Best Freeze-Dried Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
7 min read

Loyal Saints Premium Freeze-Dried Raw: Human-grade ingredients, probiotics, and natural fibers for digestion. Free from allergens like grains.
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Sensitivity Select: Limited ingredients with novel proteins (e.g., turkey, duck) and digestive aids like sweet potato and ginger.
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs: High-quality proteins, natural enzymes, and grain-free recipes. Great for rotation feeding.
Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets: USDA-certified organic produce, low carbs, and ingredients like apple cider vinegar for gut health.
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties: Single-protein recipes (e.g., rabbit, venison) with added probiotics. Free from peas, lentils, and potatoes.

Quick Comparison Table

Brand	Protein Source	Digestive Aids	Free From	Best For
Loyal Saints Premium	Human-grade meats	Probiotics, fibers	Grains, fillers	General digestive support
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend	Turkey, duck, quail	Ginger, sweet potato	Beef, dairy, wheat	Food sensitivities
Vital Essentials Mini Nibs	Whole animal proteins	Natural enzymes	Grains	Simple digestion needs
Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets	Beef, turkey, venison	Apple cider vinegar	Antibiotics, steroids	Gut health and low carbs
Stella & Chewy's Dinner Patties	Rabbit, venison, pork	Probiotics	Peas, lentils, potatoes	Mild sensitivities, allergens

Switch to freeze-dried food gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your vet to find the best option for your dog’s needs.

Top 5 Freeze Dried Dog Foods 2024

1. Loyal Saints Premium Freeze-Dried Raw

Loyal Saints Premium Freeze-Dried Raw is a vet-approved pet food made with human-grade ingredients. Designed to reduce allergens, it provides a balanced diet for pets while being gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Here’s why it’s great for digestion:

Feature	How It Helps Sensitive Stomachs
Natural Fibers	Encourages smooth digestion and regular bowel movements
Prebiotics	Supports a healthy balance of gut bacteria
No Fillers or Additives	Lowers the chance of digestive upset

This combination of natural fibers, prebiotics, and a clean ingredient list improves nutrient absorption and digestion. Freeze-dried diets like this one are easier for pets to digest compared to traditional kibble, offering better amino acid and energy absorption. Many pet owners have reported noticeable improvements in their pets' digestion.

Key Features:

Made with ethically sourced, human-grade ingredients
Provides balanced nutrition for pets of all ages
Free from common allergens such as grains
Includes natural fibers and prebiotics to support digestion
Meets AAFCO standards for pet nutrition

2. Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Sensitivity Select

With an 83% premium meat formula and a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor, this product emphasizes top-tier nutritional quality.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in Supporting Sensitive Stomachs

Ingredient	Benefit
Novel Proteins	Turkey, duck, goose, and quail serve as alternative options to avoid common allergens.
Digestive Aids	Ingredients like sweet potato, ginger, and pumpkin seed support smoother digestion.
Natural Antioxidants	Cranberry, blueberry, and apple help strengthen the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory Ingredients	Flaxseed and sunflower seed may help reduce digestive discomfort.

This formula avoids common allergens such as beef, dairy, eggs, and wheat. It also uses natural mixed tocopherols instead of artificial preservatives, making it a thoughtful choice for dogs with sensitivities. Here's what sets it apart:

Focus on limited ingredients with unique protein sources.
Free from grains, soy, and artificial additives.
Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach.
Includes dried kelp for essential minerals.

While it comes with a higher price tag compared to standard dog foods, the use of premium, naturally sourced ingredients makes it a strong choice for dogs facing ongoing digestive challenges. Up next, a comparison chart will show how this product measures up against other leading options.

3. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs

Vital Essentials Mini Nibs are crafted with butcher-cut proteins, making them a solid choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 41 verified reviews, it’s clear that many pet owners trust this product.

Nutritional Profile

Component	Percentage	Benefit for Sensitive Stomachs
Protein	57.6%	High-quality, easily digestible whole animal protein
Fat	18.0%	Balanced fat content to promote gentle digestion
Carbohydrates	16.0%	Lower carb levels help ease digestive stress

The lightly processed ingredients in Mini Nibs make it a standout option for digestive support. According to Vital Essentials Raw Pet Food, > "When it comes to feeding your dog a raw diet, butcher cut protein provides superior benefits". Unlike regular kibble, the freeze-dried process preserves natural enzymes and nutrients, which are essential for gut health.

Digestive Health Features

Mini Nibs aren’t just about balanced nutrition - they also include features aimed at improving digestion:

Grain- and gluten-free recipe
Natural digestive enzymes from whole animal proteins
A variety of protein options like chicken, beef, duck, rabbit, and turkey, allowing for rotation feeding
No artificial preservatives or additives

JoAnna D., a happy customer, shares: > "My girl loves the tasty crunch and I love the wholesome ingredients. Easy to feed and store."

The freeze-drying process ensures both safety and nutrient retention, making Mini Nibs a convenient and healthy choice for your dog. The bite-sized format also makes portioning simple, but be sure to introduce it gradually into your pet's diet.

4. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets

Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets are crafted with ingredients aimed at supporting easy digestion. With 48.9% protein, they provide a nutrient-dense option for pets, featuring a well-thought-out nutritional balance.

Nutritional Breakdown and Digestive Focus

Component	Value	Digestive Role
Protein	48.9%	High-quality animal protein for easy digestion
Fat	35.9%	Supplies essential fatty acids for absorption
Carbohydrates	7.2%	Low levels to ease digestive stress

This formula uses USDA-certified organic produce and responsibly sourced meats, free from antibiotics, steroids, or synthetic vitamins. Ingredients like organic apple cider vinegar and montmorillonite clay are included to promote gut health, making it a thoughtful choice for digestion-focused nutrition.

Digestive-Friendly Ingredients

Beef hearts and livers: Packed with essential amino acids.
Ground beef bones: A natural source of calcium.
Organic fruits and vegetables: Provide nutrients derived directly from whole foods.

Preparation and Feeding Tips

For maximum benefits, rehydrate the nuggets by mixing ¼ cup of warm water with every four nuggets. This not only enhances the aroma but also makes nutrients more accessible. If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, consider lean protein options like Turkey & Sardine, Pork, Pheasant, Rabbit, or Venison.

Primal’s rigorous testing and satisfaction guarantee ensure these nuggets meet the needs of pets with delicate digestive systems.

5. Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties are a popular choice for pet owners in the USA. These patties make raw feeding simple and are designed with digestive health and allergen concerns in mind.

Nutritional Profile for Sensitive Stomachs

Component	Specification	Benefit for Digestion
Protein Content	90–98%	High-quality, single-source protein
Added Elements	Probiotics	Helps maintain healthy digestion
Common Allergens	None	Free of peas, lentils, and potatoes

Single-Protein Options

Stella & Chewy's offers various single-protein recipes, making it easier to avoid allergens and identify potential triggers:

Absolutely Rabbit: Contains 90% rabbit and bone, ideal for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins.
Simply Venison: A premium choice for dogs with severe sensitivities.
Purely Pork: A great alternative protein, suitable for rotation diets.

Serving and Transition Tips

These patties are versatile and can be served in different ways:

Serve dry for dogs accustomed to raw diets.
Crumble for precise portion control.
Rehydrate to aid digestion.

One 14 oz bag typically contains about 30 patties, while a 25 oz bag includes approximately 50 patties.

Quality Assurance

Stella & Chewy's enforces strict quality control. Although there were voluntary recalls in 2015, their current recipes include added antioxidants to promote overall health.

Price Points

Pricing varies based on protein type. Standard options like beef and chicken are priced around $34.19, while specialty proteins such as rabbit and venison range from $42.74 to $46.54. These prices reflect the premium ingredients and limited-ingredient approach, ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Product Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick chart outlining the key nutritional details and allergen-related features of popular freeze-dried dog foods designed for sensitive stomachs.

Nutritional Comparison

Feature	Loyal Saints Premium	Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Sensitivity Select	Vital Essentials Mini Nibs	Stella & Chewy's Dinner Patties
Protein Content	High-quality	83% meat content	57.6%	51% protein
Main Proteins	Human-grade	Turkey, Duck, Goose, Quail	Turkey, Turkey Heart	Chicken, liver, gizzard
Fiber Sources	Organic produce	Sweet Potato, Spinach	Limited formula	Pumpkin seed, cranberries
Digestive Aids	Probiotics	Ginger, mixed tocopherols	Natural enzymes	See product review

Below is another table focusing on allergen exclusions and unique features to help you decide.

Allergen and Sensitivity Features

Brand	Free From	Special Features	Best For
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Sensitivity Select	Beef, dairy, eggs, wheat	Novel proteins, anti-inflammatory	Food sensitivities
Vital Essentials Mini Nibs	Grains	Limited ingredient formula	Simple digestion needs
Stella & Chewy's Dinner Patties	See product review	Single-animal protein	Mild sensitivities

These products are crafted with balanced nutrition, limited ingredients, and carefully selected proteins to promote easier digestion. Use this summary alongside the detailed reviews above to make an informed choice.

Final Recommendations

Here are our top picks for freeze-dried dog food designed for sensitive stomachs. Each option was selected based on ingredient quality, ease of digestion, and balanced nutrition, offering targeted benefits and proven effectiveness.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food provides excellent nutrition at an affordable price. Costing $2.75 per pound, this formula rehydrates to four times its weight and has earned a 4-star rating from 146 customers. It’s a great choice for sensitive stomachs without breaking the bank.
Most Versatile Option: JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato Recipe is perfect for dogs transitioning to freeze-dried food. This balanced meal is free from preservatives, gluten, and grains, featuring ground beef, russet potatoes, and green beans. It’s ideal for pets with changing dietary needs.
Top Pick for Digestive Health: Loyal Saints Premium Freeze-Dried Raw stands out for its exceptional support for digestive health. This veterinarian-approved formula has shown consistent success in helping dogs with ongoing digestive issues.

Be sure to consult your veterinarian to choose the option that best suits your dog’s unique needs.