If your dog has a sensitive stomach, choosing the right chew can feel overwhelming. Many popular chews are rich, dense, or hard to digest — which can lead to vomiting, soft stools, gas, or discomfort. The good news? Plenty of gentle, easily digestible chews exist, especially single-ingredient options like Sweet Potato Slices, Beef Lung Bites, and Cow Ear Slivers, which are far easier on the digestive system than heavy meat chews or rawhide.
Let’s break down what makes a chew “gentle,” which dogs benefit most, and how to pick the right treat for a sensitive stomach.
What Are the Most Easily Digestible Chews for Dogs?
Dogs with digestive sensitivities do best with chews that are:
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Single-ingredient
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Low-fat
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Naturally dehydrated
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Not too dense or tough
Some of the easiest-to-digest options include:
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Sweet Potato Slices (high fiber, stomach-soothing)
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Beef Lung Bites (lean, airy, low-fat protein)
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Cow Ear Slivers (light, chewy, minimally fatty)
These chews break down more easily than tough proteins like collagen or heavy marrow bones.
What Treats Are Good for Dogs With Gut Problems?
When a dog has gut issues — diarrhea, gas, soft stools, food sensitivities — look for treats that are:
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Low in fat (fat triggers stomach upset)
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Low in density (easy to digest)
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Gentle on the pancreas and intestines
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Free from preservatives and additives
Many owners use soft, lean treats like Beef Lung Bites because they provide protein without heaviness.
Fiber-rich options such as Sweet Potato Fries can also help firm stools naturally and promote regular digestion.
What Do Veterinarians Recommend for Dogs to Chew On?
Most vets recommend:
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Light, digestible chews (cow ears, lung, trachea, sweet potato)
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Moderate-density chews rather than rock-hard ones
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Chews without fat coatings or flavorings
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Avoiding rawhide entirely
Chews like Cow Ear Slivers offer texture without being harsh on digestion, which is why many vets prefer them over dense products like hooves, antlers, or rawhide bones.
For dogs needing a moderate long-lasting chew, some tolerate Beef Gullet Sticks surprisingly well due to their softer, natural structure.
Long-Lasting Chews for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
Long-lasting and gentle is a tricky combination — most long-lasting chews are dense and fatty.
However, dogs with mild sensitivities often tolerate:
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Cow Ears (light, low-fat, naturally long-lasting)
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Dehydrated Beef Gullet Sticks (less dense than bully sticks)
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Longer sweet potato cuts for extended chewing
Avoid chews that are:
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Very fatty (pork skin twists, marrow bones)
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Extremely hard (antlers, hooves, weight-bearing bones)
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Produced with artificial flavors
These can irritate the stomach or cause diarrhea.
Are Dental Chews Safe for Sensitive Stomachs?
Many commercial dental chews contain:
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Starches
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Flavorings
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Glycerin
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Additives
These often upset sensitive dogs.
A better option?
Natural dental chews with simple ingredients.
For example, Sweet Potato Sticks with Cinnamon & Pumpkin provide abrasion for dental cleaning without preservatives.
Cow ears and gullet sticks also provide natural scraping action while being easier on digestion.
Homemade Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
If you want complete control over ingredients, try:
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Mashed sweet potato baked into soft cookies
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Plain boiled chicken jerky (very gentle)
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Pumpkin + oat treats
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Frozen carrot sticks
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Mashed banana on a lick mat
Avoid peanut butter (often too fatty) unless used extremely sparingly.
High Value Treats for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
You can still reward your dog without upsetting their stomach.
Great high-value options include:
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Beef Lung Bites (aromatic but low-fat)
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Soft pieces of chicken breast
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Sweet potato cubes
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Small bits of Chicken Jerky (only single-ingredient versions)
These deliver “wow” value without richness.
Final Thoughts
Dogs with sensitive stomachs thrive on simple, gentle, single-ingredient chews that keep digestion stable while still satisfying their chewing instincts. Treats like Sweet Potato Slices, Beef Lung Bites, Cow Ear Slivers, Sweet Potato Sticks, and Beef Gullet Sticks are excellent choices for supporting gut comfort without sacrificing enjoyment.
When in doubt, choose light, lean, and natural.