How to feed your dog? Dogs generally have an incredible digestive system. It is extremely resilient and remarkably flexible, able to handle various food groups, allowing dogs to thrive on diets ranging from 100% meat to 100% vegetarian.
How to feed your dog
Unfortunately, as we all know, even these robust digestive systems have their weaknesses. Infections, stress, and overeating can all damage the digestive system. Even more concerning today is the increasing number of food intolerances and allergies being diagnosed in dogs. Whatever the cause of the problem, the symptoms are often similar and easy to spot.
How to identify digestive issues
The easiest way to tell if your dog has digestive issues is by observing its stool. This is the most accessible way to detect a problem.
A healthy dog should have normal, but not too hard, stools, and should not experience difficulties during bowel movements. The stool should not have a strong odor and should be earthy brown in color.
If any of these indicators are off, something may be wrong. The most common sign of digestive upset is what nutritionists refer to as „loose stools.“ This can range from slightly soft stools to those with convulsions.
If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to take action. Similarly, if you notice mucus in the stool (a common sign of irritable bowel syndrome) or blood (often a result of colitis), it’s time to make some changes to your dog’s diet.
How to manage your dog’s digestive problems
Diet has a significant impact on the health of a dog’s digestive system. If there’s a problem, the current diet is likely playing a role, so a change in food would be a good start. First, you might want to look for hypoallergenic food. These foods do not contain the most common harmful ingredients and are less likely to cause digestive upsets.
It’s also wise to choose food with a different type of meat than what you’ve been feeding your dog. For dogs with a history of food sensitivities, an elimination diet might be necessary to determine exactly which ingredients are safe and which should be avoided.