Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a common condition in dogs that can cause chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. While there is no cure for IBD, a change in diet can help alleviate symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the best dog foods for IBD.
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for IBD, there are a few critical things to consider. First, the food should be easily digestible and contain high-quality protein sources. Second, it should be low in fat and fiber to reduce the workload on your dog’s digestive system. Finally, it should be free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors that can irritate your dog’s gut.
After researching and testing various options, we have identified the top dog foods for IBD. These foods are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. By feeding your dog one of these foods, you can help manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.
Best Dog Foods for IBD
As pet owners, we understand how difficult it can be to watch our furry friends suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience trying to find the right food for your dog’s sensitive stomach. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for IBD to help make things a little easier for you. These products have been carefully selected based on their quality ingredients and effectiveness in managing IBD symptoms. We hope this list will assist you in finding the perfect food to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
#1 – Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, Highly Digestible, for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs, Made in USA with Real Protein (Whitefish & Brown Rice, 4-Pound Bag) Whitefish 4 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you are looking for a dog food that supports digestive health, then Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. This highly digestible, probiotic-coated kibble is crafted with digestive enzymes, a unique blend of prebiotic fibers, and guaranteed levels of probiotics to support digestive health for overall wellbeing and vitality.
Pros
The high-quality protein from whitefish and wholesome grains from brown rice help optimize nutrient absorption and support high digestibility, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The inclusion of protein and omega fatty acids in the kibble ensures your dog’s coat stays lustrous and soft, helping to maintain healthy skin and coat.
The recipes are crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits, and the food is made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients.
Cons
Some dogs may not like the taste of whitefish, and may not be as enthusiastic about eating this food as they are about other flavors.
While the 4-pound bag is a great size for trying out the food or for smaller dogs, it may not be cost-effective for those with larger dogs or for those who wish to buy in bulk.
The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs, making it difficult for them to eat.
We recently tried this dog food for our dog with a sensitive stomach, and we were impressed with the results. Our dog had been experiencing digestive issues for a while, and we had tried a number of different foods without much success. We decided to give Wellness CORE Digestive Health a try, and we were pleased to see that our dog’s digestive issues improved significantly. Not only that, but our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, and we noticed an improvement in his coat as well.
One thing to note is that the kibble size is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller dogs. However, for larger dogs, this may not be an issue. Additionally, while the 4-pound bag is a great size for trying out the food, it may not be the most cost-effective option for those with larger dogs or for those who wish to buy in bulk.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that supports digestive health. With its blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics, this food is sure to help your dog feel their best.
#2 – Lucy Pet Formulas for Life Salmon, Pumpkin, & Quinoa Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a dry dog food that’s carefully formulated for gut health, digestive health, and sensitive stomachs, Lucy Pet Formulas for Life Salmon, Pumpkin, & Quinoa Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
The formula is grain-free, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The salmon ingredient is wild-caught and rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for healthy skin and coat.
The formula is complete and balanced, so it’s perfect for all breeds and life stages of dogs.
Cons
Some dogs may experience soft stools when transitioning to this food.
The price may be higher than other dog foods on the market.
The smell of the kibble may not be appealing to some dog owners.
We’ve been using this dog food for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s digestion and overall health. The kibble is small and easy for our dog to eat, and the ingredients are high-quality and sourced from the USA. We appreciate that the formula is complete and balanced, so we don’t have to worry about adding any supplements to our dog’s diet.
One thing to note is that the transition to this food should be done gradually, as some dogs may experience soft stools during the first week. However, we found that our dog transitioned smoothly and had no issues with the food.
Overall, we highly recommend Lucy Pet Formulas for Life Salmon, Pumpkin, & Quinoa Dry Dog Food for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It’s a high-quality, complete, and balanced formula that’s great for all breeds and life stages of dogs.
#3 – Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Dog Food (Chicken & Rice)
If you’re looking for a dog food that’s easy on the stomach and can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Dog Food is a great option.
Pros
Specially made for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities who need a simpler, limited ingredient diet.
Formulated to help calm your pup’s tummy during times of transition; also ideal for the dog prone to stomach upset.
Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to provide a balanced diet with no artificial flavors or colors and no wheat or wheat-gluten.
Cons
Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the pate-style food.
The price may be higher than other canned dog foods on the market.
Some customers have reported issues with dented or damaged cans upon delivery.
We’ve tried Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Dog Food on our own dog with IBD and have seen a noticeable improvement in her symptoms. The chicken and rice recipe is simple and easy to digest, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We’ve also used it as a topper on dry kibble to entice our picky eater to eat her full meal.
One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the texture of the pate-style food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and see how your dog reacts. Additionally, the price may be higher than other canned dog foods on the market, but we believe it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and positive impact on our dog’s health.
Overall, we highly recommend Dave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Dog Food for dogs with IBD or other digestive issues. It’s a high-quality, limited ingredient food that can help alleviate symptoms and improve your pup’s overall health.
#4 – Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Sweet Potato & Bison 4 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a dog food that’s easy on your furry friend’s digestive system, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is worth considering.
Pros
The bison is the single animal protein source providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health.
Nutrients from our sweet potato & bison recipe crafted with nutritious ingredients such as pea protein, fish oil and sweet potatoes; Complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system.
Cons
Some dogs may not like the taste of the bison flavor.
The price may be higher than other dog foods on the market.
The size of the kibble may not be suitable for smaller dogs.
We’ve been feeding this to our dog for a few weeks now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his digestion. He used to have loose stools and occasional vomiting, but now his stool is firm, and he hasn’t vomited once. We also appreciate that there are no fillers, added corn, wheat, or soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in this dog food.
The bison flavor may not be suitable for all dogs, but our dog seems to enjoy it. The kibble size is a bit larger than we’re used to, so it may not be the best choice for smaller dogs. Overall, we’re happy with our purchase and would recommend this dog food to others looking for a limited ingredient option for their furry friends with IBD.
#5 – Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Lamb and Oat Meal Formula – 24 lb. Bag Lamb & Oat Meal 24 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that caters to your dog’s sensitive skin and stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food is a great option to consider.
Pros
Made with oat meal and easily digestible, making it gentle on the digestive system
High protein formula with real lamb as the first ingredient
Contains guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
Cons
Some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the lamb and oat meal formula
May not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities
Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as the lack of a zip-lock closure
We recently switched our dog’s food to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food and have been very happy with the results. Our dog has always had a sensitive stomach and this formula has helped to alleviate some of his digestive issues. The fact that it is made with oat meal and is easily digestible makes it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
We also appreciate that this formula is high in protein and contains real lamb as the first ingredient. This helps to ensure that our dog is getting the nutrients he needs to stay healthy and active. Additionally, the guaranteed live probiotics are a great added bonus, as they help to support our dog’s digestive and immune health.
While we have been very happy with this dog food, we do acknowledge that some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the lamb and oat meal formula. Additionally, if your dog has severe food allergies or sensitivities, this may not be the best option for them. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as the lack of a zip-lock closure, which can make it difficult to keep the food fresh.
Overall, we would highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that caters to their dog’s sensitive skin and stomach.
#6 – Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Adult Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a dog food that can help maintain stool quality and digestive health, then Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option.
Pros
Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient
Clinically proven prebiotic fiber to support a healthy gut
Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support
Cons
Contains blueberries which may not be suitable for all dogs
May not be effective for severe cases of IBD
Some dogs may not like the taste
We recently tried this dog food for our dog who has IBD and we were impressed with the results. The prebiotic fiber in the food helped maintain his stool quality and he seemed to digest it well. We also appreciated that it’s made with real chicken and doesn’t contain any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
The exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits in the food also provide immune system support for our dog. We noticed that he had more energy and was more active after switching to this food.
However, we did notice that the food contains blueberries, which may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, while it worked well for our dog’s mild case of IBD, it may not be effective for severe cases. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
Overall, we recommend Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Adult Dry Dog Food for dogs with IBD who need a food that can help maintain stool quality and digestive health.
#7 – Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for dogs with IBD. This limited-ingredient dog food is made from real salmon and easily digestible carbohydrates, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
The single animal protein source (salmon) and limited ingredients make it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities.
Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance.
Contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Cons
Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon.
More expensive than some other dog food options.
May not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies.
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs with IBD. The limited ingredients make it easy to digest, while the real salmon provides a high-quality protein source. We appreciate that it contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Our dog has been eating this food for a few months now and we have noticed a significant improvement in his digestion and overall health. The LifeSource Bits also seem to be helping his immune system, as he has not gotten sick since starting this food.
While it is more expensive than some other dog food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. However, some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, so it may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, if your dog has severe food allergies, this food may not be the best choice.
Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for dogs with IBD. It is a high-quality, limited-ingredient dog food that has helped improve our dog’s health and digestion.
Dog Foods for IBD Buying Guide
When choosing the best dog food for IBD, there are several features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Ingredients
The ingredients in your dog’s food can have a significant impact on their digestive health. Look for foods that have easily digestible proteins, such as chicken or fish, and avoid foods with high levels of fat or fiber. Additionally, look for foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics, as these can help support your dog’s digestive system.
Quality
Not all dog foods are created equal, and it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Look for foods that have been formulated by veterinarians or animal nutritionists and have undergone rigorous testing. Additionally, look for foods that are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any fillers or artificial preservatives.
Price
While price should not be the only factor when choosing a dog food, it is important to consider your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced foods are not always better, and some lower-priced foods may still be of high quality. Look for foods that provide good value for their price, and consider purchasing in bulk to save money.
Feeding Schedule
When feeding a dog with IBD, it’s important to establish a consistent feeding schedule. This can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and prevent flare-ups. Additionally, consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals.
Consult with Your Vet
If you’re unsure about which dog food to choose, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and help you choose a food that will support their digestive health.
