Why Does My Dog Have a Sensitive Tummy?
If you are reading this article, it is likely that your dog has a sensitive stomach. Symptoms of sensitive stomachs in dogs include loose stools, flatulence, and occasional vomiting. If any of these symptoms are severe, or if your dog exhibits both vomiting and diarrhea together, it is time for a visit to the vet. Otherwise, a homemade diet may just be the remedy. Before you can know what to feed him to help, you need to figure out what is causing his sensitive stomach in the first place. Much like humans, some dogs have adverse reactions to certain food ingredients. Other times, stomach sensitivity could be caused by a more serious issue. The first thing to do if you notice your dog has a sensitive stomach is to contact your veterinarian so you can rule out any serious causes; such as canine cancer.
Once you have done this, you can begin experimenting with your pup’s diet to try and find foods that work for him. Sometimes, his sensitive tummy will be caused by too much of a certain ingredient or nutrient in his food; such as too much chicken or too much fat. Other times, his food is lacking key nutrients or minerals to help his digestive system process it adequately.
Since most commercial dog foods contain so many ingredients, it can be really tough to determine exactly what is the source of your dog’s chronic upset stomach. For this reason, homemade foods are a great alternative; because you can easily monitor what your dog is eating and adjust his diet based on his reaction. Furthermore, your dog will generally find homemade food much more palatable than his kibble.
10 Homemade Foods for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Always be sure to apply the same sanitation techniques as you would when cooking for yourself or your human companions when you are cooking for your pup. Also, remember that the only way to know if these foods are helping your dog’s upset tummy is to monitor him closely. If you find that one or more of these foods contribute to the sensitivity, stop feeding it to him immediately.
1. Lean, Boiled Chicken or Turkey Breast
This is the most popular choice for dogs with upset tummies. Not only will your pup love the taste of fresh meat, but lean boiled chicken or turkey breast is great for his upset stomach because it provides a great source of protein without much fat, fiber, or seasoning.
2. Canned Tuna or Salmon
Canned fish has high levels of essential nutrients for your pup. Pick an option that is canned in water, not oil; and make sure it is salt-free, as seasonings can contribute to upset stomach.
3. Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs, like fish and chicken, have high levels of protein and are very nutritious for your pup. However, with higher levels of fat, they are a slightly more risky option for a pup with a sensitive stomach. Depending on what it is in his diet that has been causing the upset, eggs may be a great option. Be sure to cook them with no oil or seasoning.
4. Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as well as those who currently are experiencing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Because of its low glycemic index, it slowly absorbs, which is great for sensitive stomachs.
5. White Rice
White rice’s blandness and easily available nutrients make it a great food for sensitive tummies, human and canine alike. Be sure to cook the rice as you would for yourself and allow it to cool completely before feeding it to your pup.
6. Sweet Potato
Boiled sweet potato contains lots of essential vitamins for your pup. Make sure to peel it to reduce its fiber content.
7. Bone Broth
A treat your pup will absolutely love. Homemade bone broth is easy to digest and provides your pup with tons of nutrients. Be sure to allow it to cool in the fridge and remove the fat from the top before serving.
8. Baby Food
That’s right! Your pup can absolutely eat this stuff. For sensitive tummies, use a stage II meat-based baby food that is free from seasonings.
9. Boiled Potatoes
Like white rice, boiled potatoes provide a bland source of nutrition for your pup, but their higher levels of vitamins make them a great option.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt contains high levels of probiotics, which are great for your dog’s digestive tract. Look for a plain variety with no added sweeteners or flavorings.
Sources:
- “No More Tummy Woes! Best Food for Dogs With a Sensitive Stomach.” DogAppy, 2 May 2018, Accessed 5 March 2018. www.dogappy.com/best-dog-food-for-sensitive-stomach.
- Farricelli, Adrienne Janet. “Homemade Recipes for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs.” PetHelpful, 11 Feb. 2016, Accessed 5 March 2018. www.pethelpful.com/dogs/Homemade-Recipes-for-Dogs-With-Sensitive-Stomachs.
- “Top 20 Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Dog Will Love.” The Dog Bakery, Accessed 5 March 2018. www.thedogbakery.com/blogs/news/top-20-healthy-homemade-dog-food-recipes-your-dog-will-love.
- Burke, Anna. “Best Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs.” American Kennel Club, 10 Aug. 2016, Accessed 5 March 2018. www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-food-for-dogs-with-sensitive-stomachs/.
- Harleman, James. “8 Easy Tricks to Make Delicious Homemade Dog Food.” Rover, 31 May 2018, Accessed 5 March 2018. www.rover.com/blog/healthy-dog-food-recipes/.
