As a dog owner, one of your primary concerns is likely to be your pet’s health, especially their digestive health and eating habits. Whether your dog has occasional tummy troubles or more persistent digestive issues such as food intolerances, you want to make sure they’re getting the right food to keep them feeling their best. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start, particularly when it comes to dry dog food.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best diets for dogs with digestive issues, what ingredients to look out for if they have food sensitivities, and how you can promote gut health. We’ll also take a look at some common digestive issues that can be helped with the right food and supplements, and how Fetch can provide you with the best products to support your dog’s digestive well-being.
Discover the best food to feed your dog to ease their digestive distress
Choose the best brands for your dog
Find the best ingredients to reduce digestive issues in your dog
Discover which digestive issues can be relieved by changing their diet
As well as adapting their diet, there are other ways you can help your pooch
See how we can help you
What is the Best Diet for a Dog with Digestive Issues?
When your dog is dealing with digestive issues, it’s important to choose a diet that supports a healthy digestive system. But is dry dog food the best option?
Dry dog food, or kibble, is a popular choice for many dog owners due to its convenience and long shelf life. However, for dogs with digestive issues, dry food can sometimes be difficult to digest, particularly if it’s low in quality or contains ingredients that irritate the stomach. That said, not all dry dog foods are created equal, and some are specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Raw dog food is the desirable choice for digestive issues. It is highly digestible, and may help dogs with digestive distress by releasing enzymes that aid digestion. However, raw dog food isn’t convenient for everyone. At Fetch, we stock DARF cold pressed dog food which is perfect for dogs with digestive issues, and provides the benefits of raw dog food with the convenience of kibble. Available for adults and puppies in a range of different flavours, DARF comes in minimally processed pellet form, making it highly digestible and perfect for fussy eaters.
For some dogs, wet food may be a better option as it is often easier to digest and contains more moisture. However, this will depend on your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Our canine nutrition experts at Fetch can provide a thorough wellbeing consultation, finding the best diet and probiotic provisions for your dog and your lifestyle.
You can book a wellbeing consultation here.
What Food is Best for Promoting Gut Health?
Promoting gut health in your dog involves providing them with a diet that supports the balance of good bacteria in their digestive system. A healthy gut is essential for proper digestion and overall well-being.
Some foods that are good for gut health include:
- Venison and turkey: These are lean sources of protein that are easy on your dog’s digestive system.
- Sweet Potatoes: sweet potato is a highly digestible carbohydrate that can provide energy without upsetting your dog’s stomach. Nourish Rite options are high in sweet potato, and are grain free to help reduce gas and bloating
- Pumpkin: This is a great natural source of fibre that can help regulate your dog’s digestive system.
- Carrots and peas: These vegetables provide additional fibre and nutrients without being too harsh on sensitive stomachs.
- Fish oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can reduce inflammation and support overall gut health.
To promote gut health, consider introducing prebiotics and probiotics into your dog’s lifestyle. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, while probiotics are live bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. Consider the Natural Vet Co. Or Holistic Hound for your prebiotic and probiotic needs.
What Ingredients Should I Look for in Dog Food for Digestive Issues?
If your dog has digestive issues, it’s important to choose dog food that contains the right ingredients to support their stomach and intestines. Key ingredients include:
- Digestible proteins: Choose high-quality animal-based proteins like venison, turkey, or lamb, as these are easier for dogs to digest than plant-based proteins. You can browse our raw dog food collection here.
- Fibre: A good source of fibre, such as sweet potato, can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation or diarrhoea.
- Prebiotics and probiotics: As mentioned earlier, these help maintain a healthy gut by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Omega fatty acids: Ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed oil provide omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in the gut and promote overall digestive health. Nourish Rite salmon is a great source of Omega fatty acids.
Avoid foods with artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives, as these can sometimes irritate sensitive stomachs or cause allergic reactions. Also, steer clear of food with excessive amounts of grains like corn or soy, which may be harder for some dogs to digest.
What Common Digestive Issues Can Be Relieved with Dog Food?
Different types of digestive issues can benefit from a tailored diet. Here are some common problems and how the right food can help:
- Diarrhoea: Dogs with diarrhoea need a diet that’s easy on their stomach and helps firm up their stool. Foods that are high in fibre, such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes, can help.
- Constipation: If your dog is struggling with constipation, foods that are rich in fibre can aid digestion and promote regular bowel movements.
- Bloating and gas: To prevent excessive gas and bloating, choose dog food that’s free from ingredients that may cause inflammation or irritation, such as grains or certain artificial additives.
- Food allergies: Some dogs suffer from food allergies that can cause digestive distress. A limited-ingredient diet, often featuring a novel protein like duck or lamb, can help identify and eliminate allergens.
If you notice your dog has any of these issues, it’s a good idea to speak with a canine nutrition specialist before changing their diet. We can help you choose the best food for their condition and can recommend specific supplements to further support digestive health.
How Else Can I Help my Dog in Digestive Distress?
Along with feeding your dog the right food, there are other steps you can take to help them through digestive distress:
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes: Supplementing your dog’s diet with probiotics or digestive enzymes can help support healthy gut function, especially after a bout of digestive upset.
- Small, frequent meals: Instead of feeding your dog one large meal a day, consider dividing their food into smaller meals throughout the day. This can help reduce the strain on their digestive system.
- Hydration: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration can worsen digestive issues, so it’s important they stay hydrated, especially if they’re dealing with diarrhea or vomiting.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation. Just be sure not to overexert your dog if they’re already feeling unwell. You should not exercise your dog until at least 1 hour post meal.
Dog Food and Advice at Fetch
At Fetch, we offer a wide range of options tailored to digestive health. Our stocked brands include foods made with easily digestible ingredients and natural fibre to support gut health. Whether you're looking for raw, wet or dry dog food, we offer a variety of choices that can meet your dog's specific needs. We also stock a selection of supplements designed to support digestive health, including probiotics and digestive enzymes, to help your dog feel better faster.
To book in for a wellbeing consultation, get in touch with us today.