What To Give a Dog or Cat For An Upset Stomach:
Symptoms, Remedies & Diet Tips
If your dog or cat is struggling with an upset stomach, finding safe, effective relief is essential. "Upset stomach" is a broad term that can encompass many different symptoms, from nausea and vomiting to diarrhea and acid reflux. To help your pet feel better, it’s important to identify the specific symptoms and potential underlying causes, as treatments can vary. Natural remedies can offer gentle, reliable support for a range of digestive issues.
Since 2005, Ask Ariel has provided trusted, veterinary-recommended digestive supplements for dogs and cats. Our human-grade, GMP-certified supplements support digestive health, relieving symptoms like gas, loose stools, and sensitivity to certain foods. We’ve included common symptoms with links to pages that explain each in depth to help you find the best approach for your pet’s needs. Whether your pet is experiencing occasional discomfort or chronic digestive issues, our holistic approach provides a comprehensive cat and dog upset stomach treatment.
Why It's Important to Take Your Pet to the Vet for Digestive Symptoms
If your pet is experiencing digestive symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or general upset stomach, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may perform a physical exam and request a stool sample for analysis, which can reveal issues such as parasites, harmful bacteria, or inflammation. Laboratory tests for liver, kidney, and pancreas function can also help identify the underlying cause of digestive disturbance
Some digestive issues may be related to diet. Even premium or organic pet foods can contain hidden ingredients like grains and fillers that may cause inflammation and trigger digestive problems. A healthy, balanced microbiome is critical for proper digestion, and supplements may help support this balance. Once you have a diagnosis from your vet, you can take a holistic approach, combining supplements with a natural diet to support your pet’s digestive health.
Signs Of Digestive Upset In Pets: What To Watch For
These general symptoms of digestive upset can be due to a variety of causes. Click on each symptom to learn more about common triggers, remedies, and when to consult your vet.
Diarrhea - Frequent or loose stools can be caused by a range of issues, from dietary changes to infections. Learn more about cat diarrhea or dog diarrhea and what to do when it strikes.
Vomiting - Occasional vomiting may not be alarming, but frequent or severe vomiting can signal a more serious issue. Explore solutions for cat vomiting or dog vomiting and when to seek veterinary advice.
Gas/Farting - Excessive gas can cause discomfort and may be a sign of food intolerance, poor digestion, or dietary issues. Find out what causes pet gas and how to relieve it.
Bad Breath - Persistent bad breath (halitosis) can result from digestive issues, poor oral hygiene, or underlying health problems. Learn about the causes of cat bad breath or dog bad breath and ways to improve your pet’s breath.
Constipation – Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements, which can be uncomfortable and lead to straining. Common causes include dehydration, low fiber intake, and underlying health issues. Learn more about helping pets with constipation.
Acid Stomach - Acid reflux or an upset stomach due to excess stomach acid can cause discomfort, vomiting, or even regurgitation. Learn how to help soothe dog acid reflux or cat acid reflux and manage symptoms effectively.
Grass Eating - Pets often eat grass when they are feeling nauseous or to soothe an upset stomach. Learn why your pet may be eating grass and when it’s a cause for concern.
Hairballs - Hairballs occur when motility problems prevent the hair from moving through the digestive tract as it should. Learn about how improving your cat's digestive health can reduce problems with hairballs.
Inappetence (Loss of Appetite) - A sudden loss of appetite in your pet could be a sign of digestive distress or more serious conditions like cancer, kidney or liver disease. If your pet is suddenly not eating, it is important to have them examined by a veterinarian and have laboratory testing done to determine the cause
Common Cat & Dog Digestive Problems
Some pet digestive disorders can cause recurring symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or acid reflux. Effectively addressing these conditions often requires targeted support, including dietary changes and supplements. Click on the links below to learn more about specific digestive problems and how our natural pet supplements can help. You’ll also find testimonials from real pet owners whose pets have found relief from symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, and other digestive disturbances.
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – A chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Learn more about cat and dog IBD
Acid Stomach – Occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining, causing discomfort, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Discover more about dog and cat acid stomach
Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause diarrhea, often with mucus or blood. Stress, infections, and dietary indiscretions are common triggers. Explore natural approaches to managing colitis in cats and dogs
Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It can be acute or chronic and may require dietary changes, medications, and sometimes hospitalization for management. Learn more about pancreatitis in dogs and cats
Giardia & Other Parasites - A parasitic infection that affects the intestines, often leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Find out more about giardia
Feline Intestinal Lymphoma – A type of cancer that affects the intestines of cats, often causing symptoms very similar to IBD, such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Find out more about feline intestinal lymphoma
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) – A condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea. Find out more about EPI and how enzyme supplements can help
Cat & Dog Upset Stomach Remedies
What can I give my cat or dog for an upset stomach? Natural remedies can provide gentle, effective relief if your pet has an upset stomach. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and soothing herbs work together to support healthy digestion, reduce discomfort, and restore balance in the gut. Ask Ariel’s supplements are specifically formulated to offer your pet natural, holistic support for digestive health, and are GMP certified for purity and safety.
 Probiotics - Probiotics contain multiple strains of beneficial bacteria that can help pets with an upset stomach. The microbiome in a pet's intestinal tract includes bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. Probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria to restore balance, helping to alleviate digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Probiotics can be especially helpful for a kitten or puppy with an upset stomach.
  Digestive Enzymes - By breaking down food more efficiently, digestive enzymes reduce bloating and discomfort after meals and improve nutrient absorption, ensuring your pet benefits fully from their food. These enzymes help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, easing stomach strain and reducing symptoms like gas and indigestion. For pets with sensitive stomachs, digestive enzymes can greatly enhance comfort and quality of life.
  Soothing Herbs - Soothing herbs can be very beneficial for pets with an upset stomach, providing natural relief for irritation and discomfort. Ingredients like DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) help coat and protect the stomach lining, reducing inflammation and easing gastric distress. Marshmallow root and papaya leaf also calm the stomach by creating a protective layer along the digestive tract.
Combining herbal remedies with enzymes, probiotics, and diet changes can help reset and balance your pet’s digestive tract, promoting lasting digestive health and comfort.
Best Diet for Dogs and Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
Feeding your pet a diet designed for sensitive stomachs can reduce digestive issues and help prevent symptoms from recurring. Here are some dietary guidelines to consider:
Limited-Ingredient Diet – A limited-ingredient diet is gentle on the stomach and minimizes the risk of food allergies or intolerances. This approach simplifies the ingredients and focuses on high-quality sources of protein and minimal fillers.
Novel Protein Raw Frozen Diet – Introducing a novel protein raw frozen diet, such as rabbit or venison, can be highly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs. These proteins are less likely to trigger food sensitivities and provide high-quality, bioavailable nutrients that support digestion and overall health. Raw frozen diets can also aid in promoting a healthier microbiome, further improving digestion.
Low in Carbohydrates and Fillers – Foods with high carbohydrates and starchy fillers (like corn or wheat) can be hard on pets with sensitive stomachs. Look for grain-free or low-carb options that focus on wholesome ingredients and easy-to-digest nutrients.
Moisture-Rich Diets for Cats – For cats, moisture-rich canned food or fresh, high-protein diets can help prevent dehydration and improve digestion, especially for those prone to hairballs or constipation. Hydration is key in maintaining digestive health in cats, and canned food can help supplement water intake.
Providing a diet that’s easy to digest can significantly reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach, especially for pets with chronic digestive sensitivities. If you’re looking for specific recommendations, consider consulting with your veterinarian to find a food that best suits your pet’s needs.
Originally published Jan 11, 2023
Updated Nov 14, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
|
|
|
