How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Your Furry Friend
There are very few things that will frustrate a dog owner as much as feeding his or her dog, only for them to throw it up every single time. If you can relate to this, then it could mean that your dog too has a sensitive stomach. The good news is that there are dog food items today in the market that are specially designed for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
Read this article to know what to feed your dog with a sensitive stomach and how to pick the best dog food for your furry pal.
How to identify that your dog has a sensitive stomach?
It might seem difficult to identify a sensitive stomach case, but it really isn’t. If you notice that every time you feed your dog a certain food, within 24 hours he or she starts puking, suffers from diarrhea or flatulence i.e. gas, it means that food is a trigger and your dog is sensitive to it. Some other common signs and symptoms that point towards a case of a sensitive digestive system are skin rashes, sudden loss of appetite, noisy stomach or lack of energy.
Elimination method to identify the best food for your dog
A proven way to find your dog’s allergy is by using the elimination method. In this diet method, you slowly start eliminating common food items from your dog’s meal plan that are known for being allergens. Once you notice that the signs and symptoms have disappeared, you will figure out the trigger on your own. Dairy products, eggs, gluten, wheat, soy and protein from beef, eggs, and lambs are some of the common allergens.
What are the common causes of a sensitive stomach?
If you are failing at recognizing what is the reason or the trigger behind your dog’s sensitive stomach, the best thing to do is to book an appointment with the vet. There is a possibility that your dog is suffering from something serious like stomach cancer. Other reasons that can lead to sensitive stomach is eating a certain kind of protein or food item that acts as an allergen in your dog’s case.
Popular dog food for sensitive stomach:
Choosing the right dog food for sensitive stomach can get overwhelming. Here are some top dog food for sensitive stomach to consider:
- Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
This dog food is one of the most commonly prescribed one for dogs with food allergies and a sensitive stomach. The best thing about the product is that it is made from only 5 natural ingredients- one novel protein (duck, lamb or salmon) canola oil, tomato pomace, vitamins/minerals, with no hidden chemicals. If your dog is allergic to meat, dairy, corn, soy, wheat, or eggs then this is one of the best food to consider buying. This dog food for sensitive stomach is best for daily use. - Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
This dog food for sensitive stomach is a great choice for dogs that have skin issues along with a sensitive stomach. The food is best for adult dogs and it is easy to digest. The food is rich in omega 6 fatty acids and other nutrients that make your dog’s skin healthy and gives their fur a nice natural glow. The food is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, making it great for your dog’s immune system. - Taste of the Wild
This natural dry dog food for sensitive stomach is free of grains. It consists of salmon, vegetables, potatoes, and fruits. The best thing about this dog food is that it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that makes it great for immunity. It also helps your dog get lean and strong muscles.
Is it a smart choice to invest in special sensitive dog food item?
To some extent, yes, it is smart to buy food that is specially made keeping in mind the issue of the sensitive stomach in dogs. It is best to stick to sensitive stomach dog food until your vet can determine exactly what is the allergen in your dog’s case. After that, you can consider buying regular food items that do not contain that particular ingredient or simply prepare the food at home. The best thing about sensitive stomach dog food is that they save a lot of your time.
If you suspect that your dog has a sensitive stomach or a certain food allergy, it is best to get him or her checked with a vet. The tests might cost you a lot but it is a much cheaper alternative than buying regular dog food and having your dog throw up after consuming the same.