Does your dog constantly scratch, suffer from upset tummies, or have itchy skin? You are not alone. Many dog owners face these tough challenges. Switching to a raw diet often helps, but finding the perfect raw food for a sensitive stomach feels like a maze. You worry about ingredients, balance, and causing more problems.
Choosing the right raw diet for a dog with a delicate system requires careful thought. You need food that is easy to digest but still packed with nutrients. It can feel overwhelming trying to balance quality and gentleness. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for and what to avoid when feeding raw to your sensitive pup.
By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing a raw diet that soothes your dog’s stomach and boosts their overall health. Let’s dive into the best raw food options that bring comfort back to your furry friend.
Top Raw Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach Recommendations
- SENSITIVE SKIN & STOMACH ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Protein packed, nutrient dense kibble combined with 100% raw freeze-dried salmon pieces for a crave worthy savory chicken free dog food; with essential protein levels, high fiber and calorie content your dog needs to thrive.
- GENTLE ON STOMACH: Easily Digestivble recipe is gentle on the stomach
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTHY COAT: Contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine for strong joints, probiotics for digestive health, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO ADDED CHICKEN, BEEF, OR WHEAT: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no added chicken, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- COMPREHENSIVE DIGESTIVE SUPPORT SOLUTION - Powerhouse formula with coconut flour, pumpkin, probiotics, prebiotics, and natural digestive enzymes targets multiple digestive issues. Coconut flour provides dietary and insoluble fiber while natural enzymes improve nutrient absorption; 95% of pet parents report visible improvements in stool quality within days.
- IMPROVES NUTRIENT ABSORPTION & DIGESTION - Contains natural papain from papaya to aid digestion and soluble fiber from pumpkin to regulate bowel movements; highly digestible egg yolk helps your dog absorb more nutrients from their food; perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive sensitivities.
- PREMIUM "WHOLE PREY" NUTRITION - Made with responsibly sourced grass-fed beef in small batches to mimic ancestral diets; contains 100% organic fruits and vegetables with NO artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, hormones, or antibiotics; proudly made in the USA.
- SUPPORTS WHOLE BODY HEALTH - Goes beyond digestive support to improve your dog's entire well-being; includes multiple strains of probiotics and prebiotics for optimal gut flora, taurine for heart health, and essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids; freeze-dried raw nutrition supports healthy immune function, strong teeth and gums, and overall vitality.
- VERSATILE RAW NUTRITION YOUR DOG WILL LOVE - Serve as a complete balanced meal for all life stages, nutritious topper to enhance kibble, daily supplement, or high-value training treat; perfect for picky eaters; our exclusive High-Pressure Processing (HPP) technology ensures safety while preserving nutritional integrity.
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- ALLERGY FRIENDLY FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS– For healthier and smoother digestion our food has no chicken, no meal ingredients, no grains, and only lamb animal protein. We designed this for pets with allergies, intolerances, a sensitive stomach, or just pets that want clean, healthy dog food.
- RAW YOU CAN SEE INGREDIENTS FOR REAL HEALTH BENEFITS: We’ve mixed our freeze dried raw pumpkin and air dried purple sweet potato to further supplement digestion and aid in food transition. We also added our freeze dried raw lamb and green beans to help entice picky eaters to chow down. We use these simple ingredients so pet parents can see the quality of the whole food ingredients we use. The kibble is formulated by a Ph. D. in Animal Nutrition and is AAFCO approved and uses salmon as the #1 ingredient!
- FREEZE DRIED RAW PIECES: We’ve used our bestselling single ingredient freeze dried lamb with freeze dried pumpkin and green beans to boost nutrients such as Omega 3 and fiber. Freeze drying is the best way to preserve natural nutrients, with over 61% more nutrients retained relative to dehydration or cooking. Most importantly you can see the quality whole food ingredients we are using!
- THE BEST RAW FRIENDLY DOG FOOD: A Better Dog Food mixes allergy friendly ingredients and probiotics in our kibble with freeze dried raw treats in one bag. A complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all types, including small breeds, puppies, and seniors. We also use a sturdy resealable bag to make it easier to grab and go!
- A BETTER DOG FOOD, YOU CAN TRUST: Our dog food is made with real, recognizable ingredients you can see! No chicken, no meal ingredients, grain free, minimally processed, and only lamb animal protein to make a highly digestible allergy friendly healthy and natural food. A Better Dog Food is made in the USA and our mission is to deliver the healthiest, most irresistible dog food to our fellow pet parents!
- COMPREHENSIVE DIGESTIVE SUPPORT SOLUTION - Powerhouse formula with coconut flour, pumpkin, probiotics, prebiotics, and natural digestive enzymes targets multiple digestive issues. Coconut flour provides dietary and insoluble fiber while natural enzymes improve nutrient absorption; 95% of pet parents report visible improvements in stool quality within days.
- IMPROVES NUTRIENT ABSORPTION & DIGESTION - Contains natural papain from papaya to aid digestion and soluble fiber from pumpkin to regulate bowel movements; highly digestible egg yolk helps your dog absorb more nutrients from their food; perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive sensitivities.
- PREMIUM "WHOLE PREY" NUTRITION - Made with responsibly sourced grass-fed beef in small batches to mimic ancestral diets; contains 100% organic fruits and vegetables with NO artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, hormones, or antibiotics; proudly made in the USA.
- SUPPORTS WHOLE BODY HEALTH - Goes beyond digestive support to improve your dog's entire well-being; includes multiple strains of probiotics and prebiotics for optimal gut flora, taurine for heart health, and essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids; freeze-dried raw nutrition supports healthy immune function, strong teeth and gums, and overall vitality.
- VERSATILE RAW NUTRITION YOUR DOG WILL LOVE - Serve as a complete balanced meal for all life stages, nutritious topper to enhance kibble, daily supplement, or high-value training treat; perfect for picky eaters; our exclusive High-Pressure Processing (HPP) technology ensures safety while preserving nutritional integrity.
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- UPDATED FORMULA: Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin
- Prebiotic fiber to fuel benefitial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome
- Omega-6s & Vitame E to promote a healthy coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Raw Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Choosing the right food for your dog is important. It is even more important when your dog has a sensitive stomach. Raw dog food can be a great option. It often uses fewer processed ingredients. This guide helps you pick the best raw food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When buying raw food for a sensitive stomach, certain features matter most. Look for these things on the label.
Single-Source Proteins
- Why it matters: Dogs with sensitive tummies often react to too many different types of meat. Single-source proteins (like only chicken or only beef) make it easy to find what your dog tolerates well.
- What to check: The ingredient list should clearly name one main protein source.
Limited Ingredients
- Why it matters: Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for something to cause an upset. Avoid long lists filled with fillers or strange additives.
- What to check: Aim for recipes with 8 to 12 ingredients maximum.
Digestible Supplements
- Why it matters: Sensitive stomachs need extra help breaking down food. Look for natural sources of digestive aids.
- What to check: Good additions include pumpkin, bone broth, or specific probiotics listed clearly.
Important Ingredients: What Makes the Cut?
Raw food relies on quality components. For sensitive dogs, the quality must be top-notch.
High-Quality Meat Sources
You want real meat, not mystery meat scraps. Source matters greatly. Look for terms like “human-grade” or “free-range.” These often mean better quality control.
Appropriate Fat Levels
Fat helps with energy. However, too much fat can irritate a sensitive gut. Choose formulas with moderate, healthy fat levels. Avoid foods where fat is the very first ingredient unless recommended by your vet.
Gentle Carbohydrates (If Included)
Some raw diets include small amounts of vegetables or fruits for vitamins. If your dog needs carbs, choose easily digestible ones like sweet potato or squash over grains like corn or wheat, which are common irritants.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all raw food is made equal. Some preparation methods hurt the nutritional value.
Improving Quality: Flash Freezing
High-quality raw food is often flash-frozen right after preparation. This locking in of nutrients is better than slow freezing. This process keeps the food fresh.
Reducing Quality: Fillers and Artificial Additives
Avoid ingredients like corn syrup, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). These offer no nutritional value and are frequent causes of stomach upset in sensitive dogs.
Reducing Quality: Poor Grinding/Mixing
If the meat, bone, and organs are not properly balanced and ground, your dog might not absorb the nutrients correctly. A well-formulated raw meal provides a complete nutritional profile.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does this food fit into your life?
Ease of Feeding
Raw food comes in patties, chunks, or grinds. For convenience, pre-portioned, frozen patties are often the easiest to use. You just thaw and serve. This saves a lot of prep time.
Use Case: Transitioning Slowly
When switching to a new food, especially raw, you must go slowly. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food for about a week. This slow transition is crucial for sensitive stomachs to adjust without vomiting or diarrhea.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Q: How quickly will I see results in my dog’s digestion?
A: Many owners report seeing softer, smaller stools within one to two weeks. Significant improvements in itching or chronic diarrhea might take a full month as the gut heals.
Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s current kibble?
A: It is generally not recommended. Raw food digests much faster than kibble. Mixing them can cause the kibble to sit and ferment, leading to gas and upset stomachs for sensitive dogs.
Q: What is the safest protein to start with if my dog is very sensitive?
A: Novel proteins like rabbit or venison are often recommended first. However, simple proteins like turkey or chicken are also good starting points if you know your dog has tolerated them cooked before.
Q: Is raw food safe regarding bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable commercial raw food manufacturers follow strict safety guidelines. Proper handling (keeping it frozen until thawing, washing bowls) minimizes risk. Your dog’s strong stomach acid handles bacteria better than ours does.
Q: Should I add any extra vegetables to a complete raw meal?
A: No. If the food is labeled “complete and balanced,” it already has the necessary vegetables and supplements. Adding extra things can throw off the careful nutrient balance.
Q: My dog is a picky eater. Will they like raw food?
A: Most dogs love the taste of raw food because it smells and tastes like real meat. Pickiness usually disappears quickly once they try it.
Q: What temperature should the food be when I serve it?
A: It should be fully thawed but still slightly cool, like a refrigerated meal. Avoid heating raw food, as this cooks the nutrients.
Q: Does raw food contain enough calcium for my dog?
A: Yes, if you buy a complete meal. The calcium usually comes from ground, edible bone mixed into the recipe. Check the guaranteed analysis to ensure the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is correct.
Q: What if my dog gets diarrhea after switching?
A: This usually means the transition was too fast. Go back to feeding mostly the old food for a few days, then reintroduce the raw food much more slowly over two weeks.
Q: How long can thawed raw food stay in the refrigerator?
A: Once fully thawed, raw food is best used within 3 to 4 days. Always keep it sealed in an airtight container on the bottom shelf of your fridge.