Last Updated: 20/01/2026
Best Sensitive Stomach Food For Dogs & Cats: Vet Picks
Does your pet suffer from occasional vomiting, gas, or chronic loose stools? Learn about the common causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs and cats and find the best veterinary-recommended diets and treats to help your pet feel their best again.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read
It is never pleasant when our furry companions have a "dodgy" tummy. Whether it is the cleared room after a bout of gas or the frustration of cleaning up loose stools in the garden, digestive sensitivities are a major concern for many Australian pet parents. While some tummy upsets are fleeting, others indicate a more chronic sensitivity that requires a tailored approach to nutrition. Finding the right balance can be a journey of trial and error, but understanding the "why" behind the upset is the first step toward a happier, healthier pet.
4 reasons why it's important to choose the right sensitive stomach diet for your pet:
1. Maximising nutrient absorption: A "sensitive" stomach often means the digestive tract is slightly inflamed or moving too quickly. When food passes through too fast, or the gut lining is irritated, your pet cannot properly absorb the vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need. The right diet uses highly digestible ingredients to ensure that every mouthful actually fuels their muscles, brain, and organs rather than just passing straight through.
2. Supporting the "second brain" and immunity: Approximately 70% of a pet's immune system resides in their gut. A sensitive stomach diet enriched with prebiotics (like beet pulp or chicory root) nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the microbiome. When the gut bacteria are balanced, the immune system is more resilient. Conversely, a poor diet keeps the gut in a state of constant "alarm," which can weaken your pet’s ability to fight off other illnesses.
3. Reducing systemic inflammation and skin flare-ups: There is a profound link between the gut and the skin. When a pet reacts poorly to an ingredient, the body's inflammatory response often shows up as itchy skin, ear infections, or a dull coat. Choosing a diet that avoids their specific triggers (like certain common proteins) and includes Omega-3 fatty acids helps "switch off" this inflammation from the inside out, leading to less scratching and a healthier skin barrier.
4. Improving quality of life and behaviour: Pets can’t tell us when they have a dull ache or a nauseous feeling, but they often show it through their behaviour. A pet with a chronically upset stomach may be lethargic, irritable, or even show signs of food aversion. By providing a diet that settles the stomach, you are removing a constant source of low-level pain and discomfort. Many pet parents find that once the digestive issues are resolved, their pet becomes more playful, affectionate, and energetic.
In this article
How We Review Our Products
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.
Top Recommended Sensitive Stomach Diets for Pets in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best therapeutic diets for everyday support
Hills Perfect Digestion
Pros
- Specifically engineered to regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency, often within seven days.
- Uses ActivBiome+ technology to nourish the gut's "good" bacteria, which is essential for immune health and nutrient absorption.
- Chicken is the number one ingredient, providing a highly digestible source of lean protein for muscle maintenance.
- Contains a blend of pumpkin, oats, flaxseed, and cranberries to provide natural antioxidants and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Cons
- On the expensive side
- The recipe includes grains - barley, brown rice, and oats. While these are excellent fibre sources, the food is not suitable for dogs with a medically confirmed grain intolerance.
- Not made in Australia
- Designed for lower digestive issues such as flatulence and diarrhoea, not so much for upper digestive issues like vomiting
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion is a premium dry food specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive digestion. The "hero" of this recipe is the ActivBiome+ technology, a proprietary blend of prebiotics (including crushed pecan shells, cranberry, and pumpkin) that works to nourish a dog's unique gut microbiome. Rather than just adding bulk fibre, it actively supports the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract to improve overall gastrointestinal wellness.
What our customers say: "Our Blue Heeler was having lots of gut issues, poor bowl movements and terrible gas. Our vet recommended this food and within a week we saw amazing results! She's much happier. Highly recommend."
Best prescription diets for clinical care
Best for acute flare-ups
Hills Prescription i/d Digestive Care Dry Food
Pros
- Formulated to help settle digestive issues
- Moderate fat content
- Highly digestible
- Prebiotic fibres to help restore gut balance
- High in electrolytes and B vitamins to replace intestinal losses
- Reduces risk of struvite and calcium oxalate stones
- Available in both dry and pate and stew wet forms, as well as low fat formulations.
- Suitable for puppies as well as adult dogs, however there is a specific puppy formulation, enriched with higher levels of DHA, higher calories for the intense growth period, a more precise Calcium-to-Phosphorus ratio and slightly smaller kibble size.
Cons
- Prescription only
- Not made in Australia
- Not for dogs with sensitivities to chicken
Hills Prescription Diet is the #1 US Vet Recommended therapeutic pet food. Hills i/d Digestive care has been clinically tested and proven to help resolve diarrhoea and support quick recovery, and is specifically formulated for patients with acute vomiting and/or diarrhoea, chronic enteropathies or pancreatitis (low-fat formulation) and other conditions resulting in maldigestion and/or malabsorption or nutrients. It is suitable for feeding long term in dogs who require a highly digestible food.
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.
As a prescription diet, this food should only be fed under the direct recommendation of your dog's treating veterinarian. There may be more appropriate diets depending on your pet's specific condition, so it is important to consult with your vet prior to purchase.
What our customers say: "This product has been so good for my 5 year old groodle who was on another Hills Prescription food for 4.5 years when suddenly it didn't agree with him anymore. The vet suggested we try the ID digestive blend and it has been fantastic - not more 2am 'mess ups' to clean in the night!!!!! I have to sprinkle a few of the ID digestive blend kibbles on my other dogs food as otherwise he feels he is missing out:)"
Best for food allergies
Royal Canin Anallergenic
Pros
- Made with hydrolysed feather protein (novel source)
- Lowest molecular weight protein on the market
- Purified starch as carbohydrate source
- High levels of omega 3 and 6
- Gold standard food allergy diet
Cons
- Expensive
- Prescription only food
- Not recommended for puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs or dogs with pancreatitis or hyperlipidaemia
- No equivalent wet food
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. It is also manufactured under pharmaceutical grade conditions to ensure no cross contamination from other allergens. This diet 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. Dogs with existing medical conditions such as pancreatitis should not be on the Anallergenic diet. It's always recommended to consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate diet for your pet.
What our customers say: "Hunter, our Black Tan Coonhound loves it and what we put down to allergies because he was getting a rash and inflammation in his ears has disappeared as his previous food must have contained ingredients causing these. At first we trialled him on a small bag and his skin improved quickly but when it ran out we switched back to the alternative brand but he started scratching again. He is back on this product with auto delivery so we will always have it for his meals."
Best sensitive stomach food for puppies & kittens
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Dry Food
Pros
- Contains colostrum, the "first milk" from mothers, which is clinically proven to help strengthen a puppy’s developing immune defences and protect against common intestinal upsets.
- An excellent choice for puppies with suspected intolerances to common meat proteins, as it excludes chicken, beef, wheat, corn, and soy.
- Enriched with omega-3 DHA from high-quality fish oil to support healthy brain and vision development during a puppy's peak learning phase.
- Australian made
- Uses easy-to-digest ingredients like rice and oats to ensure maximum nutrient absorption and consistent stool quality.
Cons
- Due to the high salmon and mackerel content, the kibble has a distinct fishy smell.
- More expensive than standard puppy kibble
Purina Pro Plan is a science-backed brand trusted by many Australian breeders and veterinarians. This specific Sensitive Stomach & Skin Puppy formula is a "dual-action" diet, meaning it’s designed to tackle both itchy skin and sensitive tummies simultaneously.
Unlike many standard puppy foods that rely on chicken or beef, this recipe uses Salmon and Mackerel as the primary protein sources. These are not only highly digestible but are also rich in natural omega fatty acids to help calm skin inflammation and support a silky, shiny coat during those crucial early months of growth.
What our customer say: "My 6 month old Cavoodle was having some gastrointestinal issues and I had a hunch that it was the chicken. I switched slowly to this kibble as it’s seafood-based and gentler on the stomach. This plus some extra vegetables improved my pup’s bowel movements and the poop consistency as well. Plus his hair is shiny and he stopped itching himself - winning! I should also mention I am a dietitian (for humans, not pets) that’s why I put so much thought into this."
Best alternative protein options (Novel proteins)
Instinctive Bite Single Protein Kangaroo
Pros
- Single protein to avoid known triggers like chicken or beef.
- Enriched with natural prebiotics like chicory root and beet pulp.
- Added fish oil, providing essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Excellent value for money
- Grain free
- Australian-made with 100& Australian kangaroo
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin for bone & joint support
Cons
- Specific life-stage focus: While Instinctive Bite have an excellent Senior Chicken option, much of the Single Protein range is formulated specifically for Adult dogs. Puppy owners may need to look at the brand's broader range before moving onto these specific sensitivity formulas as their dog matures.
As vets, we often see pet parents struggling to identify exactly which ingredient is causing their dog's itchy skin or tummy upsets. The Instinctive Bite Single Protein range was developed specifically for these sensitive souls. By using only one animal protein source - such as kangaroo, lamb, or pork - these recipes take the guesswork out of feeding and help simplify the "elimination" process many vets recommend.
Like the rest of the brand, this range is Australian-made and is also grain-free. It focuses on clean nutrition, combining high-quality meat with "superfoods" and prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is often the first line of defence for a sensitive dog.
Learn more about the Instinctive Bite Single Protein Range.
Best value for money
Advance Sensitive Skin & Digestion Dry Food
Pros
- Contains a patented blend of vitamins and minerals that increases skin ceramides, helping to repair the skin barrier.
- Includes natural colostrum to help protect the intestinal lining and support a robust immune system in the gut.
- Formulated and made in Australia using high-quality protein, ensuring freshness and supporting local farmers.
- Natural yucca extract and prebiotic fibres help reduce litter box or backyard odours while promoting firm, healthy stools.
- Designed with a "taste-first" approach to ensure that even pets with finicky appetites receive their therapeutic nutrition.
Cons
- Not suitable for pets requiring a strictly grain-free diet.
Advance is a home-grown Australian brand that has been scientifically formulating pet food for over 20 years, specifically tailored to our unique climate and lifestyle.
Advance Sensitive Skin & Digestion for dogs is a scientifically formulated diet designed to manage the "itchy skin and sensitive tummy" duo so common in Australian dogs.
The recipe uses turkey as the primary protein source. It features a unique "vitamin cocktail" (including Niacin and Pantothenic Acid) that is clinically proven to strengthen the skin's natural barrier against environmental allergens. For the digestive side, it includes fermentable prebiotic fibres and colostrum to help stabilise the gut and ensure consistent stool quality, even for dogs prone to dietary indiscretion.
What are the signs of a sensitive stomach?
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:
- Loose stool and diarrhoea
- Gas
- Lack of appetite
- Occasional vomiting
- Discoloured stool
Every pet'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 and kittens.
When to see your veterinarian:
- Your pet is vomiting
- Your pet is a puppy or kitten
- Any loose stool persists for more than 2 days at a time
- The stool is watery
- The stool contains blood or mucous
- They are lethargic and off their food
What causes a sensitive stomach?
1. The Wrong Diet
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 articles Rotational Diets for Dogs and Rotational Diets for Cats
2. Parasites
Parasites such as intestinal worms and protozoa can be a causes of gastrointestinal issues in cats and 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:
3. Bacterial Contamination
Your pet 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?.
4. Antibiotic Treatment
A chronically sensitive stomach can sometimes occur after a course of antibiotics, particularly if your pet 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 pet that suffers from digestive issues.
For more information on probiotic supplements for pets, see our veterinary written articles:
5. Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Much like their human owners, dogs and cats 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 pet 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, read our veterinary written articles:
FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
