Pet owners want their dogs to feel their best, but digestive problems can make that challenging. Stomach issues are common in dogs, and some gastrointestinal upset may signal a larger health concern.

However, if your pup simply has a delicate digestive system, there are steps you can take to ease their discomfort and support their health. This might include transitioning to a limited-ingredient dog food or trying proven home remedies for digestion.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry — we’re here to help. Read on for practical solutions and the best food options for dogs with delicate tummies.

It's not unusual for puppies, adult dogs or senior dogs to experience symptoms of a sensitive stomach. Some dogs are born with this condition (certain breeds are more prone to it), while others develop it over time.

Common signs of a reactive stomach in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, excessive gas, lack of appetite and signs of abdominal discomfort like pacing or whining. If you notice these symptoms regularly, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Specific dog breeds more prone to sensitive stomachs include:

• Miniature Schnauzer

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Shihtzu

• Scottish Terrier

• Lhasa Apso

• Boxer

• German Shepherd

• Standard Poodle

Watching your dog struggle with a sensitive stomach can be tough, but there are some best practices you can follow to improve their digestion and overall well-being.

Dogs with digestive issues often have specific nutritional needs, and it can be tempting to experiment with their diets. However, making changes too quickly can worsen stomach troubles.

Instead of making an abrupt change, gradually mix small portions of the new food with their current food over a week or two. This slow transition helps your dog adjust and minimizes the risk of further digestive upset.

Spicy foods and those high in fat can exacerbate a dog's stomach troubles, so it’s best to avoid them. According to Dr. Leilani Alvarez of NYC's Animal Medical Center, pet parents should choose foods with a fat content of less than 25%.

This is especially important for dogs with pancreatitis, as high-fat foods are harder for them to digest. Examples of high-fat foods include cheese, milk, butter, sausages, and meats like pork belly and bacon.

Dairy is a common trigger for digestive issues, often due to a lack of the enzyme needed to break down lactose. If your dog shows signs of an upset stomach, try reducing their intake of dairy products like milk, eggs and butter — and don’t forget to check their treats for hidden dairy ingredients.

As tempting as it may be to sneak your dog a few bites from your plate, it's best to ignore those puppy-dog eyes and avoid offering human food — especially to those with sensitive stomachs. Many human foods contain ingredients that can further aggravate their symptoms.

Avoid anything cooked with spices or seasonings meant for humans. However, natural options like plain Greek yogurt, antioxidant-rich blueberries or raw sweet potato slices can make great toppers or treats.

If you're considering switching your dog's food to address stomach issues, look for specific ingredients that support digestive health — and avoid those that commonly cause digestive upset.

White meats like chicken, turkey and fish are highly palatable for dogs and naturally low in fat, making them ideal for pups with digestive issues. As a bonus, these meats also provide lean, digestible protein to support overall health.

Sweet potatoes are also easy to digest and packed with vitamins, so they’re another great addition for dogs with sensitivities. The Honest Kitchen prioritizes digestible ingredients in all its pet foods and uses gentle cooking methods to retain more of the nutrients your pup needs to thrive.

When selecting food for a dog with an irritable digestive system, it’s helpful to choose dishes with fewer ingredients. A limited ingredient food makes it easier to identify and avoid potential triggers.

The Honest Kitchen’s Limited Ingredient Recipes are made with single protein sources and whole food ingredients to reduce the risk of food sensitivities while still providing balanced nutrition.

Artificial preservatives, colors and flavors can irritate a dog’s sensitive stomach and should be avoided. Look for foods free of additives like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which have been linked to cancer and organ damage in dogs.

Other harmful additives to avoid include ethoxyquin, nitrates/nitrites, propyl gallate and carrageenan. The Honest Kitchen’s recipes are free of artificial additives and by-products, making them a safer choice for sensitive pups.

Fiber and grains can provide general digestive support, helping alleviate loose stools and support healthy digestion. Fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin, kale, flaxseed and apples can also help your dog feel fuller, reducing the risk of overeating.

Grains are another excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates. For sensitive stomachs, white rice is an ideal choice since it’s easy to digest. Other options include brown rice, oats, whole wheat and ancient grains like millet and quinoa.

Finally, probiotics and prebiotics can support a dog’s gut health by introducing healthy bacteria that aid in digestion. These are available as supplements or included in some dog food formulas, like The Honest Kitchen’s, for added digestive benefits.

If your dog struggles with tummy troubles or food allergies, it might be time to try a new food. Consulting your veterinarian is the best way to get specific recommendations tailored to your dog's life stage, nutritional needs, breed and overall health. Your vet may suggest a prescription diet or a hypoallergenic recipe.

That said, some foods from The Honest Kitchen can help dogs with food sensitivities and digestive issues. Here are our top picks:

Consider human grade, grain free dehydrated food. These minimally processed recipes are designed to be gentle on the stomach and provide complete, balanced nutrition. We recommend the turkey or chicken recipe, both of which are simple to prepare by adding water.

The Grain Free Turkey Recipe features turkey as a high-quality protein source, making it ideal for dogs with delicate stomachs. It also includes flaxseed, potatoes, spinach, apples and carrots for a balanced diet and improved digestion.

The Grain Free Chicken Recipe is made with gently dehydrated chicken and wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkins and apples. These fiber-rich ingredients provide digestive support without unnecessary fillers or difficult-to-digest grains.

If your pup has allergies or intolerances and needs a limited ingredient diet, try The Honest Kitchen’s fish or duck options.

• The Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Fish Recipe features wild caught white fish as the sole protein source, along with pumpkin, coconut, spinach, celery and chickpeas to support easy digestion. The formula excludes common allergens while providing complete nutrition.

• The Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe uses cage free duck as the primary protein source. It also includes sweet potatoes, navy beans, flaxseed, eggs and parsley, making it an excellent choice for sensitive stomachs.

Read about Ranger’s success story with limited ingredient recipes from The Honest Kitchen.

For pups who prefer a kibble-like dry dog food but need something gentler on their stomachs, The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters are a top pick. These grain free clusters are gently baked to preserve essential nutrients while ensuring they’re easier to digest than traditional kibble.

We recommend the Grain Free Chicken Clusters . The first ingredient is whole chicken, followed by digestible ingredients like potatoes, peas, chicken liver, lentils, carrots, pumpkin and apples.

Bone broths are a reliable way to add nutrients to your dog’s diet without causing digestive upset. The Honest Kitchen’s Bone Broth Pour Overs are made with limited ingredients to boost their digestibility.

These pour overs come in three recipes — chicken stew, beef stew and turkey with salmon stew — so even the pickiest eaters are sure to find something they enjoy. Each features high-quality protein, wholesome bone broth and select produce like carrots and butternut squash.

In addition to enhancing meals, these pour overs provide a hydration boost, helping ensure your pup stays nourished and ready for improved digestion.

Read about Oakley and Avery’s success stories with bone broth pour overs from The Honest Kitchen. 

Prebiotics and probiotics are essential for soothing sensitive stomachs and promoting healthy digestion. The Honest Kitchen’s Instant Goat's Milk is a daily booster formulated with 1.25 billion active probiotics and highly digestible dehydrated goat's milk to support digestive health. This booster is suitable for dogs of all life stages and is especially beneficial for puppies with stomach issues.

To prepare, simply add a little water to hydrate the booster before pouring it over kibble, mixing it into your pet’s dehydrated food or serving it on its own as a special treat. You can even use the hydrated powder in homemade treats.

For an on-the-go option to support your pup’s gut health, try Blueberry and Vanilla Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies probiotic snacks.

For dog owners who prefer to feed their furry friends homemade diets, The Honest Kitchen’s Base Mixes offer flexibility and control over your dog’s diet while ensuring they still get balanced nutrition.

The base mixes are available in grain free and whole grain recipes, featuring human grade fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates — ideal for even the most sensitive stomachs.

• The Grain Free Veggie Base Mix includes high-quality ingredients like carrots, flaxseed, parsnips, peas, coconut, pumpkin, celery, kale, kelp and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

• The Whole Grain Veggie and Fruit Base Mix features organic oats, flaxseed, barley, quinoa, pumpkin, carrots, parsnips, apples, cranberries, green beans, kale, broccoli and turmeric.

Both recipes are carefully crafted to minimize stomach upset while providing essential nutrients to pups with tummy troubles.

Read Percy’s success story with The Honest Kitchen’s base mix.  

As a dog parent, it can be stressful when your dog isn’t feeling well and you’re not sure how to help. Fortunately, there are clear signs and symptoms to watch for and steps you can take to address sensitive stomach issues.

Start by consulting your veterinarian to rule out underlying conditions and identify potential dietary triggers. Then, consider gradually adjusting your dog’s diet to a food made with high quality ingredients that are minimally processed and free of artificial additives or preservatives.

The Honest Kitchen has plenty of great options for dogs with sensitive stomachs, helping you ensure your pup gets the nutrients, digestive support and delicious meals they need.

Goodbye tummy troubles! View The Honest Kitchen’s full dog food collection today.