Digestive issues can be very sensitive and problematic in both humans and animals. As this isn’t something that can be seen with the physical eye, it is even more difficult for pet owners to ascertain where the problem lies since, obviously, these pets can’t talk. Like humans, dogs can be prone to a sensitive stomach. While the reactions and traits seen in a sensitive stomach dog can be hereditary, some can occur naturally or be triggered by a change in a dog’s diet or environment.
Whatever the case may be, once the symptoms persist for a period of time without abating, then it is time to consult a veterinarian. In the meantime, you might find sensitive stomach dog food useful in situations like this.
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How to know you have a sensitive stomach dog
Although several symptoms of a sensitive stomach can pinpoint a variety of other sicknesses, asides from having a vet run some tests to confirm your suspicions, there are certain things to watch out for when you suspect your dog might be suffering from a sensitive stomach. Some of them include:
- Vomiting
- Excess gas or flatulence
- Loose stool
- Food allergies
As all these symptoms can mean anything, it is always important to get your pooch to the vet just to check. Don’t just jump to conclusions because you saw your dog exhibiting symptoms that may or may not be caused by a sensitive stomach. If you ultimately have a sensitive stomach dog in your hands, you need to know the factors that could trigger such a condition.
Causes of the sensitive stomach in dogs
Several internal and external factors can be responsible for sensitive stomachs in dogs. Some of them can be food-related, especially the components of the food you are feeding your pet. This is quite normal as any dog can have or develop an adverse reaction to its food. Some causes of the sensitive stomach in dogs are;
Lack of adequate minerals and vitamins in food
It is possible that your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients from their food if it continues to show symptoms of a sensitive stomach. While most commercial dog foods have an adequate amount of minerals and vitamins in them, this might not be the same with home-cooked meals if not well thought out. Most of the time, pet parents don’t pay any attention to the food they give their dogs, only serving the pooch with whatever they (the human family) are eating. This often deprives the animal of the nutrients they need to live a healthy life. Dogs on a raw or special diet can also suffer from nutrient deficiency.
Protein source
It is possible that your dog is one of the few that do not digest some types of protein well. When this is noticed, it is advisable to switch to another protein source to see if it resolves the problem. This condition is similar to lactose intolerance which many people suffer from.
Reaction to fats content
It is common knowledge that diets that are high in fat aren’t as easily digestible as those high in carbohydrates or protein. To confirm if your dog’s food might be high in fat, check the ingredient label. If fats and oil appear among the first 4 ingredients then it is an indicator that the food is high in fat content.
Fibre source
Just like humans, dogs might need extra fiber in their diet. Inasmuch as it is a healthy way of eating, this decision needs to be approved by a vet to avoid further complications.
The quality of ingredients in the food
It might be difficult to ascertain the quality of ingredients used in the production of commercial dog foods but there are measures you can take. While the label might not contain any information about the quality of ingredients, price is always an indicator of the grade of ingredients used. It is possible that some dogs react to food made with poor-quality ingredients.
What to do if your dog has a sensitive stomach
While the internet is rife with lots of information and suggestion on what food to try for your sensitive stomach dog, it is pertinent to exercise caution as most of this information isn’t based on solid research. Moreover, dogs can react to different foods in different ways so, there is no ‘one size fit all’ solution here.
It is important to have your dog tested by the vet to rule out several other severe health challenges that can be linked to the foregoing symptoms. Once the adequate test has been carried out and your dog is diagnosed with a sensitive stomach, it is advisable to try to pinpoint the particular food or ingredient that could trigger the condition.
To do this, start by taking out extra food items from its diet. Things like treats and table scraps should be suspended. Moreover, it is important to monitor your dog to make sure he isn’t eating from the trash. After doing these things and symptoms refuses to abate, then it’s time to check the food itself. All in all, it is what the dog eats that causes the stomach to react.
Read Also:Â 5 fruits dogs like and 5 to avoid feeding your pooch
Sensitive stomach dog food to give your pooch with irritable bowel syndrome
According to experts, commercial dog food, especially the ones formulated for sensitive stomach dogs might be the way to go in this case. Even though there are lots of options, look out for food that is complete and balanced.
Moreover, some dogs with sensitive stomachs seem to do better with home-cooked meals. This is a viable option as long as all their nutritional needs are met. At least you would know exactly what your dog is eating if you are the one preparing the food.
Other things that might help, especially in dogs with irritable bowel syndrome is to add foods that are easy to digest and rich in fiber to their diets. Table scraps and some food items specifically made for humans should be stopped as this can be hard on their digestive system.
Probiotics also help in alleviating your pooch’s digestive problems and can be added naturally or artificially to the dog’s diet. In conclusion, a constant fresh source of water helps to aid digestive function and also replaces lost fluids.