15 Best Dog Treats For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

For your boy that has tummy issues, dog treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs make a lot of sense. After all, you want to treat him but don’t want to hurt him. These treats make that happen. But most dog treats for dogs that have sensitive stomachs are not good. Such treats either don’t taste great or lack the nutritional value of a regular dog treat.

This presents a problem. How do you find dog treats that are suitable for sensitive tummies, taste good, and provide proper nutrition? You leave that to us, of course. So, read on and munch on some human treats while we present to you the 15 best dog treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Symptoms of Dog Stomach Sensitivity

Stomach sensitivity has a lot of apparent signs. Look out for the following signs, and reach out to your pet if you notice any:

• Bloating: Bloating happens when the stomach of your dog can’t digest the food properly. The indigestion results in the food, fluid, and gas buildup which causes the stomach to bloat
• Diarrhea: Loose stools are a common occurrence among dogs. But when these stools become more frequent than the subway, they become a problem
• Vomiting: Dogs throw up once in a while to lighten the load on their stomachs. But as soon as you notice your dog throwing up like he had a rough night, know that he has a sensitive stomach
• Stomach Growl: Aside from being a sign of hunger, stomach growls can notify you of your dog’s digestive issues
• Restlessness: Dogs, just like us, can’t rest while their stomach hurts. So, when you notice your pooch trotting about and rolling on the ground in a strange way, take notice
• Eating Dirt and Grass: Eating dirt and munching on grass can be a sign that your dog is on the hunt for natural stomach relieving remedies

While these signs are enough to give you a heads up, regular visits to your vet pays dividends.

What Causes Stomach Sensitivity in Dogs?

Stomach sensitivity can be an inherent trait in many dogs. Thus, some dog breeds are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues than others. Similarly, a sensitive stomach in dogs can also be the result of a flawed diet that can result in poor nutrition. Other things that can cause a sensitive stomach include:

• Emotional Trouble: You didn’t see this coming, did you? Our dogs feel and sometimes their feelings can upset their tummies. That is why never leave your dog alone for too long
• Eating Everything in Sight: Dogs will eat everything that fits in their mouth. While this is a testament to the resilience of their stomachs, it can result in stomach issues like sensitivity
• Ulcers: Ulcers are wounds on the lining inside the stomach. These ulcers can be caused by gastrointestinal inflammation, foreign bodies such as stones, bacterial infection, and excessive exercise in the case of sled dogs
• Overeating: You saw this coming, right? Overeating is never a good idea. The same goes for your dog. So, the next time you are inclined to say, ‘Who’s the good boy?’ and put one more scoop in, stop
• Parasites: Tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms are just some of the parasites that can reside inside your dog’s body. These parasites cause excessive harm in terms of nutrient absorption and even cause death
• Allergies: Perhaps the biggest causes of stomach sensitivity are food allergies. Most, if not all, dogs are allergic to human spices such as garlic. Similarly, many dogs are also allergic to raw chicken. These allergies can take the form of stomach issues pretty easily

What Should and Shouldn’t a Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs Include?

Most of us know what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to dog foods. But most of us have an ‘everything goes’ attitude in terms of dog treats.

In reality, dog treats follow the same rules as dog food for dogs with sensitive tummies. Treats should contain healthy ingredients and stay away from bad ones no matter how small the amount.

Things to Include

Things that a dog treat should include are:

• Prebiotics and Probiotics: We shouldn’t be saying this but always look for dog treats that have either prebiotics or probiotics, or both. The friendly bacteria in the gut keep your dog healthy. So, take care of them
• Single Source, High-Quality Protein: The best dog foods for sensitive stomachs contain high-quality proteins from a single source. For instance, the protein can be Duck, Salmon, or Elk. Just make sure that it all comes from a single source without any fillers
• Vegetables and Fruits: Dogs are omnivores which means they need the nutrients from vegetables and fruits. So, make sure you choose treats that have organic, veggies, and fruits in them
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are necessary for energy production in animals. And since dogs are animals, they need carbohydrates to function. This is why buy dog treats that contain healthy sources of carbs
• Fiber: Fiber plays a critical role in the proper function of the digestive system. It keeps the GI tract healthy and minimizes intestinal blockage. So, in addition to carbohydrates and proteins, sources of fiber should also be present in the dog treat you are after

Things to Avoid

And now onto things that should not be included in dog treats for sensitive stomachs:

• Chemical and Preservatives: Manufacturers use chemicals to enhance production and keep the food from spoiling. So far so good. But some of the chemicals that companies use are toxic to dogs. For instance, Sodium and Sulphur Dioxide are two commonly found preservatives. But studies have shown that they can cause fatal vitamin B deficiency in dogs
• Fillers like Wheat: Just like chemicals, dog food manufacturers use wheat and gluten as fillers to increase yields. Dogs can’t properly digest fillers like wheat, corn, and gluten. Thus, make sure you stay away from them
• Allergens like Peanuts: Just like humans, dogs also have allergies, and peanuts are one of the worst culprits. Allergens can cause severe sensitivity in your dog’s stomach

In short, go organic, and stay away from allergy-causing and poorly digested ingredients.

Top 15 Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

The market is filled with the so-called best dog treats. Not only are these treats not ‘best’ but they can also worsen your dog’s condition.

This is why we considered every potential option for you and came up with this list of best dog treats for your sensitive pooch. Here are our 15 top picks.

1. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits

The CANIDAE Grain-Free Biscuits, as the name suggests, have no fillers. Grains are notorious for causing obesity and promoting bad gut health. So, the lack of grains makes these biscuits perfect treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Additionally, what makes the CANIDAE Grain-Free Biscuits unique is the novel blend of salmon and sweet potato. The extra virgin olive oil and cinnamon is the cherry on top.

In short, they are healthy, the ingredients are all organic, and they are tasty. Your dogs and their tummies will love them.

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats

The Blue Buffalo Trail Treats are soft/moist making them good for dogs that have trouble chewing. These are also easy to digest. This is what makes the Blue Buffalo Trail Treats amazing for dogs with sensitive tummies.

Furthermore, the main ingredients in the treats are salmon, fish oil, and added minerals. Such healthy ingredients make the Blue Buffalo Trail Treats an exceptional choice for your sensitive dog.

Healthy, delicious, and full of nutrients, the Blue Buffalo Trail Treats a must-have.

3. Full Moon Natural Cuts Sliced Chicken Jerky Treats

The main draw for the Full Moon Natural Jerky Dog Treats is the use of human grain ingredients without any chemicals. Here the word ‘human-grade’ is important as this signifies quality ingredients without any compromises.

Moreover, the protein source is free-ranging chicken bred on a farm. Free-ranging means the chickens haven’t been fed an artificial diet. So, the meat is all organic.

The grain sources are novel which means no wheat, no soy, no corn, and certainly no artificial flavors. Above all, the dogs will love them as they are quite tasty. What more can a man ask?!

4. Milk-Bone Small MaroSnacks Dog Treats

MaroSnacks Dog Treats are exquisitely delicious. Alright, I may have overstated the taste but every dog that has tasted them, can’t get enough of them.

So, what is the secret of these treats? Real bone marrow wrapped in a crunchy cookie. Dogs love bones. Part of the reason why is the presence of bone marrow. Bone marrow not only makes these treats tasty but also quite nutritious.

However, the only drawback is that they aren’t grain-free. This isn’t a big problem since the grains are not overdone. In short, the MaroSnacks Dog Treats will give your bones healthier teeth and bones without placing any additional load on his stomach.

5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Big crunchy treats are great. But small dogs can’t enjoy them. This is where Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food comes in. Moreover, it is designed for small breeds first which means breeds like chihuahuas can enjoy them without any trouble.

The Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food is primarily chicken. Being a single-source protein, it is easy to digest. To further boost the digestibility of the treat, Hill’s Science includes high fiber content. Couple this with prebiotics and you have dog food that is perfect for dogs with a sensitive stomach.

Finally, the defining feature of Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food is the lack of any artificial colors and preservatives. So, you can go ahead and give your dog this tasty treat without having to worry about his tummy issues.

6. Merrick Power Bites Real Chicken Recipe

The Merrick Power Bites are a bit larger than regular dog treats. This means that they are not suitable for smaller breeds. With this out of the way, let’s move on to what really matters.

The main ingredient here is chicken. So far so good. To make the deal even sweeter, the treats include carbohydrate sources such as apples, blueberries, and sweet peas. Above all, these dog treats are free from any grain or gluten.

Long story short, the Merrick Power Bites have power and your dog’s tummy needs it.

7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Blue Buffalo is no stranger to making great dog food and treats. Fortunately, their diet biscuits are the same great quality that we expect from them.

The key ingredient in the biscuits is salmon and potato. Salmon is a novel protein source. This is why it doesn’t cause allergies and therefore, doesn’t incite sensitivity in the gut. Potato, on the other hand, is an easy to use healthy carbohydrate source. Furthermore, add to these ingredients additional vitamins and take away the grains, and you’ll have a dog treat that is gentle on the tummy.

In the end, the Blue Buffalo Diet Biscuits is certainly one of the best dog treats for a dog with sensitive stomachs.

8. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Salmon Recipe

Mini treats are awesome. You can carry them anywhere which makes dog training a lot easier. And when the treats are as tasty as the Zuke’s Mini Naturals, your dog wants you to carry them around.

The treats are a combination of salmon, cherry, tapioca, and turmeric. On top of this, Zuke’s has also refrained from adding any wheat, soy, corn, or other fillers. This makes the Zuke’s Mini Naturals healthy without any harmful side effects.

To wrap it all up: Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a great way to treat your sensitive dog without upsetting his feelings and tummy.

9. Merrick Backcountry Big Game Dog Treats

The Merrick Backcountry Dog Treats combine novel protein sources with healthy carbs. This results in a grain and filler-free dog treat that has amazing taste and health benefits.

Moreover, there are no artificial colors and flavors in the Merrick Backcountry Dog Treats. Combine this with the Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and you have a dog treat few companies that can match.

10. Stella & Chewy’s Beef Heart Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Raw dog treats have several benefits when compared to manufactured ones. Raw diets have no artificial colors and flavors. Similarly, raw diets are also free from any filler content. Therefore, some people consider raw dog treats the best dog treats for dogs that have sensitive stomachs.

And you know what’s the best thing about Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dog Treats? They are pure, raw beef heart. That’s it. There is nothing else to these raw treats. And this is exactly what makes these treats so good. Interested in checking out more freeze-dried treats? Have a look at our top picks.

11. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate

The first thing you need to understand about Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food is that you can’t use it as regular dog treats. You can’t throw them and let your boy catch. So, you need to plan for that.

Other than that, the Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog is an awesome dog food that is perfect for sensitive tummies. The combination of salmon and rice keeps the allergies at bay and isn’t too hard on the stomach.

Plus, dog food is full of DHA which is a vital nutrient for brain development. Overall, it is a runny food that will protect your dog from a runny bottom.

12. Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Beef Dog Treats

Free-ranging organic beef? Check. All-natural preservation process? Check. No grains and free from excessive calories? Check and check. Upon the first impression, the Ziwi Beef Dog Treats are looking great.

And when we dive a little deeper, the Ziwi Beef Dog Treats come out to be even better. The treats are free from any chemicals. It also packs quality nutrition without going too hard on the calories.

In a nutshell, the Ziwi Beef Dog Treats are well worth the price.

13. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe

If you are afraid of giving your dog meat-based treats, check out the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter Dog Treats. These treats are not only tasty but are also healthy which says a lot about them.

Finally, the treats are free from any gluten, soy, or wheat fillers.

All in all, a great buy.

14. Merrick Power Bites Real Texas Beef Recipe

With a name like ‘Power Bites,’ you would expect that Merrick’s offering would have some kick behind it. Well, it does.

The treats pack plenty of protein in a bite that doesn’t contain any soy, wheat, or corn-based fillers. Add to this protein the antioxidant properties of apples, sweet potatoes, and blueberries and you can see how healthy and light the Power Bites will be on your dog’s stomach.

All in all, a hearty recommendation from our side.

15. Fitapet Dog Probiotics Chewable for Dogs

The Fitapet Dog Probiotics aren’t regular dog treats. These chewable treats are live bacteria that grow in the gut and maintain a healthy ecosystem. That is not to say they can’t be used as treats. The chewable treats have an excellent chicken taste that your dog will readily take to.

Finally, there are no wheat-based fillers here. You only get quality probiotics and prebiotics.

Overall, a pretty solid buy.

Dog Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs – FAQs

Phew, the reviews were never-ending. Now comes the fun part. The following are answers to some of your concerns.

Dog treats for dogs that have sensitive stomachs are not hard to find. All you have to do is look for healthy ingredients and stay away from bad ones. And if we were to point you in the direction of one treat that trumps over all others, we would advise you to go with the CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits.

The biscuits are light on the stomach and heavy on the nutrition which makes them a great buy.