Tummy Trouble? Here’s What to Feed a Dog With an Anxious Stomach

Let’s be honest: there are few things more worrying for a dog parent than seeing your pup uncomfortable, pacing, or dealing with digestive drama. Whether it's anxiety from a big change (like a new sitter or holiday away from you), a new food that didn’t sit right, or just a sensitive stomach by nature - an upset tummy can quickly throw everything out of whack.

So, how do you feed an anxious dog with a delicate digestion system? You get strategic - and a little bit soothing.

Here’s your ultimate guide to what to feed, what to avoid, and when to get the vet involved, all wrapped up in one easy-to-digest blog post (pun 100% intended).

First Things First: What Does an “Anxious Tummy” Look Like?

Every dog is different, but common signs of a stress-sensitive stomach include:

• Runny or inconsistent poos
• Tummy gurgles or gas
• Loss of appetite
• Mild vomiting
• Restlessness after eating
• Eating grass or licking the floor

If it only lasts a day or two and your dog’s still bright, alert, and waggy-tailed, it could be linked to anxiety or dietary sensitivity. But if symptoms stick around, or your pup’s not acting like themselves, it's time to take things seriously (scroll down for when to ring the vet).

What to Feed a Dog with a Sensitive or Anxious Stomach

Let’s talk ingredients. Some foods are naturally gentler on the gut - and even help reduce inflammation or anxiety.

1. Gentle, Digestible Proteins

Think: simple, lean, and easy on the tummy.

Best picks:

• Turkey
• Chicken
• Duck (for dogs sensitive to chicken)
  

These are easy for most dogs to digest and help keep protein levels up without triggering flare-ups.

2. Pumpkin or Sweet Potato

You’ll find both of these tummy-settling superfoods in our Superfood Crunch Dry Food recipes.

Why they help:

• Rich in soluble fibre
• Help bulk up soft stool
• Soothe inflammation and support regularity

Look for them in food formulas — or add a spoonful of plain, cooked pumpkin to your dog’s bowl.

3. Prebiotics & Probiotics

Gut health = mood health. These friendly bacteria do a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

Look for:

• Chicory root (prebiotic)
• Beet pulp (another Superfood Crunch staple)
• Live probiotics like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium
  

They help restore healthy gut flora, especially if stress has caused imbalance.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

From fish oil or flaxseed - these help reduce gut inflammation and even support mood regulation; ideal for pups whose anxiety shows up in their belly.

5. L-Theanine or L-Tryptophan

These natural amino acids are often added to calming diets.
They help promote relaxation and are commonly used to support anxious behaviour - especially useful if your dog’s nerves show up as nausea or appetite loss.

6. Chamomile or Ginger

You’ll find these in some holistic formulas or calming treats.
Chamomile can ease mild anxiety and calm the gut.
Ginger helps reduce nausea and bloating.

Caboodle tip: Don’t DIY herbal remedies unless you’ve spoken to your vet — some herbs can interfere with medications or cause side effects in the wrong dose.

Plain Chicken & Rice: A Temporary Reset

Sometimes, your dog just needs a food holiday — something ultra-bland to calm the gut and reset digestion.

Enter: plain, boiled chicken and white rice.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken, boiled with no seasoning.
2. Combine with plain white rice (not brown – it’s harder to digest).
3. Feed small, frequent meals (1–2 spoonfuls for small dogs, ¼–½ cup for medium/large dogs).
4. Keep it simple for 2–3 days maximum.
5. Slowly reintroduce their normal food once the tummy settles.

Caboodle tip: If you need to feed this for more than 3 days or your dog is still having symptoms, it’s time to involve your vet — long-term, this diet doesn’t provide complete nutrition.

When to Call the Vet About Upset Tummies (Trust Your Gut Too)

Mild tummy trouble can often be managed at home. But here’s when it’s time to get professional help:

Call your vet if:

• Diarrhoea or vomiting lasts more than 48 hours
• There’s blood in stool or vomit
• Your dog seems lethargic, shaky, or in pain
• They’re refusing all food for over 24 hours
• Tummy troubles keep coming back, even with bland diets
• They’re a puppy, senior, or have health issues (they can dehydrate quickly)

Caboodle tip: Take photos of your dog’s stool or vomit (gross, we know), plus note down their meals and behaviour — it can really help your vet with diagnosis.

Ingredients to Avoid For An Upset Stomach

Some ingredients are common culprits for triggering or worsening upset stomachs:

• Artificial colours or preservatives
• High-fat meats or treats
• Generic “meat meal” or “animal derivatives”
• Excess fillers like corn, wheat or soy
• Dairy (not all dogs digest it well)
• Rich table scraps — no more roast beef leftovers, sorry!

Calmer Belly, Happier Dog

A sensitive stomach doesn’t have to mean endless food switches or anxiety every time your pup skips a meal. With the right ingredients, a little TLC, and clear signs of when to get help, you can support your dog’s digestive health and bring back that happy, tail-waggy energy.

And if your dog is prone to getting stressed when you're away? Feeding the right gut-supportive food can help them cope better, too. A calmer gut can mean a calmer pup — and a more relaxed you.