Top 10 Grain-Free Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
Paws Are GoodIf your pup has a sensitive stomach then you know how tricky mealtime can be. Upset tummies, irregular stools, or skin irritations can all be signs that something in your dog’s diet isn’t quite right.
For many dogs, grains like corn, wheat, or soy can trigger digestive issues. That’s where grain-free dog food comes in handy and helpful as it provides nutrition without the irritants.
To help you navigate the plenty of options without getting overwhelmed, we’ve rounded up the top 10 grain-free dog foods that are specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs.
Each one is highly rated, packed with easily digestible ingredients, and free from unnecessary fillers. So, let’s get into details to make your furry friend happy.
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato
Why it’s great:
Blue Buffalo Basics is a favorite for dogs with food sensitivities. This recipe uses a single animal protein source (turkey) and includes easily digestible carbs like potatoes and peas.
Key Benefits:
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Limited ingredient formula
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No chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs
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Contains pumpkin and pea fiber to aid digestion
Perfect for: Dogs with multiple food allergies or intolerances.
Blue Buffalo Basic Gain-Free Turkey & Potato Grain Free dog food review.
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Turkey & Chicken
Why it’s great:
This high-protein, grain-free formula is packed with real turkey and chicken. Both of these ingredients are easy on sensitive stomachs. Wellness also adds probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber to support gut health.
Key Benefits:
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Includes live probiotics
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No meat by-products or fillers
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Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Perfect for: Active dogs with a sensitive stomach who need lots of energy.
3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
Why it’s great:
Natural Balance specializes in limited ingredient diets. This grain-free recipe features sweet potato and salmon. Both ingredients are easily digestible and that makes it ideal for dogs with allergies or digestive problems.
Key Benefits:
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Just a few, simple ingredients
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High in omega-3s from fish
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Supports healthy digestion and skin
Perfect for: Dogs with sensitive skin and digestion issues.
4. Canidae PURE Real Lamb & Pea Recipe
Why it’s great:
Made with just 8 key ingredients. You must be thinking “Just” 8 ingredients? But, believe us it is not heavy. Canidae PURE is a clean and very simple food for dogs who need a gentle diet.
Lamb is a key protein for many dogs, reducing the chance of food sensitivities.
Key Benefits:
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Lamb as the first ingredient
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No corn, wheat, soy, or fillers
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Fortified with probiotics and antioxidants
Perfect for: Picky eaters and dogs with ingredient intolerances.
5. Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
Why it’s great:
Merrick delivers a high-quality, USA-made dog food that’s grain-free and packed with deboned chicken. Sweet potato adds fiber for better digestion, plus the recipe includes glucosamine for joint support.
Key Benefits:
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High in protein and healthy fats
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Excellent for digestive health
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No artificial colors or preservatives
Perfect for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs who also need joint care.
6. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato
Why it’s great:
Nutro keeps it simple with just 10 key ingredients and no GMOs or artificial additives. Lamb is the main protein, and sweet potatoes provide easy-to-digest energy.
Key Benefits:
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Non-GMO ingredients
$29.99$24.99 -
No chicken, beef, dairy, or corn
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Designed for food sensitivity relief
Perfect for: Dogs with a history of chronic stomach upset.
7. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free
Why it’s great:
This grain-free dog food is a bestseller for a reason. Its salmon-based formula is rich in omega fatty acids and highly digestible ingredients. It mimics a natural diet with sweet potatoes, peas, and blueberries.
Key Benefits:
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Novel proteins like smoked salmon
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Includes probiotics and antioxidants
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No grains, corn, wheat, or artificial flavors
Perfect for: Dogs with grain allergies and skin sensitivities.
8. Zignature Trout & Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula
Why it’s great:
Zignature prides itself on limited-ingredient formulas made with exotic proteins. Trout and salmon provide omega-3s and help with inflammation and digestion.
Key Benefits:
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Single protein source
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Hypoallergenic ingredients
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Great for dogs with IBS or IBD
Perfect for: Dogs who have failed to thrive on mainstream diets.
9. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Real Turkey Recipe
Why it’s great:
Instinct offers a simple but nutritious formula made with cage-free turkey and only one vegetable. No grain, dairy, eggs, or chicken to trigger sensitivities.
Key Benefits:
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Raw-coated kibble for added nutrition
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Only one animal protein and one veggie
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No artificial colors or preservatives
Perfect for: Dogs who react poorly to complex diets.
10. American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato
Why it’s great:
Affordable and nutritious, this Chewy-exclusive brand delivers big value. Salmon and sweet potato offer great digestibility and support for skin and coat.
Key Benefits:
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Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality
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Great source of omega-3 and omega-6
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Limited ingredient for gentle digestion
Perfect for: Dog owners looking for quality without breaking the bank.
How to Transition to Grain-Free Dog Food
Switching to a new food is always a challenge. Especially for a dog with a sensitive stomach, switching to a new food should be done gradually over 7 to 10 days.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new grain-free dog food with your dog’s current food. Gradually start increasing the new grain-free dog food while decreasing the old. This helps avoid digestive upset during the transition.
Sample Schedule for Grain-Free Dog Food Transition:
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Days 1–3: 25% new, 75% old
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Days 4–6: 50% new, 50% old
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Days 7–9: 75% new, 25% old
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Day 10: 100% new food
During this grain-free dog food transition period, make sure to watch for any signs of discomfort like vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in energy levels. If you notice anything concerning, consult your vet right away.
A grain-free diet isn’t the answer for every dog, but for pups with sensitive stomachs, it can be a game changer. Whether your dog struggles with skin flare-ups, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea, switching to one of these top-rated grain-free options might offer much-needed relief. As always, talk to your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.
Your furry friend deserves the best grain-free dog food that can be simple but easy on stomach.
