How to Choose the Best Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

 

Just as many of us have sensitive stomachs, there are dogs that suffer from these problems. And although many of our four-legged friends would love to eat everything, many of them cannot…

What is the Reason?

The causes of stomach sensitivity are not usually serious, but they can end up causing chronic discomfort and a lot of stress for your furry companion. The most common reason is that your dog usually does not digest some type of food well.

What are the Symptoms?

If your dog is having trouble digesting certain foods, there are three symptoms that you can easily identify:

1. Flatulence

Before accusing your dog of having too much gas, know that persistent flatulence can be a symptom of indigestion.

2. Vomiting

 Occasional vomiting is not a sign to worry about, but if it becomes recurrent, it may mean that the dog is not very comfortable with some digestions or meals.

3. Diarrhea

 Similarly, isolated diarrhea need not be something to worry about, but it is something that should not last more than a couple of days. If not, maybe it means something else.

4. Weight Loss

Weight loss is one of the common symptoms of a sensitive stomach. They don't eat a lot of food because it makes them sick.

5. Loss of Appetite

Does your dog survive to eat? Is he refusing food now? Loss of appetite can be a sign of a sensitive stomach. Consult your veterinarian to determine if your pet's diet needs to be changed so that he can receive adequate nutrition.

If you think your dog is becoming more sensitive to a certain type of food and it could be a problem, it's best to consult your vet to make sure there's nothing more serious behind the signs.

Sometimes it is not easy to find the exact cause of a delicate stomach, but once you know which foods they digest better and eliminate from their diet the ones that digest worse, they are sure to be much happier.

If you already know what's wrong with your dog, you can use our Food Finder to find a recipe that doesn't include that ingredient. Just by answering a few questions, we can find the perfect food for your dog!

However, if you're not sure what's causing your discomfort, don't worry! There are enough perfect recipes for dogs with tender stomachs to eat with peace of mind. It's all about finding the right thing for your pet. Here are some things to consider when choosing the perfect food for your dog:

1. Easy-to-Digest Ingredients

Choose a diet with bland, easily digestible ingredients. Quality and origin are important and should always be considered when choosing your dog's food. Some of the most common ingredients, including beef and dairy, are often prime suspects for irritation or sensitivity.

2. Cooked Slowly at Moderate Temperatures

When croquettes are cooked slowly and at moderate temperatures, digestion is facilitated. In addition, this type of preparation gives the food a higher nutritional value.

3. Grain Free

Grain-free foods are the best option for the most delicate stomachs. In many situations, cereals can trigger problems related to digestion.

4. New Proteins and Carbohydrates

Dogs with sensitive stomachs will feel much better if they eat foods with new proteins and new carbohydrates. The novel, in this case, means that there are animal proteins and carbohydrates that your dog is not yet very familiar with. For example, venison may be a new protein, while sweet potatoes are a new carbohydrate, in the sense that they are not the most common in their diets.

5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Choosing a diet with a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids is one of the best ideas you can have. These foods help reduce inflammation and improve intestinal transit. But beware, this does not mean choosing a diet with a lot of fat! Fat is generally more difficult to digest than protein or carbohydrates.

6. Added Pre and Probiotics

For dogs with stomach or intestinal sensitivities, it's also a good idea to choose a diet with added prebiotics or probiotics. MOS and FOS (mannan-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides) are examples of prebiotics, which are soluble and fermentable fibers. These fibers are used by the bacteria that inhabit your pet's gut and ferment them into short-chain fatty acids. These have a positive effect on the intestines as they help improve blood circulation, which in turn stimulates the absorption of water and electrolytes.

Another good tip might be to feed your friend several small meals a day instead of the normal amounts on a more isolated frequency, once or twice a day. In this way, you ensure that your pet can digest the food slowly, instead of all at once...

 

So, if you think your dog's current diet may be the cause of his stomach problems, consider switching to something that meets most of the criteria listed above. When you make the switch, remember to introduce that new food slowly. Over three or four days, gradually increase the amount of the new food in the bowl while decreasing the amount of the current food. Too easy!

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