what to feed a dog with gi problems

Full Answer

What is the best dog food for GI issues?

best dog food for gastrointestinal issues should contain a sufficient amount of protein, a diet that is low in protein is not healthy for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some dog food companies mix a few protein sources in single dog food, but this is bad for dogs with digestive problems. It will irritate their tummies further and cause digestive ...

What is the best dog food for digestive health?

What to do if your dog is a food snob

• Pooch and Mutt Functional, Grain-Free, foods for dogs. ...
• Tails.com. ...
• ROYAL CANIN® Gastro Intestinal Low Fat Adult Dog Food. ...
• James Wellbeloved Turkey & Rice. ...
• Iams Small to Medium Adult Dry Dog Food. ...
• Nature’s Menu Country Hunter Raw Superfood Nuggets Wild Venison. ...
• Pooch & Mutt Grain-Free, Chicken & Superfood blend for dogs. ...

More items...

What to feed a dog with a digestive upset?

• Fasting. Intermittent fasting is completely safe for dogs as long as it’s for a short period of time, so put your pet on a food time out.
• Bland Meals. Bland foods will be best for a dog with an upset stomach. …
• Feed Some Yogurt as a Source of Probiotics. …
• Use Broth During Fasting. …
• Include Sweet Potato or Pumpkin. …

What is the healthiest diet for dogs?

• A simple meat-based diet with zero grains
• No artificial ingredients, byproducts, or fillers
• Great for dogs with allergies

How do you fix gastrointestinal problems in dogs?

Treatment for Digestive Issues in DogsAnti-nausea medications.Antacids and stomach/intestinal protectants.Medicines to relieve diarrhea.Probiotics formulated for pets.Fluid therapy (for dehydration and electrolyte replacement).A bland diet (plain chicken and rice is common) or special diet for sensitive stomachs.

What food is easiest on a dog's stomach?

​Best Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs That You Can Prepare at HomeBoiled Lean Breast of Chicken or Turkey. This is one of the best foods you can offer your dog if he has a sensitive tummy. ... Canned Salmon or Tuna. ... Cooked Eggs. ... Canned Pumpkin. ... Bone Broth. ... White Rice. ... Boiled Potato/Sweet Potato.

How do you feed a gastrointestinal dog?

Some dogs benefit from bland meals prepared at home. A simple dinner of cooked chicken and rice, without any seasoning, might help settle an upset stomach and diarrhea. These days, an increasing number of dog owners are turning to homemade diets for all of their dog's meals.

Are eggs good for dogs with GI issues?

Can use scrambled eggs as a protein source in a bland diet? The answer is yes. In particular, egg whites are bland, high in protein, and low in fat, making them excellent protein sources for dog tummies in turmoil. Westchester Gastroenterology Associates also permit eating scrambled eggs when one is on a bland diet.

Is Scrambled Egg good for dogs with diarrhea?

Scrambled eggs are a good option for dogs with diarrhea because they are easy to digest and packed full of protein. Dogs who have been vomiting or eating stool may not be able to handle the high-fat content but scrambled egg is one of the best options out there.

What meat is best for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Lean, Boiled Chicken or Turkey Breast This is the most popular choice for dogs with upset tummies. Not only will your pup love the taste of fresh meat, but lean boiled chicken or turkey breast is great for his upset stomach because it provides a great source of protein without much fat, fiber, or seasoning.

Are eggs good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Do you love eggs, from your head down to your legs? Well, you may love them, but they are not so great for your dog if they are raw. Eggs that are fully cooked can help your pet's upset stomach. But, raw egg whites will cause your dog to have a biotin deficiency.

What causes gastrointestinal issues in dogs?

Their causes include overeating, eating poor-quality or indigestible food, chemicals, obstruction caused by swallowing foreign objects, or injury to the digestive system.

Is Wet food better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Best Wet: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canned Dog Food. Dr. Singleton also recommends Royal Canin Gastrointestinal for dogs with tummy woes. This gut-friendly wet food provides tasty nutrition for dogs struggling with diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, and other gastrointestinal issues.

What can I feed my dog to firm up his stool?

If you have checked the feeding amount is correct, cut out treats and spaced the meals and your dog is still producing soft poo the addition of just a couple of tablespoons of cooked carrot, sweet potato or squash to their meal can work wonders in firming up their poo. It should be a pretty quick change too.

Is canned tuna good for dogs?

Can dogs eat tuna? The answer is no. You shouldn't feed your canine companion the saltwater fish because it could lead to a number of different health problems.

What soothes a dog's stomach and helps with diarrhea?

Other things that might help soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods and medications prescribed by your vet.

Is wet or dry food better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Wet food is a good option to ensure they are still getting all of the calories and nutrients they need. Dogs with sensitive stomachs and those prone to constipation often do better on wet food diets made from all-natural ingredients.

Is lamb or chicken better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Beef and chicken are the common proteins in commercial dog foods and are also more likely to cause allergic reactions than other proteins. While it is possible that dogs can be allergic to lamb, it is much less common, making it a better choice for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs.

What protein is easiest to digest for dogs?

Eggs have the highest biological value and are thus the benchmark for this measurement; they are given a value of 100 points. Fish meal comes next, with a value of around 92. Among the various meats, lamb and chicken provide the most digestible forms of protein for your dog, with beef coming in after that.

What is the best dog food for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs?

The 10 Best Senior Dog Foods for Sensitive StomachsNom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall. ... Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Best Value. ... Spot & Tango – Premium Choice. ... Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Canned Food- Best Canned Food. ... Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains. ... GO!More items...•

Causes of Gastrointestinal Issues

A dog’s stomach can suffer from digestive disorders and other issues that create a sensitive stomach [ 1 ].

Best Foods to Treat Puppy Tummies

Most commercial dog foods contain fillers such as corn gluten meal or wheat gluten meal, which can cause reactions in dogs with sensitive stomachs. This situation is where homemade dog food can help since you control exactly which ingredients go into your pet’s food bowl.

Preparation and Feeding Tips

Even if you don’t like to cook, preparing homemade food for your canine is a pretty straightforward process. Instead of buying specially prepared food for your pet’s sensitive stomach, you can learn how to make your own dog food and provide the nutritious and tummy-soothing meals your pet needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can feed them basic, bland foods, including rice, boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, and some vegetables. If your dog’s tummy troubles are temporary, you can feed a few servings of rice and boiled chicken, small portions of pumpkin puree (especially good for bouts of constipation or diarrhea), or cottage cheese.

Why is it so hard to determine which diet is best for my dog?

Because there is no ‘one’ diet that is necessarily better than the other or supplements that cure GI disease – and because every dog is an individual – it can be tricky to determine which is best for your dog. That’s why deciding which diet is best for your dog often requires a bit of trial and error.

What to do if my dog has GI issues?

If your dog experiences any of the symptoms associated with GI disease, it’s important to speak to your vet. This is particularly important if the symptoms continue for a long period of time and if no interventions such as fasting are successful.

How long does it take for a dog to eat regular food?

Following 3 to 4 days of a bland diet, start to slowly reintroduce your dog to ‘regular’ food. This should be done gradually, over a period of time, until your dog is back to their ‘normal’ pre-GI disease diet.

What is higher digestibility for dogs?

Higher digestibility: Involves feeding you dog foods which are easier to digest, meaning more nutrients are likely to be absorbed in the small intestines. In return the remainder of the bowel is allowed to rest and the delivery of undigested nutrients to the large intestine is minimized.

Why do dogs respond well to diet therapy?

Dog's. Health. Many medical conditions respond well to diet therapy because good nutrition addresses the underlying cause of the illness. The knowledge on dogs health and use of nutrients to help prevent and treat medical conditions is ever growing.

What causes GI disease in dogs?

Acute GI disease occurs when the gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed or infected and is most often caused by a ‘dietary indiscretion’. To put it another way, it’s caused by a dog eating something it shouldn’t.

What causes IBD?

These problems can also be caused by viral, bacterial or parasite (such as hookworms) infection or allergies. In the case of IBD the primary cause isn’t known.

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Digestive Problems

Royal Canin offers a dry dog food that is palatable and highly digestible for dogs who have digestive concerns. It is low in fat and contains digestible proteins and prebiotics that increase the healthy bacteria in the bowels.

Considerations

If you haven’t already done so, it’s a good idea to let your vet know about your concerns. If your dog is having digestive symptoms such as vomiting, loose stools, or a poor appetite, you want to let your vet know what is going on so they can help diagnose and figure out a plan.

Conclusion

Finding the right food for your dog with digestive problems shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. This review list features 10 of the best foods to help you narrow your search for the best.

How much protein is in Nulo Freestyle?

This Nulo Freestyle formula takes the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh salmon and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

What is the protein content of Royal Canin?

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal gets the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 22% protein, 5% fat and 65% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 23%.

What is Royal Canin Gastrointestinal?

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal is one of 5 dry digestive recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal product line.

What is the protein content of Wellness Core?

Wellness Core Digestive Health derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

How much protein is in Hill's turkey?

This Hill’s prescription formula of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 15% fat and 51% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

How much protein is in Diamond Care sensitive stomach?

Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 14% fat and 50% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

How much protein is in a turkey wellness recipe?

This Wellness recipe derives the major part of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

Does my dog have a digestive disorder?

The most common signs of digestive disorders are soft stools or diarrhea. If your dog has digestive issues, you may also notice some or all of the following signs.

Why is my dog having digestive issues?

There are many different types of digestive disorders so your veterinarian may carry out tests to determine the exact cause of your dog’s problem. Causes can range from eating something other than dog food, to food allergies / intolerance, infections, or lack of digestive enzymes. Some breeds, such as great Danes, German shepherds, golden retrievers and collies, are more prone to particular digestive problems. Commonly diagnosed conditions include:

What is the term for a dog that eats spoiled food?

Acute gastroenteritis: Inflammation or infection of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the stomach and intestines. Acute gastroenteritis is usually short-term, caused by a dog eating spoiled or rancid food, high-fat people food, swallowing foreign objects, eating toxic plants, internal parasites, stress, food allergies or substances not intended as dog food.

What are the symptoms of a dog's digestive system?

Does my dog have a digestive disorder? 1 Vomiting 2 Regurgitation 3 Flatulence 4 Weakness 5 Diarrhea/Constipation

Why do dogs eat other dogs' food?

Causes can range from eating something other than dog food, to food allergies / intolerance, infections, or lack of digestive enzymes. Some breeds, such as great Danes, German shepherds, golden retrievers and collies, are more prone to particular digestive problems. Commonly diagnosed conditions include:

How do you know if your dog has a digestive problem?

If your dog has digestive issues, you may also notice some or all of the following signs. Vomiting. Regurgitation. Flatulence. Weakness. Diarrhea/Constipation.

What is GI in dogs?

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases affect a dog's stomach and intestines, resulting in pain and other problems. Any disorder that reduces the digestion or absorption of food, or alters its passage through the digestive tract, can be called a digestive disorder. Healthy digestion is essential for your dog to be able to use ...

What Causes Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs?

For others, a sensitive stomach could be a sign of a more serious problem. Make an appointment with your vet to have your dog examined. While this might seem like investing a lot of money up front, remember that dog food is also expensive. You might actually save money in the long run by visiting your vet, and while you’re there you can ask for her opinion about your dog’s diet. Once you have ruled out serious conditions like stomach cancer , it is time to examine the other possible causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs. There are a wide variety of food items that certain dogs have trouble tolerating. Other dogs are sensitive to certain proteins. Another possibility is that your dog’s food is lacking something, like sufficient fiber, vitamins, and minerals, or contains too much of something, like fat. Your dog’s food might not even be the problem. If your dog has a habit of getting into the trash or eats a lot of treats and table scraps, then it could be something else causing his upset tummy.

What causes a dog's stomach to be sensitive?

Food-related causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs: 1 Protein source 2 Fiber source 3 Fat content 4 Adequate vitamins and minerals 5 Quality of ingredients

How to know if dog food is good?

Instead, owners are left to guess based on price, published information, and the input of their veterinarians. A good way to try and determine the quality is to look at any clinical studies performed on a particular brand of food. Choose a brand that statistically outperforms the competition, and don’t be afraid to contact the manufacturer directly. Newer brands might not have many clinical studies, as studies require time to undertake and evaluate. This does not mean they are not a valid choice for your dog, but it is a good idea to check to see if the company employs a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist on its staff. This implies that the company is knowledgeable about the nutritional value of its product.

How to tell if dog food is too high in fat?

Diets that are high in fat are harder to digest than diets that are higher in protein or carbohydrates. Examine the ingredient label on your dog’s current food and see if fats and oils are listed in the first four ingredients. This is an indicator that the food might be too high in fat for your dog’s digestive system. Compare your current food to other brands and find a food that is lower in fat. An easy way to do this is by looking at the ingredients list and at the fat percentage in the nutritional information on the label.

Why is my dog not eating enough food?

Another possibility is that your dog’s food is lacking something, like sufficient fiber, vitamins, and minerals, or contains too much of something, like fat.

How to transition a dog to a new food?

Transitioning Your Dog to a Different Food. In general, the best way to transition your dog to a new food is to start small. The first meal should contain approximately 80-90 percent old food and 10-20 percent new food. Change this ratio slowly over the course of 10 days.

What does it mean when a dog has a sensitive stomach?

The term “sensitive stomach” is usually used to describe mild intestinal upset in dogs.

What is Gastroenteritis in Dogs?

Gastroenteritis, also called infectious diarrhea, is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the stomach and the small intestine.

Is Gastroenteritis in Dogs Fatal?

Yes, gastroenteritis in dogs can be fatal (just like in humans) if not treated.

Why does my dog have reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is a known consequence of bacterial gastroenteritis. It can develop within four weeks of an infection. This is due to inflammation within the body. It’s extremely important to feed a bland diet for dogs with gastroenteritis that also includes arthritis preventatives.

How many people died from gastroenteritis in 2015?

In humans, in 2015, there were two billion cases of gastroenteritis, resulting in 1.3 million deaths globally. In 1980, gastroenteritis caused 4.6 million deaths in children. Death rates were reduced significantly by the year 2000, largely thanks to the use of oral rehydration therapy.

Why is my dog so tender?

Most dogs will also be tender when picked up around the abdomen or when any pressure is applied to their abdomen. They may shy away from touch or resist handling of their stomach and hindquarters. If your dog is affected with gastroenteritis they will be less active (lethargic).

What is the best diet for dogs with gastroenteritis?

More often than not, a doctor recommended bland diet for dogs with gastroenteritis includes highly processed kibble (junk food) and is coupled with medications.

How long does diarrhea last in dogs?

Be aware that dehydration can occur quickly if vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours. Dehydration is a serious issue that needs to be monitored very closely. We’ll talk more about dehydration below and how you can avoid your dog becoming dehydrated through a bland diet for dogs with gastroenteritis.