What is in a Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula that is beneficial for your cat or dog?
Generally it’s not what is added into these foods but instead what is left out. Compared to the original food, the brands often decide to eliminate ingredients that can be irritating for our pets. Such as wheat, corn, soy, chicken and by-product meals. Then they attach the marketing claim “Sensitive Skin & Stomach” and you will pay a premium for it.
These foods don’t necessarily contain any special or beneficial ingredients.
When our pets are having GI issues or itchy skin and allergies, they often have some underlying gut issues.
It’s best to switch to a novel protein like fish, pork, turkey, venison, lamb, rabbit or duck. We also want to eliminate common irritants : wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors and flavors.
This applies to their treats as well.
For best results, consider a fresher, less processed food option. Or add fresh food as a topper or occasional meal.
Once you have figured out what foods your dog or cat tolerates well, you’ll want to add variety. Feeding the same food every single day for extended periods of time often leads to more sensitivities.
A varied diet helps create a healthy gut microbiome, allowing pets to eat a variety of foods without an upset stomach.
Almost every dog and cat can benefit from a good quality probiotic. Especially those pets who are suffering from digestive upset and/or allergies and itchy skin.
Probiotics should contain multiple strains as well as CFUs in the billions.
Our favorite probiotics are whole foods such as raw goat milk and fermented foods or in a powdered from rather than a treat. Make sure to check the “inactive” ingredients, it’s our preference that they don’t have any.
Although it’s becoming more common, it isn’t normal for our pets to have sensitive stomachs. It’s important that we address the root cause and heal the gut so they can enjoy a wide variety of foods.