Petsmart Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Petsmart dog food for sensitive stomachs is specially formulated to provide your pup with essential nutrition without offending the digestive system. These foods are designed to help prevent vomiting, diarrhea, and gas, all common issues associated with a sensitive stomach. They are often used to restore balance to the digestive system, promote a healthy appetite, and help maintain overall digestive health. Petsmart has multiple options for dog food for sensitive stomachs, including kibble, wet food, integrative nutrition, and raw food-based diets. With a variety of protein sources, natural ingredients, and added vitamins and minerals, Petsmart gives you the option of finding the best dog food for your pup’s sensitive stomach.

Petsmart Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Petsmart offers a range of dog foods for sensitive stomachs. These foods contain ingredients that are easy to digest and may be helpful for dogs with digestive issues. These formulas often contain limited ingredients, all of which are wholesome and natural. They are designed to be easily digested and provide optimal nutrition without being hard on a dog’s stomach. Many canine dieticians suggest only feeding dogs these kinds of formulas if they are experiencing frequent diarrhea, gas, or other signs of a sensitive stomach. Speak with your veterinarian for more help in determining what the best food option is for your pup.

Sensitive Stomach Dog Food

Sensitive stomach dog food is a type of food designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It typically contains fewer ingredients than regular dog food and is made with easily digestible proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and limited or no grains. The formulation is typically lower in fat and higher in fiber than regular dog food to reduce the risk of intestinal upset. These foods may also contain prebiotics, probiotics, and other specialized ingredients that promote digestive health.

Signs Your Dog Needs Special Food for Sensitive Stomachs

1. Abnormal Stool: Significant changes in your dog’s stool is a key indicator that their diet needs to be adjusted. Soft, smelly, frequent stools, as well as runny or bloody diarrhea, could be a sign of a sensitive stomach or food intolerance.
2. Weight Loss: A sudden or gradual decrease in your dog’s weight could be caused by food intolerance or another medical condition. If your dog is not consuming enough nutrients they will lose weight.
3. Gas: Excess gas can be an indicator that your pup’s stomach is having trouble digesting its food. If your pup is having a difficult time with gas issues then switching to a special food for sensitive stomachs may help.
4. Lack of Energy: A sudden lack of energy or a general lethargy in your pup can also be an indication they are not getting the right nutrients or vitamins from their food.
5. Vomiting: Every dog gets an upset stomach sometimes, but if vomiting becomes frequent it could be a sign of food intolerance or sensitivity. When additional symptoms, such as stomach pain, excessive drool, or loss of appetite are present, it could be time to switch your pup to a special food for sensitive stomachs.

How to Determine if Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach

• Watch for signs of digestive upset. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Other signs may include excessive gas, bad breath, flatulence, vomiting after eating, licking at lips and the ground, or burying their food under the bed or couch.
• Check your dog’s stool for telltale signs of a sensitive stomach. Firm, well-formed stools are the hallmark of a healthy digestive tract. Loose, watery stools are a sign of diarrhea, while clay-colored stools or bloody stools may signal intestinal inflammation or infection.
• Monitor your pet’s food intake. Dogs with sensitive stomachs often display signs of aversion to certain foods or lose interest in food altogether. Make sure to observe your pet’s behavior around food and look out for indicators of picky eating.
• Pay attention to your dog’s appetite. If your pet always seems to be hungry for more food, it could be a sign of an underlying digestive issue such as a sensitive stomach.
• Take note of any dietary changes or new treats or table food your dog is consuming. Certain ingredients can increase sensitivity in some dogs. If you’ve recently changed foods or added treats to your pet’s diet, consider stopping for a few days to assess if that change was the cause of the sensitivity.
• Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a sensitive stomach. A veterinarian can examine the stool and discuss any other symptoms with you and suggest dietary modifications or medications to ease your pet’s discomfort.

What Causes Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs?

Sensitive stomachs in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, allergies, parasites, and medical conditions.

1. Diet: A poor quality diet can often lead to an upset stomach. This can include diets high in fat, low in fiber, or a lack of essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Dogs may also experience digestive issues when changes are made too quickly to their diet, such as trying a new brand of food or switching to a new food entirely.
2. Stress: Stress has a significant impact on the health and well-being of dogs. Stress can lead to various digestive upset issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Some of the most common causes of stress in dogs are separation anxiety, boredom, and fear.
3. Allergies: Allergies can lead to an upset stomach in dogs, either due to food or environmental allergies. A dog with a food allergy will experience digestive issues when a particular type of food is consumed, while a dog with an environmental allergy may experience digestive issues when exposed to certain substances like pollen or dust.
4. Parasites: Dogs can pick up parasites from a variety of sources, such as other animals or contaminated food or water. Parasites can cause a variety of digestive issues, ranging from mild to severe. Worms are the most common type of parasitic infection in dogs.
5. Medical Conditions: Medical conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastritis can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Dogs may also experience digestive upset due to a foreign body or the side effects of certain medications. If a veterinary exam reveals no underlying cause of your dog’s sensitive stomach, it is important to consult your veterinarian for a referral to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog is receiving the proper nutrition for optimal health.

Ingredients in Dog Food That Can Upset Dog Stomachs

• Grains: Grains such as wheat, corn, and soy can cause problems for some dogs who may be sensitive or allergic to grain-based diets. Grains can also cause digestive issues when eaten in large quantities and can be difficult for some dogs to digest.
• High-fat Ingredients: High-fat ingredients like salt pork, beef tallow, and poultry fat can cause digestive upset in some dogs. These ingredients can also be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause vomiting or diarrhea.
• Artificial Colors and Flavors: Artificial colors and flavors found in some types of dog food may be difficult for some dogs to digest. They can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
• Preservatives: Some types of preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin can cause allergic reactions in some dogs, and are best avoided.
• By-Products: By-products such as feet, liver, and various organs can also cause digestive issues and should be avoided if possible.

Petsmart Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

1. BellyBites: This is a line of pet food designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains highly digestible sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as natural prebiotics to promote healthy digestion. BellyBites also features an advanced blend of vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition.
2. Nutro Limited-Ingredient: This is a limited-ingredient formula that is designed to support dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains a single source of animal protein, which helps to reduce stomach upset caused by food allergies. This formula also provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
3. Nutro Ultra: Nutro Ultra Sensitive Stomach Formula has easily digestible ingredients such as lamb meal, salmon, and brown rice. The low-fat formula also contains natural prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet: This is designed to be a complete nutritive diet for dogs with food allergies. The formula includes natural sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as probiotics, to support digestive health. The ingredients are natural and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Petsmart Dog Food Brands

• Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo is a popular brand of dog food made with real meat as the first ingredient. All Blue Buffalo recipes are made with “LifeSource Bits” which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals specifically tailored for the optimal health and well-being of your dog.
• Natural Balance: Natural Balance offers dog food for all ages and activity levels. The ingredients vary depending on the type of food but can include high-quality sources of proteins such as chicken, lamb, duck, and salmon, as well as vegetables, fruits, grains, and vitamins.
• Iams: Iams offers a range of adult, puppy, large breed, and senior pet foods. These are nutrient-rich formulas designed to help keep your pet healthy and happy.
• Nutro: Nutro has a selection of grain-free, high-protein, and limited-ingredient diets, as well as options for puppies, seniors, and smaller breeds.
• Purina: This company offers a variety of wet and dry food for puppies, adults, and seniors. Many of their recipes are specifically designed to be high in protein and low in fat.

Tips for Buying Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

1. Choose a food that does not have any grains such as corn, wheat, or soy in the ingredients list. Many grains can be difficult to digest, so opt for a food made with healthier options such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, legumes, and rice.
2. Look for animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish listed as the first few ingredients. Protein helps to build and maintain a healthy digestive system, so steer clear of foods that are heavy in fillers and artificial ingredients.
3. Opt for foods that are labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “limited ingredient” diets. These types of food are designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, while still offering the nutrient-rich benefits of a complete food.
4. Avoid foods with added sugars or artificial sweeteners. These types of ingredients can cause an upset stomach, so make sure to read the ingredient list closely and choose food without added sugar or sweeteners.
5. Feed your dog two to three small meals per day, rather than one large meal. This helps to make sure the food is being digested and absorbed properly and makes it easier on your pup’s sensitive stomach.
6. If you’re considering a raw food diet, consult your vet first. Raw diets can be beneficial for many dogs, but it’s important to make sure your pup is getting all the necessary nutrients.
7. Watch for any signs of distress after your pup eats, and observe their behavior. Some dogs may be more reactive to certain foods than others, so be aware of any gastrointestinal issues that may arise.

Transitioning Your Dog with Sensitive Stomach to a Different Food

When transitioning your dog with a sensitive stomach to a different food, it is important to introduce the new food slowly. Begin by mixing about 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food and gradually increase the amount of new food over the course of a few days or weeks. If your pup’s stomach does not react negatively to the new food, increase the ratio further until your pup is 100% on the new food. It is also important to keep an eye out for any signs of stomach upset while transitioning to the new food, such as vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, or reduced appetite. If any of these symptoms occur, you may need to reduce the amount of new food for a few days and slowly increase it again. Your vet may also be able to advise you on the best food to help manage your pup’s sensitive stomach.

Petsmart Dog Food Reviews

Petsmart dog food is overall well-reviewed, garnering an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across reviews. Customers praise Petsmart dog food for its affordability, high-quality ingredients, and for providing a balanced nutritional diet designed to keep their pets healthy. Many customers have noted how their pets’ coats have become shinier or coats have darkened after switching to Petsmart dog food. Additionally, customers with large, active breeds have found that their pets are more energetic after switching to Petsmart. Complaints include that the packaging generally has been noted to be difficult to handle and that the food pieces are often too big for small dogs.

FAQ

Q. What is the #1 best dog food?

A. The #1 best dog food will vary depending on the individual dog and its needs. Factors to consider when choosing dog food may include breed, age, and the diet recommended by a veterinarian. Generally speaking, the best dog food will feature high-quality ingredients such as proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are appropriate for the age and activity level of the dog.

Q. What are the 3 types of dog food?

A. The three types of dog food are dry, wet, and semi-moist. Dry dog food typically consists of a mixture of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are processed into kibble. Wet dog food is generally in a canned or pouch form and consists of moist ingredients which can include meats, vegetables, and other fillers. Semi-moist food typically comes in the form of pre-packaged pouches and contains higher amounts of sugar or fat than either the wet or dry varieties.

Q. Does PetSmart make dog food?

A. No, PetSmart does not make dog food. The company offers a variety of brands of dog food available for purchase in their stores or online.

Q. What food is easiest on a dog’s stomach?

A. The best type of food for a dog’s stomach is typically one made with easily digestible ingredients such as cooked white rice, oatmeal, boiled chicken (skinless), and vegetables. Foods that are easily digestible will create less strain on the dog’s digestive system. Additionally, opting for high-quality dog food is also recommended, as this will help ensure that all necessary vitamins and minerals are being provided.

Q. Does Petsmart carry natural balance dog food?

A. Yes, PetSmart carries Natural Balance dog food. PetSmart carries a wide selection of Natural Balance products across different lines, including grain-free, limited-ingredient, and nutrition-packed recipes.

Q. Is it cheaper to buy dog food online or at Petsmart?

A. It depends on a variety of factors, including the type of dog food you are looking for, the size of the package, and the cost of delivery. Generally, online stores offer more competitive prices than physical stores, as they do not have the overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical store. However, if you have access to a Petsmart or other large pet store, you can often find clearance or discounted items that make it cheaper to buy in-store.

Conclusion

Petsmart has a wide selection of dog foods specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods are made with high-quality ingredients that provide adequate nutrition for your dog while being easier to digest. They also contain no artificial flavors, preservatives, or other additives that can lead to digestive problems. In addition, Petsmart offers a variety of wet and dry dog food options that can be tailored to meet your pet’s individual needs. With Petsmart’s wide selection of dog food for sensitive stomachs, you can be sure to find one that your pet will love and help maintain good digestive health.