Caring for a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach
Dogs
Most dogs go bananas for food (hey, don’t we all?) But while some dogs can stomach every last table scrap, leftover and dog food brand around, others just can’t seem to handle it. If your dog suffers from vomiting, excessive gas, soft or loose stools, a fussy appetite, and can’t tolerate dietary changes, they may have a sensitive tummy. Thankfully, with the correct application (and a good dose of persistence), you can restore a little harmony to their digestive system, keeping their insides running smoothly and quietly!
Slash snacks
To get to the bottom of your dog’s sensitive stomach, you need to become an ingredient sleuth. If you’re feeding your dog a diet of unhealthy titbits and takeaways, stop. This behaviour could be making your furry friend sick. You should also keep your eagle eye on your dog to ensure they aren't sneaking into any treasure trove of ‘goodies’ that could throw their digestive system into disarray. If your little pal’s stomach is still distressed after a few days without their usual diet of treats galore and bin remnants, then it’s time to examine the very contents of your dog’s dinner.
Asses Food
Every canine is an individual, so there’s no remedy to fix digestive woes. There are several aspects of dog nutrition that could be to blame for these issues. It’s worth taking the time to trial certain foods to see if they sit well with your pooch. You might not nail it off the bat, but it’s worth persisting.
Potential dietary stressors:
- Quality of ingredients
- Adequate minerals and vitamins
- Fibre source
- Protein source
Quality of ingredients
When it comes to supporting your dog's digestive system, quality matters, dogs struggle to digest low quality food. But gauging the quality of dog food formulas can be a tricky business. Since labels aren’t legally allowed to publish the grade of the ingredients, owners are left to make judgements based on price, marketing claims, or new research. Opt for a formula that outstrips its competitors statistically, and don’t hesitate to contact the company yourself if you have further questions.
Sensitive Digest | Hypoallergenic dry food for dogs with digestive sensitivities
Sensitive Ocean Care | Hypoallergenic dry food for dogs with sensitive digestion & skin
Opus Farm | Complete, grain free nutrition for active dogs with sensitive stomachs
Opus Ocean | Complete, grain free dry food for active dogs with digestive sensitivities & intolerances
Adequate minerals and vitamins
Most commercial pet food companies use keywords like ‘complete’ and ‘well-balanced’, advertising the fact they have adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins needed for teeth-to-tail nourishment. However, if you’re feeding your dog a homemade diet, their digestive issues could stem from a nutrient deficiency. To ensure you’re not barking up the wrong tree, speak to a vet about your culinary creations, and determine if they have all the necessary ingredients to meet your pet’s digestive needs. For peace of mind, you could add a high-strength multivitamin and omega-3 supplement to their diet – a power duo that will plug any dietary gaps and lay a strong foundation for optimal health. Or there is always the option to do further research into a brand before purchasing their food to find if there is any truth behind them claiming their food is complete. This is a key reason why at Husse we are strong believers in allowing pet owners trial our products before committing to a large bag of food to build that trust in our fantastic product.
Fibre source
Like us, some dogs need an extra hit of fibre in their diet to ‘move things along’. Beetroot pulp, inulin and psyllium are fantastic fibre sources that will deliver good faecal quality. In addition to scouting for these ingredients in dog food formulas, speak to your vet about more creative ways to up your pooch’s fibre intake.
Protein source
Some dogs just don’t fair well with certain proteins, so it could be time to switch things up. If your furry friend is eating a lamb-based diet, for instance, try feeding them a different protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, to see if that resolves the issue.
Top tips
- Take it slow. If your dog wolfs down its food, it'll ingest a lot of air, which could trigger an upset stomach. Instead, divide meals into smaller portions and feed your pal throughout the day or invest in a slow feeding bowl
- Always choose a pet food formula that suits your dog’s stage of life – be it ‘puppy’, ‘adult’ or ‘senior’
- Be consistent. A sudden change in pet food can irritate your dog’s digestive system. If you need to adjust their diet, always go about it slowly: gradually combine greater portions of the new food with their old food
- Speak to your vet. They know best, after all. In the unlikely event dietary changes can’t resolve your companion’s digestive problem, consult your vet to discuss other options
Take home message
Finding the correct diet to cater for your canine’s sensitive stomach will take time – not to mention a great deal of patience. And you may have to transition your dog through several different food types & ingredients before you hit the jackpot. Don’t get discouraged or lose hope. Sure, it will require trial and error, but it will be worth it. And remember, your vet or local pet nutritionist is always there to help too.
Other Products that may help:
£9.99
Ocean Care Mini, 2kg - Husse Small Breed Natural Complete Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon Gluten-Free Hypoallergenic
£16.50
Sensitive Digest Giant, 12.5kg - Husse Large Breed Natural Complete Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice Gluten-Free Hypoallergenic
£74.95
Laxolja, 300 ml | Premium salmon oil that supports healthy skin & shiny coat
£16.95
Senior, 12kg - Husse Senior Natural Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken, Grain & Vegetable
£58.95
.png)
