Last Updated: 08/09/2026
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Vet Picks
Vet picks for dogs with sensitive tummies: gentle everyday food, prescription diets for pancreatitis, and hydrolysed options for allergies.
Author: Dr Michelle Wong BVSc
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
The best dog food for a sensitive stomach is easy to digest, low in fat, and formulated to support gut health, think prescription gastrointestinal diets for medical conditions, hydrolysed or novel protein formulas for food allergies, and gentle everyday options for milder cases. Dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to have repeated bouts of loose stools, gas or vomiting, often caused by diet, parasites, infection, or conditions like pancreatitis, so getting the food right matters.
Got a cat? See our guide to the best cat food for sensitive stomachs instead.
In this article
- Best for mild sensitive stomachs
- Best for healthy gut microbiome and recovery
- What's the best dog food for pancreatitis?
- What are the best hydrolysed diets for dogs?
- What are the best novel protein diets for dogs?
- What to look for in a sensitive stomach dog food?
- What are the symptoms of a sensitive stomach in dogs?
- What causes a sensitive stomach in dogs?
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 Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best for mild sensitive stomachs
For everyday sensitivities that aren't linked to a medical condition, an over-the-counter diet with an alternative protein and/or added gut support in the form of pre/probiotics and additional fibre is usually enough to settle things down.
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Pros
- Designed for skin and stomach sensitivities
- Alternative fish protein source: salmon and mackerel
- No wheat, corn, soy, chicken or beef
- Prebiotics and natural fibres for optimal digestion
- Over the counter, non prescription
- Made in Australia
- Available in Medium and Large Breed, Small and Toy Breed and Puppy varieties.
Cons
- Not a grain free natural food option
- Sensitivity diet not available in other proteins, e.g. lamb
- No senior specific range
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 Sensitive Skin & Digestion
Pros
- Formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and digestive issues
- Balance of omega 3 and vitamins to boost skin health
- Gut microbiome is supported with colostrum and prebiotics
- Commercially available
- Made in Australia
- Wet food available in chicken
Cons
- Not grain free
- For adult dogs only
- No puppy or senior specific range
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
Hills Science Diet Perfect Digestion Dry Dog Food
Pros
- Consistently praised for firming up loose stools and settling mild digestive upset very quickly.
- Inclusion of natural prebiotics and pumpkin actively supports gut flora rather than just relying on bland ingredients.
- High palatability: Even picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs that have refused other kibbles tend to eat this formula readily.
- Formulated by on-staff veterinary nutritionists and backed by strict AAFCO feeding trials, ensuring it is a safely balanced diet
- Available in wet food format also
Cons
- Premium price point
- For adult dogs only
- No puppy or senior specific dog range
Hill's Science Diet is a heavily researched, vet-recommended brand known for its rigorous feeding trials and science-led nutritional profiles. Their Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Oats Adult Dry Dog Food is specifically engineered for gut health. It utilises a proprietary "ActivBiome+" technology - a targeted blend of prebiotics, whole grain oats, and pumpkin - designed to rapidly nourish your dog's gut microbiome and promote healthy, regular stools, often within just seven days.
While only available for adult dogs in one dry and one wet formulation, the Hills Sensitive Stomach and Skin range is another option. Hill's Sensitive Stomach & Skin is designed for easy digestion while also nourishing a dry, itchy coat, and is available in puppy wet and dry, small bites, small/mini and large breed formulations, along with 2 wet food options. Choose Perfect Digestion if your dog struggles primarily with diarrhoea or gas, but opt for Sensitive Stomach & Skin if they tend to vomit or have skin issues alongside their tummy troubles.
What our customers say: "This food has been a life saver for my groodle who has quite a sensitive stomach. It has really helped to sort out his diarrhoea quite quickly and he seems to enjoy it. Pet circle always gives excellent service. Thank you!"
Royal Canin Digestive Care
Pros
- Rapidly settles mild stomach upset and improves stool quality.
- Contains prebiotics and targeted fibres to nourish healthy gut bacteria.
- Available in Mini, Medium, and Maxi options with size-specific kibble.
- Strong aroma and taste appeal to picky or sensitive eaters.
Cons
- Premium price point
- Not made in Australia
Royal Canin is a globally recognised, vet-recommended brand focused on precise, science-backed nutritional outcomes. Their Digestive Care range is specifically engineered to soothe sensitive stomachs, using highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, and a blend of fibres tailored to different breed sizes (Mini, Medium, and Maxi) to balance gut flora and optimise stool quality. It also comes in a wet pouch format for dogs who like a variety of textures.
What our customers say: "My fussy-eater Golden Retriever (yes, who ever heard of such a thing) who also has a dicey tummy, just hoovers up his Digestive Care kibble. No more trying to jazz up the flavour of his food with extra bits and pieces. His stools are easy to pick up now too, as before we often had sloppy blobs several times a day which are a nightmare to clear off the grass. I'm hoping to be able to put on those extra 3kgs that the vet says he needs. He was a little underweight when I adopted him a few weeks ago and I've been trying to fatten him up with puppy food (as per my vet's advice) to no avail. I guess he's a Royal Canin dog now."
Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Sensitive Skin & Gut Adult Dry Dog Food
Pros
- Supports both sensitive stomachs and itchy skin simultaneously.
- Uses hydrolysed chicken which is broken down to be easily digestible.
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and beta-glucans to strengthen the microbiome.
- Includes fish oil to soothe irritation and improve coat shine.
- Made in Australia.
Cons
- While digestion may improve quickly, visible changes to skin and coat take several weeks.
- Though it uses hydrolysed chicken as one ingredient, it also includes chicken meal and fresh chicken, so cannot be classified as a hydrolysed protein diet suitable for food allergies.
Black Hawk is a premium Australian brand known for its "real food" philosophy, prioritising locally sourced meats and avoiding artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. Their Healthy Benefits Sensitive Skin & Gut dry food is a targeted, functional formula designed to address the common overlap between digestive upset and skin irritation. It uses easily digestible hydrolysed chicken, targeted gut-support ingredients like algae beta-glucans, and omega-rich oils to nourish the skin barrier from the inside out.
What our customers say: "We have had our dogs on this food for about 4 months. We have finally found a food that is good for our 8-year-old kelpie cross who has had a sensitive gut his whole life. His poos have improved dramatically and his bouts of discomfort have reduced. We also feed it to our younger much bigger dog and she loves it."
Best for healthy gut microbiome and recovery
Hills Gastrointestinal Biome
Pros
- ActiveBiome+ to activate healthy gut bacteria
- Clinically proven to improve loose stools in 24 hours
- Helps resolve diarrhoea and reduce risk of recurrence
- High in fibre
- Recommended for many forms of gastrointestinal issues, acute or chronic
- S+OX Shield for healthy urinary tract
Cons
- Prescription diet only
- Not suitable for growing puppies, pregnant and nursing dogs, or dogs with kidney disease
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
What's the best dog food for pancreatitis?
For dogs with pancreatitis, a purpose-made low fat diet like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat or Hills Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat is safest, keeping fat very low to prevent flare-ups. We often see owners assume a "light" or "weight management" label is low fat enough, but most still sit around 12-15% fat, so check the guaranteed analysis with your vet, and follow their advice carefully.
See our full guide to the best food for pancreatitis for prescription, budget and grain-free picks.
What are the best hydrolysed diets for dogs?
Hydrolysed diets like Hills Prescription Diet z/d and Royal Canin Anallergenic break protein into fragments too small to trigger an immune reaction. They are the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies through elimination diet trials, and managing them long term. Our vets usually reach for these first when a dog's had recurring loose stools or itchy skin for more than a couple of weeks, and want to rule out a food cause.
See our guide to hypoallergenic dog food to find the right fit with your vet.
What are the best novel protein diets for dogs?
Novel protein diets, like Instinctive Bite's Single Protein range or Prime100 SPD, use a protein your dog hasn't eaten before, such as kangaroo, so there's nothing for their immune system to react to. We find these a good over-the-counter starting point for milder sensitivities, where food may be thought to play a part, though it pays to check the ingredients list, since some "novel" recipes still sneak in chicken or poultry by-products.
Read our full novel protein diets explained guide to choose one properly, and learn more about the Instinctive Bite Single Protein Range.
What to look for in a sensitive stomach dog food?
- Diets for sensitive stomachs are easy to digest, lower in fat, and include gut support ingredients like prebiotics for a healthy gut.
- Look for foods formulated by vets or vet nutritionists.
- Check with your vet which suits your dog, since some cases need a prescription food rather than an over-the-counter one.
- For a suspected allergy, a hydrolysed (gold standard) or novel protein diet is best for a proper elimination trial.
What are the symptoms of a sensitive stomach in dogs?
Signs of a sensitive stomach include repeated episodes of:
- Loose stool and diarrhoea
- Gas
- Lack of appetite
- Occasional vomiting
- Discoloured stool
Signs and severity varies widely between dogs.
See your vet if:
- Your dog is vomiting
- Your pet is a puppy
- 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 in dogs?
A sensitive stomach usually comes down to one of six things: diet, parasites, bacteria, medication, allergies, or an underlying medical condition.
- Diet: poor quality ingredients are harder to digest, and sudden changes can trigger upsets, introduce new food slowly.
- Parasites: worms and protozoa can cause GI signs. Keep parasite prevention current (most all-in-ones skip tapeworm so add one in if your dog is at risk).
- Bacteria: scavenging or a raw diet (raw bones included) can upset gut bacteria, and risk Salmonella or Listeria for the household.
- Antibiotics: can disrupt healthy gut bacteria, especially early in life. A probiotic during or after treatment can help.
- Allergies: develop over time, often to chicken, beef, dairy or wheat. Ask your vet about a elimination trial.
- Other conditions: pancreatitis, IBD, or disorders of the liver or adrenal glands can all cause chronic GI signs.
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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 8 Sep 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Michelle Wong BVSc
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.
