Sensitive Stomach

[Rachel Weaver]

 My goldendoodle, Buddy, has a doodle sensitive stomach.  I currently have him eating Blue Large Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice food.  He has no stomach problems while he is eating this but he really does not like it and it gives him gas.  I think all he protein is what causes the gas problem. I have to add a small portion of some other dog food to get him to eat it but that upsets his stomach.  Does anyone have any suggestions of another food that might not upset his stomach and not give him gas problems?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Rachel,

The food you are currently feeding does not contain a high amount of protein. In fact, at 26% protein, it is close to the lowest acceptable protein level for a dog's nutritional needs.

We have literally hundreds of discussions in The Food Group about choosing foods, switching foods, gas, grain-free versus healthy grain formulas, getting picky eaters to "like" their food, and so much more. We also have an extensive list of recommended brands, with all formulas listed by type.

It may be that Buddy would do better on a grain-free formula. It may be the grains that are causing the gas, since dogs do not digest grains as easily as humans do. (He also doesn't really need a "large-breed" formula, unless his expected weight is over 80 lbs.) How do we know it isn't the food you're adding that's causing the problem? What kind is it? If it's upsetting his stomach, I'd find something else.

Most dogs seem to really love Fromm, which is an excellent family-owned company. This is just one of the brands we recommend. There's nothing wrong with Blue, either, but if Buddy doesn't care for it or isn't doing well with it, you may want to take a look at our recommended list.

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Would you be willing to add a little topper like low fat plain yogurt? It might just give him the extra interest in the food and be gentle on his stomach.

[Diane and Alma]

Hi,

Alma who turns 3 in March also has a sensitive stomach.  I have tried her on various kibble (Orijen, Fromms, Evo, Taste of the Wild).  She is now on Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Chicken.  She has been eating this and their other flavors for 6 months now.  I have finally found a food that works for her.  Her stools are firm and no more stomach issues. 

She is a grazer when it comes to food and sometimes doesn't touch her food until late afternoon.

You can also look up dog food ratings on Dogfoodanalysis.com.  I am also careful what I feed her for treats - usually cooked chicken breast that I keep in the fridge or Fruitables dog treats.

Hope you find a food that agrees with Buddy. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Dog Food Analysis site has not been functional for several years and their reviews are out of date. They are also heavily weighted toward favorable reviews for grain-free foods.

Our Food Group here does have a recommended brands list with formula information, and it is kept current.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My Oliver has a sensitive tummy and is a pick eater as well.  I switched him to grain free Taste of the Wild and he is doing 100% better and love TOTW food too.  I do not give Oliver any grain what so ever.  Toppers are either shreeded boiled chicken, pumpkin, liver, salmon.   He always had loose poops and once I switched him to grain free he is fine.  Also.... he has grain free treats.  My other doodles Sasha has a stomach of iron - LOL she does well on Wellness and will eat anything with no problems.  Try the grain free products it may help.  Good Luck

[Rachel Weaver]

Thanks everyone.  I did not realize there is a food group.  I am offt to the pet store to get him so grain free food.  I will change it gradually.