The effects of an unhealthy digestive system
If your dog is suffering from digestive sensitivities due to an acute episode (usually caused by the dog eating something they shouldn't have), parasites or a chronic condition, they are likely to exhibit the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Potential changes to eating habits
- Dry, dull or brittle hair
How a dog’s diet affects their digestive system
What a dog eats has an impact on their entire body, including their digestive system. A specific diet, targeted to your dog's needs, can go a long way to managing your dog’s digestive sensitivities and encouraging a healthy digestive environment.
Food which contains prebiotics can be effective in helping rebalance your dog’s microflora and contribute to a healthier gut. Prebiotics are carbohydrates that encourage growth of the healthy bacteria and therefore can be an influence on the composition of bacteria in the gut.
Highly-digestible and high-quality proteins are essential in providing your dog with the building blocks for cell growth in their body. Food which uses proteins from high quality sources can help maintain a healthy digestive system and help avoid making their digestive sensitivities worse.
Dogs also need the right balance of fibre in their diet. A high quality food should have just the right balance of fibre to make sure your dog can absorb nutrients easily without causing unnecessary strain on their gut.
Your dog’s age, breed, size and lifestyle are all important when selecting a diet that supports good digestive health. Visit your vet for more information and advice on the right choice of food for your pet.