Best Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
While our pups love to think they can eat just about anything and everything, unfortunately, we know this is not the case. Some dogs, just like some humans, suffer from sensitive stomachs that are easily irritated by certain foods. So for these pups, mealtime sadly isn’t the best part of their day; it’s immediately followed by unpleasant experiences like vomiting or diarrhoea. Even in cases where you are feeding your pooch what you think are the best dog treats money can buy - they can still end up with runny poos or serious gas!
As pet parents, we know that this can be a really challenging issue to solve because our pups can’t just talk to us and tell us what’s making them feel sick. Instead, trying to decode this really complex issue becomes guesswork, as we are left questioning whether it was new food, an unusual eating time, or simply eating too quickly that upset their tummy.
But not to worry, with some patience, determination and a whole lot of love, many owners find the cause of their dog’s digestive upset and find methods to help make their pup more comfortable during and after mealtimes.
One possible cause of your dog’s sensitive stomach is their diet. In these cases, the treats you feed your dog are just as important as their regular food. Not all dogs are walking garbage disposals, so indulging them with table scraps that just so happen to accidentally drop on the floor can actually be quite harmful to them (even if it makes them happy at the time).
But this doesn’t mean that our pups with sensitive tums should have to miss out on getting to enjoy tasty treats! Luckily, there is a variety of yummy food options available for dogs with digestive issues, meaning that finding the best dog treats for pups with sensitive stomachs doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. By switching to more appropriate food options, you can reduce your dog’s uncomfortable symptoms and get their GI tract back on track - making treat time a more pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend.
To help make your search a little easier, we’ve listed a few of the main things you should be looking for when trying to choose a treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs, so hopefully your pup can be their happy and healthy self again in no time!
A single source of animal protein
Unfortunately, some dogs don’t digest certain types of protein very well, so it’s important to isolate the types of proteins you’re feeding them to determine if one particular kind is making their stomach upset. For example, if your dog treats are beef-based, try switching to a different protein source like lamb, chicken or kangaroo treats to resolve the issue.
A high-quality source of fibre
Sometimes dogs need a little extra fibre in their diets, just like people. Fresh fruits and veggies, such as carrots, pumpkins and broccoli, are a fantastic source of fibre that can easily substitute as a treat. As an added bonus, fresh produce contains various vitamins and minerals essential for proper dog nutrition, making them one of the best dog treats for pups with sensitive tummies.
A low-fat content (Healthy fats)
For dogs, treats that are high in fat are more difficult to digest than treats that are higher in protein or carbohydrates. So it is super important that you examine the ingredient label on your dog’s current treats to check if fats and oils are listed in the first four ingredients, as this is an indicator that the food might be too high in fat for your dog’s digestive system. If this is the case, search for treats with a lower fat percentage (which can be found on the nutritional information label). Treats that are typically lower in fat include; kangaroo, skinless chicken breast and carrots.
Trust us, if you’re looking for fresh, simple and honest dog treats that are ok to be feeding your pup with a sensitive tummy, you are not alone. They do exist. And some treats even combine some of the foods mentioned above, resulting in a super-treat that is packed to the brim with digestive benefits that are intentionally gentle on your pooch’s tummy. One in particular, Petsypoles, comes delivered to your door monthly and is one of the easiest ways to spoil your dog with a sensitive stomach. Petsypoles also don’t contain any added flavours, colours or preservatives, meaning you can be sure there aren’t any hidden nasties that will further irritate your pups digestive system.
But remember, not every sensitive stomach is diet-related. No one treat works best for all dogs with sensitive stomachs. Finding the best dog treats takes time and patience. With some trial and error, you will find a diet that works for your dog, or you can always consult with a veterinary nutritionist and develop a plan tailored to your pup’s needs.
