Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs: Everyone Deserves a Treat!

It can be emotional and time-consuming to try helping dogs with sensitive stomachs, especially when they cannot enjoy the things they used to, like treats or time playing. If dog treats are bothering your dog's stomach, you may have found yourself searching for the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs. While this seems simple enough, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind.

 

If you were on the hunt for a resource detailing how to find the best treats for your dog's stomach, you've found yourself at the perfect place. Stick with us below to learn everything about sourcing treats for sensitive stomachs, what causes stomach issues, what to avoid, and some info on healthy dog treats offered by us at HolistaPet!

 

 

Is It Common for Dogs to Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Unfortunately for dog owners, sensitive stomachs are not an uncommon problem for their furry friend to run into. Digestive health can fluctuate, and dogs of any age or breed can experience sensitive stomachs. Luckily, digestive problems are not always caused by serious issues, and most of the time, an upset stomach is not a cause for any major concern.

 

Like people, the stomach of every dog is different. Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others because not every dog gets to enjoy the benefit of being a walking garbage disposal! Still, healthy digestion can be difficult for some dogs, making mealtimes hard for many pet parents who deal with this common issue.

 

Symptoms

When your dog has an upset tummy, there are various ways it can show. Some of these will be very obvious when you see them, while other symptoms can be more related to your dog's mood and energy levels. Some common signs that your dog is experiencing stomach problems are:

 

• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Rapid swallowing (from nausea)
• Vomiting
• Excessive gas
• Soft stool
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool

 

 

 

 

What Causes a Dog To Have a Sensitive Stomach?

There are various reasons why a dog could have a sensitive stomach. Some dogs are born with food sensitivity, and others may develop sensitive tummies as they grow up. To treat a sensitive stomach, first, we need to know what caused it in the first place. Because many things can cause an upset stomach, it can initially be hard to identify, but having a general idea of some causes can help you narrow down some potential culprits.

 

Dietary Changes

Changes in your dog's diet might be to blame for their stomach issues. If you've recently swapped out their kibble for another or started giving your dog treats they have never eaten before, one of the ingredients in the food could be to blame! When it comes to dogs, small changes can make a big difference. Always try to be aware of what you give your dog; it will make it easier for you to identify any potential problems if they come up.

 

Medications

Some medications can be the cause of an upset stomach. Medications like pain killers and antibiotics can often cause a weakened stomach that may be susceptible to problems. Antibiotics, in particular, are notorious for causing stomach issues because they alter the production of healthy bacteria in the gut. When administering medications, these symptoms can sometimes be prevented by providing food with the dose or ensuring that a meal is eaten before consumption.

 

Stress

Stress can manifest itself in many different ways and often can take on physical sensations — especially in the stomach. Just like a person, when a dog experiences stress, it can cause them to experience stomach pain or trouble eating. Dogs can experience stress for many reasons, like being in a new place, loud noises, sickness, and excitement.

 

Food Allergies

Food intolerances can also cause a dog's sensitive stomach. Allergies can be something a dog is born with or developed over time. Your dog can even develop an allergy to a food ingredient they eat often! Besides an upset stomach, food allergies can also be expressed as skin irritation. If you notice your dog developing dry patches of itchy skin in combination with their upset stomach, a food allergy could be the cause.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term describing conditions causing the intestine and digestive system to become inflamed and irritated. This causes digestive issues, stomach pain, and possibly frequent trips to the bathroom. Inflammatory bowel syndrome can interrupt a pet's diet and cause prolonged stomach pain if left untreated.

 

Ulcers

Ulcers are painful sores that can form in the stomach due to excessive stomach acid. They can cause pain, increasing a dog's sensitivity to eating food. Ulcers can be caused by eating overly acidic foods, but more often are caused by consuming certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) often used for pain management.

 

Illness

Just like when you have a cold, when your dog is feeling under the weather, it may not be as exciting to dig into a bowl of kibble as it is when feeling healthy. Even when experiencing mild sickness, some dogs might eat less than normal. Sickness can also cause your dog to have a bellyache, so if they seem a little under the weather and showing signs of a sensitive stomach, illness could be the cause.

 

 

What Treats Should I Avoid Giving a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach?

Your dog's digestive health is highly reactive to what you put in their belly. Because of this, there are some treats you will likely want to avoid giving dogs with sensitive stomachs. When feeding your dog, try to avoid including these treats in your dog's diet:

 

• Grapes
• Nuts
• Rawhide chews
• Animal bones
• Sugary treats
• Artificial treats

 

If you want to introduce your dog to any new foods, always verify that the food in question is safe for dogs and gentle on their digestive tract. And always remember, just because a treat is marketed as being safe doesn't mean that it will be okay for your dog's digestive system.

 

What Types of Ingredients Should I Avoid If My Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach?

If your dog's sensitive stomach gets in the way of its eating habits, maybe some specific ingredients are to blame. Some brands even include ingredients known to cause problems in some dogs! When looking for a treat or food to give your dog, avoid products containing these ingredients:

 

• Corn
• Wheat
• Gluten
• Meat byproduct
• Artificial colors
• Propylene glycol
• Rendered fat
• Artificial flavors

 

Generally speaking, it is best to avoid over-processed ingredients and instead lookout for natural options containing familiar whole foods. Because there are so many different ingredients that can be included in dog food and treats, try looking up all of the ingredients to ensure they are okay for sensitive stomachs.

 

 

What Are the Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs?

Sometimes dog treats can be used to help relieve an upset stomach. Tasty treats from natural ingredients can help soothe a dog's tummy and sometimes help ease a dog's symptoms so they can get back to enjoying a good, healthy belly. Choosing options high in dietary fiber and other key nutrients can go a long way in helping a sensitive pup.

 

 

 

 

HolistaPet CBD Treats

Our organic, all-natural treats are the perfect dog treat for a sensitive stomach. They come specially formulated to provide specific benefits like mobility, calming relief, and heart + immune care, so you can find the one that works best for your pup. Our treats are made with all-natural, beneficial whole food ingredients, including:

 

• Pumpkin
• Blueberry
• Sweet potatoes
• Apple
• Peanut butter

 

At HolistaPet, we infuse our dog treats with the all-natural, highly beneficial cannabinoid CBD. When consumed, CBD provides a calming effect to your dog, encouraging overall wellness, calm, and improved appetite by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD is nonintoxicating, so it will not get your dog "high" and instead provides gentle, relaxing benefits encouraging natural homeostasis in the body. CBD can be an effective way to treat an upset stomach and round out your dog's overall wellbeing.

 

Chicken

Boiled chicken can be a great option for a dog having difficulties eating. The smell of chicken can prove irresistible to most dogs, even those suffering from a stomach problem. This makes chicken a very effective bribe for most dogs. If you decide to feed your dog chicken, be sure any pieces you give them are small enough to chew and contain no bones or cartilage. Also, make sure to take off any skin and only give your dog unseasoned pieces; seasoning can be potentially harmful and cause additional stomach issues.

 

Rice

Feeding your dog unseasoned white rice is a good way to provide them with a full meal that is easy on the stomach and gluten-free to boot. White rice is easily digestible and filling, so using it as a replacement for kibble in combination with some chicken can be a great response for dealing with a diminished appetite.

 

Bone Broth

Broth can be an excellent way to calm a dog's gut, and the meaty flavor should prove appealing to even the pickiest of dogs. Bone broth can be a good way to open a dog's appetite while providing the benefit of soothing warmth on the belly. This can help relax the stomach muscles and ease digestion so your dog can experience less discomfort. Try to pick a bone broth low in salt and with no seasoning.

 

Try Adding CBD Oil!

If you want to make any of these easily digestible treats even more effective, you can try infusing them with CBD oil provided by us at HolistaPet. CBD oil is made with pure CBD extract and the superfood hemp seed oil as a carrier, so your dog will have an easier time absorbing all of that beneficial CBD. Including CBD oil in food lets you administer it easily without fuss, so your dog can quickly feel the benefits of this soothing compound.

 

 

Why Choose HolistaPet for CBD Dog Treats?

When you choose treats from us at HolistaPet, you're making the decision to go with a team of trusted hemp and pet enthusiasts committed to providing our animal friends with a natural way to get relief from some of life's common problems. Because we understand how much your pet means to you, we only include high nutritional value ingredients in our treats, so your pet can enjoy the good health they deserve.

 

Our treats for sensitive stomachs are made with beneficial ingredients like pumpkin and sweet potato to encourage healthy digestion and high dietary fiber to encourage a relaxed belly. With the addition of calming CBD, our treats are the perfect way to give your pet a natural refuge from their belly issues. And because our CBD oil can be added to other treats, your pet can enjoy its effects, no matter their taste!

 

So next time your pup is suffering from a painful belly, digestion issues, or low appetite, take a visit to our webshop at HolistaPet. We will be happy to help!

 

 

Final Thoughts - Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

There are many reasons that a dog can have an upset stomach. Some reasons might be from food sensitivities and other external sources. Other reasons might involve stress or illness, but no matter the cause, an upset stomach can lower the quality of life for a dog, and as such, should be taken care of promptly!

 

Now you know there are many ways pet parents can approach helping a dog's stomach, with one of the most effective being the simple usage of healthy foods. So next time you want the best treats for sensitive stomachs, try one from Holistapet; your pup will thank you!