How to Settle Your Dog’s Stomach: An Expert Guide

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The mad dash to the garden in the middle of the night, the gurgling gut that’s impossibly loud, or the fragrant gust of wind that stops you dead in your tracks; an upset stomach is stressful for both you and your pooch.

As a pet nutritionist, I see these not-so-glamorous moments all the time. Often, they’re the result of a sneaky snack raid and will go away with a little encouragement from you. However, if you’re cleaning up runny poos on a regular basis, you could be dealing with a sensitive stomach

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! My name is Emma Passman, from the Pure Pet Food pet panel, and I’ve got some quick tips to help settle your dog’s stomach.

What should I give a dog with an upset stomach?

1. Give their tummy a rest

Just like us, when a dog’s digestive system is irritated, it needs time to calm down. As such, one of the most effective first steps is to withhold food for a short period, typically between 12 to 24 hours for an adult dog.

This brief fast allows the inflammation in their gut to subside without the stress of digesting a meal.

However, it's absolutely crucial that you continue to provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration, especially if they’ve been sick or had diarrhoea.

Important note: You shouldn’t use this step for young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions without first consulting your vet, as they have different metabolic needs.

2. Introduce a bland diet

After a short fast, don't go straight back to their usual food. Instead, offer a simple, bland diet that’s easy for their sensitive gut to process.

Think small portions of boiled, boneless, skinless chicken or white fish, mixed with plain boiled white rice or sweet potato.

These foods are low in fat and highly digestible, providing necessary nutrients without forcing the digestive system to work too hard.

Feed this bland diet in small, frequent meals over the next day or two. This approach helps to ease them back into eating and allows you to monitor their recovery, before transitioning back to their regular meals.

3. Focus on hydration

Dehydration is a real risk when a dog has an upset stomach, particularly if they’re losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhoea. That’s why ensuring they have constant access to fresh water is vital.

If they’re reluctant to drink, you can try a few things to encourage them.

For example, adding a small amount of water to their bland food can help increase their fluid intake. Some dogs are also tempted by ice cubes, even when they show little interest in their water bowl.

Regardless, it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s water intake and regularly check for signs of dehydration, like lethargy or tacky gums.

4. Consider probiotics

An upset stomach can disrupt the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in your dog’s gut. That's where probiotics come in, beneficial bacteria that help restore that natural equilibrium and support overall digestive health.

While you can get probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs, plain unsweetened yoghurt or kefir are natural food sources to try too.

These can help repopulate the gut with healthy flora, aiding recovery and potentially strengthening their digestive system against future upsets.

You can even find dog treats formulated with these gut-friendly supplements, such as Pure’s probiotic daily bites. This means you can still reward your pup without the worry of undoing all your good work helping them through their upset stomach episode!

However, you should always consult your vet before adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet.

5. Transition back slowly

Once your dog’s stools are firm and they haven’t been sick for at least 24 hours, you can start reintroducing their normal food.

The key here is to do it gradually to avoid shocking their system, putting them right back to square one.

Start by mixing a small amount of their regular food (about 25%) with their current bland diet (75%).

Over the next three to five days, slowly adjust the ratio, increasing the amount of their normal food and decreasing the bland food until they are fully back on their usual diet.

With this slow and steady transition, you give their digestive system time to readjust, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery.

What if their upset stomach is a recurring issue?

A one-off episode of tummy troubles is usually nothing to worry about. They might simply have snaffled something they shouldn’t have on a walk or eaten one too many treats in one sitting.

However, if you find that you’re constantly dealing with diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive gas, your dog may have a sensitive stomach.

There’s absolutely nothing to worry about, it just means their digestive system is more reactive than normal. In fact, with most cases, you can easily manage a sensitive stomach with a simple change in diet.

Signs of a sensitive stomach to watch out for

It can be tricky to know if your dog is just prone to the odd upset or if they are dealing with a more long-term issue.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that can point towards a sensitive stomach, if your dog experiences them on a regular basis:

❌ Intermittent loose stools or diarrhoea: 

This is the most common sign of a sensitive stomach. An occasional soft poo is normal, but if it’s happening weekly or even more frequently, it’s a red flag.

❌ Vomiting: 

While dogs can be sick for many reasons, regular vomiting (especially after meals) can indicate that their food isn’t agreeing with them.

❌ Excessive gas (flatulence): 

We all know the sound (and smell!). While a bit of wind is normal, excessive or particularly foul-smelling gas is often a sign of poor digestion and food fermentation in the gut.

❌ Lack of appetite or fussiness: 

If your dog seems reluctant to eat or often turns their nose up at their bowl, it could be because they associate eating with feeling uncomfortable afterwards.

❌ Loud gurgling noises from the stomach: 

A noisy gut (known as borborygmi) can be a sign of gas moving through the intestines and is common in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

❌ Itchy skin or a dull coat:

Poor gut health can often manifest externally, leading to issues like itchy, flaky skin and a lack of shine in their coat.

What’s the best food for dogs with a sensitive stomach?

If you suspect your dog has a sensitive stomach, changing their diet is the most important step you can take.

The best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs is one that is gentle, nutritious, and free from common irritants. Look for a diet that is highly digestible, meaning your dog’s body can easily break it down and absorb the nutrients.

A food with a limited and transparent ingredient list is also a great idea, as it reduces the number of potential triggers and makes it easier to identify any problem ingredients.

For example, many dogs with sensitivities do well on grain-free recipes with a single source of animal protein.

As a nutritionist, this is where I see the benefits of a minimally processed diet firsthand. An approach like the one we use at Pure Pet Food, for instance, focuses on gently air-drying natural, human-quality ingredients to preserve their nutritional value.

The simple act of adding warm water rehydrates the food into a soft, warm meal that is incredibly easy for a sensitive gut to handle. This makes our sensitive dog food an excellent choice for managing long-term digestive health without compromising on nutrition.

Ultimately, with a few simple changes to their diet and daily habits, you can help manage even the most sensitive of stomachs, keeping your best friend happy, healthy, and comfortable.

As always, if you have any ongoing concerns, your vet is the best person to talk to for more tailored advice.

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Emma Passman

Pet Nutritionist and Pet Food Formulator

With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Emma is skilled in all things pet nutrition, she also has a background in technical management, giving her a well-informed view of all things pet food.

She's a life-long animal and animal welfare advocate and helps us make sure we're doing the best we can for pets. As part of the Pure Pet Food expert panel, she ensures every meal is the perfect choice for your dog's health.

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