Dog food for sensitive stomachs

Four sensitive stomach foods and still soft stools — that tells me we're probably past a simple ingredient swap and into something more specific going on with your Poodle's gut. Sensitive stomach issues in dogs usually fall into a few categories: food intolerance, a reaction to a particular protein or additive, or a digestive system that just needs a much simpler, highly digestible diet. Identifying which is happening is the key to finding the right food rather than just trying another brand off the shelf. To point you in the right direction — what are the four foods you've already tried, and are the stools consistently soft or does it come and go?

That's really useful — and actually quite telling. You've tried two different protein sources across four foods, including some of the most commonly recommended options, and she's consistently soft on all of them. The fact that she's otherwise well rules out a lot of the more serious causes. What stands out to me is that most of those foods, while labelled sensitive, still contain moderately complex ingredient lists and varying fibre profiles. For Poodles specifically, some individuals have quite particular digestive tracts that respond poorly to inconsistency in fibre levels. Before I make a recommendation — has she ever been checked by a vet for EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) or had a B12 level tested? Poodles are a breed with slightly higher risk for both, and chronic soft stools despite food changes is one of the flags.

That's helpful context. Given she's been through four over-the-counter sensitive foods without improvement, I'd push back gently on the vet's approach of just recommending more of the same category. My recommendation for you is Royal Canin Digestive Care — and the reason it's different from what you've tried is specific. It's formulated with highly digestible proteins, a precise fibre blend using psyllium and beet pulp, and a carefully controlled fat level. That combination actively supports stool formation rather than just being 'gentle.' It's also worth noting it's been through clinical testing specifically for stool quality, not just digestive comfort broadly. The kibble size and shape is also suited to small breeds like a Poodle. Transition slowly — about 10 days mixing with her current food — and if you're not seeing firmer stools within three to four weeks on the full diet, that's the point where I'd go back to the vet and specifically request an EPI panel and a TLI test.

Yes, the Royal Canin Digestive Care Small Dog version is exactly right for her — it's formulated for dogs under 10kg and comes in a 1.5kg or 3kg bag on Amazon UK. The 3kg bag typically runs around £20 to £24, which works out to a reasonable per-day cost for an 8kg dog. It's widely available so you won't have trouble reordering. One practical tip: weigh her portions rather than using the cup guide on the bag — Poodles at a healthy weight can be overfed easily on calorie-dense foods, and even slight overfeeding can affect stool consistency. Stick with it consistently and resist the urge to switch again if the first week looks the same — the transition period genuinely takes time.