Digestive Supplements for Dogs

Digestive problems are common in dogs and may often be solved with the administration of a few digestive supplements. These supplements may be used on a daily basis or administered only when the dog displays digestive symptoms. Some dogs may have regular digestive problems, so they will require daily supplements.

Fiber Supplements

Fiber supplements are essential in the digestion of dogs. Fibers will help the intestinal transition and may be used in conditions such as diarrhea and constipation. The fibers may absorb the excess of water from the feces, if the dog has diarrhea, or they may moisten the feces, should the dog have constipation.

The fiber supplements can be added to the dog's daily diet without having any side effects. However, the amount of fibers should be prescribed by the vet, according to the dog's metabolism, size, age, breed and other medical conditions. There are a few foods that contain fibers and may facilitate the dog's metabolism:

  • Rice
  • Corn
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Oatmeal
  • Flaxseeds

There are also fiber supplement tablets. Choose supplements that don't contain other minerals or vitamins, as these may not be needed by your pet. Consult the vet to recommend the best type of fiber tablets.

Probiotic Tablets

Probiotic tablets help a healthy digestive system. Probiotics exist in the stomach and digestive tract flora, but may be supplemented if the balance of these bacteria is disrupted by an infection or the presence of a tumor, gastric ulcers or cysts. Yogurts with live bacterial cultures are a natural source of probiotics, but there are also tablets available, which are a great alternative for dairy intolerant canines.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes stimulate the digestion, as the name suggests. These enzymes exist in the dog's body, but if the dog fails to produce enough digestive enzymes it will lead to digestive problems, in which case the enzymes may be supplemented.

Herbal Supplements

There are a few natural supplements that may be used in dogs that have digestive problems. The herbal supplements that facilitate digestion may contain:

  • Catnip
  • Slippery elm
  • Green leaf vegetables
  • Chamomile

These are all a great source of fibers and have additional benefits that will soothe the stomach and the intestinal lining.

Additional Digestive Supplements

In some dogs, the supplementation of fibers, probiotics or digestive enzymes may not give any results and the pet may still experience digestive problems. Vets may recommend different types of digestive supplements that can work well in dogs that have digestive problems that have no determined causes. Glucosamine supplements may be beneficial for dogs with digestive issues, especially if they also have joint problems. L-glutamine is a supplement that will be prescribed to dogs that have chronic digestive problems, as this supplement will prevent gastric ulcers.

These supplements may solve digestive problems caused by a poor diet or an upset stomach, but they cannot cure any other possible underlying conditions that may cause digestive symptoms.

 

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