If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you’ve probably realized that it’s hard to find the right treats. We’re here to help you stop scanning every treat label — these biscuits are made with non-irritating ingredients.
👉 Eating a new ingredient can cause an upset stomach, so remember to gradually add these treats to your dog’s diet.
Our favorite dog treats for sensitive stomachs
Plant-based treats packed with superfoods
Chippin Spirulina Daily Treats
These vegan dog treats are entirely plant-based and feature plenty of nutrient-dense ingredients, like kale, oats, carrots, and spirulina. Plus, they come in packaging made in part with recycled materials.
What we love: Chippin’s spirulina treats are completely vegan, gluten-free, meat and allergen-free, yet not short of protein. They’re packed with spirulina, a highly-digestible green alga that contains more than 55% protein. Pet parents can feed these oven-baked treats to their dog whole or break them apart as a training treat or meal topper. As a bonus — these 5-star treats come in eco-friendly packaging that contains 28% post-consumer recycled materials!
What customers say: Customers say that their sensitive pups have no trouble digesting these treats. Some pet parents shared that the spirulina in these treats may have soothed their dog’s itchy skin due to spirulina’s anti-inflammatory effects. Even though these treaties include some greens, dogs can’t get enough of the flavor! Reviewers say that the price is a steal compared to other healthy treat options on the market.
Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.
Calories: 20 calories per treat — some pet parents break these into 4 pieces for 5 calories a treat.
Ingredients: Oats, kale, flaxseed, carrots, parsley, sunflower oil, molasses, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), rosemary extract.
Hypoallergenic treats for sensitive GI tracts
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers
The Gentle Snackers are suited for dogs with food sensitivities and sensitive GI tracts, so you can reward your pup without giving them an upset tummy or itchy skin.
What we love: These hydrolyzed and completely hypo-allergenic crackers are great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. They’re specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive GI tracts because they’re highly digestible. For smaller pups, these crackers are easy for pet parents to break up. We love that the stay-fresh pouch keeps the treats tasty for an extra-long period of time.
What customers say: Customers with dogs who suffer from IBS or pancreatitis say that these treats have been a complete game-changer. Dogs love the cracker-like crunch of the treat! While they’re not the most affordable option out there, pet parents note that these are a game-changer for picky eaters and dogs with easily upset tummies. With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with 1,200+ ratings, customers say the price tag is worth it!
Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No
Calories: 14 calories per treat.
Ingredients: Starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, vegetable oil, dicalcium phosphate, oat fiber, powdered cellulose, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with tbhq, potassium chloride, guar gum, lecithin, corn oil, choline chloride, magnesium oxide, dl-methionine, salt, taurine, vitamin e supplement, zinc sulfate, niacin, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, manganese sulfate, vitamin a supplement, vitamin b-12 supplement, copper supplement, garlic oil, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin k activity), calcium iodate, sodium selenite, a-2517.
Feature hydrolyzed proteins
Hill’s Prescription Diet Veterinary Dog Treats
Hill’s food and treats are formulated by a team of nutritionists and vets to ensure they’re safe for dogs with food intolerances and other GI issues. Made with ingredients you can trust, pups can enjoy these vet-prescribed treats while they also support skin and coat health.
What we love: These versatile treats are designed for dogs with food sensitivities and skin conditions. Made with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, the ingredients help nourish a dog’s skin and coat. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, these gentle treats are formulated with hydrolyzed proteins by a team of nutritionists and vets.
👉 A vet’s approval is necessary before buying these treats.
What customers say: For pet parents with senior dogs or picky pups, customers say that these are the treats for them! With a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, reviewers shared that the treats are great snacks for dogs to take with medicine. Some customers emphasize that these aren’t a good option for dogs with kidney disease, as they contain protein. These treaties contain a healthy dose of omega-3’s, so pet parents don’t need to worry about giving their dog extra supplements.
Calories: 17 calories per treat.
Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No
Ingredients: Whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, soybean mill run, powdered cellulose, chicken liver flavor, chicken by-product meal, soybean oil, pork protein isolate, egg product, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, caramel color, vitamins (vitamin e supplement, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin a supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin b12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin d3 supplement), minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), iron oxide color, mixed tocopherols for freshness, natural flavors.
Sustainable treats for sensitive tummies
Portland Pet Food Company Brew Biscuit Dog Treats
These treats make use of spent grains and include only five ingredients that are great for pups with sensitive GI tracts. Plus, they combine dog-favorite flavors like peanut butter and meat, making them more appealing than boring ol’ pistachios.
What we love: These beef treats from Portland Pet Food Company contain meaty ingredients that dogs can’t resist — with no irritating meat by-products. With only 5 digestible ingredients, these treaties are 100% natural. We really love that this company gives back, donating 5% of its profits to local non-profit animal shelters. So you can feel good about helping your dog’s tummy and other animals in need.
What customers say: With 4.5 stars on Amazon, customers share that their dogs “LOOOVE” these biscuits. One customer noted that their dog with GI issues eats these treats up, and they don’t bother their dog’s tummy. Some reviewers break these up into smaller pieces for training because they’re on the larger side. Pet parents did warn that senior or smaller dogs may have trouble chewing these.
Has this product ever been recalled? If so, why? No.
Calories: 17 calories per biscuit.
Ingredients: Barley, 100% natural peanut butter, organic rye flour, organic eggs, beef broth.
Our methodology: How we picked treats for sensitive tummies
Partnered with our veterinarian to review products — We chose products with our vet, Dr. Erica Irish, to make our selection of the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs. Before you feed your dog any new treats, you should make sure that your vet gives the go-ahead. This goes for all dogs, not just those with sensitive stomachs.
Avoided treats with “raw” ingredients — Raw ingredients can be harmful, especially to dogs with sensitive tummies. Raw food diets, in general, involve an increased risk of exposure to pathogenic bacteria for both pets and humans! Raw foods can also be particularly destructive to a dog’s tummy and digestive tract.
Checked for recent recalls — It’s best to avoid treats containing ingredients that are under review or have a past of recalls.
👉 To check if a dog treat or product has a history of recalls, you should check the FDA’s list.
We avoided fillers and controversial ingredients — While there aren’t necessarily ingredients that treats must have, there are a few ingredients that you should always steer clear of. Try to avoid treats with fillers and artificial colors. Look for treats that contain fiber, omega 3s, vitamins, and probiotics.
Sensitive tummy basics
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs can have treats too — Avoid treats with fillers, raw ingredients, and artificial flavoring.
- If your dog has an upset tummy, it might be a sign of an underlying illness — Allergies, autoimmune diseases, and IBS can all cause upset stomachs in dogs.
- There are ways to determine your dog’s food sensitivities — Speak to your vet when in doubt about what to feed your pup.
A note on ingredients to avoid in dog treats
There are a variety of ingredients you should try to avoid in your dog’s treats:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Pork
- Dyes
- Chemicals and preservatives
- Wheat
What human foods are safe for sensitive dog tummies?
While it’s always best to avoid feeding your dog table scraps, there are a few exceptions. If your dog is a big fan of human food as treats, there may be a few foods you can feed them in moderation. These include some fruit, vegetables, and lean means:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Cooked salmon
Dr. Erica IrishCanned pumpkin is a popular treat because of its fiber content (but avoid pie filling types). Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants. Kale and spinach are also healthy snacks.
DVM
Dog health conditions associated with upset stomachs
If your dog constantly has an upset stomach and you’re not sure why they could be struggling with an underlying health issue. Illnesses that may cause sensitive stomachs in pups include:
- Food allergies. Dogs with allergies often exhibit signs of an upset stomach, like diarrhea vomiting, or constipation.
- Autoimmune disease. When dogs have autoimmune diseases, their own bodies attack their immune systems. This can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system to falter.
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS in dogs causes inflammation in the lining of the bowels. This causes stomach upset, diarrhea, excessive gas, and constipation.
- Stress. Anxiety-related things like moving and changes to a dog’s routine can cause stomach upset.
- Chronic kidney disease. Dogs with kidney disease experience nausea which causes them to become unwell, most often vomiting.
- Pancreatitis. With acute pancreatitis, dogs have a lot of abdominal pain as a result of inflammation in the intestine. Constipation and diarrhea are common signs of pancreatitis.
🚨 If your dog is suffering from repeated stomach upset, you should take them right to the vet. It could be a sign of an underlying illness.
Common dog food allergens
Some of the most common food allergens in dogs include beef, chicken, lamb, dairy, and wheat. It’s estimated that less than 5% of the canine population has food allergies. Dogs with food allergies are usually allergic to one specific type of protein, like chicken or beef.
How do I test my dog for food allergies?
If your dog exhibits signs like itchiness or diarrhea, they might have allergies. You need to consult your vet in order to figure out whether or not your dog has food allergies. Your vet can help you identify the allergen and place your pup on an elimination diet.
Signs your dog may have an upset stomach
If your dog has an upset stomach they’ll likely display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Eating grass or licking the floor
- Loss of appetite
- Flatulence or a gurgling stomach
Are some breeds more likely to have sensitive stomachs?
According to Dr. Irish, there aren’t breeds that are more likely to have sensitive stomachs. However, some breeds are more prone to diarrhea:
- Bichon frisé
- Cavalier King Charles spaniels
- Maltese
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Miniature schnauzer
- Miniature pinschers
- Shetland sheepdogs
- Yorkies
Frequently asked questions
What do vets recommend for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Every dog is different, so you should talk to your vet about diets and remedies for your dog’s stomach. In general, if your dog has a sensitive stomach they should eat a well-balanced diet, help keep their stress levels low, and drink lots of water. Ice cubes are a great trick if your dog doesn’t want to eat or drink!
How do I know more about a food’s digestibility?
It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s stools, noticing daily changes so you know what’s normal and what’s not. That way, you’ll know when their poop isn’t looking normal. Some foods are more digestible than others, depending on the dog. Pay attention to what your dog eats before they experience stomach upset.
How do I know if my dog’s upset stomach is an emergency?
If your dog is having bloody or tarry stools, continuous vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, or fever, get them to the vet right away.
