Snapshot: In case you have a dog that is aging and you want to know the best dog food, here are some of the causes and signs of a sensitive stomach along with the best foods to feed senior dogs.
‘Sensitive Stomach’ is a term used in medicine that indicates problems related to the digestive tract like excessive gas, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. We all know the fact that dogs are omnivorous and can live on a food routine containing both vegetables and meat. Most dogs can digest any type of food without any problem but senior dogs can be more sensitive.
Just like human beings dogs also encounter an episode of diarrhea. This is because of the upset digestive system which can range from nasty sniffs to gurgling guts. Your dog’s digestive system plays an important role in observing all the essential nutrients. Keeping this in mind, it is vital to look upon the clues given by your senior dog for sensitive stomachs. Keep reading to know about the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Why Senior Dogs develop sensitive stomachs?
Senior dogs have more nutritional needs compared to younger ones but the major challenge is to deal with the reality when your dog becomes old. Several factors contribute towards a sensitive stomach in senior dogs. Some of them are
- Age
- Congenital factor
- Colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Malabsorption disorder
Senior dogs are prone to develop sensitive stomachs as they grow old. Just like their eyes, ears, and legs which might not work as they once did older dogs’ intestines in the stomach might as well not absorb and break down nutrients as good as they once performed.
Senior dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to eat very little which can deprive them of essential nutrients which might lead to weight reduction. Keep in mind to find out the dog food that is full of nutrients that your senior dog will love.
There are chances that senior dogs can develop a sensitive stomach for dog foods they have been eating for a long time. Ensure to keep a check on your dog’s behaviour when it comes to eating as they age.
Some of the senior dogs with sensitive stomachs have the chance to develop various diseases. This is something that needs to be taken care of which will help your senior dog to survive for a longer duration.
The main reason that your senior dog develops a sensitive stomach is because of the change in your dog’s diet which can be easily found out by observing certain symptoms in your dog. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea with blood, and excessive gas.
Some of the common causes can be motion sickness, worms, and bacterial infections that contribute to sensitive stomachs in dogs. These are temporary illnesses that you need not worry about.
The transition of food for your senior dog might be a major cause for a sensitive stomach. It is not uncommon for dogs to have sensitive stomachs based on the food you provide. There can also be several reasons other than the kind of dog food that you serve your senior dog.
In some cases, a sensitive stomach in dogs can also be congenital. You might have noticed that you saw your dog during the puppy stage itself would have not digested its food properly and has had abnormal stools and excessive gas.
Experts have come up with home remedies for this problem such as including a tablespoon of yogurt that has probiotics to your dog’s meal. This amazing remedy can ease your dog’s upset stomach.
Ensure that your dog doesn’t have any other health conditions like malabsorption disorder, colitis, and pancreatitis which can also be one of the culprits for sensitive stomachs. These are issues that you need to be concerned about. If you think your dog has severe health issues then it is better to consult a vet as early as possible.
Signs of the sensitive stomach in senior dogs
A sensitive stomach is a condition that can affect dogs irrespective of their breed and age. Older dogs tend to be more affected when compared to small dogs. Some of the major symptoms that you can identify a free dog with sensitive stomach are as follows:
- Hypersalivation
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Soft stool
- Excessive gas
- Fatigue
- Decrease in the mobility after a meal
- Constipation
- Excessive swallowing caused by nausea
One of the Classic symptoms of a sensitive stomach in your dog includes loose stools and vomiting that are intermittent. This can be easily found out if your dog is licking its lips and swallowing excessively.
If your dog is reluctant to go for a walk after a meal then it is a clear sign of a sensitive stomach, especially in senior dogs. If you don’t take into consideration these signs seriously then, there are chances that it could lead to chronic health issues in your senior dog.
Best Wet food to give your senior dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Brown rice, Sweet potato, and Chicken combo
Keep in mind to take into consideration whole grains as it ensures proper weight levels and growth rates. Brown rice is a fiber-rich food that aids digestion in senior dogs. Brown rice along with chicken can increase the quality of food with additional protein content. Ensure that you provide fiber-rich food dogs that will pave way for effective digestion.
- Barley, Salmon, Rice and Fish meal combo
Fish meal combo enhances the nutrient of the dog food which is good for senior dogs that have sensitive skin. Also, Salmon Bali and rice are considered to be special diets for a dog’s stomach as it boosts digestive health. This particular recipe consists of Sal mint rice Barley and fish all the macronutrients along with omega fatty acids that nourish the coat of your dog.
- Brewers rice, Chicken meal, and Soybean oil combo
This is a very tasty combo that your dog will love. Brewers rice, chicken meal, and soybean oil feature a wide range of digestible ingredients which will support the nutritional requirement of your dog by promoting overall health. This combination also supports probiotics in your dog that improve gut and digestive tract activity. This combination is a perfect option for senior dogs that have sensitive skin.
- Potatoes, Tomato pomace, and Chicken fat combo
This is the ultimate combination for senior dogs with a sensitive digestive system. This combination contains ingredients that your dog will enjoy and digested fully as tasty food. It helps to strengthen the digestive tract of your dog. It also contains numerous minerals, omega fatty acids, and vitamins that support growth and enhance the overall health of your dog.
Best Dry foods for senior dogs Dried lamb heart
It is a simple food that can be used to reduce digestive problems and smooth digestion for your senior dog. Nutrients from lamb meat encourage the absorption of nutrients that strengthens the immunity system of your dog. This particular diet will suit canines that are allergic to grains and dairy products.
- Peas
Most of you would have cut down on ingredients for the senior dog as a strategy for sensitive stomachs. But at the end of the day making the food taste good is what it requires. Peas are one of the favourite dog foods especially for the ones with sensitive stomachs. Peas help to support the body conditioning of your dog without causing any issues with the digestive system.
- Cranberries
Ensure to follow a holistic approach while choosing dog food for sensitive stomachs. Cranberries help the fuel energy in your dog for the entire day. They also contain bacteria that promote gut and digestive health. Cranberries contain micronutrients like glucosamine, taurine, and antioxidants that help to improve the immune system and joint health of your senior dog.
- Dried beet pulp
Dried beetroot pulp helps your dog to get the optimal dietary fiber that helps digestion. Beet pulp is good for all breeds. Dried beet pulp is especially recommended for the Royal Canin breed that has high-profile nutrition. Dried beet pulp is a wise choice for sensitive stomachs when it comes to dry dog food.
How to find the right dog food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Here are few steps that you can follow to get an idea of the diet choice for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Following an easily digestible food routine has a minimum level of fat. This will help to cut down the work for your dog’s digestive system.
- Follow a diet routine with few ingredients. Before that make sure you do proper research work to find the culprit ingredient that damages your dog’s digestive activity.
- There are certain proteins that can cause digestive problems for senior dogs. It is better to go for one protein source diet rather than trying many sources.
- Make sure that you choose foods that are less processed and contain fewer additives. Processed food can damage the digestive health of senior dogs
- Choose foods that have a balanced diet and are nutritionally complete to ensure the right amount of nutrition for your senior dog.
Hope you got clarity about various food choices that you can consider feeding your dog. Dogs are lovable pet animals that are considered to be a member of the family in many houses. It is not only important to own a dog but also to observe the clues and signs in case of sensitive stomachs, as your four-legged companion will not be able to communicate it with you through words. Keep in mind to give your senior dogs with sensitive stomachs balanced nutrition without cutting down much on the ingredients.
