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There are a few things worse than dealing with diarrhea in your Australian Shepherd! We asked our 800,000 members from the Australian Shepherd community on Facebook the following question: “What’s the best food for an Australian Shepherd with a sensitive stomach?”
We’ve summarized the best responses below. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your Australian Shepherd’s health. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links below may be paid affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
18 Best Foods for an Australian Shepherd with a Sensitive Tummy
Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I feed mine with really bad sensitivity, Taste of the Wild Grain-free Salmon recipe(Pacific Stream, I believe). He does great, and it’s amazing for his coat.
Author: Stephen H.
Likes: 2
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Mine has the same problem. Hills Science Diet Sensitive Skin and Stomach! Worked great!
Author: Nancy Erkel Beno H.
Likes: 5
iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic for Dogs with Pumpkin
Not a food recommendation, but would HIGHLY recommend this probiotic chew from Amazon. My dog thinks they are a treat, and it solidified her poop in about 3 days.
Likes: 8
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Both my Aussies had sensitive stomachs, I had them on Science Diet prescription I/D, they had it all their life, no problem. They lived for 17 and 16 years. It’s expensive, I know, but you gotta do what’s right for the babies.
Author: Michael C.
Likes: 10
Health Extension Grain Free Duck & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
My Cooper suffered from gastric issues. I started buying Health Extensions duck grain-free, and it helped a lot. He cannot really eat anything other than that or raw.
Author: Wilda Acosta B.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
We have gone to a prescription Hills Science Diet Z/D hydrolyzed protein dry kibble after several years of battling gastric issues with our Aussie girl. It has been LIFE CHANGING for her. Depending on how bad your Aussie’s issues have been, my advice would be not to hesitate to try this food, but you’d need to have a conversation with your vet about it, as it is a prescription. Good luck.
Author: Jackie Pogemiller G.
Likes: 1
Depends on what they are sensitive to. Every pup is different. I’d start by getting foods with very limited ingredients and trying different proteins. Chicken and pork are common meats that can cause upset
Author: Melanie C.
Likes: 2
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Dry
Mine gets Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach salmon. Plus, they get a good probiotic, Probios.
Author: Cheri S.
Likes: 3
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wholemade™ Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food
Our girl had bad allergies and was sensitive to a few foods, so we buy Honest Kitchen kibble now, and she is doing great on it
Author: Mandy H.
Likes: 1
Purina ONE Plus Healthy Weight High-Protein Dog Food Dry Formula
I feed mine Purina One for a healthy weight. He was puking up every dog food I bought until I got this kind. Hope it works for you. It took me a long time and a lot of dog food purchases to finally find one that his belly accepted
Author: Kelly Jo F.
Likes: 0
NutriSource Adult Dog Food, Made with Chicken and Rice
We have a 9-year-old Aussie that has undergone stomach obstruction surgery. We feed Nutri-Source kibble. Any one of their varieties works great. We also add pumpkin, chicken, or rice.
Author: Angela S.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Hill’s prescription ID changed the game for my dog. I think it changed his whole gut microbiome. We never have accidents anymore. Bonus: he loves the taste of it.
Author: Jayme D.
Likes: 2
Diamond Maintenance Adult Dry Dog Food 22/12 for Moderately Active Dogs
We feed Diamond, they have different flavors, and it works great with our Aussies!
Author: Jennifer Alley G.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care
Hills Science Gastrointestinal Biome…..has done great for my Aussie. It’s prescription food.
Author: Lisa D.
Likes: 0
Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe
Used to feed Taste of the Wild grain-free bison and venison, but the vet told me to switch to ancient grains. Taste of the Wild bison and venison. I have noticed that she does seem to itch more now. She can’t have chicken either, so we’re limited on what to feed her.
Author: Diana S.
Likes: 0
We have used Rice and cooked ground turkey with a spoonful of canned pumpkin. Has worked for our sensitive stomach Aussies.
Author: Mike S.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Mine has a veryyyy sensitive stomach and is prone to appendicitis. We feed her Hills Science Diet for sensitive stomachs
Author: Susan H.
Likes: 0
Canned pumpkin is highly recommended by veterinarians for sensitive stomach & intestines. My dog had IBD, and pumpkin and a grain-free diet were the first suggestions from his vet. He got about 1oz per meal, but we weighed between 75-80 pounds, so your Toy Aussie would probably be fine with a lot less. Suggestion: It can get pretty gross even in the fridge after a few days, so I froze it in ice cube trays and kept the bag in the freezer. About 30 seconds in the microwave was enough to thaw a cube.
Author: Debby F.
Likes: 0
No matter what kind of dried dog food you buy, even if it costs $100 a bag, it is still processed food. I limit dried kibble, as best I can. Grain-free diets may help with digestion, but can hurt their heart function, so add supplements of whole grains, like oatmeal or brown rice. I also give my dogs a few drops of flaxseed oil daily.
Author: Suellen Willetts C.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best foods for Australian Shepherds with sensitive stomachs?
Australian Shepherds with sensitive stomachs often do best on easily digestible foods like boiled chicken, white rice, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Limited-ingredient dog foods and those with novel proteins like lamb or salmon can also help reduce digestive upset. Always introduce new foods gradually to avoid triggering symptoms.
2. Why do Australian Shepherds commonly have sensitive stomachs?
This breed can be prone to food sensitivities and digestive issues due to genetics or environmental factors. Sudden diet changes, low-quality ingredients, or food allergies can also contribute. Monitoring their diet closely helps identify triggers early.
3. Is grain-free food better for sensitive stomachs?
Grain-free diets can help some dogs, especially if they have grain allergies. However, not all dogs need grain-free food, and some actually digest grains like rice and oats very well. It’s best to choose a diet based on your dog’s specific needs and vet recommendations.
4. Can pumpkin help soothe my dog’s stomach?
Yes, plain canned pumpkin is excellent for digestive health. It’s high in fiber, which can help regulate both diarrhea and constipation. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
5. Are probiotics beneficial for Australian Shepherds?
Probiotics can greatly support gut health by balancing good bacteria in the digestive system. They may help reduce bloating, gas, and irregular stools. Many high-quality dog foods now include probiotics, or they can be added as a supplement.
6. What protein sources are easiest to digest?
Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish are generally easier on sensitive stomachs. Novel proteins, such as duck or venison, can also help if your dog has common protein allergies. Avoid heavily processed or fatty meats.
7. How often should I feed my dog with a sensitive stomach?
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce digestive stress. Instead of two large meals, consider three to four smaller portions throughout the day. This approach helps maintain steady digestion.
Helping Your Australian Shepherd Feel Their Best Every Day
Supporting an Australian Shepherd with a sensitive stomach may take a bit of patience, but the rewards are well worth it. By choosing the right foods and paying close attention to how your dog responds, you can greatly improve their comfort, digestion, and overall well-being. Every dog is unique, so finding the perfect balance of ingredients might take some trial and adjustment along the way. Stay consistent, introduce changes gradually, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your veterinarian when needed. With the right approach, you can help your Aussie enjoy happier, healthier days filled with energy, play, and a whole lot of tail wags.
Toledo, United States.