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- Diarrhea<\/b> is caused by organ dysfunction, eating spoiled food, parasites, and infections and is characterized by loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements.<\/li>\n
- Gas<\/b> in the digestive system is caused by either swallowing air as your pet eats or from the natural gut bacteria in the colon that breaks down food. <\/li>\n
- Constipation<\/b> is due to dehydration or a lack of fluids, exercise, or fiber in the diet. Sometimes, your pet can become constipated from swallowing a toy or something else indigestible.<\/li>\n
- Vomiting<\/b> is caused by forceful contractions in the stomach. Your pet may vomit froth, food, or liquids. Before vomiting, your pet may lick its lips, swallow repeatedly or salivate.<\/li>\n
- Gastroenteritis<\/b> is a temporary illness caused by inflammation in the digestive system. It\u2019s caused by eating spoiled food or something poisonous, sudden changes in diet, infections, or parasites. It shows many symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Causes of Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs<\/h2>\n
Understanding the underlying cause of a sensitive stomach is instrumental in getting your dog the right treatment. These are some conditions that require medications and monitoring.<\/p>\n
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- Dietary intolerance<\/b> is caused by an inability to digest specific ingredients properly. The most common culprits are proteins, fiber, and fat.<\/li>\n
- Food allergies<\/b> can be caused by a number of ingredients. Each time your pet ingests these allergens, a reaction occurs. Common symptoms include GI issues, poor skin, loss of hair, or chronic foot and ear infections.<\/li>\n
- Parasites<\/b> live and grow in the intestines. The most common intestinal parasites include roundworms, whipworms, giardia, and tapeworms. <\/li>\n
- Stress<\/b> from travel, separation anxiety, boarding, or changes in the home can cause stomach distress.<\/li>\n
- Pancreatitis<\/b> can occur in dogs that eat too many fatty foods. When left untreated, severe cases may damage the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.<\/li>\n
- Ulcers<\/b> are caused by sores along the mucus layer of the stomach. Ulcers can cause a lot of pain and can lead to other health problems if left untreated, including liver disease, renal disease, and gastroenteritis.<\/li>\n
- Underlying health conditions,<\/b> such as Addison\u2019s disease, stomach cancer, diabetes, and kidney or liver problems, can cause canine digestive disorders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Diet Can Impact a Dog’s Digestive Health<\/h2>\n
Your pet’s diet has a direct effect on its overall well-being. Low-quality dog food ingredients fill up your pet fast but may leave it hungry and looking for something else to eat later. A hungry dog is more likely to leave your property unless you have a wireless fence, tether, or a device like the Halo Collar<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The best dog food can lower your dog\u2019s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders. Dogs also need essential nutrients for optimal brain function, energy, organ function, digestive health, and healthy skin. Additionally, feeding your dog a nutritionally balanced diet may help extend its life and leave it feeling its best physically and mentally.<\/p>\n
The right types of foods can increase the level of good bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion, even in dogs with sensitive stomachs.<\/p>\n
Fresh, plant-based ingredients<\/a> like broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens also contain prebiotic fiber that decreases inflammation and promotes a healthy gut.
\nIn some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a daily supplement for your pet to ensure it’s getting the right mix of nutrients. <\/p>\n![\"Adorable](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Cute-akita-inu-puppies-eating-from-bowls-at-home.webp\")
<\/p>\nKey Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs<\/h2>\n
The right blend of foods, along with healthy eating habits, helps contribute to better digestive health in your dog. Also, some ingredients are easier to digest than others.<\/p>\n
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- High-quality proteins,<\/b> including those found in eggs, chicken, beef, and lamb, are all taken from muscle. Organ meats like kidneys, liver, and heart are harder to digest and are often used as filler in lower-quality foods.<\/li>\n
- Foods high in fiber<\/b> are also essential for your pet\u2019s digestive health. Fiber may help treat conditions like irritable bowel and constipation. This ingredient appears as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Some pets may be sensitive to fiber, so not all pets can tolerate these ingredients.<\/li>\n
- Probiotics<\/b> are found in many natural dog foods. They help fight infection and assist in digestion, which makes it easier for your pet to absorb vitamins and minerals. Probiotics also reduce gut inflammation, which is essential for dogs with sensitive stomachs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should avoid these ingredients:<\/p>\n
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- Foods high in fat<\/b> can lead to urinary crystals and increased weight. High-fat foods include table scraps like butter, oil, meat drippings, and meat scraps. <\/li>\n
- Artificial ingredients<\/b> like corn syrup, food coloring, rendered fat and propylene glycol can be hard to digest, especially in pets with digestive issues.<\/li>\n
- Some grains,<\/b> including corn, brewers rice, wheat, and soy, should be avoided for pets with sensitivities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Review of the Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs<\/h2>\n
A dog with a sensitive stomach should be fed high-quality dog food that promotes healthy digestion and contains essential nutrients. Your veterinarian can offer advice on the best dog food<\/a> to boost your dog\u2019s immune system and settle a delicate digestive system.<\/p>\n
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food<\/h3>\n
Canidae<\/a> is a hypoallergenic, grain-free dog food free from many ingredients that cause stomach distress in pets, including artificial preservatives, colors, and ingredients. The top five ingredients in the Pure Lamb and Pea formula are lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and peas. It\u2019s only available for adult dogs, including senior dogs.<\/p>\n
Instinct Raw Boost Gut Health Dry Dog Food<\/h3>\n
This grain-free, limited-ingredient dog food is made from freeze-dried raw protein, which is great for a sensitive stomach. Not only is a raw diet easier to digest, but it may also help with weight management, improve dental hygiene and promote healthy skin. The downside to feeding raw<\/a> is that raw food may contain bacteria and parasites that lead to infection. Also, Instinct Raw Boost<\/a> tends to be more expensive than regular kibble.<\/p>\n
Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Diet<\/h3>\n
The first ingredient in the Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Diet<\/a>, dog food formula, is protein. It\u2019s grain-free and contains prebiotics, fiber, and omega oils that can soothe a dog\u2019s digestive tract and itchy skin. Go! Sensitivities is also available through all life stages. Like other limited-ingredient dog foods, it can be pricey.<\/p>\n
Hill\u2019s Prescription Diet I\/D Digestive Care Wet Dog Food<\/h3>\n
- Artificial ingredients<\/b> like corn syrup, food coloring, rendered fat and propylene glycol can be hard to digest, especially in pets with digestive issues.<\/li>\n
- Foods high in fiber<\/b> are also essential for your pet\u2019s digestive health. Fiber may help treat conditions like irritable bowel and constipation. This ingredient appears as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Some pets may be sensitive to fiber, so not all pets can tolerate these ingredients.<\/li>\n
- Food allergies<\/b> can be caused by a number of ingredients. Each time your pet ingests these allergens, a reaction occurs. Common symptoms include GI issues, poor skin, loss of hair, or chronic foot and ear infections.<\/li>\n
- Gas<\/b> in the digestive system is caused by either swallowing air as your pet eats or from the natural gut bacteria in the colon that breaks down food. <\/li>\n