Some dogs have a sensitive gut. They battle digestive issues like diarrhea, flatulence, and occasional vomiting. Pet parents must focus on exceptional digestive care dog food to ensure that their pet is not subjected to further health complications.
What Causes a Sensitive Stomach?
Some dogs may be allergic to specific foods. Lack of sufficient fiber or too much protein can also cause an upset stomach. In some other cases, there may be severe underlying factors causing various digestive issues. Discuss the gut health of your dog without too much delay.
Read on to find out some tips to provide the best diet for your pet with stomach issues.
1) Avoid Leftovers and Commercial Treats
Most pet owners are less mindful of how many treats they give their dogs. While they plan the pet meals with the utmost care, they may end up offering too many treats while playing with their furry friend. Inconsistent eating and gulping down the leftovers every night can cause an upset stomach.
2) Opt for a Bland Diet
A bland diet can offer instant relief from diarrhea and other related stomach problems. Make simple homemade pet food like boiled chicken, boiled potatoes, or rice with small canned pumpkins to soothe the stomach.
Make the switch temporary and slowly reintroduce other foods. Keep a journal to track food allergies and intolerance towards any specific pet food.
3) Introduce a Probiotic
Probiotics play an essential role in maintaining the desirable microbial balance in the gut. Anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of probiotics that can be consumed as dog foods, capsules, unsweetened yogurt, or chews.
You may administer probiotics to your pet after consultation with your vet. Generally, they are given to dogs that are in stressful situations or have bacterial infections.
4) Administer Health Supplements Carefully
Some health supplements can resolve issues related to a sensitive gut. However, excessive consumption of compounds like calcium and phosphorus can create trouble for some dogs. It is important to discuss supplements carefully with the vet before taking the plunge.
5) Opt for Elimination Diet
The elimination diet involves feeding a wholly new and balanced meal for your dog. The diet mainly involves simple, clean food that includes all necessary nutrients and minerals.
Try to introduce each food item slowly, so you can identify the problem ingredient. Once you identify the item that your dog is allergic to, or simply doesn’t react well to, try to eliminate it from your pet’s diet at least temporarily.
6) Choose Easily Digestible Foods
If you choose to make home-cooked meals for your pet, consider easily digestible and tolerable food items like boiled chicken or turkey, cooked eggs, bone broth, boiled sweet potato, etc. Make the transition from one food item to another as slow as possible.
7) Choose a Suitable Digestive Care Food
There are many brands offering dog food that is specially created for canines with sensitive stomachs. These foods are rich in probiotics, fiber, and highly digestible proteins, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Digestive care dog food can be meat-based or cereal-based but is generally low on fats. Find a product that is veterinarian-approved and suitable for your dog’s age and breed.
