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There are a few things worse than dealing with diarrhea in your Jack Russell! We asked our 800,000 members from the Jack Russell community on Facebook the following question: “What’s the best food for a Jack Russell with a sensitive stomach?”
Best Foods for a Jack Russell with a Sensitive Tummy
One of my dogs has a sensitive stomach, so I use Butcher’s trays, not tins.
Author: Sarah M.
Likes: 5
I make my own Jack’s food. I use a base of whole meats (chicken, beef, pork), brown rice, and mixed vegetables. He used to scratch quite a bit but he hasn’t scratched since we started feeding him homemade food.
Author: Kimberly Orlando C.
Likes: 32
Not a food recommendation, but would HIGHLY recommend this probiotic chew from Amazon. My dog thinks they are a treat, and it solidified her poop in about 3 days.
Likes: 8
I feed my dogs both Jack Russell home-cooked meals, meat, rice, they love carrots, and other veggies, and only pork once a month. My Jack Russell Terrier is 16 years old, and she’s very healthy
Author: Lena D.
Likes: 3
Royal Canin gastrointestinal wet… saved my dog Lulu’s life when she was diagnosed with pancreatitis…she loves it
Author: Elaine F.
Likes: 5
Harrington’s grain-free biscuits and Butcher’s Gentle Works great
Author: Cheryl O.
Likes: 3
ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach helped my girl. A small scoop of plain yogurt or pumpkin can help.
Author: Maureen M.
Likes: 3
My Jack has a sensitive stomach, and I have her on Hills for sensitive stomach, and she does great.
Author: Karyl Bolser H.
Likes: 1
We do ground Turkey, carrots, and peas, and sometimes green beans. We give him Science Diet for a sensitive stomach and skin. We limit the kibble, but he needs the vitamins and crunch. He does well with it even though he is allergic to chicken.
Author: Donna F.
Likes: 0
Butcher’s tripe sorted our sensitive boy out, no dairy, no red meat or pork & only boiled chicken once a week for a change, not roasted chicken,
Author: Sandra S.
Likes: 1
Author: Marina S.
Likes: 6
We just got the Farmer’s Dog, and our dogs love it. It’s all human-grade food.
Author: Nicole Pinto C.
Likes: 0
My Jack has super-sensitive skin and a sensitive tummy, so I feed him FreshPet’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach roll. He loves it, and it’s packed with great nutrients!
Author: Kelsey A.
Likes: 0
My Jack Russell had a sensitive stomach, and our vet recommended Chappie, and it was the only dog food he could eat that didn’t upset his stomach
Author: Siani P.
Likes: 0
Boiled chicken breasts, rice, and butternut. My JRT with a history of pancreatitis and high cholesterol eats this. I combine it with a small handful of high-fiber chunks for her meals. And make sure to feed 2 smaller meals a day and not 1 big meal as well. I couldn’t afford the prescribed Hills foods from the vet, so I found a solution that works and is more friendly to my pocket. Since switching to the above years back, she hasn’t been ill with pancreatitis again.
Author: Ilze K.
Likes: 0
My JRT had a sensitive stomach, and unless I cooked for him, everything bothered him until I fed him Merrick Limited Ingredients Healthy Grains, either Turkey or chicken flavor. He quit having problems after that.
Author: Vickie C.
Likes: 0
Go brand dog food. Limited ingredients. Green one. Two of my Jack Russells had skin and cough allergies. Both went away when we started using this food
Author: Charity B.
Likes: 0
We feed ours the PEDIGREE Small Dog brand made from steak or bacon. We found that anything with Chicken makes our Jack Russells itch excessively!
Author: Tony A.
Likes: 0
My JRT is eating Farmer’s Dog and loves it, and it has all-natural ingredients. But whenever he does have irregular digestion, one scoop of pure pumpkin in his food fixes him right up
Author: Rick G.
Likes: 0
Mine has a lot of allergies, but I’ve found the best so far for him has been Naturo. Only trouble is, for some reason, there’s never any on the shelves! Must be popular!
Author: Moira L.
Likes: 0
Mine has a sensitive stomach, too. I feed him Petkind kibble
Author: Wendy C.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Jack Russells with Sensitive Stomachs
1. What is the best food for a Jack Russell with a sensitive stomach?
The best food is one that is easy to digest and made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Many owners find success with sensitive stomach formulas, limited-ingredient diets, or homemade meals with lean protein, rice, and vegetables.
2. Why do Jack Russells have sensitive stomachs?
Jack Russells can develop sensitive stomachs due to food allergies, intolerances, or digestive conditions. Their active nature and metabolism may also make them more prone to digestive upset.
3. Can homemade food help a Jack Russell with digestive issues?
Yes, homemade food can help because it allows you to control ingredients and avoid triggers. Simple meals with meat, rice, and vegetables are often easier on the stomach.
4. What ingredients are best for a sensitive Jack Russell?
Gentle ingredients like lean meats, brown rice, pumpkin, and cooked vegetables are commonly well-tolerated and can help support digestion.
5. Are limited-ingredient dog foods a good choice?
Limited-ingredient diets can be helpful because they reduce exposure to potential allergens and make it easier to identify what your dog can tolerate.
6. Can probiotics help a Jack Russell’s stomach?
Yes, probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of good bacteria, which may help reduce diarrhea and improve overall digestion.
7. Should I avoid certain proteins for my Jack Russell?
Some dogs are sensitive to specific proteins like chicken or pork. If your dog shows signs of intolerance, switching to alternative proteins may help.
8. Is pumpkin good for a Jack Russell with digestive issues?
Pumpkin is often used to help regulate digestion and firm up stools due to its fiber content. It should be plain and fed in moderation.
9. How often should I feed a Jack Russell with a sensitive stomach?
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce digestive stress and keep your dog’s system running smoothly.
10. How do I switch my Jack Russell to a new food?
Transition gradually over several days by mixing the new food with the old in increasing amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
11. When should I take my Jack Russell to the vet for stomach problems?
If symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite persist, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.
A Better Feeding Plan for Jack Russells with Sensitive Stomachs
Managing a sensitive stomach in your Jack Russell starts with choosing the right foods and sticking to a consistent routine. Simple, easy-to-digest ingredients and high-quality diets can make a big difference in reducing digestive issues and improving overall health. Since every dog is unique, it may take some trial and adjustment to find what works best. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can help your Jack Russell enjoy better digestion, more energy, and a more comfortable, happy life. As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your pug’s food.
RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose
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