The Best Foods for Dogs with IBD and Gastritis

Living with a furry companion is a joy like no other, but when your canine friend is diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or gastritis, it can be a challenging journey. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing these conditions, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing your dog's overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best foods for dogs dealing with IBD and gastritis, providing insights into dietary choices that can make a significant difference.

Understanding IBD and Gastritis

Before delving into dietary recommendations, it's essential to understand the conditions affecting your furry friend. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, while gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Both conditions can lead to digestive discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. A tailored diet can be instrumental in managing these symptoms.

Guiding Principles for Feeding Dogs with IBD and Gastritis

When selecting the right food for your dog, keep the following principles in mind:

Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)

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Limited ingredient diets (LID) are beneficial for dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and gastritis for several reasons:

• Reduced Allergen Exposure: Many dogs with IBD and gastritis may have food sensitivities or allergies, which can exacerbate their gastrointestinal issues. LID typically involves a simplified ingredient list with fewer potential allergens, reducing the chances of triggering adverse reactions.
• Easier Digestibility: Limited ingredient diets often feature easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates. This can be particularly important for dogs with compromised digestive systems, as these diets put less strain on the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate better absorption of nutrients.
• Identifying and Managing Food Sensitivities: IBD and gastritis are often associated with an overactive immune response to certain ingredients. By offering a limited number of ingredients, pet owners can more easily identify specific triggers that might be contributing to their dog's digestive issues. This process allows for a more targeted and effective approach to managing food sensitivities.
• Balanced Nutrition: Quality limited ingredient diets are formulated to provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile. This ensures that despite the limited number of ingredients, the dog still receives essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for overall health and well-being.
• Minimized GI Irritation: Some ingredients commonly found in commercial dog foods may contribute to gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive dogs. By eliminating potential irritants and sticking to a simple ingredient list, LID helps minimize inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract.
• Supporting a Controlled Diet: With a limited ingredient diet, pet owners have better control over what their dog is consuming. This can be crucial for managing and monitoring the dog's response to different foods, making it easier to identify patterns and tailor the diet to the specific needs of the individual dog.
• Veterinary Guidance: Limited ingredient diets are often recommended or prescribed by veterinarians for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Veterinarians can provide guidance on selecting an appropriate LID based on the dog's health history, dietary preferences, and specific sensitivities.
• Preventing Dietary Indiscretions: Dogs with IBD or gastritis may be more prone to dietary indiscretions, such as scavenging for inappropriate food items. Limited ingredient diets, by nature, simplify the dog's diet and reduce the likelihood of accidental ingestion of problematic substances.

Novel Protein

Novel proteins are considered beneficial for dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and gastritis due to several reasons that cater to the unique dietary needs of dogs dealing with these gastrointestinal conditions.Novel proteins in dog food refer to protein sources that are not commonly found in traditional commercial dog foods. These proteins are considered novel because they are less likely to have been part of a dog's regular diet, reducing the chances of the dog having developed sensitivities or allergies to them. Novel proteins could be meats such as venison, bison, duck, rabbit, and kangaroo, among others. Let's explore the key reasons why novel proteins are recommended for such dogs:

• Reducing Allergic Reactions: Dogs with IBD and gastritis often have heightened sensitivity to certain proteins, leading to allergic reactions and exacerbation of symptoms. Common proteins like beef, chicken, and lamb can be potential triggers. Novel proteins, which are proteins that are not commonly found in commercial dog foods, offer a new and unfamiliar protein source to the dog's system. This reduces the likelihood of triggering allergic responses and minimizes the risk of further inflammation.
• Minimizing Antigen Exposure: Antigens are substances that can induce an immune response, and in the case of IBD, the immune system may be overactive, leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Introducing novel proteins helps minimize exposure to familiar antigens that may have contributed to the development or worsening of IBD and gastritis.
• Diverse Nutrient Profile: Different protein sources come with varying nutrient profiles. By incorporating novel proteins, you ensure that your dog receives a diverse array of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, promoting overall nutritional balance. This diversity in nutrients can support the healing and maintenance of the digestive system, helping to address nutritional deficiencies that may arise due to malabsorption or other complications associated with IBD.
• Preventing Protein Sensitization: Repeated exposure to the same protein sources can sometimes lead to sensitization, where the immune system becomes overly responsive to those proteins. Novel proteins help prevent sensitization by introducing new and less familiar protein sources, reducing the risk of the immune system mounting an exaggerated response.
• Supporting Digestive Tolerance: Novel proteins are often chosen for their ease of digestion. Dogs with IBD and gastritis may struggle with digesting certain proteins, contributing to digestive discomfort and inflammation. Opting for novel proteins, such as venison, rabbit, or duck, can be gentler on the digestive system, making it easier for dogs to process and absorb essential nutrients without aggravating gastrointestinal issues.

Digestible Carbohydrates

Digestible carbohydrates are beneficial for dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and gastritis because they provide a readily available and easily absorbed source of energy without putting undue stress on the digestive system. In these gastrointestinal conditions, the digestive tract is often inflamed and sensitive, making it challenging for dogs to break down and absorb nutrients from their food effectively.

 Opting for digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, rice, or oats ensures that the dog receives essential energy and nutrients in a form that is gentler on the stomach and intestines. These carbohydrates are less likely to exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, promoting better digestion and overall gastrointestinal health in dogs dealing with IBD and gastritis.

High-Quality Fiber

High-quality fiber plays a crucial role in supporting dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and gastritis due to its positive impact on digestive health. Soluble fibers, found in sources like pumpkin or psyllium husk, act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, helps to maintain a healthy balance of the intestinal microbiota, supporting the overall well-being of dogs dealing with gastrointestinal issues.

Additionally, soluble fibers contribute to the formation of a more solid stool consistency, aiding in the management of diarrhea, a common symptom in both IBD and gastritis. By providing a gentle and effective means of regulating bowel movements, high-quality fiber becomes a valuable component of a canine diet tailored to alleviate the challenges associated with these digestive conditions.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics play a pivotal role in promoting digestive health and providing therapeutic benefits for dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and gastritis. In the context of these gastrointestinal conditions, the delicate balance of the gut microbiota is often disrupted. Probiotics, which are beneficial live bacteria, can help restore and maintain this balance by fostering the growth of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. These microorganisms aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, support the immune system, and contribute to the overall health of the gastrointestinal system.

In the case of IBD and gastritis, inflammation in the digestive tract can compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining. This compromise can lead to increased permeability, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and triggering immune responses. Probiotics help fortify the gut barrier, reducing the risk of inflammation and enhancing the gut's ability to ward off pathogens. Moreover, these beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as byproducts of fermentation, which serve as an energy source for the cells lining the colon, further contributing to the maintenance of a healthy gut environment.

Complementing probiotics, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as a food source for beneficial bacteria in the gut. By providing these fibers, prebiotics promote the growth and activity of probiotics, fostering a robust and diverse microbial community. In the context of IBD and gastritis, prebiotics contribute to the overall health of the digestive system by supporting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria. This symbiotic relationship between probiotics and prebiotics helps establish a stable gut microbiome, aiding in the management of symptoms associated with these gastrointestinal disorders and promoting long-term digestive wellness in dogs.

Best Foods for Dogs with IBD and Gastritis

Now, let's explore specific foods that align with the guiding principles mentioned above:

1. Kabo Hypoallergenic Salmon Recipe

Kabo Hypoallergenic Salmon Recipe pretty much takes all of the points above and combines them into the perfect diet for dogs with IBD or Gastritis. Here’s why:

• Salmon is a protein that is rich in anti-inflammatory properties like omega 3 fatty acids that can help reduce gut inflammation.
• Utilizes sweet potatoes and potatoes as an easily digestible carbohydrate source.
• Limited ingredients in this recipe (only 13 in total!).
• Flaxseeds for a dose of good quality fibre.
• Contains sources of antioxidants like blueberries, butternut squash and green veggies to prevent and repair gastrointestinal inflammation.
• Fresh cooked, using whole, human-grade ingredients.

Ingredients:

Salmon, Potatoes, Sweet potato, Butternut squash, Green beans, Blueberries, Spinach, Nutrient mix, Dicalcium phosphate, Flaxseed, Sunflower oil, Sea salt, Rosemary

2. Canadian Naturals Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Why we would recommend this diet as an option for dogs with IBD:

• Formulated for dogs of all life stages
• Limited ingredient diet
• A Canadian product for over 30 years
• Made with antioxidants such as salmon, flax seed, and also sweet potato
• Available in three bag sizes

Ingredients:

Sweet potato, salmon meal, potato, flaxseed, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), natural flavour, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, L-lysine, DL-methionine, zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, copper sulphate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, copper proteinate, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium iodate, folic acid, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement, rosemary extract.

3. Tom and Sawyer Kangaroo

Why we would recommend this diet as an option for dogs with IBD:

• Novel protein included
• Limited ingredient
• Fresh cooked, using whole ingredients
• Low fat to help with weight management
• Made in Canada
• Includes probiotics

Ingredients:

Kangaroo meat, sweet potato, peas, organic canola oil, omega-3 fish oil, vitamin & mineral supplement (dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, choline bitartrate, vitamin A acetate, cholecalciferol, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, biotin, folic acid, niacin, calcium d-panthothenate, pyridoxine HCI, riboflavin, thiamin mononitrate, cyanocobalamin, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, zinc sulfate, pea fiber), digestive aid blend (dried yeast extract, chicory root extract, elderberry extract, thyme extract).Vitamin A: 1875 IU, Vitamin D3: 250 IU, Vitamin E: 150 IU. Zootechnical Additives: Enterococcus Faecium 

4. FirstMate Chicken with Blueberries Grain Free Small Bites Dog Food

Why we would recommend this diet as an option for dogs with IBD:

• A high quality, Canadian made food
• A limited ingredient diet with just one animal protein
• Packed with wholesome blueberries
• Fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients
• Perfect for smaller dogs, or dogs with more sensitive mouths

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal  Burbank Potato  Norkotah Potato Chicken Fat  (Mixed Tocopherols) Whole Blueberries  Potassium Chloride  DL–Methionine  Choline Chloride  Calcium Propionate Minerals  (Zinc Proteinate  Iron Proteinate Manganese Proteinate  Copper Proteinate  Iodine Cobalt Carbonate  Selenium Yeast)  Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement  Riboflavin  Niacin  D-pantothenic Acid  Thiamine hydrochloride  Vitamin A Supplement  Pyridoxine Hydrochloride  Biotin Folic Acid   Vitamin B12 Supplement  Vitamin D3 Supplement)  Yeast Extract Glucosamine Hydrochloride

5. Boreal Traditional Blend Pork Meal Dog Food

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Why we would recommend this diet as an option for dogs with IBD:

• High quality pork is the first ingredient
• Single animal protein source
• Limited ingredients
• Excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals
• Canadian made and ships Canada-wide
• Palatable for picky eaters

Ingredients:

Pork meal, dehulled barley, steel cut oats, pork fat, brown rice, brewers dried yeast, alfalfa meal, beet pulp, flaxseed, natural flavor, sodium selenite, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium propionate, dried apple, dried carrot, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, vitamin E supplement, taurine, DL-methionine, copper sulfate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, selenium, manganese oxide, calcium pantothenate supplement, riboflavin, biotin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium iodate, zinc amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, rosemary extract, citric acid

Take Home Message

Navigating the dietary needs of a dog with IBD or gastritis requires careful consideration and consultation with a veterinarian. By adhering to the guiding principles and exploring the recommended foods, you can provide your furry friend with a nourishing and supportive diet. Remember, each dog is unique, so monitoring their response to different foods and making adjustments accordingly is key to ensuring their optimal health and happiness.