Being a pet parent, you need to consider every aspect of your dog’s health. Protecting their digestive system is one palpable way to show appreciation for your four-legged friend. The digestive system is a 24/7 safeguard of your dog’s health. It deters toxins and harmful microbes from attacking their body, boosting their immune system.
But, if you feed a poor diet to your furry friend, chances are they will disturb their digestive system and its associated benefits. So how do you ensure your dog is having the best possible diet for his stomach? There are specific ways to boost your dog’s digestive system while ensuring their well-being.
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High-Quality Ingredients
The most straightforward way to boost your dog’s digestive system is to look at the daily food you feed them. Is your commercial dog food from a reputed brand? Does it use high-quality ingredients? Look for ingredients specifically for your dog’s gut health, such as those offered by Raw K9 in Australia. For instance, turmeric is one of the best natural purifiers, so prefer treats with curcumin presence on the ingredients list.
Some dog breeds like Greyhounds, exhibit sensitive stomachs, which means such breeds should be taken with utmost care while feeding them. Like martingale collars for greyhounds, known for gentle control, protect their sensitive necks, high-quality natural ingredients protect their sensitive stomach.
High Protein, Low Fat Diet
Almost all the tissues in your dog’s body require protein to grow and strengthen. The reason is protein builds amino acids, which in turn are responsible for the formation of skin, muscles, hair, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. So, ensure the dog food you opt for has a high protein concentration.
Include real meat in their diet, such as meat, chicken, and fish as they are the best natural protein sources. Your preferred treat must have protein as the prime ingredient, ensuring healthy digestion and immunity.
In contrast, fats should be in a low concentration in your dog’s food. Fats can be difficult for some dogs to digest, so keep them in smaller quantities to be on the safer side.
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Fiber-Rich Formulas
Fiber is an essential nutrient for digestion in dogs. It helps regulate bowel movements and prevent issues like constipation or diarrhea. Choose dog foods that include sources of natural fiber, such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, or peas. These ingredients are gentle on the stomach and promote healthy digestion.
In addition, unprocessed grains are a great source of insoluble fiber. This type of fiber adds weight to your dog’s stool, letting food flow smoothly through its gut lowering its risks of constipation and indigestion.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods contain several health-promoting substances, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and postbiotics, which play substantial roles in digestion. Moreover, these products help enhance the immune system, boost nervous system functions, and other important aspects of your dog’s health.
Foods like low-salt sauerkraut, kefir, apple cider vinegar, MSG-free miso, and unsweetened yogurt. These are all safe for dogs if provided in small concentrations. In addition, you can search for fermented vegetable recipes online for dogs.
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Large Kibble size
Most pet owners do not realize this, but kibble size is crucial to your canine’s digestion. If the kibble is small and perfectly round, pets will easily swallow it without chewing. No chewing means not grinding them under the teeth.
If the food is not chewed, the nutrients will pass through the small intestine without absorption. As a result, your dog’s body will not take up nutrients necessary for their athletic activities. In addition, if not chewed, small kibble does not come in contact with saliva.
Saliva moistens the food which in turn, aids digestion. So, it is always wise to feed your dog a relatively large size of kibble, which encourages chewing and boosts digestion. Additionally, it helps prevent tartar and plaque buildup in the teeth.
Are You Feeding Your Dog the Right Gut Bacteria?
Diversity in your dog’s gut microbiome is suitable for their health. Good food allows gut bacteria to flourish and aid in digestion. Here are some great ways to enable good digestion and well-being of your dogs with good bacteria.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are special kinds of dietary fiber, such as mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), inulin, and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Prebiotics promote the growth of advantageous gut bacteria, strengthening your dog’s immune system. An experiment on mice evaluated that the prebiotics can even fight the inflammatory effects of a high-fat diet. If you want to give prebiotic supplements to your dog, begin with slow concentration and check their effects on your dog.
Fresh, plant-based foods are great for your dog’s digestive tract. Non-starchy and fibrous vegetables—like green beans, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, spinach, and collards contain beneficial prebiotic fibers that gut bacteria like to eat.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can support your dog’s gut health. Some dog foods now include probiotics in their formulas. These friendly bacteria can help maintain a balanced digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Probiotic supplements for dogs contain strains of bacteria that temporarily relieve digestive illnesses. For instance, Saccharomyces boulardii is a proven and effective probiotic in dog food.
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Home Remedies for Your Dogs Digestive Upset
If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, your vet will temporarily suggest a bland diet. This helps replenish the lost moisture and nutrients and stabilize their upset stomach. Some dog breeds like Greyhounds exhibit sensitive stomachs, which means such breeds should be taken with utmost care while feeding them.
Bland foods are free from preservatives and additives, as they can aggravate your pup’s upset belly. This type of food should be given in small portions. The ingredients in bland food include:
- White rice: Steamed rice helps reduce the instances of diarrhea.
- Boiled chicken, beef, or turkey: lean meat provides digestible proteins to enhance the digestive system.
- Scrambled eggs: Plain scrambled eggs are low in fats and high in proteins
- Pure pumpkin: Pumpkin puree is a great fiber source and can firm up stool. However, start with small quantities of pumpkin puree to prevent your canine from getting constipation. You can replace it with pureed banana if it does not please your furry friend.
Wrapping Up
A lot is riding on being a pet owner. If you want to ensure the good health of your precious furry friend, give due consideration to their digestive system and gut health. With high proteins, less fats, and probiotics, you can ensure a healthy diet to help enhance your digestive system.
Remember to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on the best food options for your dog’s needs. With the proper diet and care, you can enjoy many happy and healthy years with your beloved pet.
