Foods for IBS in Dogs

If you have a pet that has been diagnosed with IBS you may want to find what are the foods for ibs in dogs.

IBS is the irritable bowel syndrome and it is considered an autoimmune disease. Certain foods are known to worsen the condition, while others are beneficial and will reduce the discomfort in your pet.

Detect the Problem

It is important to have a clear diagnosis of IBS, so that you know you have to give your pet a specific diet. Many other digestive problems may show symptoms similar to IBS, so take your pet to the vet and get a few tests done. Your vet will establish of your pet has indeed IBS and will also let you know about some dietary do’s and don’ts.

Foods for IBS

The diet recommended for dogs with IBS should be bland and poor in fats.

Vets recommend a few foods for dogs with IBS. These foods will not irritate the bowels and will allow the intestines to recover. Get foods such as:

• Flaxseed oil, is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which give immune system support, as IBS is an immune system mediated disease
• Fish is recommended along with fish oil
• Vegetables, especially broccoli or green leaf vegetables. You have to avoid vegetables that are too acidic, as these may cause irritation.
• White meat (i.e. chicken or turkey)
• Seafood
• Egg whites (no yolks)
• Potatoes
• Olives

Organic products are always preferred for dogs with the irritable bowel syndrome. There may be other foods that are not necessarily recommended for dogs with IBS but don’t cause irritation in your pet. Identify these and introduce them in your dog’s diet.

The vet will generally recommend dry food, which will be a safer choice than wet food, which can cause diarrhea in dogs with IBS, due to the increased percentage of water contents.

Foods to Avoid

There are a few renowned IBS triggers, which will be usually not recommended for pets with this problem:

• Red meats (i.e. beef, pork); avoid feeding your dog bacon, ham, sausages, pork chops
• Dark chicken meat
• Dairy foods (i.e. yogurt, milk, cheese), due to the lactose content which can be particularly irritating for the intestinal tract.
• Egg yolks, which are high in fat
• Corn
• Fried foods
• Nuts
• Bread and pastries
• Artificial flavors and colorants

Any foods that are high in fat can cause an IBS flare up. You will notice that the dog will have diarrhea, due to the colon spasms specific for IBS. The fat content in the dog’s food should be reduced. Consult your vet to determine the right amount of fats for your pet.

Also, if you find your dog reacts negatively to any foods, note these and avoid them in the future. Each dog may be different and your pet may react badly to a certain ingredient that may be safe in other canines with IBS.