3/27/2024
What to Feed Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs and Itchy Skin
Does your dog seem a little under the weather after mealtime? Or maybe they have an itch they just can’t seem to scratch? Have you noticed your backyard is a little messier than it should be? If you were just nodding your head faster than a tail wag, you may need to switch your pup’s food to one specifically made for dogs with sensitivities.
What Makes a Dog Food Better for Sensitive Stomachs and Itchy Skin?
No dog should have to suffer from a sensitive digestive tract, itchy skin, or dull coat. A dog food that’s made to support sensitive stomachs and healthy skin starts with the right ingredients.
At Bil-Jac, our Sensitive Solutions Digestive & Immune Support formula has a combination of fresh chicken and whitefish as well as a gentle proprietary fiber blend and probiotics to help support digestive health and your dog’s microbiome. Our Sensitive Solutions Skin & Stomach Support formula provides high-quality protein that is gentle on a sensitive stomach and supports skin and coat health with naturally sourced Linoleic Acid and Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids.
Why is Slow-Cooked Dog Food Easier on Sensitive Stomachs?
How your dog food is cooked can be a huge factor for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Many dog foods are made using a high temperature and high pressure cooking process that can destroy essential nutrients. At Bil-Jac, we slow-cook our food at controlled temperatures to help preserve the essential nutrients needed for healthy digestion.
Our Nutri-Lock™ cooking is done slowly and in small batches to produce nutritious food that’s easy to chew with a taste your four-legged friend can’t resist. We also don’t need to add anything extra when we cook our food like sprayed on rendered fat for taste, fillers or soy.
Will Sensitive Solutions Dog Food Help with Immune Support?
Feeding your dog a food that supports a healthy immune system is important for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin conditions for multiple reasons:
- Improved Digestibility: High-quality dog food formulated to support the immune system often contains easily digestible ingredients, which can be gentler on the stomach and reduce the risk of digestive upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Balanced Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Dog foods designed for immune support typically contain a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help strengthen the immune system while still being gentle on sensitive stomachs.
- Gut Health: A healthy immune system starts in the gut. Specialized dog foods may contain prebiotics, probiotics, and other ingredients that promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can support digestion and overall immune function in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Healthy Immune System: A strong immune system is better equipped to fight off infections and illnesses. Dog foods like Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions formulas are fortified with immune-supporting ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, and vitamin E.
How to Tell if Your Dog’s Sensitive Stomach is Improving?
Once you swap your dog’s food, there are some changes you can look out for to decide if the switch is helping their sensitive stomach:
- Decrease in Digestive Upset: If you notice your dog experiencing less episodes of digestive distress like vomiting, loose stool, or gastrointestinal discomfort, it could be an indicator that the food may be gentler on your dog's sensitive stomach.
- Steady Appetite: A stable and healthy appetite can indicate that your dog is tolerating their food well. If they consistently eat their meals without reluctance or being picky, it suggests that the food is not causing discomfort or nausea.
- Normal Stool Quality: Healthy digestion typically results in firm, formed stools that are easy to pass. If your dog's stool becomes more regular and well-formed after switching to a new food, it suggests that their digestive system is functioning better.
- Improved Energy and Behavior: Dogs with sensitive stomachs may exhibit lethargy or irritability when experiencing digestive upset. If your dog becomes more energetic, playful, and content after transitioning to a new food, it suggests that their digestive health is improving.
- Healthy Weight Maintenance: Proper digestion is essential for nutrient absorption and weight management. If your dog maintains a healthy weight and body condition while on the new food, it could mean they are receiving proper nutrition.
How to Tell if Your Dog’s Skin is Improving
There are a few signs you can look for to know if your dog’s new sensitive stomach diet is helping improve their skin health:
- Reduction in Itching: Dogs with sensitive skin often scratch, lick, or chew excessively due to irritation. If your dog's itching decreases or stops altogether, it's a positive indication that the food may be helping.
- Improved Coat Condition: A diet that supports skin health can lead to a shinier, healthier coat. Look for improvements in the texture, shine, and overall appearance of your dog's fur. A reduction in dryness, flakiness, or dullness indicates that the food is providing essential nutrients to nourish the skin and coat.
- Decrease in Irritation: Check for any visible signs of inflammation, redness, or irritation on your dog's skin. A reduction in these symptoms suggests that the food is helping to soothe and calm sensitive skin. If your dog's skin appears less inflamed or irritated, it's likely that the food is contributing to improved skin health.
- Less Hair Loss: Excessive shedding or hair loss can be a sign of skin issues. If you notice a decrease in shedding or if your dog's coat appears fuller and healthier, it indicates that the food is supporting skin health and reducing irritation that may lead to hair loss.
- Overall Improvement in Comfort: Pay attention to your furry friend’s general comfort level and demeanor. If they seem more relaxed, content, and less agitated, it could be a sign that their skin is less irritated and itchy. Dogs experiencing relief from skin issues often exhibit improved mood and behavior.
Keep Your Dog's Skin and Stomach Happy and Healthy with the Right Dog Food
Choosing the right food for dogs with stomach and skin sensitivities is crucial for supporting their overall health and well-being. Going with a specialized diet formulated to support digestive health can make a dramatic difference in managing digestive issues, reducing discomfort, and promoting a happy, healthy lifestyle for our furry friends.
For more ways to keep your dogs with sensitive stomachs happy and healthy, join our Best Friends Club today. Each month, you’ll receive special training tips, new product announcements, informative articles, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac products!
