Dog with a sensitive stomach? What helps, and when to see the vet
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Occasional tummy upsets are common in dogs. But if your dog often has loose stools, wind or an unsettled stomach, a few changes can make a real difference — and some signs mean it's time for the vet.
See your vet promptly if…
- there's blood in vomit or stools, or stools are black;
- vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day, or keeps coming back;
- your dog is lethargic, off their food, in pain or losing weight;
- it's a puppy, an elderly dog or a dog with other health problems — they can go downhill faster.
Change food slowly
Sudden switches are one of the most common causes of upset tummies. Mix the new food in gradually over about 7–10 days: a quarter new for a few days, then half, then three-quarters, then all new.
Simple habits that help
- Keep it consistent: the same food at the same times, split into two meals.
- Cut the extras: table scraps, rich chews and lots of different treats are frequent culprits.
- Weigh portions: overfeeding alone can cause loose stools — see how much to feed.
- Watch the scavenging on walks.
- Fresh water should always be available.
What about "sensitive" foods?
Foods marketed as sensitive usually use a single animal protein, fewer ingredients or easily digestible carbohydrates. They help some dogs, but there's no single best recipe. If your vet suspects a food allergy or intolerance, they may suggest a strict elimination diet with a prescription or hydrolysed food for several weeks — that's the reliable way to find out, rather than trying one bag after another.
The cost angle
Specialist foods can cost noticeably more per day. Once you've found one that suits your dog, compare its cost per day with our calculator and buy the largest bag you'll use while it's fresh.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog's health, speak to your vet.
Last updated September 2026.