Table of Contents
- Importance of GI-friendly dog foods
- The Best Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Problems
(Top 11 soothing, easy-to-digest dog foods)
- 1Easy to Digest Dry Food by Nature's Recipe
- 2Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Food by Royal Canin
- 3Sensitive Solutions by Bil-Jac
- 4Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Dog Food by GO! Solutions
- 5Sensitive Care Food by American Natural Premium
- 6Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Support by Blue Buffalo
- 7Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food by Hill's Science
- 8Digestive Care Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin
- 9Canine EN Gastroenteric Dry Food by Purina Veterinary Diets
- 10Restricted Bland Diet for Dogs by Dave's Pet Food
- 11Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs is a broad term, but it's what affects your pet's stomach and intestines.
These issues are common among all dogs and can be painful or, at the very least, will make your pooch uncomfortable.
When dealing with GI issues, switching to specially formulated best dog food for gastrointestinal problems can fix the issue short- or long-term.
Importance of GI-friendly dog foods
Healthy digestion is key to a dog's overall health.
Gastrointestinal issues will hinder your pet's body's ability to absorb nutrients, which could quickly develop into much more serious health problems than just mild discomfort.
These issues can also cause your dog to become sluggish, lose muscle mass, and develop certain diseases.
Because this is such a complex problem with a broad spectrum of possible causes, you will need to employ several strategies to fix GI problems in your dog.
Alongside switching to the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems, which will ease the symptoms and will be gentler on his stomach, you should start figuring out the cause of these issues.
Your vet will be the best source for this, but we'll also briefly cover the topic below.
There is prescription dog food that your vet may recommend if your dog is suffering from serious GI problems; however, those foods are usually expensive and not always needed because you can find the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems with the exact same ingredients and formulations yourself.
Here are our top five picks:
| Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Problems | Price | Quality | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Dry Food | $$ | B- | 4.6/5 |
| Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry | $$$$$ | B+ | 4.2/5 |
| Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions | $$$$ | A+ | 4.0/5 |
| GO! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Dog Food | $$ | A | 4.6/5 |
| American Natural Premium Sensitive Food | $$ | C | 5.0/5 |
* Click on the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems for prices and more details. Scroll below to read reviews.
GI problems in dogs
Most gastrointestinal problems will clear up on their own in a few days.
Statistically, it's been shown that stomach upset in dogs is temporary and not serious.
It's likely that your dog ate something that he shouldn't have, and he'll be fine within 24-48 hours.
However, some gastrointestinal disorders in dogs could be the result of a more serious health problem and won't be fixed even with the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems.
There are some things you can do to figure out the cause, but if the issue persists for more than 48 hours, seek veterinary treatment to ensure your dog does not suffer from malnutrition or dehydration as a result of GI issues.
Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common signs of digestive disorders and gastrointestinal disease in dogs, but other signs could include:
- excessive gas
- constipation
- change in appetite
- soft stool
- lethargy/weakness
- abdominal pain
However, veterinarians also warn that pet owners (and even some other vets) often misdiagnose gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and other stomach upset-related issues.
In particular, causes that are serious but often forgotten by vets and why your pooch may be experiencing GI problems are Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease, Atypical Addison's Disease, Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, Clostridial Diarrhea, and, of course, Dietary Sensitivities.
If the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems does not help, make sure you remind your veterinarian about these possible GI-related diseases.
Choosing the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems
Picking new dog food formulas, especially those designed for a health problem, is very tricky.
Therefore, you must first have a conversation with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist.
Based on many variables, they’ll be able to tell you the nutritional requirements of your dog and help you select a dog food brand that will meet those needs.
Many vets will push for prescription dog food (which is expensive), but you don't have to buy it; simply look at the ingredients and pick a more affordable dog food brand that has the exact same nutrient profile and guaranteed analysis.
Some of the variables that will affect your Fido’s nutritional needs include:
- breed
- weight
- age
- activity level
- health condition (in this case, gastrointestinal problems)
Your veterinarian will be able to give you a general idea of what you should be looking for in the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems, what ingredients may cause GI problems, and which ones will soothe the stomach.
A vet will also recommend a few dog food brands available over the counter (non-prescription), many of which you'll likely find on the below list of best dog food for gastrointestinal problems due to their composition.
Continue doing your research. Read advice from reputable sources written by experts and veterinarians.
Don't choose a food based solely on price.
Dog foods that are specifically formulated for dogs with health problems are more expensive than traditional foods.
It will be cheaper, in the long run, to pay for more expensive dog food than it will be to treat your pet for serious health problems linked to his gastrointestinal disease.
Other helpful solutions for GI problems in dogs
Strong medications like antibiotics (which are available) should be the last resort upon your vet's advice.
There are also symptomatic injectables for dogs with GI issues and vomiting: Cerenia, Famotidine, and Metoclopramide, for example.
In terms of a more natural approach, other than picking the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems that will not aggravate the condition of your pet, you can also try some at-home remedies.
For mild cases of GI problems, try using Pepcid (brand name) if your pet is vomiting.
Slippery elm bark and Kaopectate work well for GI-related diarrhea in dogs.
For dogs with IBD and IBS-related problems, probiotics can be added to the circulation. There are also digestive enzymes available that can ease the digestion process.
Due to the nature of this health problem, finding the best dog food for gastrointestinal problems that works for your specific dog will be essential since diet is the key to solving the problem.
It usually takes time to find the formula that works for your pooch, but unless you pick your vet's recommended prescription food, it's what you'll have to do.
The Best Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Problems
(Top 11 soothing, easy-to-digest dog foods)
1Easy to Digest Dry Food
by Nature's Recipe
We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Easy-to-Digest formula for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. It contains chicken meals, rice, barley, oatmeal, vitamin supplements, and proteinated minerals.
Chicken is one of the easiest-to-digest animal protein sources (with 92% digestibility), so your dog doesn’t only have a delicious meat-based meal but also one that’s highly digestible and bioavailable.
The presence of natural fiber and prebiotics in this dog food also supports a healthy digestive system, which helps in preventing tummy aches.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This food is so easy on the stomach, and it worked for dogs that previously suffered from diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, vomiting, and anal gland impaction.
Dogs that used to have queasy stomachs tolerate this best dog food for gastrointestinal problems very well, and they actually enjoy eating it.
Bigger dogs have no problem chewing the kibble of Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food, but small dogs might find the pieces a bit too big and kind of hard for their little mouths to chew.
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C], Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta Carotene, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Yeast Culture, Lactic Acid, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (Used as a Preservative) and Rosemary Extract
We’d say that the proof is in the poop, and this dog food nails that, too.
There’s hardly any constipation issue in dogs fed with this Nature’s Recipe formula, and their stools are moist yet firm, with just a slight odor.
It couldn’t get any better than that.
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Most helpful review about this best dog food for gastrointestinal problems: “I have a Wheaten Terrier and he's mostly white with sensitive pink skin. He's also got a sensitive stomach. I had been forking out $$$$ at PetSmart for a 3 pound bag of Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Chicken Meal; a 2-pound bag was about $12.00 plus tax. I got the 30 pound bag and what…”
2Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Food
by Royal Canin
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal low-fat dry formula for dogs is made with chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, wheat, barley, chicken fat, beet pulp, fish oil, vitamin and mineral supplements, and chelated minerals for better absorption.
The AAFCO analysis in the label shows modest fat levels, which is deliberately restricted to make this formula gentler for dogs that can’t digest fat very well.
Fiber content is also kept at the bare minimum to avoid stomach distress.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Most dogs that are on this diet have delicate tummies that they’ve had since they were puppies, while others developed diseases as they aged (such as IBD and pancreatitis).
The first good thing about Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food is that dogs generally eat it willingly and even love it.
The second good thing is that it has helped these dogs thrive and do very well in this food.
It has even helped save lives in the case of some dogs with life-threatening conditions.
Ingredients: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, grain distillers dried yeast, chicken fat, salt, calcium carbonate, fish oil, sodium silico aluminate, psyllium seed husk, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, fructooligosaccharides, hydrolyzed yeast, choline chloride, taurine, DL-methionine, marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate], rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid
For an expensive dog food formulated for GI issues in dogs, however, we’re not so happy about a couple of ingredients.
Chicken by-product meal is less digestible than chicken muscle meat, and brewer’s rice is nutritionally inferior to whole grain rice.
Nevertheless, the formula works for many dogs with GI disorders, so we’re including it in this list.
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3Sensitive Solutions
by Bil-Jac
You probably haven’t heard so much about Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions, but it’s a specialized food for dogs with food sensitivities. It’s made with chicken meat, chicken by-products, chicken by-product meal, cornmeal, beet pulp, whitefish, oatmeal, flaxseed, vitamin supplements, and chelated minerals.
It is rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system and also contains a mild blend of dietary fiber to aid digestion.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Shifting to this food immediately reduced the incidence of stomach upsets in dogs prone to this condition.
Better than that, Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions also works not only for stomach problems but for skin sensitivities as well.
Since these two conditions often go together, this best dog food for gastrointestinal problems is undoubtedly a sure winner.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Products (organs only, source of arginine), Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Whitefish, Oatmeal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Monocalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Salt, Menhaden Fish Meal, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Sodium Propionate (a preservative), Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, Zinc Oxide, Beta-Carotene, Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, Inositol, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Mixed Tocopherols and BHA (preservatives), Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid and Rosemary Extract
The kibbles are easy for small dogs to chew, and it’s not even an issue for senior dogs without teeth.
The taste, too, must be very palatable because dogs known to be very picky have been eating this for over a year and still enjoy their meals.
This is slightly expensive, but for some dogs that have been on permanent medication for GI issues, nothing beats this in resolving their problem minus the meds.
It’s really worth its weight in gold.
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4Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Dog Food
by GO! Solutions
This best dog food for gastrointestinal problems from Go! Solutions has undergone several changes in packaging, pricing, and possibly formulation. It does contain the same ingredients, though, and the nutrient analysis remains the same.
It continues to do a wonderful job for dogs suffering from GI distress with this grain-free lamb recipe.
The main ingredients are real lamb, tapioca, peas, lentils, pea flour, and chickpeas.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This dog food only has one animal protein per recipe, which is a good thing because there's a lower chance of triggering GI problems in dogs. It works well even for picky eaters.
This kibble is made of premium-quality lamb meat with prebiotic fiber to support sensitive stomachs.
What we love the most about it is it's rich in Omega-3, which supports brain development and gives your dog healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Ingredients: De-boned lamb, lamb meal, tapioca, peas, lentils, pea flour, chickpeas, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural lamb flavour, salt, dried chicory root, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, marine microalgae oil, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement.), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate, calcium iodate, manganous oxide, selenium yeast.), DL-methionine, L-lysine, taurine, dried rosemary.
Bulldogs and Frenchies approve of the taste and enjoy this kibble, but it's not for everybody. It's also more expensive than other dog food on this list, but its premium quality lamb meat can account for that.
Overall, it's a great and healthy food for dogs with GI problems. If you want to ensure your dog likes the taste before purchasing, watch out for free samples to see if it's worth buying.
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5Sensitive Care Food
by American Natural Premium
The people behind American Natural Premium Sensitive Care dog food place importance on their product's quality, taste, and affordability. By keeping the price mid-range, they can make this available to a greater number of dogs without compromising the quality of its ingredients.
This formula contains highly digestible chicken meal and slow-release carbs like oatmeal and oat flour.
It also contains potatoes, whole eggs, brown rice, and flaxseed.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This special combination of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, prebiotics, and probiotic products aids in efficient digestion and proper nutrition.
It is gentle on sensitive digestive systems and helps boost your dog’s immunity.
The modest levels of crude protein (22%) and crude fat (11%) also make American Natural Premium Sensitive Care Dog Food an ideal food for senior dogs that may have difficulty digesting food or those that need to shed some weight.
Ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, oat flour, potato, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, chicken, whole dried egg, flaxseed, brewers dried yeast, monocalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, dl-methionine, chicory root extract, yucca schidigera extract, vitamins [vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, choline bitartrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin], minerals [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, copper sulfate, cobalt carbonate, calcium iodate, sorbic acid (preservative), ferrous proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, magnesium proteinate, cobalt proteinate], dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product
The pieces of this best dog food for gastrointestinal problems are on the smaller side, so small dogs have no problem chewing the kibbles.
This brand, though quite new, gained the trust of many pet owners because its ingredients are natural, and the formula worked for their fur babies.
Of course, it would not work for every dog out there — not a single dog food has yet been able to do that — but it’s definitely worth a try.
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6Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Support
by Blue Buffalo
True to Blue Buffalo’s promise, their pet food always starts with real chicken, and that includes this formula. Other ingredients are chicken meal, brown rice, peas, potatoes, dried eggs, flaxseed, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants, canola oil, prebiotic fibers, vitamin supplements, chelated minerals, and active dehydrated cultures.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Blue Natural Veterinary Diet Canine Adult Gastrointestinal Support is formulated with clear objectives – to provide flavorful dry food that dogs would willingly eat, to ensure digestibility and absorption of nutrients, to strengthen the digestive and immune systems, and to respond to the dog’s nutritional requirements.
Adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Egg, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Apple Pomace, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Dried Kelp, Pumpkin, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, DL-Methionine, Caramel, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Blueberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Oil of Rosemary, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Sodium Selenite
Many pet owners can attest to how well this GI formula has performed against these objectives.
Dogs like it and love the mixed-in LifeSource Bits. More importantly, they’re not constantly sick and throwing up anymore.
They’re playful and energetic again and leading normal lives. This is pricier than many brands and even other formulas under this brand, but that’s to be expected from a specialized formula with premium-quality ingredients.
This GI formula is relatively new, but we expect it to gain more patrons.
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7Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food
by Hill's Science
Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach & Skin is the more affordable specialized food from Hill’s Science Diet. Its key ingredients are brewer’s rice, chicken meal, sorghum, and barley.
It also has protein coming from peas, fats from pork, insoluble and fermentable fiber from beet pulp, omega-3 and fiber from flaxseed, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, and important supplemental nutrients.
This is specially made for dogs with sensitivities.
It highlights the high digestibility and natural quality of ingredients used and the precise formulation of the products that Hill’s is known for.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Noting the dogs’ less-than-enthusiastic response, we think that they don’t find this as tasty as we would want it to be, but it’s something they’d eat when they’re hungry.
However, once you get your dogs to eat it, their stomach stabilizes. Besides, every dog is different, and your dog just might love Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food.
This food settles well, and the occurrence of foul gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues becomes less frequent with continued use.
Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Protein, Pork Fat, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Flaxseed, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.
The kibbles are bigger than usual and quite difficult for aging dogs or small puppies to bite and chew on. If there’s anything that we’d want to be changed, it would be the size plus the ordering of the ingredients.
First on the list is brewer’s rice, meaning it’s the ingredient that this food has the most of.
So, if we were to be asked, we would have preferred that the animal protein source come first.
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8Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
by Royal Canin
This is Royal Canin’s more affordable formula for dogs with digestive sensitivities, and it’s designed around the special needs of large breed dogs. These dogs have different nutritional demands due to their size, structure, and longer growth period.
Add to this their digestive capacity and, for some, their digestive sensitivities, so you’ll need something quite different from the usual fare.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
The first 5 ingredients are chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal, and chicken fat.
Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Digestive Care has quite a long list of ingredients, including supplements that provide higher levels of protein, fat, and total metabolizable energy than the other Royal Canin formula.
It also contains mannanoligosaccharides, a natural additive to boost GI tract health and improve energy levels, and significant glucosamine and chondroitin to promote the health of joints and cartilage.
Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, natural flavors, brewers rice flour, dried beet pulp, fish oil, wheat gluten, pea fiber, sodium silico aluminate, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, salt, psyllium seed husk, hydrolyzed yeast, choline chloride, taurine, L-lysine, glucosamine hydrochloride, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, niacin, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate), chondroitin sulfate, L-carnitine, rosemary extract, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols and citric acid
This dog food has solved countless diarrhea cases when nothing seemed to work. Such situations can be urgent and stressful to pet owners; thus, finding a formula that works earns high marks from them.
It’s not difficult to see why their dogs have been on this food for several years now.
As long as the dogs find the food acceptable and it supports them nutritionally, there’s no reason to shift.
And did we say that this is a lot cheaper than the other high-end Royal Canin formulas?
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9Canine EN Gastroenteric Dry Food
by Purina Veterinary Diets
Purina Veterinary Diet EN Gastroenteric dog formula has two key features – highly digestible ingredients, which translate to optimal absorption of nutrients, and the presence of prebiotics and modest levels of fiber and fat to help ease digestion.
The first 5 ingredients are brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken meal, and animal fat.
It also contains oils from coconut, fish, garlic, and soybean and vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Some of the ingredients listed here are not the perfect food for a normal and healthy canine, but they all work perfectly together to help heal inflammations in the GI tract.
The controlled levels of fats, proteins, fiber, and other substances help calm down digestive issues and allow the system to recover.
This best dog food for gastrointestinal problems can be compared to a home-cooked bland diet that stabilizes the stomach, except that Purina Veterinary Diet Canine EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food is enhanced with supplements to ensure that the dog is adequately nourished.
Ingredients: Brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, coconut oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, wheat bran, natural flavor, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, sodium bicarbonate, salt, fish oil, soybean oil, zinc proteinate, Vitamin E supplement, dried colostrum, choline chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, niacin, copper proteinate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity) and sodium selenite
For the long term, your dog will do well with a more nutritious diet, but for an immediate remedy, this will do.
Symptoms subside almost completely within 24 hours, and dogs could at least eat without throwing up.
And this recipe must taste and smell really good because even sick dogs that have lost their taste for food find it appetizing.
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10Restricted Bland Diet for Dogs
by Dave's Pet Food
We’ve mentioned a bland diet, and here’s the closest commercially available bland diet that you could possibly get for your dog. Bland Diet Chicken & Rice Delicate Dinner from Dave's Pet Food comes in 13-oz cans of wet food.
Each case contains 12 cans.
This restricted diet contains chicken, chicken liver, rice, water, vitamin supplements, and proteinated minerals for better mineral absorption.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Dave’s Pet Food products are definitely top-of-the-line, including this bland diet.
The ingredients are superior yet simple, and the nutrients are restricted yet adequate.
Dogs love Dave's Restricted Bland Diet, Chicken & Rice for Dogs and it does wonders for their tummy troubles.
Ingredients: Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Brewers Rice, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selelnite, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate), Natural Flavor, Salt, Carrageenan, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement)
This recipe, as well as Dave’s other pet food products, is very affordable and convenient to use regularly.
It requires no prescription, which makes it very accessible without the added cost of a visit to the vet.
This best dog food for gastrointestinal problems can be your dog’s main or solo food, especially during recovery.
It has a thick consistency and can also be mixed with stomach-compatible kibbles for variation.
Dogs love their food to be mixed up a bit occasionally, but sensitive dogs are able to hold this food down the best, so it’s a good idea to keep it as a staple food.
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11Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care
by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care is formulated for dogs that need a special intestinal diet (thus i/d). The first five ingredients, excluding water, are turkey, egg product, pork liver, rice, and whole-grain corn – all good quality, nutritious, and safely digestible ingredients.
This food from Hill's Pet Nutrition also contains a good mix of fiber sources — prebiotic fiber and a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber sources — which supports digestive health.
- Dog food for gastrointestinal problems reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Necessary antioxidants and optimal ratios of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids have been added to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin and mineral supplements were also added to replenish depleted nutrients.
Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care Canned Dog Food comes in 12 13-oz cans per case and is a little pricier than Dave’s bland diet.
Ingredients: Water, Turkey, Pork Liver, Rice, Modified Rice Starch, Whole Grain Corn, Egg Product, Chicken, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Powdered Cellulose, Potassium Chloride, Caramel color, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Psyllium Seed Husk, L-Threonine, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Tryptophan, Taurine, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate) and Beta-Carotene
Stomach upset and diarrhea almost immediately sends pet owners and their pets to the vet’s clinic, but those who have used this before on their vet’s recommendation know better than to rush about in panic.
A dose of this food usually makes their pet right again — and does so in less than 24 hours.
It definitely saves the day without the need to press the panic button.
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