Your Cart is Empty
FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON DOMESTIC ORDERS OVER $30
Pets can develop sensitive stomachs for various reasons. Often it can be a simple case of not having enough fiber or fats in their system, for instance, but other times a sensitive stomach can signify there is an underlying disorder like bacterial overgrowth or pancreatitis.
If your pet has a sensitive stomach or digestive problems, you should visit your veterinarian for advice.
But there are also some simple dietary changes you can make if your pet has a sensitive stomach. So, here are some diet tips you should know about.
If your pet has a sensitive stomach that leads to digestive issues, a good short-term fix could be to swap to a bland diet. For instance, for dogs, boiled chicken and rice are good options. And canned pumpkin can be helpful for pets with diarrhea.
Probiotics help to restore healthy bacteria in the intestines to improve the digestive function of pets, so you may want to consider giving your pet probiotic supplements. You can easily order probiotics online. Your dog can then benefit from a probiotic for dogs, for example.
Probiotics for pets can support healthy digestion and the immune system as well as help to maintain proper gut flora. Simply add probiotic supplements to your pet’s food.
Sometimes pets with sensitive stomachs simply need more fiber in their diets. For dogs, beet pulp is a good source of fiber.
Ask your veterinarian what kind of food that contains fiber would be best for your specific type of pet.
For dogs and some other pets, diets that are high in fat are more difficult to digest than diets that are higher in carbohydrates or proteins. So, make sure you buy pet food that doesn’t have a high-fat content.
Ask your veterinarian about how much fat should be in your pet’s diet.
A lack of vitamins and minerals can be responsible for sensitive stomachs in pets. Most commercial pet foods contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, but you should still look at the ingredients to ensure enough vitamins and minerals are included in the pet food you purchase.
Also, if your pet is on a specialty diet, such as home-cooked food or a raw diet, that food could lack the proper nutrients that your pet needs. If that is the case, give your pet vitamin and mineral supplements.
Again, ask your vet for advice. You can then ensure your pet gets exactly the right amount of minerals and vitamins.
There are pet foods that are specifically designed for pets with sensitive stomachs. In particular, you’ll find dog foods that are formulated for sensitive stomachs and digestive issues.
So, ask your veterinarian if you should try switching to a specially formulated pet food that contains easily digestible ingredients to soothe your pet’s stomach. And in general, when you buy pet food, look for food that contains plenty of fiber, low amounts of fat, and probiotics, as well as appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals.
By making some simple dietary changes, you could help your pet’s sensitive stomach.
To recap: a bland diet could be a good short-term fix, and probiotics supplements, more fiber, more vitamins and minerals, and less fat, in your pet’s diet could be the answer. You may also want to consider switching to specially formulated pet food.
Though, ultimately, you should consult your veterinarian to find out what the best options are for your specific pet.
Editor's Note:
This blog was originally posted on January 9, 2023. It has been updated for accuracy and consistency to reflect the most current information.
Last Updated: November 13, 2024