Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? Finding treats that are both gentle on their digestive system and irresistible to their taste buds can be tricky.
With these 5 simple, wholesome recipes, you can make homemade treats that are not only delicious but also safe and easy on your dog’s tummy. Keep your pup happy and healthy with these tummy-friendly snacks!
Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
#1 Pumpkin & Oat Treats
These soft treats are made with pumpkin and oats, both of which are gentle on the digestive system. Pumpkin’s fiber helps settle your dog’s stomach, while oats are a great, easy-to-digest source of carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for flavor and digestive support (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the treats from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Oats: In a food processor or blender, pulse the rolled oats until they reach a coarse flour-like texture. This will create a smoother dough that’s easy for your dog to digest.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, canned pumpkin, and egg. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more oat flour until it’s easy to handle.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. You can use a rolling pin to flatten the dough evenly. Once it’s rolled out, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or simply slice the dough into squares for a simpler approach.
- Bake: Place the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re evenly spaced out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the treats are firm and golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Once the treats are done, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the treats firm up and ensures they’re safe to serve. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for long-term storage.
Tip: Always allow the treats to cool fully before giving them to your dog to avoid any burning or discomfort from warm treats. These pumpkin oat bites are not only delicious but also easy on your dog’s digestive system, making them an ideal snack for dogs with sensitive stomachs!
#2 Crunchy Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Sweet potato is a gentle and healthy snack for dogs, offering high fiber and nutrients that promote digestion while satisfying their love for a chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for added healthy fats and flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Wash and peel the sweet potato. Slice it lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips, ensuring even sizing for consistent baking.
- Add Flavor (Optional): If you want to enhance the flavor and texture, lightly brush the sweet potato strips with melted coconut oil.
- Arrange on Sheet: Lay the sweet potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping for even drying.
- Bake: Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping the strips halfway through to ensure they dry out evenly and become slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Let the chews cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving them to your dog.
#3 Banana & Oat Bites
These soft, fiber-rich bites combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the goodness of oats, creating a gentle treat for your dog’s stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2/3 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (natural, unsweetened) for extra flavor and richness
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mash the Banana: In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no large chunks remaining, as this will make the dough smoother.
- Mix the Dough: Add the rolled oats, applesauce, and peanut butter to the mashed banana. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick, similar to cookie dough, but not too sticky. If it’s too loose, you can add a little more oats to firm it up.
- Shape Cookies: Use a spoon to scoop out portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to help them cook evenly and form a biscuit shape. You can also roll them into balls if you prefer a different shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them firm up and make them easier for your dog to enjoy. Make sure they are fully cooled before serving to avoid any discomfort from warm treats.
#4 Yogurt & Honey Bites
These simple, probiotic-packed bites combine Greek yogurt and honey, making them a refreshing, stomach-friendly treat for your dog.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (natural, unsweetened) for extra flavor and richness
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and honey until smooth and creamy, making sure everything is well combined. If you prefer a slightly sweeter treat, you can adjust the amount of honey to taste.
- Drop onto Baking Sheet: Using a piping bag for a more uniform shape or a spoon for a quicker option, drop small dollops of the yogurt and honey mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to space them evenly for consistent freezing. You can make them as small or large as you prefer, but remember they will shrink slightly as they freeze.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the drops to freeze for at least 3 hours, or until they are completely frozen solid. This will help the treats maintain their shape and texture when served.
- Store: Once frozen, carefully transfer the drops to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Store the frozen drops in the freezer for up to a few weeks, depending on how long you want to keep them.
- Serve: When serving, simply take out a few of the frozen drops and offer them as a cool, soothing treat for your dog. These bites are perfect for hot days or as a refreshing snack between meals.
Tip: If you want to add some variety to these treats, you can add small pieces of fruit (like blueberries or strawberries) to the yogurt mixture before freezing for an extra burst of flavor. These treats are gentle on the stomach and help support digestive health, making them a great choice for pups with sensitive tummies.
#5 Pumpkin & Rice Treats
These gentle, nutrient-packed bites combine pumpkin and rice, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cakes from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, cooked rice, and oat flour. Stir well until a thick, sticky batter forms. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more pumpkin to achieve a dough-like consistency. The texture should be easy to handle but firm enough to hold its shape when baked.
- Shape the Cakes: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers to form small, round cakes. These will expand a little as they bake, so try to space them evenly apart on the sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are firm, lightly golden on the edges, and easily lift off the baking sheet. The texture should be soft but not too crumbly.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. Cooling helps the cakes firm up and prevents any discomfort from serving them too hot.
Tip: These cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. If you want to make them extra special, you can drizzle a little natural peanut butter on top after baking, or even mix in some finely grated carrots for added nutrients!
Why These Treats Are Ideal for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
When your dog has a sensitive stomach, choosing the right treats is essential. Many commercial treats contain preservatives, artificial colors, and fillers that can irritate your dog’s digestive system. Here’s why the ingredients used in these recipes are particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs:
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and can ease symptoms of constipation or diarrhea. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C, which are vital for overall health. Pumpkin is easy on the stomach and commonly recommended by veterinarians for dogs with digestive issues.
- Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which helps maintain digestive health. They’re also a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system and overall well-being. Sweet potatoes are easy to digest and can help soothe an upset stomach.
- Bananas: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and fiber, both of which support healthy digestion and heart function. They also provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugars.
- Greek Yogurt: Probiotics in Greek yogurt promote a healthy gut by supporting the balance of good bacteria in the intestines. This can help alleviate digestive upset and promote overall gut health.
- Rice: Brown rice is often used as a bland diet for dogs with stomach issues. It’s gentle on the digestive system and can help firm up stool in cases of diarrhea.
Tips for Making Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Here are a few additional tips to ensure these treats are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs:
- Use Low-Fat Ingredients: If your dog’s stomach is sensitive to fat, you can substitute full-fat yogurt or peanut butter with low-fat or fat-free versions. For instance, swap out peanut butter for a smaller amount of unsweetened applesauce or pureed pumpkin.
- Avoid High-Sugar Ingredients: Dogs with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate high-sugar fruits or artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Always opt for unsweetened applesauce and other naturally sweet ingredients, and avoid adding sugar or sweeteners in excess.
- Incorporate Digestive Aids: To further support digestion, consider adding ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the mix. Both seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which help support healthy digestion and can ease any inflammation in the stomach or intestines.
- Portion Control: Even though these treats are gentle on the stomach, moderation is key. Too many treats can overwhelm your dog’s digestive system, especially if they’re not accustomed to the ingredients. Start with small portions to gauge how well your dog tolerates each recipe.
Common Signs of Digestive Sensitivities in Dogs
While these treats are gentle, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog for any signs that they may be having a reaction to a new ingredient:
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your dog experiences these symptoms after eating a treat, it may indicate that they are sensitive to one of the ingredients. It’s important to discontinue the treat and consult your veterinarian.
- Excessive Gas or Bloating: Digestive upset might also show up as excess gas or bloating. If this occurs, it could mean that your dog’s stomach is struggling to break down certain ingredients.
- Loss of Appetite: A lack of interest in food or water could suggest that your dog is feeling discomfort or nausea after eating a treat.
- Changes in Behavior: If your dog is sluggish, lethargic, or behaving abnormally after eating a treat, they may be experiencing digestive discomfort.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While these homemade treats are designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing digestive conditions.
A vet can help guide you on portion sizes, ensure that the ingredients are suitable for your dog’s condition, and help you avoid any possible food sensitivities.
Conclusion: Healthy, Homemade Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
These homemade dog treats for sensitive stomachs are not only delicious but also packed with nourishing ingredients that will keep your dog’s digestive system happy. From the fiber-rich pumpkin and sweet potato to the soothing properties of Greek yogurt and rice, each recipe is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind.
Homemade treats are an excellent way to offer your dog wholesome, natural snacks that support their digestive health, without the worry of harmful additives or preservatives. Enjoy baking these simple, tummy-friendly treats and watch your dog enjoy every bite!