Does your furry friend get an upset tummy after enjoying a tasty snack? You see their happy tail wags, but then comes the gurgling and discomfort. It’s tough watching your dog feel unwell, especially after something meant to be a treat!
Choosing the perfect treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach can feel like navigating a minefield. Many commercial treats are packed with ingredients that cause gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. You want to reward your best friend, but you fear the digestive fallout. It’s frustrating when simple spoiling leads to vet visits or messy cleanups.
This post is your roadmap to stress-free treating. We break down exactly what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. You will learn how to pick safe, delicious options that keep those tails wagging without the tummy troubles. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy snacking for your sensitive pup!
Top Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs Recommendations
- REAL TURKEY FIRST: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with real, high-quality turkey as the #1 ingredient
- SKIN & STOMACH CARE: These natural dog treats is formulated with healthy ingredients that support gentle digestion
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: These crunchy dog biscuits are the perfect reward for all breed sizes
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 6-oz bag of BLUE Basics Skin & Stomach Care Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Turkey & Potato Recipe
- 100% REAL DUCK BREAST AS THE #1 INGREDIENT: Waggin' Train duck jerky tenders for dogs are always made with real duck breast as the #1 ingredient. Our treats for dogs are made with whole muscle duck breast and just three ingredients
- FLAVOR THAT DOGS LOVE & HIGH IN PROTEIN: Our 100% natural duck tenderloins act as a novel protein - which makes these treats allergy avoidant. These dog snacks are the perfect source of protein with 50% of protein in each piece
- FORMULATED TO SUPPORT DIGESTIVE HEALTH: These dog treats are composed of prebiotic fiber to support your dog's digestive health. They also serve as a great treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- SIMPLE LIMITED INGREDIENTS: Your dog will be wagging their tail with joy when they taste Waggin' Train duck jerky dog treats! All of our dog jerky items are made with only real, simple ingredients and are perfect pet treats for any size adult dog
- A PURPOSEFUL APPROACH: Our dog treats are never made with any artificial colors or flavors. Waggin' Train jerky for dogs are always grain-free and corn-free. We don't use any fillers – it's a 100% digestible dog snack, even for a sensitive stomach
- Delicious, soft, grain free dog treats made with real duck
- Natural dog snacks that provide the right balance of flavor and nutrition in every satisfying bite
- Not artificially preserved or flavored
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- PUMPKIN TREATS FOR DOGS: We believe in simple, real nutrition that your pet will adore. Our human grade dog treats are crafted with all natural, organic pumpkin. A mouth watering, healthy, vegan treat for even the pickiest of pups.
- EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR: Each scrumptious snack is double baked with organic pumpkin puree, Bob’s Red Mill Garbanzo Bean Flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon. With 3 other flavors and mixed variety packs available, snack time just got a lot more 'pawsome'!
- LIMITED INGREDIENTS: Our tasty grain free dog treats are prepared with 7 ingredients or fewer with no preservatives, wheat, dairy, chicken, BHT, BHA, and no artificial colors. Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, senior dogs, and picky eaters.
- GREAT FOR ALL SIZES: Our light and crunchy biscuit serves as an excellent training reward for all breeds, ages, and sizes, and can be easily snapped into smaller, bite-sized treats for small dogs.
- USA MADE: All of our gluten free dog treats are lovingly handcrafted using ingredients grown and sourced in the USA only. We use family recipes and package them in BPA-free bags. We’re here to support your pet's nutritional journey to eat well (and love it).
- Contains natural prebiotic fiber for dogs to help promote digestive health
- Soft chews for dogs with real chicken as the number 1 ingredient
- Soft dog treats with Vitamins C and E for dog immune support and no artificial colors and flavors
- Soft and savory chewy dog treats
- Great tasting dog gut health treats
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the aromas of oven-baked pumpkin, cinnamon, and yogurt, this treat delivers the warm, inviting scent of homemade pumpkin pie
- MADE with PUMPKIN: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, pumpkin, and cinnamon, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Sweet Potato & Duck are the first two ingredients
- No added corn, wheat, soy or gluten
- Feed to your dog as a snack or reward
- Whole muscle jerky is chewier like typical jerkies; provide plenty of fresh water and follow treating instructions
- You may break the jerky into smaller pieces for treating; if it’s your dog’s first time start with half of the suggested treating amount and gradually increase to the full amount
- REAL MEAT FIRST: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with real, high-quality salmon as the #1 ingredient
- SKIN & STOMACH CARE: These natural dog treats is formulated with healthy ingredients that support gentle digestion
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: These crunchy dog biscuits are the perfect reward for all breed sizes
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 6-oz bag of BLUE Basics Skin & Stomach Care Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Salmon & Potato Recipe
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Happy Tummies for Your Pup
When your dog has a sensitive stomach, finding the right treat can feel like a big puzzle. The wrong snack can lead to tummy troubles, upset digestion, and a very unhappy dog. This guide helps you choose the best, gentlest treats for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
Good treats for sensitive stomachs share a few important traits. Look for these when you shop:
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for something to cause a reaction. Aim for treats with five or fewer main ingredients.
- Single Protein Source: If your dog is sensitive, they might be reacting to a specific protein like chicken or beef. Single-source treats help you easily pinpoint and avoid triggers.
- Digestive Aids Included: Some treats add helpful ingredients like pumpkin, ginger, or prebiotics. These actively support good gut health.
- Soft or Easily Digestible Texture: Hard, crunchy biscuits can sometimes be tough on an already irritated digestive system. Softer, chewier options often pass through more easily.
Important Materials: What Goes In Matters
The quality of the ingredients directly affects how well your dog digests the treat.
Good Materials to Choose:
- Novel Proteins: If your dog reacts badly to common meats, try novel proteins like duck, venison, or fish (like salmon). These are often easier to digest.
- Simple Carbohydrates: Stick to easily digestible carbs like sweet potato, white rice, or pumpkin. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy, as these are common irritants.
- Natural Binders: Look for natural gums or flours like oat flour or potato starch instead of artificial fillers.
Materials to Avoid:
Always read the label to skip these common culprits:
- Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives (like BHA or BHT).
- By-products or ambiguous meat meals.
- High levels of artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols (like xylitol, which is toxic).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Treat quality drastically changes based on how they are made and what they contain.
What Improves Quality:
- Human-Grade Ingredients: Treats made with ingredients fit for human consumption usually mean higher quality control.
- Gentle Cooking Methods: Baking or slow-drying preserves more nutrients and makes the treat less harsh on the stomach than deep frying.
- Third-Party Testing: Brands that test their products for safety and purity show they care about quality.
What Reduces Quality:
- Fillers and By-Products: Cheap fillers bulk up the treat but offer no nutritional value and can cause gas or diarrhea.
- High Fat Content: While dogs love fat, too much in a treat can trigger pancreatitis or upset the stomach lining in sensitive dogs.
- Artificial Preservatives: These chemicals can irritate the gut over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat impacts your dog’s comfort.
Training and Reward:
Because sensitive stomach treats are often softer, they work wonderfully for quick training rewards. You can break them into very small pieces easily. Use them for short, frequent rewards during learning sessions.
Managing Flare-Ups:
When your dog is already having digestive issues (like loose stool), switch immediately to the blandest, most trusted treat you have. Use a treat that contains pumpkin or probiotics during this time to help soothe the system.
Long-Term Use:
For daily use, select a treat that matches your dog’s main diet protein. If your dog eats limited-ingredient salmon kibble, choose a salmon-based treat. This consistency prevents accidental exposure to new ingredients.
10 FAQs About Sensitive Stomach Dog Treats
Q: How quickly should I see results after switching treats?
A: If the old treat was causing problems, you might see calmer stools within two to three days. Full digestive adjustment can take up to a week.
Q: Can I give my dog a sensitive stomach treat if they have diarrhea?
A: Yes, but choose one specifically formulated with digestive aids like pumpkin or probiotics. Avoid high-fat treats completely during a flare-up.
Q: Are hypoallergenic treats the same as sensitive stomach treats?
A: They are similar, but hypoallergenic treats focus mainly on avoiding common allergens (like chicken or beef). Sensitive stomach treats focus more on easy digestibility for the gut itself.
Q: How many treats should I give my dog per day?
A: Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Check the package guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s size.
Q: What is a “novel protein”?
A: A novel protein is a protein source your dog has likely never eaten before, such as rabbit, kangaroo, or bison. Vets often suggest these for dogs with unknown food allergies.
Q: Should I worry about grain-free treats for sensitive stomachs?
A: Grain-free is not always better. If your dog is fine with rice or oats, those simple grains are fine. Focus more on avoiding corn, wheat, and soy.
Q: What role does pumpkin play in these treats?
A: Pumpkin is full of soluble fiber. This fiber helps absorb excess water in the gut, firming up loose stool, and soothing the digestive tract.
Q: Are baked treats better than soft chews?
A: Baked treats are often drier and have fewer added moisture ingredients, which can sometimes be better for very sensitive dogs. However, soft chews are easier to chew and swallow.
Q: Where should I store these specialized treats?
A: Always store them in a cool, dry place. If the treat is very soft or contains fresh ingredients, refrigeration might be necessary to prevent mold.
Q: Can I make my own treats for my sensitive dog?
A: Yes! Making your own allows you complete control over ingredients. Simple baked sweet potato or boiled, shredded white fish are excellent homemade options.