Puppy
For growing puppies of all breeds
Gut-first recipes
Dog food for sensitive stomachs, formulated around the gut
Digestible ingredients, the right fibre, prebiotics, probiotics and butyrate, in a complete food your dog can eat every day.
- Free delivery over R100
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- Trial bags available
What it means
What is a sensitive stomach in a dog?
It is a description, not a diagnosis. Owners use it for a dog whose digestion is easily unsettled: stools that are often soft or change from day to day, wind, a rumbling tummy, the occasional vomit, or a patchy appetite.
Sometimes the reason is a particular ingredient. Sometimes it is a rich diet, too many extras, a sudden change of food or stress. And sometimes there is a medical cause that food alone will not fix, which is why persistent symptoms belong with a vet.
The formulation
What should dog food for a sensitive stomach contain?
We started with the gut and worked outwards. Five things in every recipe are there for digestion.
A digestible protein
Black soldier fly larvae are a complete, easily digested protein, and new to most dogs.
Dietary fibre
Fibre from whole grains, legumes and vegetables helps food move through at the right pace and supports well-formed stools.
Chicory root prebiotics
Prebiotic fibre is food for the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut.
Probiotics
Added beneficial micro-organisms that help maintain a balanced gut.
Butyrate
A short-chain fatty acid that is an energy source for the cells lining the colon and is associated with a healthy gut barrier.
Fewer common triggers
Made without chicken, beef, egg, dairy, soy, wheat or maize. Sorghum and millet are gluten-free ancient grains.
The recipes contain peas, lentils and chickpeas, so they are not legume-free. The full lists are on the ingredients page.
Changing over
How do I switch a dog with a sensitive stomach to a new food?
Slowly. The bacteria in your dog’s gut are adapted to the current food and need time to adjust to a new one. A rushed change is one of the most common causes of an upset stomach.
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Days 1 to 2
Mix about a quarter new food with three quarters of the current food.
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Days 3 to 4
Half and half.
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Days 5 to 6
About three quarters new food, one quarter old.
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Day 7 onwards
Nala Health on its own.
What to expect
What do stool changes during the switch mean?
Some change is normal, and it does not mean the food disagrees with your dog. The gut is adjusting to a different protein and a different amount of fibre.
- Slightly softer or firmer stools in the first days: common, and usually settles within a week or two
- A change in colour, amount or frequency: expected with a change in ingredients and fibre
- A bit more wind at first: often passes as the gut bacteria adapt
Slow down if stools turn loose: go back a step and hold it there. Call your vet for watery diarrhoea lasting more than a day or two, any blood, repeated vomiting, or a dog that stops eating or seems unwell.
In their owners’ words
What owners of sensitive dogs tell us
Individual customers’ experiences. Every dog’s digestion is different.
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I’m really happy with this food. My dog used to have frequent loose stools with a strong odor and wasn’t eating well. Now, his appetite is great, and his stools are firm and odor-free. I’m a very satisfied customer.
Eddie Monica, pet parent -
Bamse, my 10-month-old Bichon Frise, struggled with appetite and inconsistent stools on other foods. Since switching to Nala Health, we’ve seen a remarkable improvement. Bamse now enjoys his meals, and his digestive health has stabilised. We’re definitely sticking with Nala Health. Thank you so much!
Bamse Kirsten, pet parent -
I contacted Nala Health because despite feeding my dogs with reputable food, I experienced that my dogs struggled with diarrhoea and digestive problems. Now they eat Nala Health dog food and are doing really well!
The Team-Xit Sofi, pet parent -
Kiran, who has struggled with allergies and has been on different expensive allergy foods for years. After switching to Nala Health he has had no issues. Mali, who has always been a picky eater, has a good appetite and eats well. Their stools are also good and their fur is shiny.
We are so happy with the food!
Mali and Kiran Ida, pet parent -
For Baloo, I seek the same quality of life I desire for myself. I want only the best for him, and with Nala Health, I believe he’s getting just that. Since switching, he’s had healthier stools, fresher breath, and even shed some extra weight.
Baloo Camy, pet parent -
I have a GSP dog who is allergic to all dry dog foods (I have tried all the main brands and she gets a horrible rash on her stomach and a very sore gut) and up till now she has only tolerated ostrich or turkey wet food. I introduced the Nala very slowly over three weeks and its working! No rash and back to her high energy self.
Georgi Jacqui, pet parent
The recipes
The same gut-first base in every recipe
Choose by age and size. A Trial Bag is a low-risk way to begin.
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Adult Small Breed
For adult dogs under 10 kg
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Adult Medium to Large Breed
For adult dogs over 10 kg
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Senior and Weight Management
For dogs over 7, or adults watching their weight
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Trial Bag
A 400 g taster of any recipe
Sensitive stomach questions
What is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach?
A complete food with easily digested ingredients, useful fibre, and support for the gut bacteria, that avoids whatever your own dog reacts to. No single food suits every dog, so introduce any new one slowly and judge it after a few weeks.
Is insect protein easy to digest?
Yes. Black soldier fly larvae are a complete, easily digested protein. They are also new to most dogs, which helps when a common meat is the problem. More on insect protein for dogs.
How long until my dog’s stomach settles on a new food?
Allow the changeover itself, 7 to 14 days, and then a few weeks on the new food alone before deciding. If things are getting worse rather than better, stop and ask your vet.
What do the probiotics and butyrate do?
Probiotics are beneficial micro-organisms that help maintain a balanced gut. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that the cells lining the colon use for energy. Together with fibre and prebiotics they support healthy digestion.
Can Nala Health help a dog with IBD or pancreatitis?
Nala Health is a complete everyday food, not a treatment and not a prescription diet. Dogs with a diagnosed condition should be fed as their vet advises; ask your vet whether our food is appropriate for your dog.
Is the food grain-free?
No. It contains sorghum and millet, which are gluten-free ancient grains, and is made without wheat or maize.
Which recipe is best for a puppy with a sensitive stomach?
Puppy, which is complete for growing dogs and built on the same gut-first base. Our puppy food page explains more.
Could the problem be an allergy rather than a sensitive stomach?
Possibly, especially if there is itching as well. See hypoallergenic dog food for how a vet-guided food trial works.
A calmer stomach starts in the bowl
Complete, gut-first recipes for every life stage, delivered to your door.