Last Updated on January 27, 2023
Dogs love treats, and as pet owners, we love to see the waggy tails of our dogs when we hand them a little morsel of goodness.
However, low-grade treats made from inferior ingredients can wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy.
And if your pup already suffers from a sensitive stomach, finding suitable treats for him can be a challenge.
Here are some great treats for pups with digestive issues.
Table of Contents
Top 6 Picks for Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
| Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs | Our Rating | |
| Best Overall Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs (Editor’s Pick) | Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
|
5 |
| Best Budget Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs | HILL’S Jerky Strips Dog Treats
|
4.5 |
| Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Toy or Extra Small Breeds | Greenies Dental Dog Treats
|
5 |
| Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Small Breeds | ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
|
4.5 |
| Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Medium Breeds | Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Dog Treats
|
4.5 |
| Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Large Breeds | Portland Pet Food Dog Treat Biscuits
|
5 |
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs (by Size)
Keep reading to discover our top ten favorite dog treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
To make it easier for you to pick the perfect product for your pet, we’ve split up our top choices by breed size.
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Extra Small or Toy Breeds
Do you have a Chihuahua or Toy Pom with a sensitive stomach?
Then look no further than these two treats, which are aimed at promoting healthy digestion for your super small dog.
1. Greenies Dental Dog Treats
Our rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Glycerin
Type: Dry
Made to be easy to digest while supporting your pet’s oral health, Greenies Dental Dog Treats are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council accepts these treats for their ability to fight plaque and tartar build-up. They’re also made with highly digestive ingredients for a happy tummy.
Pros:
- The unique texture helps keep your pup’s gums and teeth clean while refreshing your pup’s breath
- These treats are specifically made for small and toy dogs that weigh between 5 and 15 pounds
Cons:
- These treats are pretty expensive and so probably wouldn’t work as an everyday treat
2. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Potatoes, Sweet Potato, Potato Protein
Type: Dry
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats reduce the risk of gastric upset while still being full of flavor and crunch for your pup.
They’re specifically formulated to provide your dog with plenty of nutrition while boosting the immune system and nourishing the skin and coat.
Pros:
- These treats are designed for dogs that are sensitive to corn, soy, or wheat products
- They’re easily digestible and help to clean your dog’s teeth as he chews
- Also suitable for all dog breeds in any life stage
Cons:
- These treats have a calorie content of 15kcal per treat, which is relatively high when compared to other brands
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Small Breeds
When it comes to supplementing your dog’s diet with tasty treats that won’t upset their stomach, there are plenty of options available for small breed dogs.
Here are six of the best dog treats for small breeds with sensitive stomachs:
3. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
Our rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley
Type: Dry biscuits
These all-natural Zuke’s Mini Dog Treats include a variety of whole, delicious ingredients, including salmon as the first ingredient.
Other ingredients included in the recipe include barley, cherries, tapioca, and turmeric, providing your dog with flavor as well as plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
- These treats offer just three calories per treat, making them an excellent option for training treats
- Made in the USA with no corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers
Cons:
- Zukes did go through a stage when their products had to be recalled for lack of quality control
4. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits with Bison & Butternut Squash Crunchy Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Peas, Potatoes, Cane Molasses
Type: Dry biscuits
These single-protein Canidae Grain-Free Pure Heaven Dog Biscuits are designed to keep your pet’s teeth clean and sparkling without worrying about his tummy.
They provide your dog with plenty of flavors as well as a healthy dose of nutrition.
Pros:
- These treats come in a range of flavors, including bison and butternut, duck and chickpeas, and salmon and sweet potato
- Easy to snap, making them great for training and rewards
- Made in the USA by a family-owned business
Cons:
- Some dogs simply do not like these treats
5. HILL’S Jerky Strips Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Oats, Wheat Flour
Type: Dry
These jerky-style Hill’s Dog Treats are made with 100% natural ingredients, with chicken as the protein source and main ingredient.
Veterinarians and canine nutritionists developed them to cater to the overall health of your pup.
Pros:
- The ingredients have all been sourced in the USA, and there are no artificial colors or flavors
- An affordable option compared to other brands on the market
Cons:
- Features a variety of common allergens in the ingredients list, including chicken and wheat
6. ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Duck, duck liver, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative)
Type: Freeze-Dried
These nutrient-dense tasty Orijen Dog Treats have been freeze-dried to preserve the integrity of the natural ingredients. They are protein-rich featuring whole free-run duck as the only ingredient.
Pros:
- These limited ingredient treats have been preserved using natural products
- They contain no grains or artificial additives
Cons:
- These treats can crumble quite easily
7. Full Moon Natural Cut Human-Grade Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Organic Cane Sugar, Vinegar
Type: Jerky
These Full Moon Natural Cuts Dog Treats are made using just five simple human-grade ingredients.
They feature fresh chicken as the main ingredient and single protein source and include no grains or glycerin that might cause an upset stomach.
Pros:
- These treats are made in the USA
- They are soft and chewy so they are easy for puppies and older dogs to consume
- Made without any fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
Cons:
- These treats contain chicken which is a common allergen in canines
8. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Our rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Soy Grits, Sugar
Type: Soft
These soft, chewy Milk-Bone Dog Treats offer your dog a healthy dose of protein, with chicken as the primary ingredient.
They are also loaded with calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
Pros:
- These soft treats are great for older pets with sensitive teeth
- These treats are USDA tested
Cons:
- Some pet owners complained that these treats were stale
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Medium Breeds
Sometimes you want to give your medium breed dog something extra delicious in addition to their regular dry dog food.
Here’s a great treat you can try out that’s healthy, nutritious, and gentle on your pup’s digestive system.
9. Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Dog Treats
Our rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Potato Starch, Glycerin, Powdered Cellulose
Type: Dry
These long-lasting Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Dog Treats are made from natural, non-GMO ingredients.
They’re designed to clean your dog’s teeth while he chews while still being totally edible and easily digestible.
Pros:
- These vegetarian dog treats are full of vitamins and antioxidants
- The knobbly shape ensures blood flow through the gums and prevents the build-up of tartar
- Produced sustainably with no gluten, artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons:
- These treats are low in protein, having no meat in the recipe
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs for Large Breeds
Are you looking for a natural dog treat for your big dog that’s made from quality ingredients but won’t leave him with an upset stomach?
Keep reading to discover one of the best dog treats on the market for large breeds with sensitive stomachs:
10. Portland Pet Food Dog Treat Biscuits
Our rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Garbanzo Bean Flour, Pumpkin, Peanut Butter
Type: Dry biscuits
These biscuit-style Portland Pet Food Dog Treats are based around a simple recipe featuring just five all-natural ingredients.
As they’re grain and gluten-free, they are ideal for pups with sensitive stomachs while their delicious pumpkin and peanut butter flavor will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters.
Pros:
- These treats contain no added chemicals, preservatives, coloring or flavorants
- The packaging is BPA free
- 5% of the profit from these treats goes towards Portland-based rescue organizations and animal shelters
Cons:
- Older dogs or pets with bad teeth may struggle to eat these hard and crunchy treats
Sensitive Stomach in Dogs: Causes and Symptoms
If your dog does suffer from a sensitive stomach, you will first want to determine the cause of your pup’s issues before switching out his treats or dog food.
Dog’s stomachs are quite hardy and have the ability to process many things we wouldn’t dream of eating ourselves. But some dogs can suffer from digestive issues.
The symptoms of digestive issues include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, a change in appetite, excessive saliva and drool, increased flatulence, and a loss of energy.
A variety of things can cause digestive issues in dogs including:
- Difficulty to digest specific proteins of fat
- Allergic reactions
- Emotional distress
Recurring digestive issues, on the other hand, can be an indication of a more serious underlying illness such as inflammatory bowel disease
If you want to know more about how to identify if your dog has a sensitive stomach, be sure to have a look at our article.
Dog Breeds that are Likely to Have Sensitive Stomachs
Certain dog breeds are more prone to food allergies than others. Some dog breeds that are prone to health issues like skin allergies and sensitive stomachs include:
Other dogs simply develop sensitive stomachs as they get older.
Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
It’s not uncommon for pet owners to look for treats that have been made specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. But just what do you need to be looking for in the perfect treat for your furry friend?
What ingredients do I need to look for in dog treats for sensitive tummies?
Your dog should be getting most of its nutrients from his daily dog food but that doesn’t mean that you should buy cheap treats for your furry friend.
High-quality treats will act to support your pet’s nutrition without causing unnecessary stomach upset.
You should try and look for treats made from whole-food ingredients that can digest easily.
For pets with gastrointestinal issues, the fewer ingredients, the better, so look for treats that include a single-source animal protein like lamb, turkey, or salmon, and a few easily digestible carbohydrates or superfoods with antioxidants that will bolster your dog’s immune response.
Your dog’s treats can include healthy fats like salmon oil and chicken fat, as well as good sources of dietary fiber, which will help aid digestion.
Fish oil and flaxseed also contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which will boost your pet’s immune system while helping support healthy skin and coat.
Added probiotics and prebiotics will also help encourage a healthy gut.
What are the ingredients to avoid in treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
An upset stomach is often the reaction to a particular component of a dog’s food. Some common allergens in pet food include corn, wheat, beef, and chicken.
You also want to avoid any filler ingredients like corn and wheat.
Your dog’s treats should also not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, which can also trigger allergies.
To grain or not to grain: Do dogs need grain-free treats for sensitive stomachs?
Many treats designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs are also grain and gluten-free.
This is because grains like wheat and corn are hard for dogs to digest and are some of the most common causes of digestive system problems.
Grain-free diets have, however, been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes an enlarged heart.
As a result, many vets recommend that instead of going completely grain-free, you look for products that include easily digestible whole grains like oats and brown rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should you give treats to dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A change in your dog’s daily dietary routine can also cause an upset stomach, so it’s essential to be consistent when giving your pet his food and any treats. Be sure not to overdo it either.
A good guideline is that any treats you give your dog shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Are Bully Sticks good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Many dog owners like bully sticks because of their high protein levels. You can find some of our favorite bully sticks for dogs here.
However, this type of treat is also high in calories, offering your pooch between 9 and 22 calories per treat, so you need to be careful not to feed them to your dog too often.
Dogs that have trouble digesting protein may also actually get an upset stomach with these treats leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
How can I get my dog to eat with a sensitive stomach?
If your dog struggles to eat regular kibble, then you may want to try changing him over to a pet food made for dogs with allergies.
In addition, some dogs with poor digestive health prefer simple, bland, homecooked meals. A simple meal of chicken and rice can help settle your dog’s stomach.
Can you give homemade treats for sensitive stomachs to your dog?
Alongside the commercial treats we’ve mentioned above, you may want to try making your dog treats at home.
Here is a recipe you can try out:
Oats and Rice Dog Biscuits
These delicious biscuits are designed to be healthy without upsetting your dog’s digestive system. The recipe makes about 24 big biscuits or 48 small biscuits and takes about 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice flour
- ¼ cup unsalted chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup green beans
- 1 cup quick cook oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 oz apple sauce
- ½ cup diced carrots
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil
- Toss all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well
- Whisk together all the wet ingredients in a separate bowl
- Mix the dry and the wet ingredients
- Roll out the batter and cut it into shapes
- Place the shapes on the baking sheet and put them in the oven
- Bake for 10 to 20 minutes until lightly brown
- Allow to cool before serving to your dog
Talk to Your Vet Before Choosing Any New Treat for the Sensitive Stomachs of Your Dog
Treats are a great way to show your dog you love him, but you don’t want to cause any digestive issues for your sensitive pet.
Thankfully, there are various delicious treat options for your pet, with super digestible formulas and delicious ingredients.
Above, we have listed a few of our favorites, but online retailers Amazon and Chewy stock various treats from some of your favorite dog food brands such as Blue Buffalo and Purina.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, you need to schedule an appointment to talk to your veterinarian.
Minor, untreated digestive problems could lead to more significant issues later in life as your dog ages.
So, what treats did you decide to give your furry family member? Does he love his delicious new treats? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below.