3 Simple Homemade Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Stomach sensitivity restricts dogs from eating food and treats that can irritate their digestive tract. Dog owners must be scrupulous in choosing doggy snacks to avoid setting off gastrointestinal issues and promote better digestive health.

Before we share dog treat recipes, let us talk about the causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs and learn the ideal food to feed them.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Stomach sensitivity in dogs can be caused by many factors, such as stress and anxiety resulting from lifestyle changes. Indiscriminately eating foreign objects may lead to digestive issues.

Suddenly switching to new dog food or long-term consumption of nutritionally imbalanced meals are possible reasons as well.

Other common catalysts of this condition are varying types of canine health problems such as:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Endocrine disorders
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intestinal parasite infestation
• Pancreatitis
• Renal or liver diseases

Due to the numerous potential causes of stomach sensitivity in dogs, a thorough veterinary diagnosis is required to identify the main source of the condition precisely.

Depending on the results, the veterinarian may suggest dietary changes as one of the treatment options to manage or resolve the health issue. This may include switching to sensitive stomach-friendly dog treats.

What Types of Treats Are Suitable for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs?

Dog treats for sensitive stomachs need to be intentional in their choice of ingredients to prevent GI upset. Here is a checklist when looking for this type of doggy snack for your dog:

1. Largely Made Up of Fresh Food

Highly processed dog treats containing plenty of artificial additives and preservatives are difficult for canines to digest. Moreover, a handful of these synthetic ingredients are linked to health issues like tumor formation.

Dog treats made with fresh food are easier on dogs’ stomachs and provide higher levels of nutrients.

2. Fiber-Rich

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often experience bouts of diarrhea resulting from digestive issues. Treats dense with soluble and insoluble fiber, which can be sourced from food like vegetables and fruits, can help with firming up loose stools.

3. Low in Fat

Certain GI issues like gastroenteritis impede dogs’ ability to properly digest fats. Consuming high-fat dog treats can exacerbate stomach sensitivity and worsen pre-existing digestive disorders.

Thus, dog treats for sensitive stomachs ideally should have minimal fat content.

4. Uses Limited Ingredients

Using only a few ingredients aids in determining the specific ingredient causing stomach sensitivity, especially in dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.

Limited-ingredient treats usually contain a single meat protein sourced from one animal and one or two carbohydrate sources.

Some wonder whether there is a difference between grain-free and limited-ingredient diets. Grain-free food for dogs is completely devoid of grains while limited ingredient meals may contain certain types of grains.

Dogs do not necessarily have to be on a strictly grain-free diet unless their condition calls for it, such as grain allergies or intolerances.

Read: The Impact of Food Allergies on Your Dog’s Health: How to Identify and Treat Them

3 Easy Treat Recipes for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

Finding healthy commercial treats that cater to the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs can be challenging. Many products are laden with dubious ingredients that may aggravate digestive problems in dogs.

Hence, several pawrents chose to make their very own dog treats for sensitive stomachs instead since they are in control of what ingredients to use. Here are some recipes you can add to your cookbook for pets:

1. Chewy Rice Cake Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Ingredients

For the rice cake dough

• ¼ cup potato starch
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 3 tablespoons all-natural unsweetened blueberry jam
• 6 tablespoons water

For the rice cake filling

• 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 6 tablespoons all-natural unsweetened blueberry jam

Instructions

For the filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and blueberry jam.
2. Fill a small-sized silicone baking mold with the blueberry Greek yogurt mixture.
3. Allow it to freeze for around 2 hours or until completely solid.

For the rice cake dough

1. Mix the glutinous rice flour, water, and blueberry jam in a microwave-safe container until a dough with no lumps is formed.
2. Loosely cover the container with a clean towel or a plastic wrap.
3. Microwave the rice cake dough on full power for 1 minute.
4. Remove the container from the microwave, then stir the mixture using a spatula. You can coat the spatula with potato starch to keep the dough from sticking to it.
5. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir again. Repeat until the dough becomes translucent and very sticky. It should come together in a loose ball.
6. Lightly dust a parchment paper with potato starch.
7. Lightly coat the dough with potato starch, then flatten it to around 0.5-inch thick on the parchment paper using a rolling pin.
8. Use a cookie cutter to cut out round shapes from the dough. If they still have an overly sticky consistency, sprinkle them with potato starch.

Forming the rice cake

1. Take out the silicone mold from the freezer.
2. Place a frozen ball of blueberry yogurt at the center of a flattened rice cake dough.
3. Pinch the corners of the dough together to seal the filling in. Remove excess dough using scissors.
4. Repeat the process until you use up all the dough.
5. Offer chewy rice cake dog treats for sensitive stomachs at room temperature.

Notes

• Do not stretch the rice cake dough too much as it may tear easily.
• Only use the potato starch when the dough is excessively sticky. Otherwise, it will be difficult to properly seal the filling because the dough is too dry.
• Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Frozen chewy rice cakes can regain their chewy texture by microwaving them in a heat-proof bowl for around 10 to 20 seconds. Avoid overmicrowaving these dog treats for sensitive stomachs since it will turn them into goo.

2. Apple Fries Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Ingredients

• ¼ cup arrowroot powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large apples

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper.
3. Rinse, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick sticks.
4. Place the arrowroot powder and ground cinnamon in a ziplock bag. Shake to combine.
5. Put the apple sticks in the ziplock bag, then shake until all of them are coated in arrowroot and ground cinnamon mixture.
6. Arrange the apple sticks on the lined baking sheet and lightly drizzle them with olive oil.
7. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until golden. Make sure to flip the apple fries halfway through so that both sides have a crispy outer layer.
8. Allow these dog treats for sensitive stomachs to completely cool before feeding them to your furry pal.

Notes

• You can either use peeled or unpeeled apples for this recipe.
• Avoid leaving these dog treats for sensitive stomachs too long in the oven to prevent them from turning mushy.
• Apple fries make great bite-size training treats for pooches suffering from stomach sensitivities.

3. Mini Rice Patty Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet.
3. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
4. To form patties, use a muffin scooper to scoop out the mixture. Place each scoop on a clean, flat working surface, then gently press them into 1½-inch big patties with half an inch of thickness.
5. Transfer them to the lined baking sheet and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.
6. Bake the mini rice patty dog treats for sensitive stomachs for about 10 to 15 on each side until brown and crispy.
7. Let them fully cool down before allowing your dog to snack on them.

FAQs About Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

1. How Do I Know If My Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach?

You will know if your dog has a sensitive stomach whenever he exhibits the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Soft, watery stools
• Flatulence

More severe clinical signs are bloody feces, anorexia, lethargy, and abdominal pains. Mild to severe signs of stomach sensitivity call for a checkup to identify the root cause and to find the right treatment.

2. What Food Makes Dogs Stomach Feel Better?

Easily digestible food with low-fat content can help make dogs’ stomachs feel better. Being fiber-dense may also aid in addressing certain digestive issues that often accompany stomach sensitivity such as diarrhea.

Keep in mind that every dog has varying dietary requirements. So if you intend to make changes in your dog’s diet, inform the veterinarian beforehand to be sure that these adjustments meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

3. How Often Should I Feed My Dog With a Sensitive Stomach?

We suggest feeding your dog with a sensitive stomach multiple small meals in a day. For example, if you are feeding him 2 times a day, consider splitting them into 4 smaller meals.

By consuming food in small amounts, his digestive tract is less likely to get overworked and irritated.

4. Are Liver Treats Good for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs?

Liver treats are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs when consumed in great moderation. Never feed more than one serving a day because liver treats are rich in fats, which may worsen stomach upset if eaten in large amounts.

Summary

A dog with a sensitive stomach requires special attention to his diet, including the doggy snacks he consumes.

As it can be tricky to find commercial dog treats formulated for dogs experiencing this type of condition, homemade treats are the go-to option for many dog owners.

By making your own doggy snacks at home, you have complete knowledge as to what ingredients were used. It gives you peace of mind, knowing that your pooch is eating treats specifically tailored to his needs.

If you are looking for other allergy-friendly recipes, check out our 4 Homemade Turkey Grain-Free Dog Treats.