Ever watched your dog hunch over in discomfort after eating and wondered if their “sensitive stomach” is really something more serious? Digestive issues are among the most common—and misunderstood—problems in dogs, yet many owners keep switching foods without ever finding lasting relief. The truth is, what’s labeled as “healthy” or “grain-free” isn’t always gentle on a struggling gut. Some diets can actually make matters worse. So, how do you separate the truly digestive-friendly formulas from the ones just claiming to be? In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog foods for gastrointestinal issues—explaining which ingredients soothe the stomach, what to avoid, and how to help your dog finally feel comfortable, energetic, and regular again.
Best Dog Foods for Gastrointestinal Problems
According to the latest research, the best diet for gastrointestinal issues in dogs depends on the specifc condtions. Here are the top recommened choices based on research:
Diet Type
Main Benefits
Best For
Highly digestible
Reduces GI workload, improves absorption
Acute/chronic GI issues
Low-fat
Reduces diarrhea, prevents pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, fat malabsorption
Fiber-enriched
Improves stool, supports microbiome
Colitis, large bowel diarrhea
Hydrolyzed/novel protein
Reduces immune response
Food allergies, chronic enteropathy
Elemental (amino acid-based)
Induces remission in refractory cases
Chronic enteropathy
Balanced homemade
Personalized, can improve chronic symptoms
Chronic GI issues
Table data sources:[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14]
Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics may help restore gut microbiota, but evidence for significant clinical benefit is limited; quality and strain selection are important. Similarly, polyphenol-rich fibers can provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting gut health.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet to discuss your dog’s digestive symptoms and nutritional needs. For deeper insights, consider an at-home dog gut health test, which analyzes your dog’s microbiome to help identify imbalances or bacteria linked to GI issues. Likewise, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can reveal sensitivities to certain ingredients that may trigger stomach upset. This information empowers you to choose the right food and care plan to support your dog’s gastrointestinal health, improve digestion, and promote long-term gut balance.
Best Dog Foods for Gastrointestinal Issues
Here are the best dog foods for gastrointestinal issues this year.
Best Overall Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want a balanced, nutrient-rich diet made with whole ingredients that support smooth digestion and overall gut health for dogs with a sensitive GI tract.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food contains real, minimally processed meat and vegetables, with recipes crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and prepared in USDA-regulated kitchens to maintain safety and nutrient integrity. The Farmer’s Dog food offers an optimal balance of protein, fat, and fiber, and its fresh format generally improves palatability and digestibility over kibble or processed diets. This food is tailored into personalized plans to fit each dog’s age, weight, and activity level, making portion control more accurate and helping maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for long-term health. It also uses pre-portioned packs tailored to the dog’s weight, age, activity and body condition—helpful when you’re managing a dog’s diet closely to avoid GI flare-ups.
What sets it apart from competitors: Uses fresh, human-grade ingredients plus formal evidence of digestibility: the brand conducted its own long-term study on real household dogs living normal lives and measured 49 blood values, demonstrating nutritional adequacy and digestibility. Many fresh-meal competitors rely on formulation only, without such publications. Also, because the meals arrive pre-measured and the brand offers tailored plans, it reduces the guess-work in portioning—an important advantage when managing dogs with GI issues who may have trouble with over- or under-feeding.
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a convenient, shelf-stable kibble that promotes firm stools, balanced gut flora, and easy nutrient absorption for sensitive pups.
Why we recommended it: The Open Farm Wild Alaskan Pollock & Oatmeal Digestive Health Dog Kibble is vet-formulated and described by the brand as “easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.” The first ingredient is wild Alaskan pollock (an Ocean Wise-recommended seafood), which provides a lean protein and is less likely to trigger common GI upsets compared to heavier proteins. The recipe incorporates stomach-soothing fibers like oatmeal and pumpkin, along with added prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support gut microbiome health and stool quality. We like how the brand also emphasizes full ingredient traceability (you can track the origin of each item) and uses non-GMO grains and responsibly sourced seafood, which matters when GI health is on the line.
What sets it apart from competitors: The addition of functional botanicals like turmeric and cinnamon adds anti-inflammatory benefits uncommon in many dry dog foods. Many digestive-support kibbles rely on removal of common allergens alone, but this one adds purposeful gut-support ingredients and uses a novel lean fish protein rather than just switching to “chicken & rice.”
Best Prescription Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Health
4.7
★★★★★
Hill’s Prescription Diet
Who It’s For: Dogs who need medical-grade nutrition to manage chronic digestive issues, ensuring optimal gut balance and reduced stomach upset.
Why we recommended it: The Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care is built around the proprietary ActivBiome+ ingredient technology, designed to “rapidly activate beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy GI microbiome balance.” It also uses an optimally balanced blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that support regular bowel movements and help firm loose stool—that firming effect was shown in as little as 24 hours in clinical studies. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) and other nutrients gives additional support for intestinal health and inflammation control. We like that this is a veterinary prescription diet rather than a generic digestive support food—its formulation, evidence base and feeding guidance are all geared toward therapeutic intervention (rather than casual maintenance).
What sets it apart from competitors: This food is backed by peer-reviewed research and proprietary microbiome technology. Hill’s maintains a global network of veterinarians and PhD nutritionists, ensuring each batch meets prescription-grade standards. The inclusion of psyllium husk, beet pulp, and ginger offers targeted gut motility support that differentiates it from other GI-focused diets.
Best Dog Food for Gastrointestinal & Allergy Problems
4.6
★★★★★
Forza10
Who It’s For: Perfect for dogs with both digestive and allergy sensitivities who require a hydrolyzed formula to minimize immune reactions and ease stomach distress.
Why we recommended it: The Forza10 Active Intestinal Dry Dog Food features anchovy meal (as a novel fish protein) and hydrolyzed fish/animal proteins, which are broken down into smaller peptides—helping reduce allergenic potential and ease digestion when the gut barrier is compromised. It also includes psyllium seed husk, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and yeasts for prebiotic effect, supporting beneficial gut flora and improving stool consistency. We like that the formula states “single animal protein” and avoids wheat, soy, GMOs, by-product meals, corn and artificial preservatives—features that reduce immune triggers in dogs with sensitivities. Because many GI/allergy dogs struggle with food transitions, the brand states a minimal transition period is needed—helpful when symptoms demand quick relief.
What sets it apart from competitors: Packs functional botanicals (oregano, rose hips) and psyllium/prebiotics for multi-axis support (digestion + immune + allergy). The brand also emphasizes scientific research collaborations (European universities) and manufacturing in Italy under strict oversight, which adds credibility for complex GI/allergy cases.
Best Wet Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Problems
4.6
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Dogs that need extra hydration and a soft, easy-to-digest texture that’s gentle on the stomach.
Why we recommended it: The JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Balanced Remedy diet uses ground turkey as the sole animal protein and long-grain white rice and sushi rice as the carb base—both easily digestible sources. It’s explicitly formulated for dogs “that require a limited ingredient diet that is also low in fat, and highly digestible.” We note that it’s described as a “low-residue” option for sensitive guts, which makes it ideal for dogs recovering from GI upset or needing temporary support. Furthermore, the formula is made with 100 % human-grade ingredients, no preservatives, and packaged in shelf-stable Tetra Pak cartons—helpful for real life when consistent feeding matters.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients prepared using gentle cooking methods, preserving nutrient integrity and digestibility. Plus, its innovative Tetra Pak packaging allows for long shelf life without refrigeration until opened, making it convenient for travel and storage.
Best Raw Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Health
4.5
★★★★★
Maev
Who It’s For: Dog owners who prefer a minimally processed, raw-style diet that’s more biologically appropriate and that supports gut microbiome balance and better nutrient absorption.
Why we recommended it: The Maev Human-Grade Raw Food is USDA-certified, AAFCO-compliant, and made in the USA in a feed facility that meets human-grade standards. It is flash-frozen to lock in nutrients and reduce processing damage, which improves bioavailability of proteins and fats—useful when digestion is compromised. The “Weight & Digestion” or “Digestion” variant includes added chicory root (a prebiotic) and probiotic blends, which are reported to support stool quality and gut flora. We like that this format allows feeding raw in a ready-to-serve way (open, pour, serve) without the mess or bone-splitting that often deters raw feeding.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made with human-grade, whole-food ingredients with visible chunks of real meat and produce, paired with targeted formulas for specific health conditions, including digestion. Its direct-to-door frozen delivery maintains freshness and nutritional potency.
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Best Senior Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Support
4.5
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Aging dogs with slower digestion, offering gentle fiber, probiotics, and easily digestible proteins to maintain gut comfort and vitality.
Why we recommended it: The JustFoodForDogs Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe uses ground lamb and brown rice paired with vegetable and fruit whole-food ingredients (cauliflower, carrots, spinach, blueberries) — lending digestive-friendly fiber and antioxidant support. Its nutritional profile suggests a gentler macronutrient load compared to high-protein, high-fat formulas, which can tax a senior dog’s digestive system. We like that the brand formulates in small kitchens, uses human-grade ingredients, and reports higher digestibility than typical kibble.
What sets it apart from competitors: Fresh-frozen, human-grade approach rather than highly processed canned or dry senior diets. The lamb + brown rice base is a less common adult/senior protein-grain combo (many use chicken/rice or beef/rice), which may appeal to dogs with mild protein sensitivities. Also, the modest protein and fat levels align especially well for senior dogs who need easier digestion and slower energy release (rather than active adult performance formulas).
Best High-Protein Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Health
4.7
★★★★★
A PUP ABOVE
Who It’s For: Dog owners with active or athletic pups who need a high-protein formula that fuels energy while staying easy on GI tract and promoting lean muscle.
Why we recommended it: The A Pup Above Gently Air-Dried 100% Human Grade recipe is made with grass-fed beef heart, beef, beef liver, and includes digestively supportive ingredients like barley, oats, rice bran, sweet potato, cauliflower and celery—veggies and grains chosen for fiber and gut-tolerance. It’s produced in a human-grade, USDA-inspected facility and uses a low-heat, gentle air-drying process (rather than high-temperature extrusion) to preserve nutrients and minimize digestive stress. We like that this provides a high-quality alternative for dogs who are active yet need a diet that supports digestive stability and avoids heavily processed ingredients. Its jerky-like texture appeals to picky eaters and supports chewing health, while the protein-forward composition addresses the needs of active dogs recovering or managing gastrointestinal challenges.
What sets it apart from competitors: The use of air-drying combined with sous-vide cooking allows both excellent palatability and nutrient retention, resulting in a quality akin to homemade, fresh food. The brand’s dedication to 100% human-grade sourcing and batch traceability reassures quality and safety.
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Best Puppy Food for Gastrointestinal Sensitivities
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Puppies developing delicate digestive systems, featuring gentle proteins, probiotics, and balanced nutrients to promote smooth digestion and growth.
Why we recommended it: The Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy Grain-Free Freshly Crafted recipe features humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon and pork—all lean, digestible proteins—paired with vegetables like pumpkin and kale and added chicken bone broth to support nutrient uptake and digestion. Because GI issues often stem from diets that are overly processed and low in moisture, this fresh, gently cooked format supports hydration and smoother digestion—an advantage when gastrointestinal support is needed. Its preparation format (frozen, pre-portioned pouches) also offers convenience for owners seeking high-quality nutrition without the prep of cooking.
What sets it apart from competitors: This product stands apart by combining a human-grade ingredient sourcing policy with gentle cooking (rather than heavy extrusion) to preserve nutrient integrity and digestibility. The brand provides full ingredient traceability and uses salmon oil, flaxseed, and chicory root (pre-biotic fiber) to support gut health, which many typical puppy diets do not emphasize.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Health
4.5
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners who want a lightweight, travel-friendly meal that hydrates easily and supports healthy digestion with minimally processed, whole-food ingredients.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Wholemade Whole Grain uses cage-free turkey as the primary protein and incorporates whole grains (organic oats, barley) plus vegetables and fruits (carrots, apples, cabbage) that provide gentle fiber and antioxidants—useful for a dog whose gut barrier or motility may be slightly compromised. The formula supports gut motility and fullness without overwhelming sensitive digestive tracts. We like that it’s free from GMOs, fillers, artificial preservatives, and grains known to cause sensitivities in some dogs, making it a balanced, wholesome choice that supports gastrointestinal health. The inclusion of flaxseed provides natural omega-3s for gut and skin health, while carrots and cabbage add soluble fiber that supports stool quality. The formula is human-grade and manufactured in a human food facility, ensuring safety and quality from sourcing to packaging.
What sets it apart from competitors: The food is gently dehydrated after cooking (reach 165°F internal to ensure safety) and then dried, it retains more nutrients and fewer potential irritants compared with heavily processed kibble.
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Best Canned Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Sensitivities
4.7
★★★★★
Blue Buffalo
Who It’s For: Dogs who prefer soft, palatable meals made with gentle ingredients that ease digestion while providing moisture and essential nutrients for gut comfort.
Why we recommended it: The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Wet Dog Food uses real chicken as the first ingredient and is formulated with easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates plus a prebiotic fiber blend designed to support healthy GI microflora. The wet format helps boost hydration and may ease digestion compared to dry kibble. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meals—features that reduce the burden of potential dietary irritants. While the macronutrient levels are lower than many regular adult formulas (which is intentional for GI recovery), that’s actually a strength when digestion is compromised.
What sets it apart from competitors: The inclusion of LifeSource Bits, which are antioxidant-rich vitamin and mineral blends cold-formed to preserve nutritional potency, and a commitment to high-quality, recognizable ingredients. Its combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, and digestible protein sources makes it a comprehensive option for gastrointestinal care.
Best Organic & Limited Ingredient Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues
4.7
★★★★★
Spot & Tango
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want organic, clean nutrition made with limited ingredients to reduce digestive triggers and keep their dog’s gut health in check naturally.
Why we recommended it: The Spot & Tango Fresh Dog Food features lamb (and lamb liver) as its primary protein, paired with sweet potatoes, kale, carrots and brown rice—ingredients that support nutrient absorption and digestive health without being overly rich. We like that the brand clearly publishes ingredient sourcing and nutritional data, which helps when a dog has GI issues and you’re trying to eliminate diet-related variables. The simplicity of the formula, paired with human-grade processing in a USDA kitchen, makes it a strong choice for dogs with sensitive digestion.
What sets it apart from competitors: Spot & Tango emphasizes transparency—each recipe’s ingredients, sourcing, and guaranteed analysis are publicly available. Its limited-ingredient approach minimizes the risk of triggering food sensitivities, and the gentle cooking method locks in nutrients without harsh processing.
Best Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues With Extra Gut Support
4.6
★★★★★
Purina
Who It’s For: Dogs that benefit from added probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to strengthen gut flora and maintain consistent digestive comfort.
Why we recommended it: The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Canine Formula includes brewer’s rice and corn protein meal as highly digestible carbohydrate and protein sources, plus added dried colostrum to support gut immunity. The formulation includes prebiotic fiber for microbiome support. We like that the diet combines veterinary therapeutic backing, proven digestibility, and gut-microbiome support—all features that matter when a dog’s gastrointestinal health is compromised. The inclusion of antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and colostrum supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress that can impair healing. We like that this diet has undergone clinical research backing its efficacy for gastrointestinal support and provides a palatable formula for dogs facing digestive challenges.
What sets it apart from competitors: Therapeutic grade credentials (veterinary diet), high digestibility focused on GI recovery, and inclusion of gut-immunity elements such as colostrum and prebiotic fiber.
Other Dog Foods for Gastrointestinal Health
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Digestive Care is built around real chicken with a vet-formulated blend of clinically proven prebiotic fiber. This formula is designed to support stool quality and everyday gut comfort. It skips corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals, which helps many sensitive stomachs while keeping the ingredient list straightforward. We like that it balances digestibility with value and comes in larger bags that make budgeting easier over time.
Best Small Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Support: Royal Canin Small Digestive Care Dry Dog Food tailored for dogs up to 22 lb, this recipe uses highly digestible proteins plus a precise mix of fibers and prebiotics to promote a balanced intestinal flora and better stool quality. The kibble size and texture suit small jaws, encouraging consistent chewing and easier digestion. It’s a science-driven option that’s often recommended when petite pups need reliable tummy support.
Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues: Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet (editor’s note on grain-free) is a limited-ingredient chicken & rice recipe that’s gentle, gluten- and wheat-free, and crafted to calm upset stomachs—a smart pick when you want simple, soothing nutrition during flares. While this linked option contains rice, it’s popular for its straightforward, easily digested profile and lack of artificial colors or flavors. If you specifically need grain-free, consider the same line’s turkey & sweet potato variant, but the classic Chicken & Rice remains a go-to “bland diet” when rice agrees with your dog.
Best On-The-Go Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues: KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet for Dogs this ready-to-serve wet food is engineered for sensitive stomachs with a single protein (chicken) plus white rice and pumpkin to support healthy stools—perfect when you don’t have time to cook a bland diet. The limited-ingredient formula helps you control variables during GI episodes, and its convenient packaging makes it easy to pack for travel or emergencies. It’s a practical pick for dogs experiencing loose stool or diarrhea who still need balanced nutrition.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Gastrointestinal Issues: Under the Weather Freeze-Dried Bland Diet for Dogs shelf-stable and quick to rehydrate, this bland diet combines human-grade chicken with white rice and added electrolytes—handy when a dog is queasy and needs gentle nourishment plus hydration support. We love how portable and simple it is to prepare, making it ideal to keep on hand for sudden GI upsets or travel days. The minimal, soothing ingredient list helps you reset a sensitive stomach without cooking from scratch.
Best High-Fiber Dog Food for Digestive Support: The Generic Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dry Dog Food is perfect for dogs needing extra fiber to support healthy bowel movements, maintain stool consistency, and promote long-term digestive wellness.
The Bottom Line
A sensitive stomach doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of guesswork or discomfort for your dog. By choosing a diet specifically designed to support digestion, you’re giving their gut the balance it needs to heal and thrive. The right food can ease symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating—while improving energy, coat quality, and even mood. Whether your pup benefits most from a limited-ingredient recipe, hydrolyzed protein formula, or a gently cooked fresh meal, consistency is key. Always transition slowly and consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance. With the right nutrition, your dog’s stomach—and spirit—can finally settle.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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