The inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is a painful condition and it is an immune mediated disease and may be aggravated by a number of foods. Dogs that are diagnosed with IBD will receive a special diet as a part of the management treatment.
Identify IBD
IBD is a difficult condition to diagnose, as the dog’s symptoms may be easily be mistaken for a digestive disorder. However, the vet will rule out other possible problems and settle on IBD. The symptoms of IBD will include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and often, there will be blood in the dog’s stool.
IBD cannot be treated, but may be managed and the dog’s diet is the most important component of the inflammatory bowel disease management.
Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
The general guidelines in establishing the diet for a dog with inflammatory bowel disease should include the fact that the pet will get fewer fats in the diet.
A bland diet will case less swelling and irritation of the bowels.
The diet that the dog gets may be made at home or may be purchased in specialty stores.
If you decide to prepare the dog’s food, you will have to include some of the following ingredients:
- Protein sources from fish, seafood, chicken or turkey. Typically, vets will not recommend red meats
- Fish oil or flaxseed oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids and may be sprinkled on top of the dog’s food to make it more appetizing
- Fresh veggies, which are immune system boosters and will provide the amount of fibers necessary for a good digestion. However, a few vegetables such as radishes or celery, which are acidic and may irritate the stomach and the bowels
- Eggs, but only whites, as the yolks are not recommended
- Potatoes
- Legumes
- Olive oil and black olives
- Wheat and pastries
- Rice
The dog should receive organic foods, which can cause less irritation than other foods.
Your dog may not tolerate certain foods, which you should identify and remove from his diet. Common irritants may include corn, wheat products or soy derivatives.
Wet Food or Dry for Dogs with IBD?
When it comes to opting for the type of food, vets generally agree that dry foods are better than wet foods for dogs with IBD.
Wet food may cause diarrhea, but when purchasing the food, you need to make sure it contains at least 10% moisture, otherwise you will have to supplement the dog’s water intake.
Bad Foods for Dogs with IBD
A few foods should be avoided in the diet of a dog with IBD:
- Pork, beef and other red meats or derivates
- Milk and other dairy products, but lactose free products may be tolerated by the dog’s system
- Fatty foods
- Artificially flavored foods
- Carbohydrates and sweets.