If you’ve noticed that your dog is suffering from tummy troubles, like diarrhoea, gas, or bloating, it might be something more than just a sensitive stomach. One possible thing it could be is IBS – but what is IBS in dogs? Is it similar to what we experience as humans? And how can you naturally treat it?
Here at Green Pantry, we’ve formulated 100% natural dry dog food and fresh dog food recipes, helping to support your dog’s health functions and dietary requirements. A lot of our recipes aim to aid your dog’s digestion, and in this blog, we’ll take a deeper look at these recipes and how other natural remedies can help to treat your dog’s IBS.
Keep reading to find out more…
What is IBS in dogs?
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) in dogs is a chronic functional disorder of the lower digestive tract.
It’s not inflammatory in nature and is often linked to stress, anxiety, or food sensitivities. IBS is often associated with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), and while they both affect the same system, they are not the same thing.
IBD involves chronic inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, a medical condition driven by an overactive immune response, and is usually a lot more serious.
Common signs of IBS include:
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Constipation or straining to poop
- Frequent gas or bloating
- Abdominal discomfort or whining
- Gurgling sounds in their belly
- Occasional vomiting
- Licking their lips or eating grass
*It’s worth mentioning that these symptoms can also mimic other digestive issues, so do get in touch with your vet if you’re worried or concerned about your dog’s health.
How to treat IBS in dogs naturally
Now you know what symptoms to look out for, it’s time to treat them. When your dog is struggling with diarrhoea, bloating, or just general tummy upset, you’re probably going to want to skip away from harsh chemicals and instead switch to a more natural, holistic approach. The good news is that there are a few simple swaps and improvements you can make to your dog’s lifestyle that can help to soothe their gut and bring their digestion back into balance.
A healthy diet & proper nutrition
Food sensitivities can be a massive trigger for IBS in dogs, which is why a switch to a single protein diet might be highly beneficial. This way, you can avoid common allergens like chicken or beef and switch to a novel protein such as duck or venison. Fibre is also an important part of your dog’s diet, helping to regulate bowel movements and firm up stools.
Shop our high fibre dog food right here.
Consider natural supplements
As well as a switch to a natural diet, have you ever considered natural dog supplements? Using probiotics can introduce beneficial bacteria that balance the gut microbiome and improve stool quality in dogs who suffer from IBS. If your dog is struggling to break down their food, one small sprinkle of a supplement can help to settle their stomachs.
Manage your dog’s stress
While a healthy, balanced diet is important for any dog’s health, IBS can also be triggered by high levels of stress and anxiety. The brain and gut are very closely connected, so any change in your dog’s lifestyle could be a trigger. Try to keep their routine fairly consistent and enjoyable, with routine feeding, walking, and sleeping.
You can find some more top tips by reading our guide: Understanding and Managing Your Dog’s Anxiety.
The best dog food for IBS
We’ve discovered the benefits that a natural diet can have on your dog’s IBS. But what’s the solution? In our eyes, it’s simple… Green Pantry’s natural recipes!
Whether you’re looking for dry kibble, fresh recipes, or tasty dog treats, we’ve carefully curated products that contain 100% natural ingredients and can help to ease your dog’s IBS symptoms. A change in diet might be just the trick to get your dog feeling their best again.
Here’s what you can expect from our delicious and nutritious recipes:
Gut Health Digestive Care Fresh Dog Food – This recipe is a wet food consistency, made up of 100% natural ingredients that are easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s tummy. Stand-out ingredients feature turkey, pumpkin, and sweet potato, all known to aid comfortable digestion and provide essential nutrients that should be a part of your dog’s diet.
Trout with Salmon, Lentils, & Spinach Dry Dog Food – If your dog prefers a dry kibble, this is the recipe for you. Trout and salmon are both easily digestible sources of protein, and we’ve also added vegetables and potatoes that can support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and most importantly, better digestion. Give it a few weeks before you start to see stool improvement.
Natural Gut Health Supplement – As well as dog food, did you know we also sell natural dog supplements? In particular, our gut health supplement is a great aid for dogs with IBS and other tummy troubles. It’s made up of chicory root, alfalfa, yucca, and postbiotics, working together to nourish your dog’s gut. Simply sprinkle on top of your dog’s favourite meal!
Support your dog’s digestion with Green Pantry
Hopefully, you’ve now learnt a lot more about IBS in dogs, including symptoms to look out for, management, and more importantly, natural solutions. While IBS in dogs isn’t life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable to live with.
Here at Green Pantry, we want to tackle those feelings of discomfort in your dog with our natural dog food recipes. Discover exactly what’s in our pantry and find a recipe that can help support your dog’s dietary requirements or health functions.
Need any more advice when it comes to your dog’s diet or want to learn more about us? Get in touch with our expert team today or give us a call on 01553 811 320.
