How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach?

November 10, 2025

If your dog’s tummy seems off more often than not, you’re not alone.
Just like us, some dogs have more delicate digestive systems. The tricky part? They can’t tell you when something doesn’t feel right — you have to spot the signs.

I learned this the hard way with my own dog, Kairo.

When Kairo was a puppy, he caught Giardia — a nasty intestinal parasite. The medication saved him, but it left him with a sensitive tummy for life. Finding safe treats and food after that was nearly impossible. So many were filled with junk, cheap meat meals, and preservatives I couldn’t even pronounce. I just wanted something simple, safe, and nourishing — food that helped, not harmed.

That’s what inspired Parents 2 Pawz — and our gentle, tummy-safe Woofle treats, made for dogs like Kairo (and maybe yours too). Not sure if your pup has a sensitive tummy too? Well here’s a checklist to see if your baby is.

1. Frequent Upset Tummies

Soft stools, diarrhea, or occasional vomiting can all be signs of a sensitive stomach.
It’s normal for dogs to have the odd off day, but recurring tummy issues mean something in their diet isn’t sitting right.

Common triggers include:

Artificial preservatives (like BHA or BHT)
Commonly found in store bought treats such as Milk bone, Beggin’ Strips
High-fat foods

Bacon, Cheese, Full-fat peanut butter

Low-quality meat meals
A mix of rendered animal parts (bones, feathers, beaks, etc.) that may come from any source — including diseased or expired animals.
Fillers like wheat, corn, or soy

provide very little nutrition and can irritate sensitive tummies.

Switching to a limited-ingredient, single-protein or novel protein diet can often bring quick relief.

2. Gassiness and Bloating

A little gas is normal — excessive wind or bloating isn’t.
These can be signs your dog’s digestive system is struggling to process certain ingredients.

Opt for whole food, human-grade proteins and natural superfoods that support digestion, such as turmeric, ginger, and medicinal mushrooms. All of these can be found in our Pumpkin Woofles to support your dog’s gut health safely and naturally.

3. Loss of Appetite or Picky Eating

If your dog turns their nose up at meals or treats, it might not be stubbornness — it could be discomfort.
A sensitive tummy can make food unappealing because your dog associates eating with feeling unwell.

Gentle, tummy-safe recipes can rebuild that trust and bring joy back to mealtimes.

4. Itchy Skin or Dull Coat

Digestive health affects more than just the gut.
If your dog’s skin is itchy, flaky, or their coat looks dull, it could be a sign they’re not absorbing nutrients properly.
A healthy gut supports every system in the body — including the skin and immune system.

5. Low Energy or Mood Changes

A dog that isn’t digesting food efficiently won’t get the energy they need.
If your once-playful pup is sleeping more, playing less, or just seems “off,” their gut could be part of the problem.

Good nutrition fuels both body and mood — a healthy gut really does mean a happier dog.

What You Can Do

If a few of these signs sound familiar, here are some simple steps to support your dog’s digestion:

Choose single-protein, human-grade treats like our woofles
Avoid fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors
Include gut-friendly superfoods like turmeric, ginger, medicinal mushrooms, marshmallow root
Introduce changes gradually to give their system time to adjust

That’s exactly what I did for Kairo.
When I couldn’t find treats gentle enough for him, I created them — Woofle treats, made with real turkey and functional superfoods. They’re easy to digest, free from fillers, and designed to help your pup feel their best — one bite at a time.

Because your dog deserves more than “just treats.”
They deserve whole food nutrition that supports health, happiness, and a calm tummy.

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