My Dog Is on Grain Free Food but Still Has Digestive Problems — What Next?
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Part of our Complete Guide to Dog Digestive Health — everything you need to know about digestive problems in dogs and how to solve them through diet.
You switched your dog to grain free food expecting it to settle their stomach — and it has not made the difference you hoped for. This is more common than you might think, and it points to something important: in many dogs with persistent digestive issues, grains are not the problem.
Why Grain Free Alone May Not Be Enough
Grain free dog food removes wheat, corn, rice and other grains. For dogs whose issues are triggered by grain sensitivity, this works well. But if the problem is caused by poor protein digestibility or protein intolerance, removing grains makes no meaningful difference. The protein in most dog foods — grain free included — is still intact. If your dog's gut is struggling to absorb it, it ferments in the large intestine and causes exactly the symptoms you are seeing.
The Difference Between Grain Sensitivity and Protein Sensitivity
- Grain sensitivity — the dog reacts to specific grains. Removing grains resolves the issue. Our grain free sensitive stomach range is designed for these dogs.
- Protein sensitivity or intolerance — the gut cannot process intact protein efficiently, or the immune system reacts to a specific protein. Removing grains does nothing. The protein itself needs to change.
If your dog is still symptomatic on grain free food, protein is almost certainly the issue.
What Is Hydrolysed Dog Food and How Is It Different?
Hydrolysed dog food breaks protein into small-chain di and tri-peptides before your dog eats it. Three key effects:
- Far higher digestibility — our Hydrolysed Digestive Care Dog Food achieved 95% protein digestibility at Ghent University Vet School
- Lower allergenic potential — peptides too small for the immune system to recognise as an allergen
- Less fermentation in the large intestine — more protein absorbed in the small intestine means less gas, odour and loose stools
Our recipe also includes TruPet™ postbiotic to nourish the gut microbiome and collagen peptides (1.9%) to support the intestinal barrier.
Signs That Hydrolysed Food Is the Right Next Step
- Already on grain free food but still has loose stools, gas or bloating
- Tried multiple grain free foods with the same result
- Signs of food sensitivity (itching, ear issues) not resolved by grain free
- Chronic or recurring digestive symptoms with no identifiable non-dietary cause
- Vet has ruled out infection or disease
How to Make the Switch
Transition gradually over two weeks even when making a therapeutic switch. Start with 25% hydrolysed food and 75% current food, increasing every 3–4 days. Most dogs show clear improvement within 2–4 weeks of full transition.
Do You Need a Prescription?
No. Our Hydrolysed Digestive Care Dog Food is vet-approved and available without a prescription — making it an accessible first step before pursuing a formal veterinary diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog still getting loose stools on grain free food?
The problem is likely protein-related. Poor protein digestibility causes unabsorbed protein to ferment in the large intestine, producing loose stools regardless of whether grains are present. A hydrolysed dog food addresses this directly.
Is hydrolysed dog food better than grain free?
For dogs with protein intolerances or persistent symptoms despite grain free feeding, yes. Our recipe is both grain free and hydrolysed.
What is the next step if grain free dog food is not working?
Switch to a hydrolysed protein dog food for 8–12 weeks. If symptoms resolve, the problem was protein-related. If they persist, consult your vet to rule out non-dietary causes.
How long before hydrolysed dog food shows results?
Most dogs show improvement within 2–4 weeks of full transition. Ensure no other foods or treats are given during this period.
Can my dog stay on hydrolysed food long term?
Yes. Our Hydrolysed Digestive Care Dog Food is nutritionally complete and suitable for long-term everyday feeding.
Seen It Work
Read how Edith — a dog with chronic digestive flare-ups — recovered after switching to our Hydrolysed Digestive Care Dog Food: Edith's story →
Looking for the full picture? Our Complete Guide to Dog Digestive Health covers causes, signs, dietary solutions and when to see a vet — all in one place.