Dogs are beautiful creatures that love to spend time with owners; when you have a dog and enjoy spending time with him from his puppyhood to young days, he is now turning old. In such a time, it’s excruciating to see him in hurdles and pain that are caused by aging factors and sometimes due to inappropriate food and care. So many times, we lost memories of his early days and when he was quite young, and it was hard for us to trace and catch him when he is in a playful mood. But you can reduce his pain and offer him a quite active life in his old days while switching to the Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach. Such foods are specifically made for the dog who is suffering from stomach problems in their old age.
A Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs is made with easy-to-digest ingredients and contains the elements that regulate the stomach and boost immunity.
Such dog food may not act as medicine. Still, it can surely keep the dog healthy when an old dog is suffering from stomach problems. But, unfortunately, he becomes limited in a movement that also invites many other unwanted issues and diseases; the joint problem is the biggest example.
It is necessary to keep the senior dogs active and playful even when they are not willing to participate in the activity, and you have to force them. The more active they become, the more strong they can stand against stomach issues.
Your dog may be sensitive and cannot digest most of the dog food, then the best dog food for less poop can be a solution for him; such food is highly digestible and can keep the bowel movement regular.
Signs of Sensitive Stomach in Senior Dogs
There are no hard and fast rules to identify dogs with sensitive stomachs, but if a dog owner finds these signs, then surely his senior dog has a sensitive stomach and needs a special diet. The symptoms of the sensitive stomach are:
- Excessive Gas
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Excessive Drooling
- Poor Appetite
- More Swallowing
- Suffering from Constipation off and on
- Complaint of diarrhea
- Loose stool or blood in the stool
If your dog’s situation is serious, then a switch to a new food may not work, so in serious conditions, always consult with your vet to get professional advice and medication that your dog might need.
What Kind of Diet Is Best for the Senior Dog?
We all know well-aging dogs need specially formulated recipe their unique needs, which is usually crafted with the ingredients that are easy to dissolve and digest and have ingredients that boost the immunity and regulate the stomach function. Some seniors may lose weight When you change a diet, and some may start gaining weight; so it’s hard to find the ultimate food for a senior dog that can suffice all the needs. The above-listed signs are aging diseases that old dogs suffer most of the time, and everyone needs some different treatment.
The basic purpose of switching to senior dog food is to prevent the above-listed diseases; good senior dog food can ensure good bowl and not constipation and keep the dog healthy, active, and playful, such a dog remain active to participate in routine jobs and activities.
Protein itself and the source of protein matter a lot; protein helps the dogs get healthy muscles and makes the immune system strong. On the other side, it also prevents stress trauma and acts as a shield against infections, and makes a dog recover quickly from injuries. Quality sources protein is necessary for senior dogs, protein from the by-products and poor sources can become a challenge in old age. Dogs can not digest that.
Fiber is the second most important ingredient for senior dogs, but all fibers are not equal and good for aging dogs. Fiber helps overweight dogs and relieves constipation, and can deal with the problem of loose stool. A good source is necessary to get healthy fiber for senior dogs, like beet pulp that supports glucose regulation and keeps the bowel regular.
You might also like our recent blog post Can Dogs Eat Turnips available on a separate page.
Switching to Senior Dog Food
Keep in mind that constipation and loss of apatite may result in dehydration that will further invite many unwanted problems for senior dogs, and recovery sometimes becomes a question or takes a lot of time; obviously, it will cost you a lot.
So it’s better when you sense that your senior dog has a sensitive stomach then switch to the quality senior dog food that can ensure your dog safe health and all energy that he needs to stay active; here we list some of the best senior dog food you may select one:
1. Natural Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Solid Gold – Holistique Blendz – Natural Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs is a top-rated brand for seniors who are not good with stomachs and need special care to stay healthy. Your search for the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs should end here because it’s a perfect solution that will keep the stomach in good health and regulate and eliminate the chances of constipation, loose stool, and diarrhea. It’s formulated with fish meal, healthy whole grains, and pealed barley, a complete and unique blend for your senior dog.
It is a potato-free and all-natural protein recipe that gives mature dogs all they need to stay in good energy and health.
It’s a flavor that old seniors crave for. Single source protein is the biggest advantage of this recipe, making it easy to digest, and prebiotics and fiber are also kept balanced in this food.
The manufacturer knows the need for senior dogs. This is why minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and sodium are also part of this food, making it delicious and satisfying for old friends.
2. NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS is a famous food that comes to rescue sensitive stomach dogs. It is a tasty food that your senior dog will not refuse to eat, made from farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato, and contains all essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. If you own an old dog, it’s better to switch to the senior dog food before any problem hits your dog.
In this way, you can save him from the recovery stage, which is more painful from the real disease.
It’s a food that will help your dog to get strong muscles. It contains natural resources with glucosamine and chondroitin, which are considered essential to keep the joints healthy. Essential antioxidants are also included in this food to support cognitive health. It’s a GMO-free food and does not have any side effects, no artificial flavors, and no preservatives.
3. Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food For Senior Dogs
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is specifically made for small paws means the small breeds who need special food to stay inactive and in good health in their aged days. It also has ingredients to support joint health, healthy skin, and shiny coat is also possible with this dog food. In fact, it’s made for complete health. We cannot see our small aged friend in pain. This is the reason that pushes the manufacturer to make food that even supports kidney and bladder health.
Our special antioxidant blend supports your mature dog’s immune system.
It’s safe for dogs because it’s made with natural ingredients and completely free from artifacts, a food that is trusted by thousands of dog owners.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Senior Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is made with real chicken that every dog likes in every part of his life. Like the first ingredient, real chicken is the main protein source; it makes the taste delicious that dogs like most. It is a wet dog food that you may add or mix in the dry kibble so your dog can get food that is easy to chew, soft, and quick to digest.
The food is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, necessary to keep the dogs active, playful, and healthy.
It’s an easy-to-serve food, it comes in small tines that are easy to store, and it will not turn bad because small tines can be opened when needed, and there is no need to freeze them.
For senior dogs, this food is a blessing, especially for those who have a sensitive stomach.
5. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life - Sensitive Stomach
Lucy Pet Formulas for Life – Sensitive Stomach is the complete recipe; yes, it is a complete and balanced recipe. If you add supplements to dog food, you must switch to this food because it has all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that a dog needs in old age. Wild-caught deboned Alaskan Salmon is used as the first ingredient, which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and a first ingredient that keeps the dog food soft to chew and gives it a taste that dogs like most.
More importantly, it’s all life stages formula, so if you own multiple dogs like puppies and different breeds, then you can feed this simple but more effective and nutritious formula to every dog.
The product is already trusted by thousands of trainers, doctors, and K9 professionals.
Is Switching to Senior Dog Food is an Ultimate Solution?
Even it’s not the ultimate solution, but it comes at first. Food is the most important thing to consider seriously in old age. It a single factor that dominates all others. Either it kibble or wet dog food, you need to find the perfect food for you, or if you are unable, then you can cook at home for some days until your order arrives. Besides the dog food, you need to pay attention to the following things that will help you make the senior dog food an ultimate solution for your old four-legged friend.
Do not allow fast-eating: it’s a habit that usually causes unrest of stomach in the dogs. It results in dozens of problems. If your dog is a fast eater, then switching to the senior dog food may not help you. To deal with the situation, you need to use slow-eating bowls of snuffle mats to restrict your dog from fast eating and solve the problem.
Increase water intake of your dog: ample water intake of your dog keep him safe from many problems like dehydration and constipation. If your dog is hesitant to drink water, then you need to bring home an automatic water fountain that can provide fresh water, usually, dogs like to drink from the water, and senior dogs can easily drink several times without making extra efforts.
Provide clean and right space: old dogs usually create a log of a mess, especially their saliva and accidents and their shedding. Where they used to live, you need to clean that space regularly and prefer to sanitize it and provide a cozy arrangement to your dog where he can sit comfortably and keep visiting him after every few hours.
Best Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: A Veterinarian’s Buyer Guide
As a veterinarian with 15 years of experience, I’ve worked with countless pet parents concerned about their senior dogs’ digestive health. Sensitive stomachs in older dogs can stem from aging, food intolerances, or underlying health issues, requiring careful attention to their diet. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best senior dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Key Considerations When Choosing Senior Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Digestible Ingredients
- Look for high-quality, easily digestible proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb.
- Carbohydrates should be gentle on the stomach, such as rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes.
Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)
- LID formulas minimize potential allergens and irritants, focusing on one protein and one carbohydrate source.
- Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Probiotics support healthy gut flora, improving digestion and reducing stomach upset.
- Prebiotics like chicory root help sustain these beneficial bacteria.
Low Fat and Moderate Protein Levels
- High-fat diets can be harder for older dogs to digest. Opt for low to moderate fat content to ease digestion while supporting weight management.
- Avoid excessively high protein levels that might overwork the kidneys.
Grain-Free vs. Whole-Grain Options
- Grain-free diets may help dogs with grain sensitivities, but many senior dogs thrive on high-quality whole grains. Choose based on your dog’s tolerance.
Avoid Artificial Additives
- Steer clear of foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that can trigger digestive issues.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Beneficial for reducing inflammation, particularly in dogs with irritable bowel syndrome or arthritis.
Top Ingredients to Look For
- Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, or hydrolyzed proteins.
- Carbs: Brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, sweet potatoes.
- Supplements: Probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s.
- Fats: Fish oil, flaxseed.
Tips for Transitioning to New Food
- Gradual Switch: Mix the new food with your dog’s current diet over 7–10 days, increasing the ratio of the new food each day.
- Monitor Your Dog: Watch for signs of improved digestion or any adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Consult Your Vet: Always involve your veterinarian when switching to a specialized diet, especially for older dogs.
Final Thoughts
Senior dogs need a lot of care, good quality dog food comes at first, but along with it, you need to focus on other above-listed cares. All of the above-listed senior dog foods are selected with due care, and these are good to use for any breed. If your dog shows hesitation or has week teeth, then prefer to mix wet dog food and dry kibble to make soft dog food that he can eat easily.
Or you may mix warm water in kibble it will entice your dog as well as soften that food which becomes easy to digest and easy to chew. The sensitive stomach of old dogs can be easily treated with a high-quality dog good which is specially made for this purpose.
All of the above-listed dog foods are good to keep your senior dog in good health and away from stomach problems.
Can Dogs Eat Collard Greens? you can get for your pooch while including collard green in your pooches’ diet regularly.