Irritable bowel disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, in dogs is a chronic illness that causes inflammation in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. If you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss or lethargy in your dog, they may have IBD, and you should seek treatment immediately. As well as providing supplements and changing their lifestyle, dietary changes prove the most useful when aiding a dog with IBD, but which dog food is the most useful? At Fetch, we have a range of raw, wet and dry dog food to suit your dog and your lifestyle.
In our feeding guide, we will explore the best dog food options for IBD, as well as what food should contain, and options to avoid. We will also discuss other ways you can aid your dog with IBD, as well as the benefits of our expert wellbeing consultations here at Fetch.
- What is the Best Dog Food for IBD?
Discover the best food choices for your dog
- What Should Food Contain for Dogs with IBD?
Find out what food should contain when feeding a dog with IBD
- What are the Worst Foods for Dogs with IBD?
These are the foods to avoid if your dog has IBD
- How Can I Help my Dog with IBD?
As well as switching up their diet, there are other ways you can help your dog with IBD
- Help for IBD in Dogs with Fetch
See how we can assist you
What is the Best Dog Food for IBD?
When considering food for your dog with IBD or colitis, look for novel proteins such as duck, rabbit and pork. The proteins in meat such as chicken and beef can sometimes lead to a reaction within the immune system, so you should choose food that doesn’t possess common food allergens. Highly digestible food that is low in fibre and fat is also recommended for dogs with IBD; therefore, food that is high in moisture, such as wet, canned food, could be a better option.
Raw dog food could be a beneficial option for your dog; we have plenty of raw novel proteins here at Fetch ideal for dogs with IBD, perfect when paired with our range of supplements. Raw dog food can also aid digestion and reduce inflammation in dogs. Dry dog food can be a cost-effective option with a long shelf life, and there are specially formulated options out there. However, dry food can be harder for dogs to digest due to its low moisture content.
All dogs are different, which is why we provide expert wellbeing consultations to decide on the very best dog food option for your fur baby. At Fetch, we believe in assisting the gut microbiome to improve your dog’s health, suggesting a diet and supplements that not only benefit your dog, but work alongside your lifestyle too. You can request a wellbeing consultation today.
What Should Food Contain for Dogs with IBD?
When feeding your dog for IBD, look for dog food options that include:
- Highly digestible protein: To reduce the workload on the gastrointestinal tract, look for protein sources such as duck, venison and rabbit.
- Low fat: high fat diets can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms. You can browse our low-fat dry dog food options in our previous guide here.
- Grain free: grain free dog food can aid with digestion and reduce flatulence. Consider the Nourish Rite range, such as salmon and trout, to introduce your dog to a grain free diet
- Soluble fibre: this can regulate bowel movements and improve stool quality. A good quality fibre source that we recommend is the Aniforte Psyllium Husks
- Prebiotics and probiotics: these can help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote gut health. Holistic Hound provide a powder supplement called Tummies to balance digestion and support pets going through illness.
What are the Worst Foods for Dogs with IBD?
Food to avoid when your dog is diagnosed with irritable bowel disease include:
- High-fat foods: Fat is hard to digest and can trigger inflammation or worsen symptoms.
- Grain-heavy foods: Grains (like wheat, corn, or soy) can cause sensitivity and be difficult to digest.
- Foods with artificial additives: Preservatives, colouring agents, and flavour enhancers can irritate the gut.
- Dairy products: Many dogs with IBD are lactose intolerant, which can lead to diarrhoea and discomfort.
- Common protein allergens: Beef, chicken, or lamb might trigger allergic reactions.
A wellbeing consultation can help you understand more about your dog’s health and make the right changes towards a healthier lifestyle. Get in touch with us today
How Can I Help my Dog with IBD?
As well as providing your dog with the best diet, there are other ways you can help your dog who is suffering from IBD symptoms, such as:
- Probiotics: Supplements that promote healthy gut flora may improve digestion and reduce flare-ups. We recommend Holistic Hound’s Tummies and if your dog has been on antibiotics we recommend Four Leaf Rover Saccharomyces Boulardii.
- Stress management: Minimising stress through a calm environment can help, as stress may trigger IBD symptoms. Always monitor your dog’s environment around episodes of loose stool. Maybe you had visitors over or there was some work done on the house. Some dogs can be anxious on walks also which can lead to looser stools.
- Wellbeing consultations: our experts provide wellbeing consultations to understand your dog’s health and lifestyle, providing help and assistance to ensure your dog gets the best diet and supplements needed.
Help for IBD in Dogs with Fetch
At Fetch, we provide various raw, wet and dry dog food perfect for dogs with irritable bowel disease. From DARF cold pressed dog food to grain-free Nourish Rite, we provide various dry dog food options that can benefit your dog and aid their digestion. However, dry dog food can irritate the digestive system, as no dog is the same. Therefore, by consulting our nutritional experts, we can discover the best diet for your dog.
To find out more, get in touch with our team today.