Best Dog Food for German Shepherd with Sensitive Stomach
Proper nutrition is vital for your dog’s health and growth. Just as is the case with humans, some dogs suffer from food sensitivities and allergies and one may have to try out different dog food types before settling for the one that sits right with his stomach. The German Shepherd breed is prone to stomach sensitivity.
In this guide, we will look at the best dog food for a German Shepherd with sensitive stomach. If you diagnose stomach sensitivity to a particular food, do not panic as there are preventive measures to help deal with the issue. Before looking at our top picks for best dog food for German Shepherd with sensitive stomach, let’s discuss some of the causes of stomach sensitivity.
Common Causes of Stomach Sensitivity in German Shepherds
Understanding the causes of stomach sensitivity in your German Shepherd is important. It will help in developing the solution to the sensitive stomach.
- Parasites
Despite your efforts to control what your pooch eats; it may end up eating food that it shouldn’t. If the food had parasites, they end up in your dog’s digestive system and cause a temporarily upset. Inspect the stool for parasites.
- Warm Weather
There are more cases of stomach sensitivity in German Shepherds in warmer regions. This is mainly due to quicker food spoilage in warm weather. When you feed your pup food that is starting to spoil, the chances of having a sensitive system increase.
- The Food the German Shepherd Eats
Some ingredients in dog food may trigger stomach sensitivity. Your pup may be allergic to certain food and eating food with that particular food causes digestive problems. An allergic reaction to a certain food is due to proteins. Remember dogs are carnivores and meat is their main diet. However, meat is not the only source of proteins, some food recipes incorporate grains and vegetables which have proteins.
Most food allergens in dogs are wheat, dairy, and beef. German Shepherds may also be intolerant to certain foods. For example, your GSD may have lactose intolerance. Figuring out what is causing the upsets involves eliminating the food from the diet.
- Genetics
Sometimes your canine friend is born with a sensitive stomach. In this case, the problem begins very early in life and the pet owner must device proper care. Genetics also predispose German Shepherds to digestive disorders.
The disorders cause diarrhea, recurring vomiting, and even weight loss. To mitigate the problems caused by the disorders, you should provide your GSD with high-quality pet food. Avoid feeding your buddy snacks and table food as they are bad to its digestion.
Experiencing difficulty in choosing the best dog food for your German Shepherd’s sensitive stomach? Below is a list of dog foods that are well designed to meet this need.
1) Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Ranking among the best dog foods available in the market, this brand gives a wide variety to choose from, all designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. All Blue Basics recipes boast well-balanced ingredients sourced from high-quality sources to ensure your pets get the best nutritional value.
This dog food is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables that support overall muscle growth and provide for the energy needed by your German Shepherd. This food is also suitable for small and large breeds. The limited ingredient formulation makes it the best dog food for German Shepherd with sensitive stomach.
You may find it in different packages and flavors like tasty canned meals, oven-baked meals oozing crunchy goodness, and tasty dog treats as well. With rich antioxidants forming part of its composition, this food ensures maximum nutrition value for your dog. It is an appropriate choice too if you’re looking for food that is free from artificial additives, poultry, and beef products.
Key features
- Available in different flavors.
- Draws protein from a single animal source
- Designed for dogs with food sensitivities
- Contains a precise blend of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins
- Free of artificial additives
2) Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance has been in the business of producing dog foods that meet the overall nutritional needs of pets with LID, limited ingredients being one of the popular products.
This dog food is thoughtfully prepared to limit the number of ingredients intake by your pet and grain elimination further reducing chances of stomach irritation. Since the formula uses limited protein and carbohydrates, the food qualifies as the best dog food for German Shepherd with sensitive stomach.
The food is available for all dog life stages all dependent on the formula you choose. The wide range of flavors helping you choose and avoid allergic ingredients for your dog’s sensitive tummy. Furthermore, with a wide range to choose from your pet will find its preferred flavor and still obtain the required nutritional value with no upset to its digestive system.
There are sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals that provide a complete diet for strong muscle and healthy digestion. What more could one want but their German shepherd strong and healthy, ready to make most of your time together?
Features
- Large range of flavors to pick from.
- Ideal for different dog life stages
- Grain-free so reduced stomach agitation
- Formulated to fit dogs with food allergies and related sensitivities
- Available in different bag sizes
3) Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
Nature’s Variety is known for its belief that what we feed our pets should be as close to its natural state as possible. If you are after obtaining an original native taste of food for your pet, then this is the best dog food for you. It offers zero artificial additions, no preservatives only natural ingredients. Without a doubt, it is a solid choice for best dog food for German Shepherd with sensitive stomach.
Additionally, this dog food goes through cold pressure technology as opposed to being processed using high heat keeping it as natural and raw as possible. Consumption of this type of food maximizes digestion while providing natural oils for healthy skin and coat and strong muscle build-up. Also, as your German Shepherd chews on this delicacy, he will be developing healthy teeth and gums.
Features
- Made from natural ingredients
- Goes through less processing to keep its original state intact
- Is a grain, wheat, and gluten-free product
- Tailored for different dog sizes
- Focuses on one animal protein
4) Wellness Simple Natural Grain Free Limited Dry Dog Food
If your focus is on dog food rich in omega fatty acids then this is a great choice. Crafted with a focus on a single source of protein, it offers your dog a simple but nourishing meal ensuring your German Shepherd attains optimal health with no stomach flare-ups.
The grain-free characteristic is a bonus as grains are often a contributor to digestive problems. The omega acids keep your furry friend’s coat soft and shiny while the easily digestible carbohydrates meet his energy level requirements. This dog food also comes with plant extracts that aid digestion and reduce fecal odor too.
There are different flavors available and your dog will surely gobble up his preferred flavor in a few minutes. With a focus also put on vitamins drawn from different fruits, this is one of the best dog food picks for you as well if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Features
- Rich in omega acids
- Provides a broad range of flavors to pick from making it suitable for picky eaters
- Contains rich amounts of minerals and vitamins for proper maintenance of bone, muscle and skin
- Grain-free product
- Naturally preserved no artificial flavors added
5) Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin
As one cares for the insides of your dog, looking out for its outer parts is also key. This dog food is suitable for this very purpose as it provides nutrition for proper digestive health and complements skin health too.
Contained in it are well-balanced ingredients that provide energy and growth that leave your pet’s tummy full with no irritation and at the same time giving it lustrous skin and coat.
This dog food keeps your German Shepherd hydrated and has its weight in check which is one of the advantages of wet dog food over dry thanks to its higher moisture content. You can feed the dog this food exclusively or you can throw in a little of it in its dry food occasionally as a yummy treat.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to switch from dry to wet food, then this would be a perfect choice. Both choices keep your dog’s sensitive stomach fully catered for. Also if your dog has some dental issues, this type of dog food eases the chewing process for him.
Features
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
- Can be used with dry food
- Appealing to picky eaters
- Offers hydration for your dog
- Made from natural substances
Criteria For Choosing Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd with Sensitive Stomach
Here are some important factors to put into consideration when picking dog food for your pup:
Number of Ingredients
A German Shepherd is required to consume a variety of ingredients to obtain a well-balanced diet. However, it is important to limit the number of ingredients in the meal. The higher the number of ingredients in the dog’s food, the more likely it will upset its digestive system. Always check for protein as the first ingredient and avoid dog foods that contain fillers and artificial additives.
Contains Easily Digestible Ingredients
Known for their inability to produce enough enzymes to break down and digest food properly, German Shepherds require their food to contain substances that will be easily processed by their bodies. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you would want to keep this in check so as not to burden their digestive system with food that is not easy to digest. In addition to this, some foods also contain ingredients that help the excretion process by ensuring easy stool removal and clean up.
Age of your Dog
This is another key factor to consider when choosing what to feed your dog. There are a wide variety of dog foods available for all dog life stages while others are for specific stages.
Depending on the age and size of your dog, you will want to monitor their food intake as some foods may no longer be tolerable for them as they age. You should therefore choose a dog food that will not irritate and overwhelm their sensitive stomach while still ensuring their nutritional needs are met.
Veterinarian Recommendation
Before experimenting with lots of dog foods, it is also important to work with a qualified veterinary doctor or specialist to check on any intolerances, allergies, and other stomach issues that your German Shepherd may be suffering from.
If your dog is already on a diet that upsets his stomach, working with a vet will assist you to know what to switch to and how to go about the transition process. This will curb the irritation and keep your furry companion full and healthy.
Dog’s Behavior
Some dogs experience food sensitivity and are at the same time choosy when it comes to their meals while others devour anything you pour into their bowl. If he is choosy probably does not like the brand you are feeding him or the food is a little too plain or he prefers wet dog food over dry food and vice versa. Depending on their preferences try and switch this up and introduce it to their feeding schedule.
You can also encourage feeding by reserving treats for him once in a while like after training sessions. Treats do not all have to be edible, if your dog loves attention, a little scratch on his neck once he is done eating will encourage consistent eating habits.
Read about the Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppy.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherd with Sensitive Stomach FAQs
Q: How Do You Know Your German Shepherd Has a Sensitive Stomach?
A: The symptoms of a sensitive stomach include but are not limited to the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Straining when passing out stool
- Blood or mucus in the stool
Q: What is Better Dry or Wet Food?
A: Both have excellent brands available in the market that offer excellent nutrition value for your pet. However, some pet owners prefer dry dog food over wet dog food due to relatively lower costs. Nevertheless, both are a good choice and if you cannot seem to pick, you might consider topping the dry food with the wet one. Together, they provide an exceptionally tasty and healthy meal.
Q: If I Switch My Dog’s Diet From one Food to Another, Will It CauseDigestive Upsets?
A: Slow and gradual transitioning over days, preferably a week or two is recommended when switching up foods so that the new food does not serve as a sudden shock to your dog’s system. If an upset is experienced during the transition period, consider slowing down the process. Some dog brands suggest an introduction of 25% of the new food with the current food at 75% over a couple of days, then 50% new food and 50% current, then 75% new food with 25% current then finally 100% new food at the last stage of transition.
Q: How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
A: Dogs love routine therefore establish a good feeding schedule and stick to it. You can align it with yours for example, which will keep him busy as you are eating. Puppies feed more times a day than adults therefore depending on your dog’s age you can plan well for their mealtime.
Q: Does My Dog Need a Prescription Diet?
A: Prescription diets are meant to be a temporary change of food to aid the treatment of your dog and should only be given under the instructions of a veterinarian.
Conclusion
When it comes to food, our four-legged buddies appreciate a well-prepared meal as much as we do. That is why care should be taken when picking food for them so that they can eat to their fill and experience no complications later. Most of these foods are free from artificial additions and contain every nutrient necessary for your dog’s growth. A good meal supplements overall good health and sleep as well leaving your pet energetic enough for more adventures with you. We hope the guide helps you pick the best dog food for him.