Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Dogs

The proper diet for irritable bowel disease (also known as irritable bowel syndrome) in dogs varies depending upon the animal. While irritable bowel disease in humans is characterized by an infection or irritation of the bowels and intestines, the condition is less defined in veterinary medicine. Generally, veterinarians refer to irritable bowel syndrome in dogs as any type of chronic and persistent upset to the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the gastrointestinal or digestive tracts. Determining the cause of your pet's irritable bowels is typically the first step toward addressing that issue and ensuring that you keep him healthy.

General Dietary Modifications for Dogs with IBS

In most cases, a few basic dietary modifications will do quite a lot to help cure your pet of his irritable bowel syndrome. Many dogs build up an intolerance to some of the items in their food over time. Additionally, the presence of non-food items in a diet, as well as the presence of human foods, can cause irritation. Human foods tend to be much too rich in fat and other nutrients for a dog's system, and the result can be irritable bowel syndrome.

Generally, a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber will be a good choice for a dog with this condition. Because of the nature of changing your pet's diet, it may be necessary to experiment with a few different types of specialized diets in order to find one that your pet enjoys. When you do decide to make the switch in diets, plan to begin introducing the new food to him by gradually mixing more and more of the food in with his previous food as well.

Other Dietary Guidelines for Dog IBS

It's very important for a pet with irritable bowel syndrome or any other type of gastrointestinal condition that you do your part as his owner to ensure that he doesn't eat foods that he should not eat. Dogs are notorious for eating a wide variety of items that they should not eat; do not provide your pet with access to these items if you can help it. Monitor him while he's outside to ensure that he doesn't eat plant matter or other items outdoors as well.

Allergies and Dog Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Allergies can also be a problem for dogs with irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, the condition will be a symptom of a sustained food allergy. In these cases, and if a modified diet doesn't seem to improve his condition, you'll likely need to work with a vet in order to determine whether your pet is suffering from an allergy. If he is, you'll then need to adjust his diet to avoid the food or foods that he is allergic to as well. A number of specialty food formulations avoid the common allergens, though the exact method for treating his condition in this case will depend upon the food that he is allergic to in the first place.

 

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