How to Soothe the Dog’s Sensitive Stomach?

There are loads of best-quality dog foods available in the market that promise to provide all the nutrition your dog needs daily. Though most of these foods work fine for a relatively good number of pups, some may not find the foods easy to digest.

They may vomit often, have flatulence, or pass loose stool. If your dog is facing similar problems, it can have a sensitive stomach that requires immediate attention.

Before you jump and start researching what food is best for dogs with sensitive stomachs, it is necessary to find out the underlying reasons that are causing the problem. Some dogs are sensitive to certain food items, while for others, it can be a sign of stress, infection, worm, or other serious problems.

So, you must make an appointment with the veterinarian to examine your dog thoroughly. The vet can give you an opinion about the diet considering your pet’s health conditions.

What causes sensitive stomachs in dogs?

Once the vet has ruled out any underlying health conditions, you can be sure that the cause must be food-related. It is often just about intolerance or reactions to certain ingredients or nutrients in their foods. Other times, it can be because your dog’s diet lacks certain vitamins, minerals, or fiber, or it can be because of excess of certain things like fat.

Sometimes, the food is not a problem at all. If your dog has a habit of eating from trash, lots of table scraps, or too many treats, it can develop this problem.

How to figure out what causes the problem of a sensitive stomach in your dog?

Not all dogs can tolerate just about anything they eat. Many suffer from sensitive stomachs that can easily make them irritated and upset. It can be challenging, especially for dog owners, to find out what exactly in the dogs’ diet is causing the trouble.

As a pet parent struggling to reduce your dog’s sensitive stomach issue, you can start by eliminating table scraps, treats, or inedible items that the dog is having. It would help if you were careful that your dog could not sneak into the trash or litter box, which can make it sick. If the sickness persists, even after stopping all these treats and trash, you need to work on its diet.

Can home-cooked meals be served to dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Home-made foods can be wonderful because you can closely monitor and adjust the diet based on how your dog reacts. Only make sure by talking with your veterinarian that the foods you offer meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Some of the dog foods for the sensitive stomach that you can prepare at home include:

Cooked eggs

Eggs are good for dogs as they are a rich source of protein. But before you offer an egg to your dog, make sure to cook it properly. You can prepare scrambled egg, poach or hard boil it- all are good for your dog. However, do not add seasoning, oil, or butter to the egg. Along with protein, eggs have some fat that can cause discomfort in your dog’s stomach.

Start by occasionally feeding your pet one egg and notice any signs of gastrointestinal distress. If it does not show discomfort, giving eggs is no harm.

Boiled chicken or turkey breast

Protein is necessary and the most significant component of your dog’s diet. Chicken and lean turkey contain much protein and less fat and fiber. So, you can easily offer these to your dog with a sensitive stomach. However, never let the dog have raw meat. Always cook the meat thoroughly before giving it to your pet.

Read Also: Top 15 Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs

Canned fish

Canned fish like salmon or tuna works ideally for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Fish is easy to digest and also rich in nutrients. However, while picking up canned fish, ensure water is used instead of oil for preservation. Moreover, no seasoning is added to it. Seasoning is often found to be the primary cause of stomach discomfort in pets. Offering them homecooked bland may resolve the problem and bring their gastrointestinal system back on track.

Bone broth

Home-made bone broth is nutritious, and food most dogs love. However, do not serve it after cooking as it contains a lot of fat. It is better to cool it by keeping it in the fridge. Skim all the fats from the broth. Warm it up and serve it to your dog.

White rice

White rice is bland and easy to digest. Make the rice a little soft and cool it before serving it to your pet. It has good nutrients and hardly causes any stomach problems. It can be the best dog food for diarrhea.

Boiled vegetables

Boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes are bland and starchy. Hence, it proves soothing for upset stomachs. However, it would be best to peel off the potatoes before offering them to your dog, as peels can be fibrous and not that easy to digest.

Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is beneficial for dogs who are vomiting or having diarrhea. Pumpkins are full of nutrients. Because of their high glycemic index, pumpkins are absorbed slowly and hence, are effective for sensitive stomachs.

Sometimes home-cooked meals lack all the nutrients necessary for your dog.

Can commercial foods be offered to dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Vets often suggest commercial dog foods as the best diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs. There are so many options that it is intimidating to find the perfect food for your dog that does not irritate its stomach.

You can select dog food formulas that are complete and balanced. These foods can provide your pet with all the necessary nutrients. It can also eliminate sensitive stomach issues that crop from nutritional deficiencies and ensure your dog gets all the nutrition required for healthy digestion.

Before buying any packed dog food, it is also imperative to read the label to know the amount of protein, fat, and fiber content. The foods with low fiber and fat are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Conclusion

Gut-related issues are treatable. You can change your dog’s diet plan to see positive results. You can always consult your pet’s veterinarian to design a suitable diet plan. It is essential to balance out its regular meals. Doing so will be beneficial for its health and digestion.

Make sure its diet comprises yogurt, rice, well-cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree. For instance, bone broth has a soothing effect on stomach upset. It comes packed with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Hence, it is a natural remedy for canines with digestive issues, stomach aches, nausea, and indigestion.

A well-planned diet will provide your dog with all the nutrition required and keep its gastrointestinal system well on track.