Bye-Bye Tummy Troubles: A Canadian’s Guide to Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

When it comes to feeding your dog, if you’ve ever cleaned up after an upset stomach - or watched them scratch, lick, or turn their nose up at their bowl - you know how stressful it can be to find the right food for a sensitive pup.

Finding the right food feels like a guessing game. Kibble is too harsh, canned food doesn’t help, and raw can be risky for delicate digestion. But there’s good news: more Canadian pet parents are finding success with freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated dog foods.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand why sensitivities happen, what signs to look for, and which foods are actually worth trying. Whether your dog has tummy troubles, itchy skin, or mystery allergies - we’ve got you covered.

Does Your Dog Have a Sensitive Stomach or Food Intolerance?

Not every upset tummy is cause for concern - however, if your dog is frequently dealing with digestive issues, there may be an underlying sensitivity or food-related intolerance to blame.

In simple terms, a sensitive stomach refers to ongoing gastrointestinal upset or inconsistent digestion, often triggered by certain ingredients or food types. Additionally, your dog may be dealing with a food intolerance (difficulty processing certain ingredients), or in some cases, even a food allergy - which is an immune response to a specific protein, grain, or additive.

Common Signs of a Sensitive Stomach in Dogs:

These are the symptoms we hear about most often from pet parents at Brindle:

• Loose stool or chronic diarrhea (especially shortly after eating)
• Vomiting, regurgitation, or additionally, burping after meals
• Frequent gas, bloating, or rumbling stomach sounds
• Reluctance to eat, or skipping meals altogether
• Intermittent soft stool alternating with normal bowel movements
• Itchy ears, paws, or face, which can be signs of a food-related sensitivity
• Excessive licking or chewing (especially of paws or limbs)
• Recurring ear infections (often tied to food allergies)  

If you're seeing one or more of these signs regularly, it’s worth reevaluating what’s in your dog’s bowl.

💡 Important to Know: Chicken, beef, and dairy are among the most common food allergens in dogs. Corn, soy, wheat, and artificial additives are also top triggers - especially for dogs with both skin and stomach sensitivities.

Why These Symptoms Can Be Easy to Miss

Mild sensitivities can show up subtly - your dog may seem “a little off” after meals, take longer than usual to finish their food, or pass more gas than normal. Over time, these small red flags often lead to bigger health issues, like chronic inflammation, immune stress, and nutrient malabsorption.

We always recommend taking note of your dog’s baseline digestion and behaviour. If you’re seeing changes after switching foods, introducing new treats, or adding supplements, you might be able to trace the cause more easily.

Top 6 Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

(All available at brindlepets.ca with Canada-wide shipping!)

We’ve selected six of the most popular and effective dog foods for sensitivities. These are trusted by dog parents across Canada for reducing stomach issues and supporting overall health.

Acana Singles Free-Run Duck Dog Food

• Type: Limited Ingredient Kibble
• Main Protein: Free-run duck (single animal protein)
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Dogs with chicken or beef allergies, picky eaters, mild stomach sensitivities
• Price: Starting at $34.99

Acana Singles is a trusted go-to for dogs with food sensitivities. This formula features free-run duck as the sole animal protein, making it ideal for dogs who react poorly to common proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.

What makes this food gentle on digestion:

• Duck is rich in amino acids and easier on the stomach than many traditional meats.
• Pumpkin, apples, and butternut squash are added for their fiber content and ability to support gut regularity.
• The formula contains no peas, lentils, potatoes, or grains, which are common irritants in some sensitive dogs.

Acana also uses a biologically appropriate approach - meaning the food mimics the natural diet of dogs, with high protein, low carbohydrates, and fresh whole foods sourced close to home in Alberta.

Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

• Type: Limited Ingredient Kibble
• Main Protein: Egg
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Dogs with multiple protein allergies or digestive disorders like IBD
• Price: $89.99

Diamond Care is crafted specifically for dogs with digestive issues. The egg protein is a highly digestible, low-allergen option that supports sensitive stomachs without overloading the system.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Simple formula: Egg, potatoes, tomato pomace, and flaxseed keep it gentle and easy to process.
• Guaranteed levels of probiotics support beneficial gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• No artificial colours, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy, making it an excellent choice for dogs with common food sensitivities.

If you're looking for a budget-conscious yet effective sensitive stomach formula, this is a strong pick that many Canadian dog parents trust.

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

• Type: Freeze-Dried Raw
• Main Protein: Turkey, beef, salmon, duck
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Dogs with sensitive digestion, chronic upset stomachs, or itchy skin
• Price: Starting at $49.99

This vet-formulated freeze-dried raw food is packed with nutrition while staying incredibly easy on the stomach. Unlike traditional kibble, it's minimally processed to preserve nutrients and natural enzymes that aid digestion.

Here’s what makes Dr. Marty a standout:

• 81% of the formula is made from real turkey, beef, salmon, and duck, including nutrient-rich organ meats.
• It’s combined with gut-friendly produce like sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and blueberries.
• Contains flaxseed for omega-3s, which support anti-inflammatory processes and help with itchy or irritated skin.
• Absolutely no artificial additives, preservatives, or grains.

This is an ideal choice for dogs with chronic GI issues or pet parents looking to upgrade to a raw-style diet without the mess or safety concerns.

Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Lamb

• Type: Limited Ingredient Kibble
• Main Protein: Deboned lamb
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Dogs with protein sensitivities, skin issues, or moderate digestive upset
• Price: Starting at $26.99

This single-protein formula uses grass-fed deboned lamb as the only animal protein source, helping pet parents pinpoint and avoid triggers. It's one of the most popular options in the Go! Solutions line.

Why sensitive pups love it:

• No chicken, beef, gluten, soy, dairy, or eggs, which are common allergens.
• Added probiotics and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root and lentils help promote healthy digestion and firmer stools.
• Omega oils from canola and sunflower oil support healthy skin and reduce inflammation.

For dogs with mild to moderate sensitivity who still do well on kibble, this option provides nutritional balance without complexity.

Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Venison

• Type: Limited Ingredient Kibble
• Main Protein: Deboned venison
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Dogs with multiple allergies or in need of an elimination diet
• Price: Starting at $35.99

Venison is a novel, lean protein rarely used in commercial diets, making this Go! Solutions formula a powerful tool for dogs with complex food sensitivities.

Here’s what makes it unique:

• Single protein + low-glycemic ingredients like lentils and peas keep it digestible and satisfying without blood sugar spikes.
• No chicken, grains, or potatoes, which are often problematic for dogs with GI issues.
• Includes a blend of probiotics, dried chicory root, and coconut oil to soothe and support digestion and skin health.

This formula is particularly helpful during elimination trials, or when other proteins have failed to deliver results.

Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Kangaroo – 25 lb

• Type: Exotic Protein Kibble
• Main Protein: Kangaroo
• Grain-Free: Yes
• Good For: Severe allergies, inflammation, or long-term food intolerance cases
• Price: $139.99

If your dog has been through every “sensitive” formula out there without success, Zignature Kangaroo may be the breakthrough. Kangaroo is a rare, lean, and hypoallergenic protein that’s often used as a last resort for difficult cases.

Why it works:

• High in vitamin B12 and iron, which support metabolism and digestive health
• Free from chicken, beef, fish, dairy, corn, soy, wheat, and potatoes
• Uses sunflower oil and flaxseed to add healthy fat without irritating the digestive system

Zignature formulas are designed with true limited ingredients - helping dogs who react to even small amounts of cross-contamination or common food allergens.

Side-by-Side Food Comparison

How to Transition to a New Dog Food (Without the Mess)

Changing your dog’s food should always be done gradually - especially for sensitive stomachs.

Here’s a safe transition schedule:

Pro Tips:

• Rehydrate kibble with warm water or bone broth to make digestion easier
• Add a spoonful of pumpkin to soothe the stomach during transition
• Avoid introducing new treats or toppers at the same time
  

Feeding Tips for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

• Stick to a routine: Feed at the same times daily to help regulate digestion
• Use limited ingredient treats: Watch for “hidden” allergens in chews or biscuits
• Hydration helps: Especially if feeding dry kibble - always provide fresh water
• Clean bowls regularly: Prevents bacteria that could trigger flare-ups
• Don’t rotate too quickly: Introduce new proteins or brands one at a time

When to See a Vet

If your dog continues to show signs of discomfort even after switching to a sensitive-stomach food, it’s time to talk to your vet.

Red flags include:

• Vomiting more than once per week
• Chronic diarrhea or blood in stool
• Sudden weight loss or poor appetite
• Lethargy or behavioral changes

A food trial, allergy test, or more in-depth diagnosis may be needed to rule out underlying medical conditions like IBD or pancreatitis.

Final Thoughts: You Can Feed a Sensitive Dog Successfully

Feeding a dog with a sensitive stomach doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With the right food, a slow transition, and a little patience, most dogs show dramatic improvement in just a few weeks. Whether you go with a freeze-dried option like Dr. Marty’s, an exotic protein like Zignature Kangaroo, or a limited-ingredient kibble like Go! Solutions, there are effective options out there that work.

At Brindle Pet Supplies, we carry only carefully chosen brands that support real pet wellness. If you need help choosing the right formula for your pup’s unique needs, we’re just a message away.