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.
When you choose the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, you’re making an investment in your pup’s … [+] long-term health and happiness.
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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.
Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs Overall: Spot & Tango UnKibbleBest Dry Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient GrainsBest Wet Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato (Case Of 21)Best Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs: Bocce’s Bakery Quack, Quack, Quack Training BitesBest Senior Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Ollie Fresh Dog FoodBest Puppy Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodBest Grain-Free Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm New Zealand Venison Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Finding the right food for a dog with a sensitive stomach can take years, but Spot & Tango makes it easy. The brand’s UnKibble is made with fresh, whole ingredients that are gently dehydrated to keep all the nutrients intact. I feed my finicky dog the Cod + Salmon and Turkey + Sweet Potato formulas, and she hasn’t shown any signs of digestive issues in over a year. Both recipes include ingredients like pumpkin and sweet potato, which vets recommend for dogs with sensitive stomachs. “These natural fiber sources can help support healthy digestion,” explains Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM.
One of the best things about Spot & Tango is the customization. You can mix up the recipes, choosing between four different options in each shipment. While regularly changing your dog’s food may sound like a bad idea, rotating proteins can actually help reduce food sensitivities and promote a healthier cut. Just consider avoiding the chicken recipe; many dogs with sensitive stomachs don’t tolerate it as well as other protein sources.
UnKibble is also super convenient for busy pet parents. It’s easy to store, travel-friendly and doesn’t require refrigeration like fresh food. Plus, the personalized scoop takes the guesswork out of feeding, making it simple to ensure your dog is getting the right amount.
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Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains
Open Farm, the brand behind Forbes Vetted’s pick for the best dry dog food, brings together ethical sourcing and quality ingredients in one package. This premium kibble combines wild-caught salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with a blend of superfoods and ancient grains that benefit your dog’s overall health. It also includes non-GMO, gluten-free oats and quinoa to provide essential nutrients and support digestion. Coconut oil, known for its metabolic benefits, adds an energy boost, while pumpkin and apples further aid with digestive health.
What’s not in this food is just as important as what is. “Avoid ingredients known to cause allergies or intolerances in dogs,” says Kong. “Common culprits include dairy, corn, wheat and soy. Artificial additives, preservatives and by-products can also trigger digestive issues and should be avoided.” All Open Farm recipes are free from those allergens, along with peas, potatoes, corn and legumes, so they’re perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The Fish & Sweet Potato recipe by JustFoodForDogs uses fresh, whole ingredients to create a gentle and healthy meal for dogs with sensitive stomachs It’s made with wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod and sweet potatoes; the omega-3s in the fish support healthier skin and a shiny coat, while the fiber in sweet potatoes helps soothe and regulate digestion.
Many pet owners report that their dogs, who couldn’t tolerate other proteins, have no issues with this fish-based dog food. “I’ve seen the benefits of novel protein sources in reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health,” says Dr. Alex Crow, DVM. This wet food for sensitive stomachs is a great choice if your dog needs an alternative to more common ingredients like chicken or beef. Plus, the fresh-from-frozen preparation creates a taste and texture that even picky eaters will love, taking the stress out of mealtime.
What’s a healthy diet without a few indulgences? These treats from Bocce’s Bakery are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs who deserve a little extra love. They’re low-calorie, chewy bites made with simple, natural ingredients, so they’re easy on your pup’s digestive system. The primary ingredient is duck, which vets highlight as great ingredient to look for. “I recommend opting for novel protein sources like venison, duck, or salmon, which are easier to digest than traditional sources like chicken or beef,” says Crow. The addition of blueberries provides antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K to support your dog’s immune system.
These treats are crafted in the USA without by-product meals or fillers and are completely free of wheat, making them a great option for dogs with certain food sensitivities. Each small training bite contains just four calories, so they’re ideal for dogs of all sizes; small dogs can enjoy them without worry, while bigger dogs can have a few at a time.
When it comes to senior dogs, nutrition is key to maintaining their health. Ollie Fresh Dog Food stands out with its fresh, high-quality and convenient meal plans that are suitable for all ages. “Ollie only uses 100% human-grade ingredients which are highly digestible,” says Dr. Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN. This makes the brand’s food an excellent choice for senior dogs, who often have more sensitive stomachs and specific dietary needs.
Ollie’s recipes are created with the guidance of top pet health authorities, and the brand only uses clean, simple ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve nutritional value. You can choose from high-quality proteins like turkey, beef, chicken, lamb and pork, combined with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and grains. This combo supports overall health while also giving senior dogs the protein boost they need.
Because senior dogs typically eat less, Ollie’s nutrient-dense meals can be more affordable than you might think. What’s more, this food might just teach your old dog some new tricks: Dozens of customers mention that their senior dogs, who previously showed little interest in food, never let a bite of Ollie’s go to waste.
Managing your puppy’s gut health from the beginning can prevent a lot of future issues. “Early intervention is key in managing sensitive stomachs,” says Crow. “As a veterinarian, I’ve seen the transformative power of targeted care and nutrition.” That’s why new pet parents love Open Farm’s Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food, which Forbes Vetted named as the best puppy food overall. This formula helps prevent the development of allergies in young puppies and avoids common digestive irritants like corn, wheat, soy and artificial preservatives. The kibble pieces are also small enough for tiny mouths, so it’s easy for puppies to chew and digest. Open Farm is also convenient to order and store, and it’s not as pricey as some other options, which is an important factor to consider with a hungry puppy.
Another popular recipe from Open Farm, this grain-free dog food is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs. It’s packed with protein from humanely raised, grass-fed venison, providing all the nutrients your dog needs without any common irritants. Venison is a novel protein, meaning it’s not commonly consumed, which makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities. “Protein sources play a vital role in dog foods for sensitive stomachs,” says Crow. “I recommend opting for novel protein sources like venison, duck or salmon, which are easier to digest than traditional sources like chicken.”
This grain-free food also includes non-GMO veggies and superfoods to support your dog’s overall health. Open Farm sources all its ingredients from certified family farms, ensuring they are free from antibiotics, hormones and steroids. Plus, the company’s commitment to sustainability and traceability means you’re also making a better choice for the environment. And it’s simple to serve—just scoop and pour, and you’re done. Many pet owners—including Forbes Vetted editors—praise Open Farm as a great option for those who don’t have the time or budget to feed their dogs raw.
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.
