
Feeding your dog a high-quality diet can change their life, especially if they have digestive issues. As the owner of a Labrador retriever—a breed famous for both their appetites and allergies—I’ve personally tested nearly a dozen dog food brands before finding one that works. Spot & Tango’s UnKibble, which I believe to be the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, uses only fresh, whole ingredients in radically simple recipes, making it an excellent choice for dogs with tummy troubles.
If you’re worried your pup is having stomach problems, don’t panic: “It’s quite common for dogs to have sensitive stomachs,” says Dr. Iram Gladan, DVM. “Many dogs experience digestive issues that can often be managed and alleviated with the right diet and care.” While it’s always wise to consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet, ahead, we’ve selected a variety of brands and recipes to suit different needs and help your pet feel their best. Whether you’re raising a new puppy or trying to extend the lifespan of your senior dog, you’ll find high-quality options in dry, wet and grain-free foods to support your dog’s digestive health.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best pet products on the market. We’ve published dozens of expert-backed roundups on pets and all they come with, including the best dry dog food, best dog food delivery services and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- This article was written by Kelly O’Sullivan, a lifelong dog owner and current pet parent to her yellow Lab, Sunny. Sunny struggled for years with food and environmental allergies, kicking off Kelly’s journey to help her heal through nutrition. Kelly read The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer, and it changed her life (and Sunny’s). Kelly was also previously the editorial director of a pet-focused website and has interviewed dozens of veterinarians on the topic of canine nutrition.
- For this article, O’Sullivan consulted with four veterinarians to help us find the healthiest and highest-quality dog foods for sensitive stomachs: Dr. Alex Crow, DVM; Dr. Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN; Dr. Iram Gladan, DVM; and Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM.
- We regularly update this story to ensure we recommend the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs. It was most recently updated in May 2024 by Kelly O’Sullivan.
How We Chose The Best Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomachs
To find the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs, we considered expert recommendations, personal experience and key ingredient factors to ensure each pick supports digestive health and overall well-being.
- We focused on popular recipes from reputable pet food brands known for their quality, reliability and ethical sourcing.
- We also incorporated insights from veterinarians, who provided recommendations on ingredients and protein sources that could benefit dogs with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, we drew on our own personal experience as pet owners.
- We evaluated the quality of ingredients, inclusion of proteins safe for sensitive stomachs and adherence to AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- We included a range of options such as grain-free, dry, wet and foods suitable for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
What To Look For In The Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
AAFCO Standards
First and foremost, check that the dog food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for complete and balanced nutrition. This ensures the food provides all the essential nutrients your dog needs.
High Quality Ingredients
Look for dog foods made with high-quality, whole ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the first ingredient listed is always the main protein source. Beyond that, the fewer and more recognizable ingredients listed, the better. There are certain ingredients that can exacerbate sensitive stomachs; Crow recommends dog owners steer clear of foods containing common allergens like dairy, corn, wheat, soy and artificial additives and preservatives.
Novel Protein Sources
Novel protein sources can be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest. Crow suggests proteins like venison, duck, salmon or other fish. “I’ve seen the benefits of novel protein sources in reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health,” he explains.
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