Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Sensitive Stomach

German Shepherds have a tendency to experience digestive issues. German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs require dog owners to pay special attention to everything their dog takes in. That said, finding the best food for your canine friend is worthwhile. It will go a long way in minimizing those digestion fallouts.

Proteins are the main contributors to food allergy and intolerance. The best food for a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach must contain fewer proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. It should also contain probiotics, flaxseed oil, and sunflower oil (rich in omega-3 & 6 fat) to enhance their digestive health and bowel movement.

In this article, we will discuss some of the common causes of sensitive stomachs in GSDs, foods to avoid, and what to do to soothe your dog. We will also share some of the best dog foods formulated for a sensitive stomach that you can try out.

Also read: What To Look For When Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds?

Is it common for German Shepherds to have a sensitive stomachs? 

German Shepherds of all ages are more likely to have sensitive stomachs than any other breed.

This is mainly because of their body structure (deep yet narrow chest) which makes them prone to GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus), among other digestive problems. They also tend to have insufficient gut flora, digestive enzymes, and bacterial overgrowth in the gut than most other breeds.

What causes sensitive stomachs in German Shepherds?

As mentioned, German Shepherds are generally more prone to stomach upsets and digestive problems. These stomach problems are often mild in many German Shepherds and usually resolve by themselves. In some dogs, however, the symptoms can be severe and intermittent, and one must see a vet to rule out anything serious.

Signs and symptoms that a dog has a sensitive stomach

Here are the most common signs indicating your German Shepherd is very likely to have a sensitive stomach:

• Loose stool
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Black stool
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• General body weakness 

Causes of sensitive stomach in German Shepherds

Some GSDs are just born with a sensitive stomach, while for some, it is due to food allergies. However, most of them are centered around the dog’s digestive system. Some of the common causes include:

• Changes in food and feeding patterns  
• Changes in weather 
• Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic) 
• Accidental poisoning
• Ingredients such as corn, and wheat gluten, among others. 

Also, conditions such as stomach tumors, obstruction, gastrointestinal ulcers, intestinal bowel disorder, and bloat (GDV) cause GSDs to have a sensitive stomach. 

“GDV is a condition where the stomach twists and then fills with gas. Or the other way around—no one is sure whether it bloats then twists, or twists then bloats.” Dr. Katie Grzybi, Pet MD

Food allergy vs food intolerance

Like humans, German Shepherds are also intolerant to some foods such as dairy, eggs, and wheat. This means they can only consume minimal amounts of the foods they are intolerant to.

Some are totally allergic and cannot consume anything containing the allergen before buying dog food. It is important to assess what foods your dog can and cannot consume.

How serious can sensitive stomach become?

If left unattended, sensitive stomach in German Shepherds can lead to serious digestive problems. The conditions can sometimes be fatal, especially when accompanied by symptoms like continuous diarrhea.

What food causes sensitive stomach In dogs?

The most common foods that cause stomach sensitivity in dogs include:

•  Chicken
•  Dairy
•  Beef
• Lamb
• Pork  
• Wheat
• Soy

Certain ingredients often put in dog food may also cause a sensitive stomach. According to 45-year veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, these are ingredients such as preservatives, fillers like wheat, barley, corn, and white rice, as well as meat meal and meat by-products like undeveloped eggs.

How to treat German Shepherd Dogs with a sensitive stomach

The first course of action to take when you realize your canine friend has a sensitive stomach is to identify the cause. To do this, observe everything that the dog is taking in. While at it, ensure your dog is not feeding from bins or litter trays. 

Start by eliminating the usual culprits we already mentioned- meat, fish, chicken, and other sources of proteins. Proteins are the main cause of stomach upsets in German Shepherds. Also, check for high-fat foods and low-quality ingredients; these are also common culprits. Once the main cause is identified, finding remedies and treatment options is easier.

If the symptoms are not severe, you can help soothe your dog by:

Managing their feeding and switching their food

First thing first, fast them for 12 to 24 hours to allow for their digestive system to rest and reset then:

• Switch to a limited-ingredient diet that contains very few ingredients and a single protein or
• Introduce bland food to minimize gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Bland foods are easy to digest and soothing to the stomach. They include boiled lean meat such as chicken breast, hamburger, or ground turkey and starch such as white rice or sweet potato. 
• Divide their meals into small portions that won’t overwhelm their digestion

Managing the symptoms

If they have a high fever, diarrhea, or are vomiting:

• Monitor their temperature
• Keep them hydrated with both water and a Pedialyte solution to replace lost fluids
• Feed your dog with homemade dog food. See this video below where Dr. Jones shows you a “vet-approved” recipe that is great for dogs with digestive issues.

https://youtu.be/j_LZmPbT_Ng

Administering Medication

Under the supervision of your vet:

• Administering over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol and Immodium. 
• Introducing probiotics and prebiotics to their diet to restore beneficial bacteria in their GI tract. 

If the symptoms are severe or your dog already suffers from other underlying medical conditions, your dog will require professional treatment. A proper diagnosis will help rule out any serious medical concerns and offer your dog much-deserved relief.

Best dog food for German Shepherds with a sensitive stomach

1. Best dry dog food for sensitive stomach and skin

2. Best wet dog food for skin and stomach care

3. Best grain-free limited ingredient dry dog food

4. Best probiotic soft chews with natural digestive support and occasional diarrhea & constipation

How to care for a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach?

Caring for your dog goes a long way in preventing any stomach flare-ups, especially if they already have a sensitive stomach. Some of the things you can do include:

When To See A Vet?

While home remedies may be appropriate for most symptoms, we recommend taking your dog to the vet straight away if your dog is:

• Running a high or low fever. Your dog’s temperature is considered high when its 102◦F or higher and considered low when its 99◦ or lower 
• Lethargic
• Looks dehydrated
• Has non-stop diarrhea
• Has continual vomiting
• Has blood in their stool
• Drooling
• Has a distended abdomen

These could be serious conditions that need urgent attention from a vet.

Conclusion

Sensitive stomachs in GSDs is mostly centered around food which is why it’s important to choose dog food specially formulated for a sensitive stomach. These foods often contain probiotics, prebiotics, and other vitamins and minerals that help support digestive health as well as bowel movement health. Be sure to consult your vet before settling on any food.