veterinary Manual, and provides good fecal quality in dogs without affecting other nutrient digestibility. Other recommended sources of fiber in commercial dog food include inulin and psyllium. Talk to your vet about adding fiber to your dogs current diet, or choosing a specially formulated high-fiber dog food.
Fat
Dog food diets that are high in fat are harder to digest than ones that are higher in protein or carbohydrates. Read the ingredient label on your dogs current food and see if fats and oils are listed in the first four ingredients. This is an indicator that the food might be too high in fat for your dogs digestive system. In consultation with your vet, compare your current dog food to other formulas or brands and find a food that is lower in fat. The crude fat percentage that the food contains will be listed on the Guaranteed Analysis section of the dog foods label.
Vitamins and Minerals
Commercial dog foods produced to AAFCO standards are formulated to contain at least the minimum amounts of vitamins and minerals required in order to be complete and balanced. However, if you are feeding a specialty diet, like a raw diet or a home-cooked diet, or if you arent feeding a commercial food balanced for your dogs life stage (ie, puppy, adult), its possible that your dog could have a nutrient imbalance or deficiency. Talk with your veterinarian to make sure you are feeding your dog all of the nutrients they need for proper health and digestion at their life stage, and if you need to, adjust your dogs food accordingly.
Quality Ingredients
Figuring out the quality of the ingredients in a dog food can be tricky. Dog food label ingredient statements are not allowed to include any information about the quality or grade of an ingredient, so dog owners have to decide if ingredients are quality based on other information, like the dog foods price, the brands reputation, published information, and consultation with veterinarians. In 2023, AAFCO released guidelines for labeling dog food as human grade, but the ingredient statement itself still cannot include quality or grade of individual ingredients.
A good way to decide on the quality of dog food ingredients is to look at any feeding trials performed on a particular brand of food. Choose a dog food brand that statistically outperforms the competition, and dont be afraid to contact the dog food manufacturer directly. (Note that feeding trials arent the only way that a dog food brand can establish that it meets minimum AAFCO standards, though. Nutritional analysis is another method by which dog food brands can test the nutrition of their products.)
Newer dog food brands might not have many clinical studies or feeding trials, as studies require time to undertake and evaluate. This doesnt mean they arent a quality dog food, but its smart to confirm that the company employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on its staff. This suggests that the company is knowledgeable about dog nutritional needs and how to formulate a product that meets requirements.
How to Find a High-Quality Sensitive Digestion Dog Food
Everyone has an opinion on the best dog foods, but its important to make a decision for your dog based on on solid research. This makes it difficult to navigate forums, blogs, and social media that offer opinions about what to feed your dog. Even a dog food companys website can be misleading or confusing. The best place to start your research is with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.
If you havent already consulted with your vet about your dogs sensitive stomach, start there. You want to rule out any serious health condition before you start experimenting with different dog foods on your own. Your vet might suggest a few brands of dog food that they prefer, and can give you an idea of problematic ingredients for your dog and nutritional information to look out for as you start your search.
Most pet owners also do their own research. Look for articles and journals written by veterinarians and board-certified veterinary nutritionists. You want the best for your dog, so consult the best sourcesthe dog nutrition experts! Its smart to be a little skeptical as you research the best dog foods for your dogs sensitive stomach. If a company is advertising a miracle diet that sounds too good to be true, it probably is (unless it has science-based research or studies to back it up).
Best Commercial Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
Commercial dog food diets are the most convenient, and often the best sensitive stomach dog food option. There is a variety of formulas to help you find a food that doesnt irritate your pets stomach. Unfortunately, the number of options can be intimidating.
Popular options for sensitive stomach dog foods include Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomachand Royal Canin Digestive Care.
Complete and Balanced Dog Food Formulas
The first thing to look for is a dog food that states that it is complete and balanced. This statement means that the food is formulated to provide your pet with all of the nutrients known to be necessary for dogs. Choosing a complete and balanced diet helps eliminate sensitive stomachs that result from nutritional deficiencies, and ensures that your pet is getting the nutrition they need for healthy digestion.
Dog Food Labels Analysis
Read through the rest of the dog food label. Check the protein and fiber sources, as well as the fat content. Be sure that youre feeding your dog the correct life stage formula of the food, and consult your veterinarian about any pet food recalls.
You might not find the best dog food right away. Finding the optimal diet for your dogs sensitive stomach often takes time. You might end up transitioning your dog through several different food, brand, or formulas before you find one that works. While it is tempting to start your dog on a new food immediately, its important to slowly transition your dog off of their old food and onto the new. If you dont, you could end up worsening your dogs sensitive stomach, or your dog could refuse to eat the new food.
Transitioning Your Dog to a Different Food
The best way to transition your dog to a new food is to start small. The first meal should contain about 80-90 percent old food and 10-20 percent new food. Change this ratio slowly over the course of 10 days. You can always talk with your vet to get their recommendation on the best way to transition your dog to a new food.
Homemade Meals for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Just about any dog can benefit from a bland homemade meal on occasion. A simple dinner of cooked chicken meat and boiled ricewithout any seasoning or fatmay help settle an upset stomach or calm diarrhea. Today, an increasing number of dog owners are turning to homemade diets for all of their dogs meals. This can be an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, so long as dog owners make sure that the meals they prepare meet all of their dogs nutritional needs. This is easier said than done, so its important to work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to make sure that what youre feeding ends up meeting all of your dogs nutritional needs. The website balance ITcreated by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Sean J. Delaney, DVM, MS, DACVNis a helpful tool for both veterinarians and dog owners looking to go this route.
Veterinary Prescription Diets for Dogs
Not every sensitive stomach can be resolved by a commercial diet or even a homemade diet. Your vet might recommend a prescription dog food diet if switching non-prescription dog foods doesnt resolve your dogs digestive issues. There is no one food that works best for all dogs with sensitive stomachs, just like there is no one food that works best for people with sensitive stomachs. Finding the best food for your dog takes time and patience, and what cured your friends dog might not do the trick for your dog. Dont get discouraged. With a little trial and error, and collaboration with your vet, you can find a diet that works for your dog.
