Does your furry friend get an upset tummy after enjoying a tasty treat? It’s a common problem for many dog owners. You want to spoil your dog, but you worry about causing them discomfort. Finding the perfect treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. So many ingredients, so many claims – it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make the wrong choice.
But what if there was a way to navigate this minefield with confidence? In this post, we’ll break down exactly what makes a treat “sensitive stomach friendly.” We’ll explore common ingredients that can cause problems and highlight the ones that are easy on your dog’s digestion. You’ll learn how to read labels like a pro and discover delicious, safe options that will have your dog wagging their tail with joy, not discomfort.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to choose treats that not only delight your dog but also keep their tummy happy and healthy. Get ready to say goodbye to digestive worries and hello to happy treat times!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Biscuits
Rating: 8.7/10
Dealing with a dog who has a sensitive tummy or skin issues can be tough. That’s where the Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Biscuits, Skin & Stomach Care Crunchy Dog Treats, Turkey Recipe, 6-oz Bag comes in. These tasty treats are made with real turkey as the very first ingredient, making them a delicious and healthy option for your furry friend.
What We Like:
- Real turkey is the top ingredient, which is great for picky eaters or dogs who need a good protein source.
- These treats are specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs and can help with skin issues.
- The crunchy texture is satisfying for dogs of all sizes and makes for a good reward during training.
- They are made with wholesome ingredients and skip common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
- No chicken or poultry by-product meals are used, which is a big plus for many dog owners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a larger dog or give out treats often.
- While the ingredients are good, the price point might be a little higher than some other basic dog biscuits.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Biscuits offer a thoughtful solution for dogs with dietary sensitivities. They provide a nutritious and palatable way to reward your dog while supporting their well-being.
2. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals
Rating: 9.0/10
Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals in Duck & Pumpkin flavor are tasty, soft treats made for dogs of all ages. They use real duck and pumpkin, giving your dog a healthy snack that tastes great. These treats are made without any fake stuff, so you know you’re giving your dog something good for them.
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What We Like:
- The soft texture is easy for dogs to chew.
- Made with real duck and pumpkin for a yummy flavor.
- Grain-free, which is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- No artificial preservatives or flavors are used.
- They are made in the USA with ingredients you can trust.
- Recommended by veterinarians, which gives peace of mind.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size might be a bit small for owners with multiple dogs.
- Some dogs might find the pumpkin flavor a bit too strong.
These treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your dog with something delicious and nutritious. You can feel good about giving your furry friend a treat that supports their health and well-being.
3. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 8.8/10
Treat your furry friend to the delicious and healthy Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits in Pumpkin & Cinnamon flavor. These oven-baked biscuits are made with natural ingredients that you can feel good about giving to your dog. They’re a perfect way to reward good behavior or just to show your dog some extra love.
What We Like:
- Made with Pumpkin: These treats feature wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, pumpkin, and cinnamon, making them a tasty and nutritious choice.
- Crunchy Dog Treats: Dogs who love a good crunch will enjoy the satisfying texture of these oven-baked biscuits.
- Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t find any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy in these treats. They are also free from artificial preservatives and colors.
- Healthy Dog Treats: Crafted with only the finest natural ingredients and boosted with vitamins and minerals, these treats are as good for your dog as they are enjoyable.
- Generous Size: The 16-oz bag provides plenty of treats for your canine companion.
- Clear Labeling: The packaging clearly highlights the ingredients and benefits, making it easy to understand what you’re feeding your dog.
What Could Be Improved:
- Potential for Crumbs: Like many crunchy biscuits, these can produce some crumbs, which might be a minor inconvenience for some owners.
Overall, the Blue Buffalo Health Bars in Pumpkin & Cinnamon are a fantastic option for dog owners seeking a healthy and tasty treat. Your dog will surely wag their tail for these wholesome biscuits.
4. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a healthy and delicious treat for your furry friend? The Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats are a fantastic option! These grain-free biscuits are made with simple, natural ingredients your dog will love. They’re perfect for training or just as a special snack.
What We Like:
- Made with organic pumpkin and other human-grade ingredients.
- Grain-free and has limited ingredients, making them great for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- The crunchy texture is perfect for training and can be broken into smaller pieces for small dogs.
- Crafted with love in the USA using family recipes and BPA-free packaging.
- Available in other flavors and variety packs for extra fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a bigger dog or a very treat-motivated pup!
These pumpkin treats are a wholesome choice for dogs of all sizes. They offer great flavor and nutrition, making them a winner for happy, healthy pups.
5. Waggin’ Train Duck Jerky Tenders for Sensitive Stomach for Dogs – 12 oz Pouch – Grain Free
Rating: 8.9/10
Does your furry friend have a tummy that gets upset easily? Or maybe you just want to give them a super healthy and tasty treat? Well, we checked out the Waggin’ Train Duck Jerky Tenders for Sensitive Stomach for Dogs, and it seems like a winner! This 12 oz pouch is packed with goodness, and it’s designed specifically for pups who need a little extra care.
What We Like:
- Meaty Goodness: Dogs go crazy for the real duck flavor! It’s made with 100% real duck breast, so you know it’s packed with protein.
- Happy Tummies: These treats have prebiotic fiber. This helps with digestion, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Simple Ingredients: You can feel good about what you’re giving your dog. They only use 3 simple ingredients, with duck as the main one.
- No Nasties: Say goodbye to artificial colors and flavors! These treats are completely natural.
- Grain & Corn-Free: Perfect for pups with sensitivities, these jerky tenders are free from grains and corn. They are also 100% digestible.
What Could Be Improved:
- The resealable pouch could be a bit sturdier to keep the treats fresh for longer.
- While the ingredients are simple, some owners might prefer even fewer ingredients.
Overall, Waggin’ Train Duck Jerky Tenders seem like a fantastic, wholesome treat option for any dog, especially those with sensitive digestive systems. Your dog will love the taste, and you’ll love knowing you’re giving them something healthy!
Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
When your furry friend has a sensitive stomach, finding the right treats can be a challenge. You want to reward them with something tasty, but you also need to avoid upsetting their delicate digestive system. This guide will help you navigate the world of dog treats for sensitive stomachs, ensuring you make a happy and healthy choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for treats for a dog with a sensitive stomach, keep these important features in mind:
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean less chance of finding something that causes a reaction. Look for treats with a short, easy-to-understand ingredient list.
- Single Protein Source: Many dogs react to multiple protein sources. Treats made with just one type of meat (like chicken, lamb, or fish) are often a safer bet.
- Novel Proteins: If your dog is sensitive to common proteins like chicken or beef, try treats made with less common sources like duck, venison, or rabbit.
- Easily Digestible Ingredients: Certain ingredients are easier for dogs to digest. Think about things like sweet potato, pumpkin, and white rice.
- No Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can sometimes cause stomach upset. Stick to treats with natural ingredients.
- Grain-Free Options: While not all dogs with sensitive stomachs need grain-free, some do. If grains are a trigger, opt for treats made with alternative carbohydrates.
- Probiotics or Prebiotics: Some treats are fortified with these good bacteria and fibers that can help support a healthy gut.
Important Materials to Consider
The “materials” in dog treats are the ingredients. Here are some to prioritize and some to watch out for:
- Good Ingredients:
- Proteins: Lamb, duck, venison, rabbit, salmon, whitefish.
- Carbohydrates: Sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, potato, tapioca, white rice.
- Healthy Fats: Fish oil, flaxseed.
- Natural Binders: Pea flour, tapioca starch.
- Ingredients to Avoid:
- Common Allergens: Chicken, beef, dairy, soy, wheat, corn, eggs.
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives.
- By-products: These can be less digestible and of lower quality.
- High amounts of fillers: Like corn or wheat meal if your dog is sensitive to them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a treat can make a big difference in how your dog’s stomach handles it.
- What Improves Quality:
- High-quality protein sources: Real meat is always better than meat meal.
- Natural processing: Treats made with minimal processing tend to retain more nutrients and are often easier to digest.
- Transparency in labeling: Brands that clearly list all their ingredients and their sources show they care about quality.
- What Reduces Quality:
- Mystery ingredients: If you can’t understand what’s in the treat, it’s probably not the best choice.
- Excessive fillers: These add bulk but offer little nutritional value and can be hard to digest.
- Artificial additives: As mentioned, these can cause problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dog treats for sensitive stomachs are used in many ways.
- Training: They are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. You can give a small, easily digestible treat when your dog masters a new command.
- Special Occasions: Even dogs with sensitive stomachs deserve a treat on birthdays or holidays.
- Just Because: Sometimes, you just want to give your dog a little something special. These treats offer peace of mind.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Many vets suggest specific types of treats for dogs with digestive issues, allergies, or sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main key features to look for in treats for sensitive stomachs?
A: The main key features are limited ingredients, single protein sources, novel proteins, easily digestible ingredients, no artificial additives, and sometimes grain-free options or added probiotics.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A: Not always. Some dogs do well with grains, while others don’t. It depends on your individual dog’s sensitivities. It’s best to consult your vet.
Q: What are some common ingredients that can cause stomach upset in dogs?
A: Common culprits include chicken, beef, dairy, soy, wheat, corn, and eggs. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can also cause problems.
Q: Can I give my dog treats if they have diarrhea?
A: It’s best to stick to bland, easily digestible foods recommended by your vet during periods of diarrhea. Once their stomach is better, you can slowly reintroduce sensitive stomach treats.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is upsetting my dog’s stomach?
A: Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, lethargy, or changes in appetite after eating the treat.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day?
A: Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and consider your dog’s overall diet. Treats should not make up a large portion of their daily calories.
Q: Where can I find the best treats for sensitive stomachs?
A: You can find them at pet supply stores, online retailers, and sometimes at your veterinarian’s office.
Q: Is it okay to switch treat brands often?
A: It’s generally better to stick with one brand and type of treat that works well for your dog. Frequent switching can sometimes cause stomach upset.
Q: What is a “novel protein”?
A: A novel protein is a protein source that your dog has likely never eaten before, such as duck, venison, or rabbit. These are often good choices for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Q: Should I talk to my vet before buying new treats?
A: Yes, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can help you identify potential triggers and recommend specific treats or ingredients for your dog’s needs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!