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My allergic dog is picky. What LID food works for sensitive stomachs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 13 lbs

My dog has recently developed an allergy to her blue buffalo food. I was recommended by my vet to switch her to Natural Balance LID. I bought her the chicken and sweet potato flavor, but she doesn’t seem to like it. She is never excited to eat anymore. I bought her the duck and potato flavor and it upset her stomach (I barely put any of the duck flavor in with her chicken). What do I do? I want her to enjoy her food but I feel bad changing her diet again since it always makes her sick.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2019

I love Natural Balance and am really surprised that it caused an upset tummy. As far as flavor goes, most of my patients like the venison and sweet potato the best. If she has skin allergies you want to stay away from the chicken and beef as most dogs are allergic to these. You could try Fromm's which is a little more expensive but a good food. Another option is to do a hypoallergenic diet that is prescribed by your vet. Always slowly mix the old food with the new food to help transition. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 12th, 2021

    If she has been vomiting repeatedly the first step is to get her in to see your vet. She may have a medical condition, infection, or foreign body causing her to vomit. If she is cleared medically, there are a number of diets that are formulated for sensitive stomachs. My personal favorite brands of dog food are Hills Science Diet and Royal Canin and both have multiple formulas in both dry and canned.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2018

    Unfortunately every dog has a different taste. It is a matter of you trying a few different brands to see what he likes. It is most ideal to mix the old food with the new food to help prevent him from getting an upset stomach. If he has a chronic issue with vomiting, I would look for foods that are for sensitive stomachs. You can also add some chicken broth or a few pieces of boiled chicken over his food to help entice him to eat it more quickly. Also know some dogs are slow eaters or nibblers. If he eventually eats his allotted amount by the end of the time, this is okay. If the vomiting continues, I would have your vet take a look at him as this isn't normal. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 2nd, 2018

    I would consider ruling out other issues such as a functional problem of the esophagus either through your vet or on referral to a specialist. Some dogs can have problems with moving the food down into the stomach, and it could be that the kibble has a hard time traveling (which is why lunch meat doesn't), or there is another underlying issue. A food trial to rule out any food allergies may be another step you can take as well. Most dogs are allergic to certain proteins in foods, rather than grains (though they can be allergic to almost anything just like people), so working on a food trial with your vet to see if there is something that triggers the vomiting episodes may be helpful. If you've kept a record of things he has eaten in the past, you can also compare ingredients and see if there is something common in them that may be missed. Switching from kibble to a wet food diet or mixing in water to soften his kibble may be another solution to see if he is able to keep that down longer than dry food alone.

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