Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Australia: Vet-Recommended Picks (2025)

Finding the right food for a dog with a sensitive stomach can feel overwhelming. 

Between vague labels, trial-and-error feeding, and conflicting advice, it’s hard to know what truly works — especially when your dog is dealing with digestive upsets and inconsistent stools.

Sensitive stomachs in dogs are often caused by food intolerances, allergies, or gut inflammation. In my practice, I’ve seen how the right food can be the most effective first step in managing these symptoms. 

That’s why we’ve created this veterinarian-approved guide. You’ll find trusted advice on what causes sensitive stomachs in dogs, what to feed them, and which formulas are worth trying. 

We're here to help you unpack highly digestible ingredients and vet-recommended brands that offer sensitive stomach dog food, so you can find practical, proven solutions to support your dog’s gut health, and bring a little calm back to mealtimes.

Best Overall Option

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolysed Canine Formula

Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolysed is one of the most trusted options for dogs with suspected or confirmed food allergies. It’s designed using a single, highly hydrolysed protein source and a simple carbohydrate profile, making it an excellent choice for elimination trials or long-term management of dietary sensitivities.

Because the protein molecules are broken down into very small fragments, the immune system is far less likely to recognise them as allergens. This helps reduce digestive and skin reactions while providing complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

It also meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Uses a single hydrolysed protein source to minimise the risk of triggering food-related allergic reactions.
• Highly digestible formula supports gentle, steady digestion for dogs with gastrointestinal or dermatological sensitivities.
• Ideal for elimination diet trials, giving vets and owners a reliable way to identify food intolerances.
• Low-residue formulation helps support nutrient absorption during periods of digestive upset.

Not suitable for all dogs, particularly those who require a broader nutrient variety or higher calorie intake.Purina Pro Plan

Best Weight Management & GI Support Diet

Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Low Fat Adult Dog Dry Food

Royal Canin’s Gastrointestinal Low Fat formula is widely regarded as a gold standard for dogs with sensitive digestion, particularly those prone to pancreatitis or fat-sensitive conditions. 

With a carefully balanced blend of highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, and dietary fibres, it promotes optimal digestive health while easing strain on the pancreas. The lower fat content reduces the risk of flare-ups, making it ideal for chronic or recurring gastrointestinal sensitivities.

It’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Offers digestive support with its highly digestible formula that balances fibres, including prebiotics, to support healthy digestion and transit.
• Low in fat for nutritional management of dogs needing a fat-restricted diet or have pancreatitis.
• Limited fibre content to allow provision of maintenance energy levels despite fat restriction.
• A good option to feed as part of a trial diet that helps assess food sensitivities. 

Not appropriate for all dogs, particularly those that are underweight.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Dry Food

This Purina formula is a trusted choice for growing pups with delicate digestion and skin sensitivities. 

It’s crafted with salmon as the primary protein source and fortified with essential nutrients to support developing immune systems, healthy skin, and a balanced gut microbiome. The gentle formula promotes easy digestion while helping to nurture a shiny coat and resilient skin barrier, key foundations for healthy growth.

It’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (32 kg or more as an adult). 

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Designed specifically for puppies with sensitive stomachs and skin, providing complete and balanced nutrition to support early development.
• Made with high-quality salmon, a protein source that's gentle on young digestive systems.
• Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Prime100 SPD Air Dried Kangaroo & Pumpkin Adult Dry Dog Food

For dogs who require a grain-free diet or have multiple food intolerances, Prime100’s Single Protein Diet (SPD) Kangaroo & Pumpkin formula offers a clean, simple solution. 

Using novel protein (kangaroo) and a low-allergen vegetable (pumpkin), this air-dried food is free from common triggers like wheat, corn, and soy. Air drying preserves nutrients while delivering a satisfying texture dogs love.

It’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult and senior dogs.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Single novel protein (wild kangaroo) ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or requiring elimination diets.
• Grain-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free to minimise digestive and allergic reactions.
• Contains whole pumpkin plus prebiotics and probiotics for functional gastrointestinal support.
• High in Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and digestive health.
• Air-dried preparation retains nutrients while enhancing digestibility and palatability.

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food

Small and miniature dogs have unique nutritional needs, especially when dealing with sensitive stomachs. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult formula is specially crafted to deliver optimal digestive support and skin nourishment in a kibble size tailored for little mouths. 

Made with easily digestible ingredients, this food uses prebiotic fibre to fuel beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a balanced microbiome and smooth digestion. Plus, added vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat.

Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that this product provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Prebiotic fibre supports a healthy gut microbiome and smooth digestion.
• Highly digestible formula designed specifically for small and toy breed dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Rich in vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to nourish the skin and promote a healthy, shiny coat.
• Provides an optimal balance of nutrients tailored to the needs of miniature and small dogs.
• A good option to feed as part of a trial diet that helps assess food sensitivities. 

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Dry Food

If you're looking for an affordable and high-quality solution for your dog's sensitive stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food is an excellent choice. 

Made with real lamb as the first ingredient, this formula delivers a gentle, highly digestible source of protein that supports healthy digestion. Brown rice and oatmeal provide easily absorbed carbohydrates to further aid digestive health, while the addition of prebiotic fibres nurtures a balanced gut microbiome. 

Crafted without artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, it’s a budget-friendly pick that doesn't compromise on quality.

It’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food

• Contains scientifically proven prebiotics to improve intestinal microflora balance and digestive health.
• Supports optimal faecal consistency for better stool quality and gut function.
• Formulated with easily digestible ingredients to maximise nutrient absorption.
• Made without added artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives to reduce digestive irritation.
• Offers a highly palatable lamb-based diet to support long-term digestive wellbeing.

Every sensitive stomach dog food recommended in this guide is selected based on real veterinary insight and an evidence-based approach. We combined practical clinical experience with a close look at product data to ensure each option genuinely meets the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs.

It includes nutritional guidelines like the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812) and a close look at leading pet food brands available across Australia. 

Our selection process considered:

• Knowledge and real-world experience treating dogs with digestive sensitivities.
• Review of manufacturer data, including ingredient sourcing, nutritional claims, and feeding trials.
• Key food attributes, like high-quality, digestible ingredients, balanced nutrient profiles, digestive support features like prebiotics, and proven palatability.
• Compliance with AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional standards to ensure balanced, complete diets

Our goal is to only recommend foods that meet veterinary standards for managing sensitive stomachs, supporting both digestive health and your dog’s overall wellbeing.

Digestive sensitivity in dogs can arise for a variety of reasons, ranging from dietary issues to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the root cause helps you choose the right next step.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food sensitivities are a common culprit behind upset stomachs. Proteins like beef, dairy, or chicken are often the most problematic, but grains like wheat and corn can also trigger symptoms.

Dogs with true food allergies experience an immune response, while intolerances tend to cause non-immune digestive upset. Limited ingredient or hydrolysed protein diets are often prescribed to diagnose and manage these issues.

Stress and Environmental Factors

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Situations like moving house, changes in household dynamics, boarding, or even loud thunderstorms can trigger diarrhoea in dogs, vomiting, or appetite loss. 

Supporting digestive health with a soothing, digestible diet during these periods can help reduce the impact.

Underlying Health Issues in Dogs

If digestive problems are persistent, they may signal an underlying condition like:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Pancreatitis
• Parasite infections (like Giardia)

Working closely with your veterinarian is essential to rule out or treat these more serious concerns.

Sensitive stomachs don't always present the same way in every dog. Understanding the signs can help you take action early.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Occasional vomiting or soft stools can be normal, but frequent or chronic episodes are a red flag. Persistent vomiting after meals or diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours should prompt a veterinary check-up.

Excessive Gas or Bloating

Unusual gassiness, visible bloating, abdominal discomfort, or burping may indicate food is not being properly digested. Poor digestion can create an imbalance in gut bacteria, leading to these symptoms.

Lack of Appetite or Weight Loss

Sensitive stomachs can cause your dog to avoid food or experience unexplained weight loss. Even slight decreases in appetite over several days should not be ignored, as they could indicate discomfort, nausea, or underlying disease.

Consulting Your Veterinarian

Always start with a vet consultation when you notice ongoing digestive issues. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, fecal testing, food elimination trials, or imaging to pinpoint the cause.

Veterinary-prescribed diets are often essential tools in managing more complex cases.

Short-Term Gut Support

Alongside diet changes, your vet may also recommend a short-term gut support paste, such as Pro-Kolin+ Probiotic Paste for Dogs and Cats, to help firm stools and calm the digestive tract while you work out what’s causing the issue. These products are typically used for a few days during flare-ups and should always be given under veterinary guidance.

Gradual Changes to Diet

Sudden dietary changes can worsen digestive symptoms. Transition your dog to a new food gradually over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with their old food each day.

A typical transition might look like:

• Days 1–2: 25% new food, 75% old food
• Days 3–4: 50% new food, 50% old food
• Days 5–6: 75% new food, 25% old food
• Day 7 onward: 100% new food

During any food transition, supporting the gut microbiome can help reduce the risk of diarrhoea or soft stools. A targeted supplement like Synbiotic D-C Probiotic & Prebiotic Capsules For Dogs & Cats provides both probiotics and prebiotics to help maintain digestive balance while your dog adjusts to their new diet.

Avoiding Common Food Triggers

Eliminate common allergens if your dog has shown signs of food intolerance. Ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn are frequent culprits in digestive upset.

When managing sensitive stomachs, it's often helpful to stick to diets with a single, novel protein (like kangaroo or salmon) or hypoallergenic diets made with hydrolysed proteins where proteins are broken down into smaller components, making them less likely to trigger immune reactions.

Also avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colourings, flavour enhancers, or unnecessary fillers, as these can exacerbate sensitivities.

High-Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients

Look for dog foods made with real, named meats (like salmon or kangaroo), wholesome vegetables (like pumpkin or rice), and avoid generic by-products where possible. Prebiotic fibres such as beet pulp also support gut health.

Limited Ingredient (LID) and Hypoallergenic Diets

Limited ingredient diets reduce the risk of exposure to allergens. Hypoallergenic options like Purina Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed and Royal Canin Anallergenic use hydrolysed proteins, which are broken down to a size too small to trigger immune reactions.

Grain-Free vs. Whole Grains

Not every dog needs a grain-free diet. Digestible whole grains like brown rice or oats are well-tolerated by many dogs and provide important energy and fibre. However, dogs with confirmed grain allergies or intolerances may do better on carefully formulated grain-free diets.

1. Can puppies have sensitive stomachs?

Absolutely. Puppies are still developing their digestive systems and can be more vulnerable to changes or intolerances.

Puppy-specific formulas like Prime100 SPD Air Dried Lamb, Apple and Blueberry Puppy Dry Food or Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Dry Food offer tailored nutrition that's gentle on young stomachs.

2. How long does it take for a new diet to work?

You may start seeing signs of improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting a new sensitive stomach diet. However, full resolution of inflammation or food intolerance symptoms can take up to 8–12 weeks, especially if the dog’s gut lining has been compromised.

Consistency is key. Avoid offering treats, table scraps, or switching foods during this critical adjustment phase.

3. Are supplements helpful for sensitive stomachs?

Yes, but they should be used strategically. Common dog digestive supplements include:

• Dog probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome
• Fibre supplements to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce gut inflammation

Always check with your veterinarian before starting supplements, as some may interact with prescribed diets or medications.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller