From a veterinarian’s mouth are the 10 foods dogs with sensitive stomachs need to avoid eating.
“Sensitive stomachs in dogs can result from food intolerance,” says Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, with The Caring Vet in NY.
10 Foods Never to Give a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach
According to Dr. Selmer, here are at least 10 food items (no particular order) that you should never give a dog with a sensitive stomach.
High fat foods. These foods are “difficult to digest and can cause inflammation of the pancreas,” notes Dr. Selmer. There are two exceptions: ground beef (low fat) and peanut butter.
Chocolate. Dogs cannot metabolize the theobromine in chocolate. Chocolate can cause seizures in dogs.
Coffee and tea. These are as bad as chocolate.
Raisins and grapes. These can lead to kidney failure.
Nutmeg. Seizures can result.
Raw eggs. Salmonella may be a problem.
Onions. Dr. Selmer says onions “are not advised, as they can interfere with blood circulation.”
Macadamia nuts. Dr. Selmer says these “can cause dogs to have tremors and lead to paralysis.”
He continues, “Other food cautions include moldy foods, yeast dough and fruit pits. Many pits contain cyanide.”
For stomach-sensitive dogs:
“Food intolerances can result from dyes, preservatives, contaminants or even natural proteins in the food,” explains Dr. Selmer.
“The solution is the feeding of a ‘pure’ diet, ideally home-cooked food made with carbohydrates and proteins that are new to the patient.
“Recently a new approach has been introduced that uses therapeutic diets made from hydrolyzed proteins. This means a conventional protein source is used; the protein is broken down into molecules too small to excite the immune system.”
Home-cooked Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Rice. “Rice is a good carbohydrate for dogs,” says Dr. Selmer. “Brown rice is preferable, as it has more nutrients.”
Brewers yeast
Flour (e.g. soy flour)
Cod liver oil or flaxseed. Dr. Selmer says that in small amounts these add omega 3 and helps keep their coats shiny.
Garlic; “can help get rid of fleas and tapeworms as well as fight infection; caution; large amounts can cause illness in dogs.”
Meats. Liver, beef, tuna, chicken, lamb. “It’s easier to add to food if the meat is ground.”
Dogs love peanut butter (who knew!), “and biscuits can be made with them by adding flour, bone meal and/or powdered milk, brewers yeast and carrots. Peanuts are one of the few nuts safe for your dog.”
He endorses also broccoli and spinach, “but they need to first be put through a food processor to aid in digestion.” (Don’t give broccoli in large amounts.) Add bone meal for calcium. “Raw meaty bones are a good source of calcium. “Powdered milk is also a popular ingredient in dog food.”
You now know how to manage the food intake of a dog with a sensitive stomach.
Dr. Selmer offers conventional Western plus holistic veterinary medicine, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine including acupuncture and herbal therapy, and integrative medical care for dogs and cats.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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