iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
There are a few things worse than dealing with diarrhea in your Schnauzer! We asked our 800,000 members from our Schnauzer community on Facebook the following question: “What’s the best food for a Schnauzer with a sensitive stomach?”
We’ve summarized the best responses below. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your Schnauzer’s health. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links below may be paid affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
17 Best Foods for a Schnauzer with a Sensitive Tummy
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
I’ve been feeding my schnauzer Hills Science Diet for sensitive stomachs. She’s been great since starting it
Author: Peggy S.
Likes: 37
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Dry
Purina Pro Plan salmon for sensitive stomachs. My entire pack eats this. All 7 plus the grandpuppy
Author: Lisa Marie Johnson F.
Likes: 20
iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic for Dogs with Pumpkin for Improved Digestion & Gut Health
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
I recently put our girl on Farmers Dog. I had cooked for her for several years, but I was concerned that she wasn’t getting enough vitamins, etc. She loves the food, and she is very healthy…but…it’s not inexpensive. It comes once a month, frozen in packets, and you feed according to the weight of your dog. I’m very happy with it.
Author: Barbara E.
Likes: 2
Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food, Adult Dog Food
I give mine Nutro brown rice and lamb. Low in fats, which is what is upsetting to their tummies. They get raw carrots, apple bites, and banana bites if I’m eating a banana.
Author: Pamela M.
Likes: 1
Fromm Classic Adult Dog Food – Premium Dry Dog Food
We have done great with Fromm foods! I won’t buy anything else for our crew.
Author: Lisa Lindsay S.
Likes: 2
Trust me! I tried everything. Even made my own food. The only thing that truly worked was Royal Canin Sensitive, which is prescribed by the vet. We get it through Chewy, and they have to call and get the prescribed dog food, and then it’s delivered. A pet store doesn’t carry it, even PetSmart, because it’s prescribed. It’s pricey, but my dog’s poop is back to normal! He will be on this forever.
Author: Melissa Jones B.
Likes: 3
Purina EN Gastroenteric LOW FAT Canine Formula
Purina Pro Plan En prescription diet for sensitive stomachs. My entire fur family has used this, and it also helps with pancreatitis
Author: Samantha Mills C.
Likes: 2
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
I was told lamb and rice. I use a sensitive stomach brand called Earthborn and have no issues at all. All of my previous schnauzers had stomach issues, pancreatitis, kidney and diabetic issues, but nothing on this food now for 5 years!!!!
Author: Debbie M.
Likes: 3
I make homemade rice and sweet potato green beans. I switch it up sometimes. With lean ground beef. Steak or chicken. I also mix a little cottage cheese after I warm it up. Not every day, but they love it. I have one that gets pancreatitis easily, and this has worked so well for me. I also do sweet potato pasta instead of rice with vegetables and meat. Stores in the refrigerator are great. I found that even tho everything is high, I don’t spend any more doing homemade than buying, and the Gastro diet food is super high.
Author: Lori C.
Likes: 3
Have always fed my current dogs raw. But a previous mini had a dodgy tummie, and I ended up making my own food. Chicken and rice with some fresh veggies like carrots, I put through the food processor. Several natural supplements are good for digestion, as well as those that can be found on the internet. Also made a white fish and potato dish. Made it in large batches, separated into smaller containers, and froze.
Author: Dawn G.
Likes: 1
Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
We feed our Zignature dry dog food highly rated by veterinarians.
Author: Mary Hinds A.
Likes: 0
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Purina HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food
My schnauzer has a majorly sensitive stomach. We’ve gone through several sensitive stomach prescription diets. We finally found one that he is great with. It is the Pro Plan HA Hydrolyzed food. He’s been on it for about 6 months now and is doing wonderful!
Author: Laurie S.
Likes: 0
Real food – not kibble! My schnauzers love Small Batch, Primal, and most recently, we tried a dehydrated food that we rehydrate from Big Dog Naturals. Big Dog Naturals is a fermented food, so it helps with gut health. Adding goat’s milk/fermented milk to any other balanced, real food diet will also help add the good bugs to the gut. Please don’t feed your beautiful schnauzers Hills, Royal Canin, Chicken and rice, or some other garbage food.
Author: Yvonnda S.
Likes: 1
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wholemade™ Dehydrated Dog Food
Honest Kitchen. My 12-year-old boy had pancreatitis. Had 2 really bad spells. I switched to this food and no more issues. Also check out Dr. Karen Becker, holistic vet. She’s on Facebook. Lots of informative articles.
Author: Deb M.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Mine gets Hills Science Diet for sensitive stomachs, and I also give her some of the same in dry form with it. Along with a tablespoon of beef broth and 6 blueberries. The broth helps a great deal with preventing UTI. It makes them drink more water
Author: Vinny S.
Likes: 0
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe
We started feeding ours Taste Of The Wild – High Prairie when we first got him 9 years ago. He had trouble digesting all the others. Haven’t had any problems since.
Author: Melinda McNeely G.
Likes: 0
You can get fresh food. I can do this for my fur baby. May want to try a single batch. Add to or take away any of the ingredients you want. My dog loves it. I also mix it with the dry dog food.
Ingredients
1 – 1.5 pounds of chicken, ground or cut into small pieces
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
3 large carrots cooked & chopped
1 medium Sweet potato
2 large handfuls of cooked & ground green beans
2 boiled eggs, chopped with the shell
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
2-3 cups of chicken broth
Ingredients: 3 X=18-19 pints (Same directions)
5.5 – 6 pounds of chicken, ground or cut into small pieces
7 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
9 large carrots cooked & ground
4-5 small Sweet potatoes
3 handfuls of cooked green beans, chopped
7 boiled eggs chopped finely with the shell
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
6-7 cups chicken broth
(The raw chicken will also produce broth.)
Directions
Chop the rice up so that it becomes single grains. Grind the boiled egg shells and all, also grind the vegetables or chop them in a food processor. Mix the rice, chopped eggs, and chopped vegetables so they stirred until they are well blended.
Add the Vegetable broth and the chicken stock, stirring the mixture well. Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar into the mixture and stir well. Add the chicken and mix well.
Cold pack the chicken mixture into warm jars and place them into the heating Pressure Canner.
Once all the chicken mixture is in the jars and the jars are in the Pressure canner, place the lid on the pressure canner. Bring the pressure up to 10 pounds, and pressure can be maintained for 75 minutes.
You can change the meat to beef or any other meat your pups will eat. I add one pound of chicken livers, well chopped, if I have them.
Freezing
You can pack this mixture into Foodsaver or freezer bags and place them in your freezer to thaw out for each day’s use. This is okay to serve cooked or raw, depending on your preference.
FYI:
This recipe has no wheat, no corn, no oats, and no preservatives. There are not a bunch of chemicals that the dog food companies are killing our pets with.
I find a pint of this will feed my toy poodle for about one and a half days. It may be different according to the age and energy level of your dog.
This recipe is not scientifically tested. Understand also that the USDA does not recommend canning rice because rice swells and increases the density in the jar. I do not recommend canning in jars larger than pints.
Author: Shirley Berry M.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best foods for Schnauzers with sensitive stomachs?
The best foods for Schnauzers with sensitive stomachs are those that are easy to digest and free from common allergens. Options like boiled chicken, white rice, pumpkin, and oatmeal are gentle on the digestive system. These foods help reduce irritation while providing essential nutrients.
2. Why do Schnauzers commonly have sensitive stomachs?
Schnauzers are prone to digestive issues due to their genetic predisposition and sometimes sensitive metabolism. Food intolerances, sudden diet changes, or low-quality ingredients can easily upset their stomach. Maintaining a consistent, high-quality diet helps manage these sensitivities.
3. Is chicken safe for Schnauzers with sensitive stomachs?
Yes, plain boiled chicken is often recommended because it is lean and easy to digest. It provides a good source of protein without added fats or seasonings that can trigger issues. Always serve it unseasoned and in moderate portions.
4. Can rice help soothe a Schnauzer’s upset stomach?
White rice is a staple food for dogs with digestive problems because it is bland and gentle. It helps firm up stools and provides quick energy without stressing the digestive system. Pairing it with lean protein like chicken can be very effective.
5. Are sweet potatoes good for sensitive Schnauzers?
Sweet potatoes are an excellent option because they are rich in fiber and vitamins. They support digestion and can help regulate bowel movements. Make sure they are cooked and served plain without additives.
6. How does pumpkin benefit Schnauzers with digestive issues?
Pumpkin is highly beneficial due to its fiber content, which aids both diarrhea and constipation. It helps regulate the digestive tract naturally. Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is usually the best option.
7. Is fish a good protein source for sensitive stomachs?
Fish like salmon is a great alternative protein that is easy to digest and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and promote overall gut health. Ensure it is cooked and free of bones.
Helping Your Schnauzer Feel Their Best Starts at Mealtime
Managing a sensitive stomach in your Schnauzer can feel like a balancing act, but the right food can make all the difference. By focusing on gentle, high-quality ingredients and paying close attention to how your dog responds, you can turn mealtime into a source of comfort rather than concern. Every Schnauzer is unique, so finding the perfect fit may take a little patience and adjustment along the way. Don’t be discouraged, each step brings you closer to a happier, healthier pup. With the right nutrition and a bit of trial and care, you’re not just easing digestive issues, you’re giving your Schnauzer a better, more comfortable life filled with energy, play, and tail wags.
Toledo, United States.