Dog digestive problems can be solved by adding high-quality human food to the dog's diet. Commercial dog foods contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions in many dogs, and low-quality foods may not provide adequate nutrition.
Signs of Digestive Problems:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Commercial dog foods that contain corn, wheat, soy and meat by-products are often the source of digestive problems. You can switch your dog to an all raw food diet that consists of meats, bones, fruits, vegetables and grains or, you can feed a partial human-food diet.
Chemical Preservatives Can Cause Digestion Problems
To supplement a commercial food diet with human foods, begin with the highest quality dry food you can afford. Look for named meats high on the ingredient list and avoid foods with chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT.
Add raw or cooked meat to the ration. Lean ground chicken or beef are the most common and available choices. Grated carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes or mashed peas can also be added. These fresh, higher quality ingredients can improve the digestive health of your dog.
Feeding Tips for Easy Digestion
- If feeding raw meat, wash and disinfect preparation surfaces and don't leave the food out for longer than thirty minutes.
- Feed plain foods only; do not serve spicy, salty or high-fat foods.
- Provide plenty of clean, fresh water.
- Add a probiotic or add yogurt to the ration to improve gut-friendly bacteria and aid digestion.