The 10 Best Dog Foods For Digestive Problems
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Do you have a dog diagnosed with a digestive disorder or a sensitive stomach? Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs can experience digestive problems. As well as more serious illnesses like irritable bowel disease, it might also be the result of dietary sensitivities or allergies.
After talking to your vet and deciding that a diet made for GI problems is the best way to help your dog, you will need to choose one that helps your dog's problems.
Finding the appropriate cuisine might be difficult because we know you don't want to make the situation worse. Because of this, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has compiled this list of the best dog foods for digestive problems.
Each review contains information about the product as well as its advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to evaluate which option is best for you and your dog. At the conclusion of the article, a buyer's guide provides things to keep in mind while making a final selection.
Reviews
JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food – Overall Winner
The JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food is the finest dog food for digestive problems overall. All JustFoodForDogs dishes are produced using fresh, natural ingredients.
Real, fresh food is preferable than over-baked kibbles loaded with additives and preservatives for all dogs, but if your dog has gastrointestinal issues, choosing a healthy alternative is even more important.
The stomach of your dog was not designed to digest manufactured foods. Dry kibbles are less nutritious than fresh food due to a refining procedure that eliminates dangerous microorganisms as well as certain nutrients.
The JustFoodForDogs meal is prepared at a low temperature in their facilities, which preserves the nutrients, and then immediately frozen to maintain its quality until it reaches your home.
While the specific ingredients vary per recipe, all JustFoodForDogs options offer a healthy trinity of genuine meat, veggies, and vitamins.
That is all! There are no artificial or preservative substances. This meal is 100% human-grade and edible (the CEOs claim to have consumed large quantities of it!).
The JustFoodForDogs website allows you to tailor your dog’s diet to their age, breed, and overall health.
When you’ve customized the ideal subscription for your dog, they’ll mail it directly to your home, eliminating the need for a trip to the shop. Due to the use of authentic, fresh ingredients, the expense of this dish might be prohibitive.
Pros
- Unrefined components
- Adaptable to individual preferences and dietary requirements
- Human-grade components
- Subscription-based
Cons
- More costly than standard kibble
Purina ONE Digestive Health Formula Dog Food – Lowest Price
Purina One is the most cost-effective dog food for digestive issues since its recipe is highly digestible and inexpensive. The recipe’s first ingredient is real chicken, which is rich in easily digestible proteins.
Probiotics are included to improve intestinal health, and there are no fillers, so each component has a specific function.
Whole-grain wheat and maize contain fiber and antioxidants that support the immune system, as well as an abundance of vitamins and minerals for general health.
This recipe has a significant quantity of fat, which might be problematic for certain dogs with digestive disorders and is the reason we ranked it second on our list of recommendations. However, this combination will help many individuals with sensitive stomachs.
After introducing this meal to their dogs who were suffering from diarrhea and upset stomachs after eating, several owners have seen their dogs had less gas and more solid stools.
Pros
- Affordable
- True chicken
- Probiotics added
- No fillers
- Dietary fiber from whole grains
- Antioxidants for healthy immune function
Cons
- Heavy in fat
Hill’s Prescription Digestive Care Canned Dog Food is Ideal for Puppies
This canned dog food from Hill’s Prescription diet is appropriate for puppies with digestive issues.
Low in fat and rich in other nutrients, the recipe was designed by nutritionists and veterinarians and is clinically proved to aid the digestive tract. To acquire this item, you will need a veterinarian’s authorization, but the process is straightforward.
With the inclusion of pig and turkey liver, pork by-products, and turkey heart, this recipe is delicious and simple to digest. It contains prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and ginger to relax and soothe the digestive tract.
To keep the digestive tract happy, a strong immune system is essential, thus the extra antioxidants are doing their part. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for supporting digestive health and skin and coat health.
Pros
- Low in lipid
- Developed by veterinarians and nutritionists
- Excellent texture and taste
- Contains prebiotic fibers
- Ginger was added to comfort
- Antioxidants for healthy immune function
- Omega-3 fatty acids present
Cons
- Requires veterinarian approval to purchase
Gastrointestinal Royal Canin Vet Diet Canned Dog Food
If you want to feed or supplement your pet with canned food, the Royal Canin low-fat food is an excellent option. It is made pleasant by adding easily digestible proteins derived from swine by-products, while maintaining a low fat content to prevent vomiting and diarrhea and stimulate appetite.
Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which help calm an irritated gastrointestinal system.
Prebiotics are added to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach, while dietary fibers derived from beet pulp and powdered cellulose support healthy stools.
Antioxidants strengthen the immune system, which in turn maintains a healthy digestive tract. On the downside, this medicine is expensive and requires a veterinarian’s clearance to purchase online.
Pros
- Low-fat
- Palatable
- Easy to digest proteins
- Soothes a stomachache
- Fiber content
- Antioxidants present
Cons
- Required vet permission
- Pricey
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Vet Diet Dry Dog Food
For dogs with digestive issues, Royal Canin provides a dry dog food that is both tasty and highly digestible. It is low in fat and includes proteins and prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
Dietary fiber from psyllium seed husk, beet pulp, and barley assists in the formation of good stools, while the inclusion of fish oil nourishes the gastrointestinal system with omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA.
Antioxidants are included to maintain a healthy immune system, which benefits the digestive tract. On the negative, a veterinary authorization is required to acquire this item, however this assures that you provide a food advised by your veterinarian.
Pros
- Palatable
- Highly absorbable
- Low in lipid
- Prebiotics consist of
- Abundant dietary fiber
- Omega fatty acids are found
- Antioxidants are beneficial to the immune system
Cons
- Purchase authorization must come from a veterinarian
Multi-Benefit Digestive Dry Dog Food from Hill’s Prescription
Hill’s Prescription Diet offers a formula that aids in maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood glucose levels, and urinary health, as well as promoting healthy digestion.
It has been clinically shown to supply the necessary nutrients for various illnesses and to support the immune system as a whole.
The high fiber content (20% to be exact) helps your dog feel full, promotes good digestion, and regulates blood sugar levels. The major protein source is highly digestible chicken, while chicken fat, chicken liver, and soybean oil add taste while keeping the overall fat level at 6%.
However, your veterinarian must allow the purchase, and the product is expensive. Nonetheless, keep Multi-Benefit Digestive in mind if your dog requires a diet formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians.
Pros
- Multi-benefits
- Promotes digestive health
- Clinically examined
- Designed by nutritionists and veterinarians
- Palatable
- Low-fat percentage
- High fiber content
Cons
- Require vet clearance to acquire
- Pricey
The canned Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets Formula dog food
This canned dog food from Purina Pro Plan is made with readily digestible ingredients to boost nutrition absorption for the health of your dog.
Meat by-products are the leading component, followed by barley, chicken, and rice. These elements are beneficial for digestion and provide flavor to the food, ensuring that your dog will love eating it.
The fat and carbohydrate content is decreased to maximize nutrition and minimize GI distress.
We like that it is designed expressly for dogs with gastritis, enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other illnesses of the gastrointestinal system, so you know it is suitable for GI issues. In addition, it contains prebiotic fiber and antioxidants to support the digestive tract and the immune system.
This is another product that requires a prescription from a veterinarian, however it is less expensive than other prescription canned dog meals. On the negative, several owners complained that their dogs did not enjoy it as much as other canned foods due to its thick consistency.
Pros
- Easily digested proteins
- Palatable
- Low calorie and carbohydrate content
- Ideal for dogs with digestive ailments
- Contributes to a healthy immune system
- Nourishes the gastrointestinal tract
Cons
- Required veterinary permission
- Dense consistence
Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food by CANIDAE
Canidae serves a dish that is suitable for those with delicate stomachs. The recipe is grain-free and has few components. The major source of protein is actual lamb, a more palatable red meat.
Grain can also be a cause of food sensitivities, therefore this recipe substitutes sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and peas for grains.
Because fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives can potentially cause gastrointestinal trouble, they are not utilized.
Canidae fortifies this meal with a combination of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to make it nutrient-dense and ideal for dogs with GI problems. On the negative side, the recipe is rich in fat and low in fiber, but if your dog has no issues with fat, this is an excellent option.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Limited ingredients
- Lamb is the major source of protein
- Vegetables and legumes abound
- Absence of fillers and synthetic ingredients
- Consists of probiotics, antioxidants, and fatty acids
Cons
- Heavy in fat
- Lacking fiber
Natural Balance Grain-Free Dry Dog Food from L.I.D
Potato and duck are the major elements in this Natural Balance diet with few additions. Limiting the meal to a single source of animal protein can help minimize the amount of sensitivities. This dish has less carbs and food additives, and the fat content is lower than in typical adult recipes.
This recipe is grain-free and contains omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, which give fiber and promote a healthy, glossy coat. The fat content is 10%, derived from canola oil and salmon oil. This quantity of fat may or may not cause your dog digestive issues.
It is, nevertheless, less than other dry dog meals. Unfortunately, the fiber content is only 3%, which is significantly lower than other meals designed exclusively for digestive issues.
Pros
- Scarce ingredients
- Duck is a single-protein meat
- Reduced carbohydrates
- Without additives
- Grain-free
- Omega phospholipids
Cons
- Fat quantity
- Low fiber content
Natural Selection Adult Health Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select is created with many digestive health-supporting components. Anchovy and sardine meal are the principal components, followed by brown rice and oatmeal. It also contains salmon meal, canola oil, and salmon oil, elevating the fat content to 13%.
The dish has an abundance of fruits and vegetables that contribute additional fiber, bringing the total fiber level to 4.5%. With fish as the primary component, this composition is rich in omega fatty acids that nourish the skin and hair of your dog.
Antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries and pomegranate, promote a healthy immune system, which in turn promotes good digestion.
Due to the large number of components in this recipe, there is a greater chance that a dog with a sensitive stomach would experience digestive troubles. Unfortunately, the fish elements in this dish also make it stinky. Prebiotics and probiotics are needed for a healthy digestive tract.
Pros
- High fiber content
- Numerous omega fatty acids
- Promotes immune system health
- Prebiotics and probiotics are included
Cons
- Numerous components in the dish
- Heavy in fat
- Strong odor associated with food
How to Choose the Finest Digestive Care Dog Food
There are aspects to bear in mind prior to making a final decision, since there is a vast selection of meals from which to chose.
This buyer’s guide discusses characteristics to look for in food, components that are excellent and harmful for sensitive stomachs, pricing, and consulting with a veterinarian.
Guidelines From Your Veterinarian
If you haven’t already, you should discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. If your dog is experiencing digestive symptoms such as vomiting, loose stools, or a lack of appetite, you should inform your veterinarian so they can assist diagnose and formulate a treatment plan.
Because specialist food is only indicated for particular conditions and you don’t want to feed your dog anything they don’t need, several of the meals on this list require a veterinarian’s authorization before you can purchase them.
Ingredients
The protein source, fiber source, quantity of fat, lack of vitamins and minerals, and the quality of the components are the primary causes of digestive disorders.
- Protein: Excessive protein sources or improper protein sources might be problematic. If you’ve been giving your dog chicken-based food, you may want to try duck- or fish-based alternatives. It is also a good idea to restrict the animal protein to a single source. Many commercial dog diets contain many types of meat, so switching to one that has solely chicken may assist your pet.
- Fiber: Some dogs’ diets may require more fiber. Typically, dog kibble is low in fiber, however increasing the fiber content may alleviate digestive problems. Consider sources of high-quality fiber such as psyllium, flaxseed, and beet pulp.
- Fat: Because a high-fat diet is more difficult to digest, switching to a lower-fat diet may assist with many digestive ailments. Examine the fat content of the food and consult your veterinarian to determine if your dog should be on a low-fat diet.
- Vitamins and minerals: If your dog isn’t getting enough vitamins and minerals, their immune system won’t work correctly, which might negatively impact their digestive health. It is essential to supply enough levels of vitamins and minerals in the diet. Prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants are also excellent supplements for dogs with digestive issues.
- Ingredient quality: Ensure that you are serving high-quality food made from high-quality ingredients; select a well-known brand that employs few ingredients to deliver optimal nutrition. The greater the number of components in a food, the greater the likelihood of an allergic reaction or sensitivity.
Cost
Surely you have seen that special diets are pricey. If you have a limited budget, it might be difficult to locate gastrointestinal dog food that is of high quality. In order to avoid future issues, it is prudent to feed your dog a food that promotes digestive health if this is indicated.
You will save money in the long term if you give your dog a diet that will keep him healthy, as opposed to constantly spending for veterinary care.
Conclusion
Finding the proper diet for a dog with digestive disorders does not have to be a difficult task. This list of the top meals can assist you in narrowing your search.
Our top pick for the best dog food for digestive issues is JustFoodForDogs. All of their dishes are produced using fresh, natural ingredients. Instead of overbaked crumbs loaded with additives and preservatives, all dogs would benefit from fresh, natural food.
The Purina One formula is the most economical option on our list of reviewed digestive health formulas that boost gastrointestinal health and provide essential nutrients. The nutrients your dog requires for optimal health and happiness
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our visitors for choosing our website to learn about and research the best dog foods for digestive problems.
Your first job is to make sure they have the best food for their needs. We hope the information in this article will help you choose the right food for your dog’s needs, expectations, and budget.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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