Best Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs: 10 Safe Options (Incl. Grain-Free)
Written by Tim de Jong
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you know how hard it can be to find treats that won’t upset their stomach. There are many different options out there, but not all of them are safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Here are 10 of the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs. We start with probiotic and digestive-support chews, then cover grain-free treats for dogs whose tummy trouble is triggered by grains. They are all gentle options, and your dog is sure to love them!
What can cause digestive issues in your dog?
There are a number of different things that can cause digestive issues in your dog. Some dogs are simply more prone to them than others. However, there are a few common causes of digestive issues in dogs that you should be aware of.
One common cause of digestive issues in dogs is food allergies or intolerances. If your dog is allergic or intolerant to a certain type of food, it can cause digestive problems. Common allergens include wheat, corn, soy, and chicken.
Another common cause of digestive issues in dogs is stress. Dogs can get stressed out just like humans can. If your dog is under a lot of stress, it can lead to digestive problems. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, changes in routine, and travel.
A third common cause of digestive issues is an infection like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These can cause serious problems if not treated properly. Especially older dogs and puppies are susceptible to these sorts of infections.
Signs of your dog having digestive problems
If you think your dog may be having digestive problems, there are a few things you can look for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Appetite loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Excessive gas
- Bad breath
More often than not, stomach sensitivity in dogs is caused by a specific ingredient. In order to find out what is causing the problem, you can cut out different ingredients from your dog’s diet one at a time and see if there is any improvement.
If nothing changes, and your dog is still having digestive problems, it can be a more serious issue like an infection. In this case, you should discuss with your vet possible treatment options.
Source: https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/
What to look for in dog treats for sensitive stomachs?
Dogs with sensitive stomachs can’t tolerate just any old treat. You need to be careful about what you give them, and make sure that the ingredients are safe for their stomach. Look for treats that are:
- Made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients
- Healthy fats like salmon oil or chicken fats
- Full of probiotics and digestive enzymes
- High in fiber
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Free from the ingredients your dog reacts to, such as grains or a specific protein
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, probiotic-based or high-fiber chews are frequently the best choices. Probiotics can aid in the restoration of proper bacterial balance in your dog’s gut, while fiber may assist to bulk up his stools and make it simpler to pass. This can help to lower the likelihood of your dog having an upset stomach.
Source: https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/
Are grain-free treats better for sensitive stomachs?
Grain-free means exactly what it sounds like: there are no grains in the treat. That matters for dogs with a grain allergy or sensitivity, because it means they won’t react to the treat. Grain-free treats also tend to be built around a named protein such as beef or chicken, with fewer fillers.
That said, grain-free isn’t automatically gentler. Plenty of dogs digest grains just fine, and chicken, a common allergen, is the main ingredient in several grain-free treats. If you suspect grains are the trigger, a grain-free treat is a sensible switch. If you suspect a protein, look for a single-ingredient treat made from a protein your dog tolerates. And keep treats as small extras: grain-free main diets have been looked at by the FDA in connection with heart disease, so talk to your vet before changing your dog’s food.
10 best dog treats for sensitive stomachs
Now that you know what to look for, here are 10 of the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs: five probiotic and digestive-support chews, followed by five grain-free treats.
At a glance
10 picks, each best at something different
Check priceBest overall
Zesty Paws Vet Strength Probiotic
4.7
Check priceBest budget
Dog Probiotics Chews
4.5
Check priceBest hypoallergenic
Pawfy Probiotic Soft Chews
4.5
Check priceBest texture
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Treats
4.7
Check priceBest for chewers
Pupford Dental Chews for Dog
4.7
Check priceBest grain-free overall
The Pioneer Woman Grain-Free Dog Treats
4.7
Check priceBest grain-free budget pick
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
4.7
Check priceBest soft grain-free treats
Hill's Grain Free Dog Treats
4.8
Check priceBest grain-free jerky
Full Moon Chicken Jerky
4.8
Check priceBest grain-free for picky eaters
Blue Dog Bakery grain-free Dog Treats
4.8
1Zesty Paws Vet Strength Probiotic
If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement for your dog that is veterinarian formulated and designed to support gut health, then you may want to consider Zesty Paws Vet Strength Probiotic. This well-known supplement comes in the form of soft chews that contain prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to help with digestive issues and immunity.
Additionally, it contains DE111 Bacillus subtilis and VitaFiber to help with gut function, bowel movements, and overall immune system health. These probiotic treats are approved by vets and are a great way to help your furry friend’s digestive system.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality probiotic supplement to help with your dog’s sensitive stomach, then you may want to consider Zesty Paws Vet Strength Probiotic.
What we like the most: Designed for digestive and immune support by a well-known brand.
Pros
- Veterinarian recommended
- Supports gut health
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other options
2Dog Probiotics Chews
If you’re more on a budget and are looking for a probiotic supplement that is still of high quality, then you may want to consider Dog Probiotics Chews. These chews are designed for digestive and immune support and contain prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes.
They are a great way to ease stomach issues and maintain healthy digestion in dogs. Additionally, they may help with allergies and skin conditions.
These treats are made in the USA with sustainably sourced, human-grade ingredients. They are suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs, from puppies to seniors.
Overall, if you’re looking for a probiotic supplement for your dog that is more budget-friendly, then you may want to consider Dog Probiotics Chews.
What we like the most: Budget-friendly option that is still high quality.
Pros
- Supports gut health
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes
- Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients
- Suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs
Cons
- May not be as effective as some other probiotic supplements
3Pawfy Probiotic Soft Chews
Is your dog prone to allergies? If so, you may want to consider Pawfy Probiotic Soft Chews. These chews are designed to help with allergies and digestive issues.
The chews contain 5 well-researched strains of bacteria that offer many benefits to your dog’s gut, including the prevention of allergies. Additionally, they are made in the USA with organic ingredients and are certified delicious by over 95% of dogs that try them!
Overall, if you’re looking for a probiotic supplement to help with your dog’s allergies, then you may want to consider Pawfy Probiotic Soft Chews.
What we like the most: Helps with allergies and also doubles as a delicious treat.
Pros
- Contains 5 well-researched strains of bacteria
- Boosts immunity
- Prevents allergies
- Eases digestive issues
- Made in the USA with organic ingredients
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other options
4Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Treats
Purina Pro is known for its digestive support products and this one is no different. These Probiotic Soft Chews are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs as they help to ease digestive issues. Additionally, they contain prebiotic fiber which helps promote digestive health, and it includes the vitamins C & E which support the immune system.
One of the best things about this product is that it comes in a 16 oz. pouch which is great for larger dogs or multiple dog households. Additionally, it’s also reasonably priced compared to some of the other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality probiotic supplement for your dog that is also reasonably priced, then you may want to consider Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Digestive Health Bites.
What we like the most: The texture of the treats is soft and easy to chew.
Pros
- Helps ease digestive issues
- Contains prebiotic fiber to promote digestive health
- Vitamins C & E to support the immune system
- Comes in a 16 oz. pouch
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- N/A
5Pupford Dental Chews for Dog
Does your dog like to chew? If so, you may want to consider Pupford Dental Chews for Dog. These chews are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they include limited ingredients. The treats are also high in fiber, which is another aspect that aids with the digestive process.
The chews also help to scrape off plaque and tartar while freshening your dog’s breath. In addition, the chews are made in the USA and are reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?
What we like the most: Many customers said these chews were great for their dogs with sensitive stomachs, so if your dog has digestive issues, this product is perfect.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Helpful for dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- May not last as long as other treats
6The Pioneer Woman Grain-Free Dog Treats
If grains seem to be what upsets your dog’s stomach, the next five treats are all grain-free. First up is The Pioneer Woman Natural, Grain Free Dog Treats. Inspired by the recipes of Ree Drummond, these treats are made with high-quality ingredients and real beef as the number one ingredient, which also makes them a good alternative for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken.
They’re also soft and chewy, making them perfect for dogs who prefer a softer treat. Best of all, they’re grain-free and made with simple ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
What we like most: We love the soft and chewy texture of these treats, as well as the fact that they’re made with high quality ingredients.
Pros
- Made with high quality ingredients
- Real beef is the number one ingredient
- Soft and chewy texture
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Produced in the USA
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other options
7Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
Blue Wilderness is well-known for their high-quality pet foods, and their grain-free dog treats are no exception. Made with real chicken and DHA, these treats are designed to promote cognitive development in dogs.
They also include important fatty acids like omega 3 and 6, which can be beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin. Best of all, they’re grain free and made with no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.
Additionally, the texture of these treats is perfect for training – soft and moist, but not too crumbly. If you’re looking for an affordable grain-free training treat for a dog with a sensitive stomach, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are a great option.
What we like most: These affordable treats are made with DHA to improve cognitive development in dogs.
Pros
- No by-products
- Include omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Made with real chicken
- Includes DHA
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains Preservatives
8Hill's Grain Free Dog Treats
You must likely have heard about Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a well-known pet food company that produces high-quality foods and treats for pets. Hill’s Grain-Free Dog Treats are no exception – these delicious, soft treats are made with real beef and are grain free.
They’re produced in the United States, and they aren’t artificially preserved or flavored. They’re also an excellent training reward for your dog or a terrific complement to their dry food or wet canned food diet.
What we like most: We love that these treats are soft which makes them perfect for dogs who have difficulty chewing.
Pros
- Made with real beef
- Made in the USA
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Great as training treats
- Soft texture
Cons
- N/A!
9Full Moon Chicken Jerky
Does your dog love jerky but have a sensitive stomach? Full Moon has you covered! These all-natural chicken jerky strips are grain-free and made with chicken raised without antibiotics, here in the USA.
They’re also slow-cooked in small batches to preserve flavor and nutrition. Best of all, they’re free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. So you can feel good about giving them to your dog.
What we like most: We love that these chicken jerky strips are all-natural and made with chicken raised without antibiotics. Great for dogs that are allergic to grains or have sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- All-natural
- Made with chicken raised without antibiotics
- Slow cooked in small batches
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Cons
- Can be difficult to chew
10Blue Dog Bakery grain-free Dog Treats
Last but certainly not least, we have Blue Dog Bakery grain-free Dog Treats. These treats are known to be liked even by picky eaters!
They’re tender, delicious, and made with high-quality USA farm-raised chicken breast meat. Best of all, they have no fillers or artificial ingredients – just pure protein goodness.
What we like most: We love that these treats are perfect for picky eaters – they’re packed with flavor and protein, but contain no fillers or artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Packed with flavor and protein
- No fillers or artificial ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Healthy alternative to other dog treats
Cons
- N/A!
Which treat should you choose for your dog’s sensitive stomach?
The right treat depends on what’s behind your dog’s tummy trouble:
- General digestive upset: a probiotic soft chew such as Zesty Paws Vet Strength Probiotic, or Dog Probiotics Chews if you’re on a budget.
- Allergies alongside stomach issues: Pawfy Probiotic Soft Chews, which are designed to help with both.
- Grain sensitivity: any of the five grain-free treats. Pick The Pioneer Woman or Hill’s (both beef) if your dog also doesn’t tolerate chicken.
- Dogs who love to chew: Pupford Dental Chews, which use limited ingredients and are high in fiber.
What are the best training treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Training means lots of rewards, so look for small, soft treats with simple ingredients that you can break into pieces. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are soft and moist without being crumbly, and Hill’s Grain Free Dog Treats are soft enough to use as training rewards too. Introduce any new treat slowly and keep portions small at first.
How do I introduce a new treat to a dog with a sensitive stomach?
Start with one new treat at a time and give only a small amount for a few days. If your dog shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas, stop and go back to what they tolerated before. That way, you’ll know exactly which treat caused the problem.
Final thoughts – Best Dog Treats For Sensitive Stomachs
We hope you enjoyed our blog post on the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, we highly recommend any of the probiotic supplements or dental chews listed above, and if grains are the culprit, one of the grain-free treats is a great swap. All of the products are made with high-quality ingredients and can help you treat your dog without upsetting their digestion. Thanks for reading!
