Does your furry friend get an upset tummy after enjoying a tasty treat? It’s a common problem many dog owners face. You want to spoil your pup with a delicious reward, but worry about the digestive distress that might follow. Finding the perfect treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach can feel like a treasure hunt with no map, leaving you frustrated and your dog uncomfortable.
The sheer volume of treats available can be overwhelming, and it’s tough to know which ingredients are safe and which might cause gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. You might be tired of trial and error, and the guilt of not being able to give your dog those simple joys can be a real downer. But what if there was a way to make treat time happy and healthy for everyone?
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a treat “sensitive stomach friendly” and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing treats that your dog will love, without the worry of an upset tummy. Get ready to discover the best options for your sensitive pup and bring back the wagging tails and happy munching!
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: 9.2/10
Treat your furry friend to a biscuit that cares! The Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Biscuits, Skin & Stomach Care Crunchy Dog Treats, Turkey Recipe, 6-oz Bag offers a delicious and beneficial snack. These crunchy biscuits are made with real turkey as the first ingredient, giving your dog a tasty reward they’ll love. They are specially crafted to support gentle digestion and promote healthy skin, making them a great choice for sensitive pups.
What We Like:
- Made with real turkey as the #1 ingredient.
- Formulated to support gentle digestion.
- Helps promote healthy skin.
- Crunchy texture is great for all dogs.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
- No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.
- Digital packaging highlights ingredients and benefits.
What Could Be Improved:
- Physical packaging may differ slightly from digital images.
These Blue Buffalo treats are a wholesome option for rewarding your dog while tending to their specific needs. They offer a satisfying crunch and a taste your dog will wag their tail for.
2. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals
Rating: 8.9/10
Our furry friends deserve the best, and Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Duck & Pumpkin, 8 oz Bag deliver just that. These treats are a fantastic option for dogs of all ages, offering a delicious and healthy way to reward good behavior or simply show some love. The combination of real duck and pumpkin is sure to get tails wagging!
What We Like:
- These treats are incredibly delicious, and our dogs can’t get enough of the duck and pumpkin flavor.
- They are soft and easy for dogs to chew, making them suitable for puppies and senior dogs alike.
- Being grain-free is a huge plus for dogs with sensitivities.
- We love that they are made with natural ingredients and are not preserved or flavored artificially.
- Knowing they are made in the USA with trusted global ingredients gives us peace of mind.
- The #1 Veterinarian Recommended seal is a strong indicator of quality and health benefits.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8 oz bag can be gone pretty quickly if you have multiple dogs or give treats frequently.
- While the price reflects the quality, it might be a bit high for some pet parents looking for budget-friendly options.
Overall, Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals are a top-notch treat that truly balances great taste with excellent nutrition. Your dog will thank you!
3. 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? Finding the right treats can be a challenge, but Waggin’ Train Duck Jerky Tenders for Sensitive Stomach might be just what you’re looking for! These treats are made with real duck and designed to be gentle on sensitive systems.
What We Like:
- The meaty flavor of real duck will have your dog begging for more.
- Prebiotic fiber is added to help support your dog’s digestive system, making them ideal for pups with sensitive stomachs.
- The ingredient list is super simple, with just three ingredients, and 100% real duck breast is the first one.
- You won’t find any artificial colors or flavors in these treats, so you can feel good about giving them.
- They are completely grain-free and corn-free, meaning no unnecessary fillers that can bother a sensitive stomach.
- These jerky tenders are high in protein, offering a nutritious snack.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 12 oz pouch is a good size, some owners might prefer even larger bulk options for very frequent treat users.
- The jerky can sometimes be a bit crumbly, which might not be ideal for every training situation where a whole treat is preferred.
If you’re searching for a tasty and tummy-friendly treat for your dog, Waggin’ Train Duck Jerky Tenders are definitely worth considering. They offer a simple, high-quality option that dogs love and owners can trust.
4. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a healthy and delicious treat your dog will go wild for? The Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats are here to save the day! These aren’t just any dog biscuits; they’re crafted with simple, real ingredients like organic pumpkin, making them a super nutritious snack. They’re even good enough for humans to eat, which tells you how great they are! Perfect for training, rewarding, or just because, these treats are a win-win for you and your furry friend.
What We Like:
- Made with all-natural, organic pumpkin and other wholesome ingredients.
- Grain-free and limited ingredient formula, perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies.
- No artificial colors, preservatives, wheat, dairy, or chicken.
- Double-baked for a delicious, satisfying crunch.
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes, from tiny pups to big breeds.
- Easily breakable into smaller pieces for training.
- Proudly made in the USA with ingredients sourced from the USA.
- Available in other flavors and variety packs!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 oz bag might go quickly for owners of multiple or very enthusiastic dogs.
- While great for picky eaters, some dogs might have a strong preference for specific flavors.
These pumpkin dog treats are a fantastic way to show your dog some love with a healthy, tasty snack. Give your pup the best with these USA-made, all-natural biscuits!
5. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 8.6/10
Treat your furry friend to the delicious taste and wholesome goodness of Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits. These oven-baked treats are made with natural ingredients like pumpkin and cinnamon, giving them a warm, inviting aroma that smells like homemade pumpkin pie. They offer a satisfying crunch that dogs love, and you can feel good about feeding them because they’re made without corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
What We Like:
- The fresh-baked aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and yogurt is incredibly inviting.
- Made with real pumpkin and other natural ingredients like oatmeal and cinnamon.
- The crunchy texture is perfect for dogs who enjoy a good chew.
- No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy means fewer potential allergens.
- Free from artificial preservatives like BHA and artificial colors.
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals for a healthy boost.
- You’ll love feeding these treats as much as your dog will love eating them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size might be a bit large for owners of very small dogs who only give a treat occasionally.
- Some dogs might prefer softer treats, so the crunch might not suit every palate.
Blue Buffalo Health Bars offer a tasty and healthy way to reward your dog. They are a fantastic choice for pet owners who prioritize natural ingredients and a delicious flavor your dog will adore.
Finding the Best Treats for Sensitive Stomachs: A Dog Owner’s Guide
Does your furry friend get an upset tummy easily? Many dogs do! Finding the right treats can be tricky. This guide will help you pick the best options for your dog’s sensitive stomach.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for sensitive stomach treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean fewer things to upset your dog’s stomach. Look for treats with a short, understandable ingredient list.
- Novel Proteins: Proteins your dog hasn’t eaten before can be easier to digest. Think rabbit, duck, or venison instead of common chicken or beef.
- Digestible Carbohydrates: Foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or rice are gentle on the digestive system. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy, which can be harder to break down.
- Added Probiotics and Prebiotics: These good bacteria help balance your dog’s gut. They can make digestion smoother and reduce gas and bloating.
- Hypoallergenic Properties: Some treats are made without common allergens like dairy, soy, or gluten. This is a great starting point for sensitive pups.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients are the heart of any treat. For sensitive stomachs, focus on these:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Look for named protein sources like “deboned lamb” or “duck meal.” Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.”
- Natural Fiber: Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient. It adds fiber, which helps with both constipation and diarrhea. Sweet potatoes offer similar benefits.
- Gentle Grains (if used): If your dog tolerates them, oats or brown rice are better choices than wheat or corn.
- Natural Sweeteners (in moderation): A touch of honey or molasses can make treats palatable, but avoid artificial sweeteners.
- No Artificial Additives: Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These can trigger sensitivities.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a sensitive stomach treat great or not so great?
-
Improved Quality:
- Transparency: Brands that clearly list all ingredients and their sources are usually trustworthy.
- Third-Party Testing: Some brands have their treats tested by independent labs to ensure quality and safety.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Treats endorsed by vets often meet high standards for pet health.
- Natural Processing: Gentle cooking methods help preserve nutrients and make ingredients easier to digest.
-
Reduced Quality:
- Fillers: Ingredients like excessive corn, wheat, or soy are cheap fillers that don’t offer much nutritional value and can cause tummy troubles.
- Artificial Ingredients: As mentioned, these can cause unwanted reactions.
- Unknown Protein Sources: If a label says “poultry meal” without specifying the type of poultry, it’s a red flag.
- Excessive Fat: High-fat treats can be hard for some dogs to digest.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do these treats fit into your dog’s life?
- Training Rewards: Sensitive stomach treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. You won’t have to worry about an upset tummy after a good training day.
- Daily Enjoyment: These treats offer a way to spoil your dog without the guilt. They can be given as a small everyday reward.
- Transitioning Diets: If your vet has recommended a new diet for your dog’s stomach issues, these treats can be a safe way to introduce them.
- Managing Health Conditions: For dogs with diagnosed digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or food allergies, these treats are a safer choice.
- Picky Eaters: Sometimes, even dogs with sensitive stomachs can be picky. Limited ingredient, tasty treats can be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main key features to look for in sensitive stomach treats?
A: The key features are limited ingredients, novel proteins, digestible carbohydrates, added probiotics and prebiotics, and hypoallergenic properties.
Q: Are treats with chicken okay for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A: Chicken is a common allergen for some dogs. It’s often better to choose novel proteins like duck, lamb, or rabbit first.
Q: Can I give my dog treats if they have diarrhea?
A: It’s best to consult your veterinarian. Some mild, bland treats might be okay, but many can worsen diarrhea.
Q: What is a “novel protein”?
A: A novel protein is a protein source that your dog has not eaten before. This reduces the chance of an allergic reaction.
Q: How do probiotics and prebiotics help a dog’s stomach?
A: Probiotics are good bacteria that help balance the gut. Prebiotics feed these good bacteria, making digestion smoother and reducing gas.
Q: Should I avoid all grains in sensitive stomach treats?
A: Not necessarily. Some dogs tolerate gentle grains like oats or brown rice well. However, if your dog is sensitive to grains, look for grain-free options.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day?
A: Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat package and consider your dog’s overall diet. Treats should not make up more than 10% of their daily calories.
Q: What are some common ingredients that can upset a dog’s stomach?
A: Common culprits include corn, wheat, soy, dairy, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.
Q: My dog has an upset stomach but seems fine otherwise. Can I still give them treats?
A: It’s always best to check with your vet. Even mild stomach upset can be a sign of something that needs attention, and treats might make it worse.
Q: Where can I buy these types of treats?
A: You can find sensitive stomach dog treats at most pet supply stores, online retailers like Amazon, and sometimes at your veterinarian’s office.
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.