Last Updated: 11/06/2025
Does your dog suffer from a sensitive tummy? Check out our Vet recommended diets.
Author: Dr Michelle Wong BVSc
Reading Time: 67 minutes - extensive read
Gastrointestinal issues are one of many common reasons for owners to bring their pets in to see a vet. Dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to have repeated occurrences of loose stools, gas or vomiting. These could be caused by the wrong diet, parasites, infection, food allergies, or other medical conditions like pancreatitis. Dietary management is the most effective treatment for these chronic 'on and off' digestive upsets.
Read more about the symptoms and causes for a sensitive stomach and things we can do to help.
It is crucial to have your veterinarian investigate the underlying cause for the ongoing gastrointestinal issues. Depending on the problem, your vet may advise a specific veterinary therapeutic diet. Dogs with food allergies should be fed a hydrolyzed diet or novel protein diet to minimise risk of an adverse reaction. Dogs with pancreatitis, on the other hand, must eat a fat-restricted diet to avoid recurrence.
Four reasons why it's important to choose the right sensitive stomach food for dogs are:
A common cause of a sensitive stomach in pets can be poor nutrition. Poor quality, cheap diets are made from low quality ingredients and are harder to digest. This can lead to chronic digestive issues - particularly 'landmine' sloppy stools and excessive gas!
A sudden change in diet can be known to cause digestive upsets. Because of this reason, it is always a good idea to introduce a new diet to your pet slowly. Feeding your pet a Rotational Diet from a young age, can help prime their belly at a young age and decrease their sensitivity to diet change. Rotational diets may even be associated with a decrease in food allergies occurring later in life.
Looking for more information on Rotational Diets? Read our veterinary written article Rotational Diets for Dogs.
Parasites such as intestinal worms and protozoa can be a causes of gastrointestinal issues in dogs. While most species usually cause acute symptoms - such as bloody stool, vomiting, or watery diarrhoea - there are some parasites which may cause general weight loss and ongoing mild gastrointestinal signs. To rule out parasites, always keep your pet's parasite prevention up to date and see your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Did you know that most all-in-one preventative products do not cover for tapeworms and an additional wormer is required. For more information on parasite prevention and to ensure your pet is covered for everything, see our veterinary written articles Flea, Tick and Worming Guide for Dogs.
Your dog may have a sensitive tummy secondary to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in their gut. This can occur after an initial bout of food poisoning from eating something they shouldn't have, or from other 'bad habits' - such as hunting, eating dead animals or wild animal faeces.
Feeding a diet of raw meat or bones, can cause tummy upsets in some animals as well as posing a health risk to owners. A study by the FDA found that raw pet food can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella which can spread from your pet to your family. This is a particularly dangerous for anyone immunosuppressed in the household such as pregnant women, children, or the elderly.
For more information on Raw Diets read our veterinary written article Should I Feed My Pet a Raw Diet?.
A chronically sensitive stomach can sometimes occur after a course of antibiotics, particularly if your dog was treated early in life. Antibiotics, although necessary to treat infection, can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to digestive issues. The right balance of good bacteria in the gut plays an important role in digestive health.
During or after a course of antibiotics, a probiotic supplement can be beneficial to help boost your pets digestive health. Probiotic supplements are also a great addition for any dog that suffers from digestive issues.
For more information, see our veterinary written article: Probiotics for Dogs.
Much like their human owners, dogs can suffer from dietary sensitivities or food intolerances which can result in a sensitive stomach. Food intolerances in pets generally develop over time and can be associated with a range of common ingredients found in many commercially prepared pet foods including chicken, beef, egg, dairy and wheat.
If you suspect that your dog may have a food allergy or intolerance, a consult with your veterinarian is recommended. The veterinarian may recommend feeding a Veterinary Prescription Hypoallergenic Diet and doing an elimination trial to see if there is any improvement in your pets symptoms.
For more information on Hypoallergenic Diets, read our veterinary written article What is the best Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Medical conditions of other organ systems may also cause your pet to suffer from chronic gastrointestinal issues. Particularly, pancreatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and disorders of the liver or adrenal glands can commonly be seen to cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
Often times if your dog has experienced a gastrointestinal issue in the past which resolved, they may forever be left with a sensitive tummy and never be able to tolerate rich foods or sudden changes to their diet. This is a common consequence of pancreatitis, which can leave dogs incredibly sensitive to fat.
Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 30 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Diets designed for sensitive stomachs are easy to digest, often lower in fat and include prebiotics to aid digestion by promoting a healthy gut environment.
Look for diets which have been specially formulated for gut health and digestion, these are created by nutritionists and veterinarians based on years of scientific research. Such diets offer the best tailored nutrition, to provide optimal support for your pet and their digestive issues.
It is important to check with your veterinarian which diet is suitable for your pet's specific condition, whether they will need a prescription food for a medical condition. Specific digestive issues may require different therapeutic nutrition.
Dogs with suspected food allergies, requiring a food trial, are best placed on a hypoallergenic diet to confirm this condition - either a prescription hypoallergenic food (gold standard) or a novel protein diet as an alternative, this option may be suitable for pets who are more fussy with their food.
A sensitive stomach describes a pet who's digestion is easily upset. While every pet may experience an upset tummy from time to time, pets with sensitive tummies tend to be prone to repeated digestive upsets, which can present in a number of ways.
Some Common Symptoms include:
Every dog's belly is different. Some pets with a sensitive stomach may experience 'on and off' bouts of chronic mild loose stools or gas, while other may experience less frequent but more severe instances with vomiting. Your pet may experience small bouts of tummy upsets in response to a rich treat and quickly improve, while others can become seriously unwell.
If gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea continue for an ongoing period, it is important to have your pet assessed by a veterinarian. Gastrointestinal issues can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte depletion, especially in puppies.
When to see your veterinarian:
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Scientific Nutrition to Support Health Conditions in Dogs
Best Foods for Dogs with Diarrhoea
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Veterinarian
Dr Michelle graduated from the University of Queensland in 2011 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in small animal practices around South East Queensland. As an owner of three cats, it is not surprising that Dr Michelle holds special interests in feline behaviour and medicine, as well as dermatology and preventative health care. Her favourite part of being a vet is witnessing the special bond between pets and their owners and helping pets live a happy and healthy life.
Hills i/d low fat dietary formula has been clinically tested and proven to reduce fat-responsive digestive upsets such as pancreatitis. This food can help to control levels of fat in the blood and minimise the risk for repeated episodes of pancreatitis. Dogs experiencing digestive problems will need food that is easily digested, with lower levels of fat, to provide the best support and speed up recovery.
This prescription food contains ActivBiome+ ingredient technology, which is a unique blend of prebiotic fibres clinically proven to rapidly activate the gut microbiome and promote healthy balance. By restoring a positive gut environment, digestive function is improved resulting in regular and healthy stool quality.
In addition, Hills i/d prescription food includes their 'S+OX Shield', helping to protect your dog from the risk of urinary crystals. The food is formulated such that struvite and calcium oxalate stones are unlikely to form in an unfavourable environment.
What our customers say: "Excellent for a dog with digestive issues. This has really helped my elderly Lhasa Apso with his digestion. He likes the food and it is keeping him happy and healthy."
What our vets say: "Hill's i/d low fat is clinically formulated and tested to support your dog's digestion. As the name suggests, this diet contains a very low percentage of fat - which is important for fat-responsive digestive conditions. Dietary fat is often a trigger for dogs prone to pancreatitis, and this diet makes it simple for owners to manage and prevent recurrence of this painful condition. I/d also contains prebiotic fibres to support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion, making it suitable for long-term feeding." - Dr. Kes
Similar to the Hills Prescription i/d low fat diet, the Gastrointestinal contains very low fat content (7%) to support dogs with hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis. These conditions require a fat restricted diet for effective management. Bear in mind that such diets are not recommended for dogs that are pregnant or nursing, or for puppies as they have different nutritional requirements.
This diet contains balanced levels of fibre and added prebiotics to aid digestive function and improve gut microflora. The Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat is suitable for management of gastrointestinal disorders including acute or chronic diarrhoea, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bacterial overgrowth or protein-losing enteropathies (from inflammatory bowel disease or diseases such as parvovirus).
What our customers say: "Because my little dog had pancreatitis she was put on a restrictive diet. This food fits the bill and she is fine on it. I love the efficient service Pet Circle provides too. Cheaper than buying from the vets."
Hills Prescription Diet Z/d is made with hydrolyzed protein and single carbohydrate source, making it highly unlikely to trigger an adverse reaction. Hydrolyzation is a process where the protein has been broken down into its amino acid components to eliminate an immune reaction. Dogs with food allergies often show signs of skin irritations. Hills z/d includes omega 6 fatty acids to support the skin and coat, as well as antioxidants to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
During the manufacturing process, extra steps are taken to ensure that there is no contamination with other protein sources. This is achieved through rigorous testing and cleaning of all production equipment to formulate these prescription diets under pharmaceutical grade standards.
Prescription diets such as the Hills z/d which have been scientifically formulated for dogs with food allergies and hypersensitivities are the gold standard therapeutic diets.There are other hydrolysed diets available - Royal Canin Hypoallergenic and Anallergenic, which will be discussed next.
What our customers say: "It's highly palatable, and has a 100% approval rating from my French Bulldog. So it should be a great food to use for a 3 month food allergy trial."
Royal Canin Anallergenic is formulated with highly hydrolysed poultry feather protein. As the protein is reduced to such a small size and sourced from a novel origin, it is extremely unlikely to trigger an adverse food allergy reaction. Can be used as an elimination diet to diagnose suspected food allergies, and for long term therapy if needed.
This diet has been formulated to help strengthen the skin barrier against allergens and omega fatty acids are included to nourish the skin and coat. Although this is a gold standard diet for food allergies, it is not suitable for all dogs. Young growing animals or dogs with existing medical conditions such as pancreatitis should not be on the Anallergenic diet.
For growing dogs, the Royal Canin Hypoallergenic is a suitable option. Hills z/d prescription diet has no listed contraindications for other medical conditions like pancreatitis. It's always recommended to consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate diet for your pet.
What our customers say: "My dog developed a severe reaction to his food, our vet recommended Royal Canin Anallergenic and finally after months of issues, he is back to normal."
What our vets say: "Royal Canin Veterinary Anallergenic Dry Dog Food is the gold standard hypoallergenic diet for food allergies in dogs. Proteins are the most common triggers of food allergies, so hypoallergenic diets contain novel protein or hydrolysed protein as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, either because the dog hasn't been exposed to the protein source before (novel protein) or because the protein has been broken down into molecules that are so small, they are unlikely to trigger the immune system (hydrolysed protein). What makes Anallergenic unique is that it contains a highly novel protein source (feather protein) that is also hydrolysed, so even extremely allergic dogs or dogs that have been exposed to a wide range of protein sources are very unlikely to react to this food."- Dr. Michelle
An alternative to prescription food allergy diets is to use a novel protein diet. This means selecting a diet made from protein sources which your pet has never experienced before. For dogs who have not been on a fish diet in the past, the Open Farm Whitefish is a novel option to consider.
Open Farm sources wild fish sustainably, adhering to Ocean Wise standards which helps to preserve natural ecosystems and prevent overfishing. All ingredients in Open Farm products can be traced back to the source.
If fish protein is not a novel protein for your dog, there are many other options available including lamb, duck or kangaroo.
What our customers say: "We have been struggling to find a suitable diet for our American staff that suffers with food allergies. It can be tricky to find a dry food that has no hidden nasties, so Open Farm is a breath of fresh air! Their ingredient list is so easy to review, and we can rest easy knowing the ingredients are transparent and consciously sourced. It was also great to have different protein choices and Grain free options for our pets sensitivities. I also loved the size of the biscuits. I was surprised to see a smaller biscuit size compared to the usual, larger sized ones for big dogs, however our staff really loved it! Also I just love that this is RSPCA approved and ethically made, just an added tick for an avid animal lover and environmentalist like myself. Amazing stuff, highly recommend!"
Zignature focuses on limited-ingredient recipes and their grain free duck formula is suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all sizes. This food is highly palatable to satisfy fussy dogs. It is made with no added wheat, corn, barley or rice. The use of limited ingredients makes Zignature formulas an ideal choice for those dogs with food allergies or intolerances.
This recipe uses duck protein with peas and chickpeas as alternative carbohydrate sources. Duck is a healthy protein low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals. Zignature food recipes are formulated by nutritionists and food scientists in the United States. Their range of dog foods come in a variety of proteins including turkey, trout and salmon, lamb, and kangaroo.
What our customers say: "Very impressed, suitable for French Bulldogs. I'm very happy with this product, the picky eaters are eating it and the one with a sensitive stomach hasn't reacted to it. A good alternative protein to give them a change."
Hills Gastrointestinal Biome is formulated to help manage gastrointestinal problems and is clinically tested to firm loose stools within 24 hours. With a focus on the gut microbiome, this food supports a healthy balance in the gastrointestinal tract and improves digestive function.The gut microbiome is made up of micro organisms such as bacteria which naturally live in the gut. Learn more about gut microbiome and how it can improve GI health.
This prescription food can be used to manage colitis issues, large bowel diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence and some forms of inflammatory bowel disease (antibiotic, steroid or food responsive diarrhoea). It is important to check with your vet and follow their recommendations on the most suitable diet for your pet. There can be a number of causes for diarrhoea in dogs and treatments may differ depending on the reason.
What our customers say: "This food is the only one we've tried (of sooo many) that sorted out my chi's tummy issues - the vet recommended it a couple of years ago, and we've bought it here since. Pet circle has the best price and their auto-delivery times it perfectly. Hassle-free and it works - best of all worlds."
What our vets say: "Hills Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome is an excellent option for dogs with chronic diarrhoea, excessive gas or other digestive sensitivities that are responsive to a high fibre diet. Along with an increased fibre content, it also contains a blend of prebiotics that help to firm the stool and promote healthy digestion, as well as omega fatty acids to support skin and joint health. As with all prescription foods, it needs to be recommended by your veterinarian before use as it will not be a suitable option for all sensitive stomach cases." - Dr. Katelyn
Purina has been in the pet food industry for over 120 years and their premium range, Pro Plan, was launched almost 40 years ago. Pro Plan offers a Sensitive Skin and Stomach diet which has been scientifically designed to reduce risks of adverse food reactions in dogs. This diet uses fish (salmon and mackerel) as an alternative protein source instead of chicken or beef. It has also eliminated soy, corn and wheat.
This diet combines ingredients such as bio-active prebiotics and natural fibres for digestive health, as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to improve skin health and reduce inflammation.
What our customers say: "Best Dry Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomach. Highly Recommend this product, wouldn't use anything else now and no more expensive vet visits After using other products with no success. Pro Plan Adult has completely settled my dog's upset stomach with now solid poos and no more hot spots on his skin."
Advance is another trusted premium brand which is also made locally in Australia. Their sensitive skin and digestion diet uses salmon as the number one ingredient, which provides increased levels of omega 3 fatty acids to support dogs prone to itchy and sensitive skin. Natural colostrum and prebiotic fibres are included for a balanced gut microbiome and promoting firmer stools.
In addition, the inclusion of Vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system, and their kibble technology using a unique shape and size helps to reduce plaque and tartar on teeth.
This food also avoids wheat, corn, soy and beef in its ingredient list.
What our customers say: "Excellent quality, and price for a premium food. This dry is perfect for my dogs who have had terrible skin issues before we switched to Advance. Happier and healthier dogs on this food!"
What our vets say: "I recommend this food for dogs with sensitive skin or tummies as it is a premium brand kibble with salmon as the main ingredient. With high levels of omega-3 fatty acids it can soothe and nourish sensitive skin which is great for dogs with dry or itchy skin. It also contains natural prebiotics for improved digestion and the formation of smaller and firmer stools." - Dr. Angie
