Just like us, our pets can suffer from sensitive stomachs. Sometimes they may show us that they are not well, either by vomiting or having diarrhea, or by manifesting their nutritional problem with unusually high levels of gas.
If you recognize the above in your dog, then the first thing you should think about is his diet.
What are the symptoms of a dog with a sensitive stomach?
We all want and strive for the best for our little four-legged friends, and when they are not well, it clearly worries us.
Some of the most common symptoms they experience when they have stomach problems are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unusually high gas
- Anorexia
- Forfeiture
What can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs?
There are several reasons why a dog may have digestive disorders.
For example, if your dog behaves like a "vacuum cleaner," it is very likely that he is consuming things that he finds delicious but are actually harmful. It is quite difficult to control this type of behavior, especially on walks, but even at home you should be careful that he does not have access to your food or to any objects that he likes to chew.
A sudden change in food can also cause disruptions in your dog's digestive system, so it should be done gradually and over a period of about 7 days so that the animal can adapt to any new ingredients its new food may contain.
Unfortunately, some dogs are prone to gastrointestinal problems for no apparent reason, or it could be an ingredient in their food that is bothering them. Whatever the cause, as their guardians, you can help your little friend with some dietary changes. Noticing when he exhibits these types of symptoms in relation to his meals and treats can also help identify the problem.
If something is really worrying you, or if your dog is showing severe symptoms, or seems very anxious, it would be a good idea to visit your veterinarian.
Ways we can help our four-legged friends when they have digestive upset
Just like in humans, the health of the digestive system is very important for pets. Maintaining normal intestinal microflora is crucial for their well-being.
Choose foods with fresh and easily digestible ingredients
Do you notice that your pet can't keep anything down and vomits after every meal? Then it's important to make sure you offer them foods that won't further irritate their stomach. It may sound simple, but what should you look for in a dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
We therefore avoid foods that contain additives, preservatives and allergenic substances such as wheat and corn. We prefer foods with easily digestible ingredients such as meat, fresh vegetables, lentils and barley. By choosing a tasty food that your dog will like, you will help him develop a healthy relationship with food and will whet his appetite in case he seems to be inappetent due to some illness. Also, by offering small and frequent meals you can keep their sensitive stomachs in better condition.
Alternatively, during periods when they have an upset stomach, you can give them boiled chicken breast or boiled white fish (without salt, spices, or oil).
Prefer low-fat foods
Foods high in fat can irritate a sensitive stomach as they are more difficult to digest. They can also increase the amount of fat in a dog's blood and cause inflammation of the pancreas.
For this reason, it would be much more beneficial if your animal's protein source was low in fat, such as chicken, turkey, and white fish.
Try some probiotics
Sometimes your little friend may need a little extra help to get his digestive system working properly. In this case, you can consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Why is petchef cooked food suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
How easily digestible a food is is determined by the quality of its ingredients as well as their ratio. A poor quality food can cause malabsorption and consequently large amounts of stool as well as very foul-smelling or even watery stools.
Recent research supporting the benefits of balanced cooked food in dog nutrition, reports that freshly cooked food was up to 96% more digestible in contrast to traditional kibble which was at 70-80%. The use of petchef's delicious and balanced recipes with its abundance of nutrients, easily digestible proteins of high biological value, can undoubtedly be an alternative diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
🧡 Create the nutrition plan for your four-legged friend here .
Christou Eugenia DVM
Athens Vet, Modern Veterinary Clinics