If your dog’s stomach could talk, it would probably say “Please stop feeding me that.”
We get it. You want the best for your pup, but finding the right food can feel like navigating a maze of mystery meat, vague labels, and dramatic post-meal bathroom trips. We’ve been there with rescue dogs who’ve had everything from skin rashes to bloating and scary poops (yes, we’re going there).
For sensitive stomachs, grain-free and natural dog foods can be a game-changer, but only if you choose wisely. Here’s what we’ve learned through trial, error, and lots of sniff tests.
Disclaimer
What Makes a Dog Food “Grain-Free and Natural”?
“Grain-free” means it contains no wheat, corn, soy, or other grains. Instead, it uses ingredients like:
- Sweet potato
- Peas or lentils
- Pumpkin or tapioca
“Natural” means fewer artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers. Look for:
- Named proteins like “salmon” or “lamb,” not “meat meal”
- Whole food ingredients you can recognize
- Zero artificial dyes or mystery binders
Important: Not all grain-free foods are good. Some swap in cheap starchy fillers like pea protein, which can still cause digestive issues.
What to Avoid If Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach
- Meat “by-product meals” and artificial flavors
- Corn, wheat, soy, which are common allergens and sometimes hard to digest
- Overly processed kibble with little fiber
- We’ve found chicken to be a common allergen in Bali dogs, it seems to be the same worldwide
- Sudden protein switches without a transition plan
Experts say that elimination diets can be helpful to identify potential triggers
Our Top Picks (Tried or Trusted by Many)
Ratings are mostly subjective and there are so many factors involved when it comes to food, We hand selected these based on the ingredients and their correlation to our own personal research. Dogs with sensitivities will always require a trial and error approach and we hope that some of these help you in your quest for the best for your fur baby.
Premium Pick: Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Dog Food
Premium Pick: Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Dog Food
Type: Air-dried raw-inspired superfood blend
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5
Why We Love It: Founded by actress and animal advocate Katherine Heigl, this formula is packed with wild-caught fish, turkey, and functional superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and lion’s mane mushroom. It’s grain-free, legume-free, and air-dried to lock in nutrients. A premium, nutrient-dense choice for dogs that can be used as a meal or a mixer.
🔗 Check price on Amazon
Premium Pick: Dr Harvey’s Specialty Diet Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Type: Freeze dried natural raw ingredients
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5
Why We Love It: 100% fresh whole foods, grain-free, easy to digest and enriched with prebiotic and probiotic cultures for gut health. Just add water!
🔗 Check price on Amazon
Premium Pick: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Type: Freeze dried natural raw ingredients
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
Why We Love It: This is a go-to option for pet parents looking for simplicity and proven results. It uses a single animal protein source (salmon) and sweet potatoes for digestible energy. It’s grain-free, filler-free, and ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Budget Tip: Mix Smart
You can balance cost by using a high-quality kibble in the morning, and supplementing with home-cooked or gently cooked human-grade food in the evening. It’s what we do — and our rescue pup is thriving.
Transitioning to a New Food (Without the Drama)
When switching foods, do it gradually:
Days 1–2: 25% new food
Days 3–4: 50/50 mix
Days 5–6: 75% new food
Day 7: Full switch
And always keep an eye on poop. The stool never lies.
Transitioning to a New Food (Without the Drama)
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, finding the right food can feel frustrating, but once you land on the right one, the difference is clear: better digestion, healthier coat, more energy, and fewer “why is that happening?!” moments.
These grain-free, natural picks are a great place to start. They’ve been vetted (pun intended) by thousands of dog parents and many picky eaters alike.
Get your dose of health through laughter at: https://www.youtube.com/@whattheflufftv
If you wanna be sure to keep your pets healthy from nose to tail, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Pet Healthy (and Hilarious)
