Best Diets for Dogs and Cats With Sensitive Stomachs (Vet-Recommended)

If your dog or cat has been dealing with vomiting, loose stool, gas, or a picky appetite, you’re definitely not alone. Sensitive stomachs are one of the most common things pet parents ask us about. The encouraging part is that the right diet can turn things around. With a little patience and guidance, most pets feel so much better.

Below, we walk through the diets our veterinarians recommend for sensitive tummies, what ingredients to look for, and how to switch foods without upsetting your pet.

Signs Your Pet May Have a Sensitive Stomach

If you are not sure whether diet is the issue, here are the symptoms we see most often:

• Frequent vomiting or regurgitation

• Loose or inconsistent stool

• Excessive gas

• Refusing certain foods

• Skin flare ups or itching

• Bloating or tummy discomfort

  
  

If these symptoms keep popping up, it is worth having a conversation with your veterinarian. Simple diet adjustments can truly make a world of difference.

Best Vet Recommended Diets for Sensitive Stomachs

1. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) 

Great for dogs and cats who may have food intolerances or allergies. These diets include fewer ingredients so it is easier to pinpoint what is bothering your pet. Look for:

• One protein source such as salmon, duck, or lamb

• Simple carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or peas

• No fillers or artificial extras

  
  

Why vets like it: fewer ingredients often means fewer irritants.

2. Novel Protein Diets

Great for pets who react to common proteins like chicken or beef.

Novel proteins include:

• Duck

• Venison

• Rabbit

• Bison

• Turkey, for pets who cannot tolerate chicken

  
  

Why vets like it: new proteins reduce the chance of the immune system overreacting, which helps settle the stomach and can be very beneficial for pets with food allergies.

3. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets

Great for chronic stomach issues, inflammation, or confirmed food allergies. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into very tiny pieces, making them easier to digest.

Common veterinary options include:

• Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein

• Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d

• Purina Pro Plan HA

  
  

Why vets like it: these diets are scientifically designed for sensitive stomachs and are often the top choice for long term comfort.

4. Highly Digestible Diets

Great for occasional upset stomachs, mild GI issues, or recent illness. These diets use gentle, simple ingredients that are easy for pets to absorb. Look for:

• Rice or oatmeal

• Lean proteins

• Prebiotics and probiotics

• Omega 3 fatty acids

  
  

Veterinary examples include Hill’s i/d, Purina EN, and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal.

5. Grain Free Diets

Grain free can help some pets, but it is not automatically better. Most stomach sensitivities come from protein sources rather than grains. We only recommend these diets as a last resort, because grain free diets have been linked to causing heart disease in dogs.

Vets usually suggest grain free only when:

• Your pet may have a grain sensitivity, which is not very common

• Other gentle diets have not worked

  
  

Be sure to choose AAFCO approved, vet backed formulas.

What to Avoid for Sensitive Stomachs

Our veterinary team recommends avoiding:

• Highly processed treats

• Table scraps or rich human foods

• Sudden food changes

• High fat diets

• Foods with artificial dyes or flavors

  
  

These can trigger stomach upset, even in pets without known sensitivities.

When to See Your Vet

Schedule a visit if your pet is experiencing:

• Persistent vomiting

• Weight loss

• Blood in stool

• Refusing food

• Extreme tiredness

  
  

These signs can point to conditions that need medical attention.

We Are Here to Help Your Pet Feel Better

At Gibson’s Paws, Claws and Crawls, we understand how worrying it is when your pet does not feel well, especially when their meals become stressful. Our team is here to walk with you through diet trials, allergy testing, and personalized nutrition plans that support real healing.

If your pet has a sensitive tummy, come see us or give us a call. We are here to help your pet feel happy, comfortable, and cared for every single day.