10 Best Dog Foods for Poodles with Sensitive Stomachs – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks
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Do you have a Poodle with a sensitive stomach? If so, you know how hard it can be to find the right food for them. With so many different brands and formulas on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for your pup. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best dog food for poodles with sensitive stomachs. We’ve gathered reviews from real pet parents and compiled a list of the top picks in this category.
So, whether you’re looking for dry food, wet food, or even treats, we’ve got you covered! At the end of this post, you’ll be a full-fledged poodle food expert. Well, maybe not a true expert — but you’ll know enough to make the best choice for your furry bestie.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites (2023 Update)
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The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service |
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Best Value
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American Journey Limited Ingredient |
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Royal Canin Veterinary Adult Gastrointestinal |
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Black Gold Explorer Puppy Dry Food |
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Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food |
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The 10 Best Pet Foods for Poodles with Sensitive Stomachs
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned beef, organic vegetables, oats, barley, and brown rice |
| Protein Content: | 38-42% |
| Fat Content: | 28-32% |
| Calories: | custom, varies by pet and formula |
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is our top pick for the overall best dog food for poodles with sensitive stomachs. Their recipes are made with only the highest quality, freshest ingredients. Formulated to be highly digestible, The Farmer’s Dog food contains no fillers, artificial preservatives, or byproducts. All of the ingredients are locally sourced and made in the USA. It’s also customized to meet your pet’s individual needs, which feels fancy. It can be pricey, at about $23 -$40 per week, and you can’t run to the store to grab it. You have to order online so they can customize your dog’s individual portions.
- Prepared fresh and delivered to your door
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- No fillers, by-products, or preservatives
- Highly digestible
- Customized to your pet’s needs
- On the pricier side
- Only available online
2. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Food – Best Value
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned lamb, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas |
| Protein Content: | 22% |
| Fat Content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 325 kcal/cup |
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we recommend American Journey’s Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. It’s also grain-free, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This food is packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied. At only 325 calories per cup, it’s also a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight.
One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores. It also contains legumes, which has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Some dogs do very well on a diet that includes legumes, so you’ll have to make that choice with your vet.
- Affordable
- Grain-free
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Not as widely available as some other brands
- Some dogs may need to avoid legumes
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Adult Gastrointestinal Dry Food
| Main Ingredients: | Brewer’s rice, chicken meal, brown rice |
| Protein Content: | 20% |
| Fat Content: | 5% |
| Calories: | 248 kcal/cup |
For a third option, we recommend Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food. This food is specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and gastrointestinal issues. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and is highly digestible. It’s also low in fat and calories to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs do better on a reduced fat diet.
The main downside of this food is that it can be difficult to get. You can only get it if you have a prescription from your vet. Then, you’ll need to order it online or get it through your vet. It’s also on the pricier side, as it’s a specialty prescription food. It also contains chicken by-product meal, and some poodles are allergic to chicken.
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Highly digestible
- Low in fat and calories
- Difficult to get without a prescription from your vet
- Contains chicken meal
- Expensive compared to other brands.
4. Black Gold Explorer Puppy Food
| Main Ingredients: | Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat |
| Protein Content: | 30% |
| Fat Content: | 20% |
| Calories: | 444 kcal/cup |
If you’re looking for the best food for poodle puppies with sensitive stomachs, we recommend Black Gold’s Explorer Puppy Formula. This food is made with high-quality ingredients formulated to be highly digestible. It’s also grain-free and has no artificial preservatives or flavors. Unlike a lot of brands, Black Gold is packed with good fats for healthy vision, joints, and skin.
The main downside of this food is that it’s more expensive than some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores. You might also need to avoid the main ingredient, chicken meal, if your dog has a poultry allergy.
- Made with high quality ingredients
- Highly digestible
- Grain-free formula
- Contains DHA, Omega 3s, and Omega6 fatty acids
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- More expensive than some other brands
- Only available online or in select pet stores
- Made with chicken meal
5. Merrick Healthy Grains Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned salmon, brown rice, oatmeal, barley |
| Protein Content: | 25% |
| Fat Content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 395 kcal/cup |
Merrick’s Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is a great choice for puppies or kittens with sensitive stomachs. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. It’s also grain-free, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This food is packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.
At only 395 calories per cup, it’s also a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight. One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores. It also contains legumes, which has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, though more research needs to be done. Some dogs do very well on a diet that includes legumes, so you’ll have to make that choice with your vet.
- Affordable
- Grain-free
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Not as widely available as some other brands
- Some dogs may need to avoid legumes
6. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Dry Food
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned salmon, brown rice, oatmeal, barley |
| Protein Content: | 25% |
| Fat Content: | 13% |
| Calories: | 394 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo’s True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula is a great choice for poodles with sensitive stomachs. Well, one brand that is known for its quality ingredients and nutritional value is Blue Buffalo. This formula is chick and poultry free, plus it contains fruits, vegetables and fiber to help with digestion. The kibble is free from common allergens like corn, wheat and soy. In addition, Blue Buffalo is formulated by veterinarians and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. It’s also grain-free and has added probiotics for gut health. This food is packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.
At only 394 calories per cup, it’s also a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight. One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores.
- Grain-free
- Formulated by veterinarians
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Added probiotics for gut health
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Not as widely available as some other brands.
- Some dogs with sensitivities don’t do well on probiotic formulas
7. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Senior Food
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned turkey, potato, peas |
| Protein Content: | min 20% |
| Fat Content: | min 12% |
| Calories: | 333 kcal/cup |
Our thoughts: Blue Buffalo’s Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food is a great choice for senior poodles with sensitive stomachs. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. It’s also grain-free and has added probiotics for gut health. This food is packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.
At only 333 calories per cup, it’s also a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight. One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores.
- Grain-free
- Formulated by veterinarians
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Added probiotics for gut health
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Not as widely available as some other brands.
- Contains poultry
- Some dogs with sensitivities don’t do well on probiotic formulas
8. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned turkey, potato, peas |
| Protein Content: | 8% |
| Fat Content: | 50% |
| Calories: | 299 kcal/can |
Blue Buffalo’s Natural Veterinary Diet GI Wet Dog Food is a great choice for poodles with sensitive stomachs. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. It’s also grain-free and has added probiotics for gut health.
Blue Buffalo is a great choice for poodles with sensitive stomachs because it is grain-free and has added probiotics for gut health. This food is also low in fat, so it’s perfect for dogs who get an upset stomach when they eat too much fat. One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores.
- Grain-free
- Formulated by veterinarians
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Added probiotics for gut health
- Low in fat and calories
- Not as widely available as some other brands.
- Some dogs with sensitivities don’t do well on probiotic formulas
- Contains poultry
9. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers
| Main Ingredients: | Potato flour, chicken meal, glycerin |
| Protein Content: | 16% |
| Fat Content: | 7,5% |
| Calories: | 14 per serving |
Purina Pro Plan’s Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers Crunchy Dog Treats are a great choice for poodles with sensitive stomachs. These treats are made with high-quality ingredients and are free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. They’re also grain-free and have added probiotics for gut health. These treats are packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied. You can use them as a training reward for your super smart poodle!
- Free of common allergens
- Contain probiotics for gut health
- Not a full meal
10. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Food
| Main Ingredients: | Deboned venison, sweet potatoes, peas |
| Protein Content: | 18% |
| Fat Content: | 10% |
| Calories: | 348 kcal/cup |
If your dog has a sensitive stomach and you’re looking for an alternative protein source, we recommend American Journey’s Limited Ingredient Venison & Sweet Potato Recipe. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is grain-free. It’s also free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. This food is packed with protein and fiber to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.
At only 350 calories per cup, it’s also a great choice for dogs who are watching their weight. One downside to this food is that it’s not as widely available as some of the other brands on our list. You can find it online or in select pet stores. It also contains legumes, which some pet owners choose to avoid.
- Affordable
- Grain-free
- Made with high-quality venison
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Not as widely available as some other brands
- Some dogs may need to avoid legumes
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food for Poodles with Sensitive Stomachs
Let’s take a look at everything we need to know in order to keep our poodles happy, healthy, and most importantly, fed.
When it comes to finding the best food for your poodle, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Poodles with sensitive stomachs often do best on a diet that is:
- Grain-free: Many poodles are allergic or intolerant to grains like wheat, corn, and rice. A grain-free diet can help relieve symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
- High in protein: Protein is an essential nutrient for all dogs, but it’s especially important for poodles with sensitive stomachs. A high-protein diet can help reduce inflammation in the gut and promote a healthy digestive system.
- Low in fat: Fat is a common trigger for stomach upsets in poodles. A low-fat diet can help keep your dog’s digestive system functioning properly.
Other Considerations
There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing the best food for your poodle. Poodles with sensitive stomachs often do well on:
- Probiotic formulas: Probiotics are live bacteria that help promote a healthy gut. Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can help relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
- Hypoallergenic formulas: Hypoallergenic formulas are made with limited ingredients to reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities. These formulas can be helpful for poodles with sensitive stomachs.
- Poultry-free Formulas: Some poodles are allergic or intolerant to poultry. A poultry-free diet can help relieve symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
Ingredients to Avoid
When you’re shopping for the best food for your poodle, there are a few ingredients you should avoid. These ingredients are common triggers for stomach upsets and can make symptoms worse. Ingredients to avoid include:
- Artificial flavors and preservatives: Artificial flavors and preservatives can trigger stomach upset in some dogs. Look for foods that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Fillers: Fillers like corn, soy, and rice are often used in pet food to bulk up the product. However, these fillers can trigger allergies and sensitivities in some dogs. Choose a food that is made with high-quality protein sources and does not contain fillers.
- Byproducts: Byproducts like chicken meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal are often used in pet food as a cheap source of protein. However, these ingredients can trigger allergies and sensitivities in some dogs. Choose a food that is made with high-quality protein sources instead of low-quality byproducts.
A Note About Byproducts
Byproducts are not necessarily unhealthy. In fact, they can be a good source of protein for your dog. However, some byproducts are more likely to trigger allergies and sensitivities than others. For example, chicken meal is less likely to trigger stomach upset than soybean meal in dogs without poultry allergies. Finding a food with the right mix of ingredients can feel like a balancing act, so if you find a food that’s perfect for your dog, there’s no need to worry if it contains byproducts. An otherwise high-quality dog food will most likely have a high-quality source of byproducts.
Background on Food Sensitivities in Dogs
There are many reasons a dog could have a stomach sensitivity and we’ll take a look at the most common reasons now.
- Intolerance: An intolerance is when a dog’s digestive system cannot properly digest a certain ingredient. This can be due to a lack of enzymes needed to break down the ingredient, or simply because the ingredient is hard to digest. Intolerances are different from allergies in that they do not involve the immune system.
- Allergy: An allergy is when the immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, redness, swelling, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Dietary indiscretion: Dietary indiscretion is when a dog eats something they shouldn’t have. This can include garbage, spoiled food, or even plants and flowers. Dietary indiscretion can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Infection: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause stomach sensitivity in dogs. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms of an infection include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Cancer: Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can cause stomach sensitivity in dogs. Symptoms of cancer include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite.
Treatment for Stomach Sensitivity
The best way to treat stomach sensitivity is to avoid the triggers. This may mean switching to a food that does not contain the ingredients that trigger your dog’s symptoms. It may also mean avoiding certain foods altogether. If you’re not sure what’s causing your dog’s stomach sensitivity, your veterinarian can help you find the root of the problem. They may recommend a food trial or allergy testing to identify the trigger. Once you know what’s causing your dog’s stomach sensitivity, you can take steps to avoid the trigger and keep your dog happy and healthy.
The above list is not comprehensive, but covers some of the most common reasons for stomach sensitivities in dogs
Tips on Switching Your Dog’s Food
If you think your dog’s food is the cause of their stomach sensitivity, it’s important to switch their food slowly. Sudden changes in diet can cause even more gastrointestinal distress, so it’s best to make the switch over the course of a week or two. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into their old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food. By the end of the week or two, your dog should be eating only the new food. If you’re not sure how to slowly transition your dog’s food, talk to your veterinarian.
Stomach Sensitivity FAQs
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of stomach sensitivity in dogs, let’s answer some common questions.
Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. What should I feed them?
A: The best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs is a hypoallergenic diet. This type of food is made with limited ingredients and is designed to be easy on the digestive system.
Q: Can I give them human food?
A: It’s best to avoid giving your dog human food if they have a sensitive stomach. Some human foods can be hard to digest or trigger an allergic reaction. If you’re unsure whether a particular food is safe for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Q: Can I give them over-the-counter medication?
A: You should avoid giving your dog over-the-counter medication unless directed by your veterinarian. Some medications can make stomach sensitivity worse or have other side effects.
Q: What should I do if they start vomiting or have diarrhea?
A: If your dog starts vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. This can be a sign of a more serious condition, and you’ll want to make sure your dog is getting the proper treatment.
Final Verdict
Hopefully you’re feeling confident in your ability to choose high-quality dog food for your sensitive poodle. We covered a lot of information, so let’s recap our top 5 choices:
- The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall because of its fresh, high-quality ingredients and formulas customized for your dog.
- American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Food – Best Value thanks to its highly digestible ingredients at a low price.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Adult Gastrointestinal Dog Food – Premium Choice is recommended because it is made with high-quality ingredients and is free of common allergens.
- Black Gold Explorer Puppy Food – Best for Puppies or Kittens and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats for a developing poodle.
- Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food – contains balanced nutrition and a scientifically formulated recipe made specifically for sensitive dogs.
The right dog food for poodles with sensitive stomachs will depend on the individual dog’s needs. Some dogs do well on a grain-free diet, while others need food that is high in fiber. There are a variety of brands to choose from, so it’s important to talk to your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Lucas Seijo, Shutterstock
