The best way to maintain dogs' digestive health is with balanced diet and supervision. When your dog does experience mild digestive upset, there are methods of treatment that often restore normal digestion.
Food
A balanced canine diet is approximately 22 to 25% protein, 50% carbohydrate and 25 to 28% fat. Types of protein, fats and carbohydrates are also factors; some dogs may not digest seafood well, but have no trouble with chicken or lamb.
Your dog's age, activity level and breed should be considered when choosing food. Puppies and very active dogs need more protein than older, less active dogs, but do not need protein in excess of the recommended amount. Fat is part of a healthy diet; if you're concerned about weight, make sure your dog's food meets the recommended balance. Any one of those main three nutrients can, in excess, cause unhealthy weight gain.
Changing your dog's food periodically is good for digestion and overall health. The key is to do this slowly and intentionally. Add a new food into meals in increasing amounts over the course of five to seven days to give the system time to adjust. Dogs can develop allergies or intolerances to foods they've eaten for years. Changing food occasionally helps prevent, that as well as providing your dog with a wider range of healthy food.
Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements
Most dog food companies add a host of vitamins and minerals to their packaged food. Pet owners may choose to supplement food with a canine vitamin. Usability and ratio are the key factors when supplementing food. Calcium and phosphorus, for example, are both essential, but need to be consumed in the proper ratio. Probiotics, which provide good bacteria that support healthy digestion, are another popular supplement.
Treats and Supervision
Treats can still be healthy and given in healthy amounts. Look at the nutritional breakdown of the treats you choose. Avoid giving human food as a treat unless it's something that would be part of a healthy diet anyway. A different type of dog food can be used as a treat, and if it's something your dog doesn't usually eat, it will be exciting.
Supervision is an important part of maintaining good digestion because many of our dogs are food-driven, and will grab human food if given half a chance.
Treating Digestive Upset
When your dog does eat something she shouldn't or develops digestive problems for some other reason, the first line of treatment is to simplify her food. If the problem is diarrhea, switch to a diet of chicken and rice (home cooked) for a day or two.
If your dog is constipated, try adding fiber to his meals. A tablespoon of pumpkin or teaspoon of bran can be added to a meal. Chronic constipation is often a simple matter of needing more dietary fiber or more water on a daily basis. Vomiting can be a simple matter of eating too fast or eating something that causes stomach upset. Occasional digestive upset is nothing to be worried about, but chronic symptoms do warrant veterinary advice.