Best Vegan Dog Food for Digestive Support
If your dog suffers digestive (gastrointestinal) disorders, which can significantly impact their overall health and happiness, the answer may lie in a digestive support vegan dog food. The latest research emphasises the vital role of the gut microbiome in influencing both physical health and mood (1). As the digestive tract is a complex system that also affects the brain and immune health, complications in this area can lead to a wide array of common and rare health symptoms.
Traditional treatments for canine digestion issues often involve over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed drugs such as Pepcid, famotidine, and Omeprazole. These drugs contain histamine-2 blockers that reduce stomach acid production. Unfortunately, they may come with side effects like loss of appetite, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Moreover, these drugs may not be safe for dogs with kidney or liver problems, and pregnant dogs or those with stomach cancer should avoid them.
Taking a proactive approach to support your dog’s gut and digestion with a natural and safe method is highly recommended. Vets and canine nutritionists often recommend a digestive support vegan dog food for dogs with digestive issues like IBD and colitis
Just like in humans, fibre acts as a prebiotic, providing valuable support to your dog’s digestive tract. Beneficial bacteria in the intestine ferment fibre into fatty acids, which help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduce gastric upset and distress while promoting colon recovery from injury.
Both prebiotics and probiotics play crucial roles in maintaining your dog’s health, but they serve different purposes:
- Prebiotics: These substances, mainly derived from carbohydrates these dietary fibres, cannot be digested by dogs. Instead, they serve as food for the beneficial gut bacteria.
- Probiotics: Live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements that offer various health benefits.
To achieve the best results, prebiotics work in conjunction with probiotics to support a healthy gut, good digestion, and overall immune system and health. The combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as synbiotics, has shown to be more effective in delivering positive health outcomes.
Physical activity also plays a vital role in maintaining digestive health for dogs and humans. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the muscles in the digestive system, promoting efficient movement of food through the digestive tract, known as peristalsis. Additionally, research indicates that exercise can impact the balance of gut bacteria.
A holistic approach to managing canine digestion issues involves the use of herbs. Herbs can naturally work with your dog’s digestive system to achieve long-term desired results without significant side effects. Let’s explore some of the different types of digestive herbs and their mechanisms of action on digestive support:
A holistic approach for managing digestion problems in dogs involves harnessing the power of various herbs to naturally achieve the desired long-term results. Herbs offer multifaceted benefits, ensuring optimal health and a strong immune system, while typically coming with little or no side effects.
Here are some herbs when included in a vegan dog food for digestive support can soothe your dog’s intestinal tract and support healthy digestion:
Demulcent Herbs: Demulcent herbs play a vital role in soothing and protecting the digestive tract membranes. These herbs include:
- Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis): Rich in mucilage, marshmallow root forms a soothing gel that eases irritation and discomfort in the digestive lining.
- Oats (Avena sativa): Oats contain compounds that provide a calming effect on the digestive system, reducing irritation and supporting healing.
- Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus fulva): With its mucilage content, slippery elm bark forms a protective coating to alleviate inflammation and promote healing.
Antispasmodic Herbs: Antispasmodic herbs help relax nervous tension that may cause digestive colic and spasms, providing relief from discomfort. These herbs include:
- Chamomile (Anthemus nobile or Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile’s gentle properties ease digestive muscle spasms and calm the stomach.
- Hops (Humulus lupulus): This herb’s relaxing effect extends to the digestive tract, helping to relieve cramping and discomfort.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the digestive system and alleviate digestive distress.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian’s calming effect extends to the digestive system, reducing tension and discomfort.
Carminative Herbs: Carminative herbs contain volatile oils that benefit the digestive system in multiple ways. They relax stomach muscles, increase intestinal peristalsis, and reduce gas production. Herbs in this category include:
- Cayenne (Red Pepper, Capsicum spp.): Cayenne’s heat promotes digestion by stimulating saliva production and increasing gastric juices.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel helps expel gas and reduce bloating, relieving discomfort in the digestive tract.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Peppermint relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and promoting digestion.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Parsley’s carminative properties aid in easing digestive discomfort and reducing gas production.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Oregano’s antimicrobial properties also aid in reducing harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Rosemary supports digestion by relaxing stomach muscles and promoting peristalsis.
Hepatic Herbs: Hepatic herbs play a crucial role in enhancing the liver’s activity, stimulating the release of gastric juice and digestive enzymes for optimal digestion. These herbs include:
- Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root supports liver function, aiding in the breakdown of nutrients and waste removal.
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Goldenseal promotes liver health and helps improve bile flow for better digestion.
- Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): Wild yam supports liver function and contributes to overall digestive support and well-being.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties, supporting digestion.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger supports liver health and enhances digestive processes.
- Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero senticosus): Siberian ginseng strengthens and tones the liver, promoting optimal digestion.
- Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): Yellow dock supports liver function and aids in the digestive process.
Cholagogues: Cholagogues are herbs that increase bile production by the gallbladder, aiding in digestion. Bile helps break down fats into fatty acids, which can be taken into the body by the digestive tract. These herbs include:
- Artichoke Leaves (Cynara scolymus): Artichoke leaves stimulate bile production, facilitating the breakdown of fats.
- Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root supports liver function and enhances bile flow for better digestion.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary promotes gallbladder function and helps enhance digestion.
- Turmeric (Curcuma domestica): Turmeric’s curcumin compound supports gallbladder health and bile flow.
Antimicrobial Herbs: Antimicrobial herbs are effective against microbial causes of digestive upset, including bacterial or viral infections. Many herbs have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, making them favourites for intestinal conditions. These herbs include:
- Chamomile (Anthemus nobile or Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile’s antimicrobial properties help combat harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Echinacea boosts the immune system, aiding in the fight against infections.
- Oregon Grape Root (Berberis aquifolium): Oregon grape root contains berberine, which has potent antimicrobial properties.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme’s compounds have antimicrobial effects, promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Anthelmintic Herbs: Anthelmintic herbs help combat parasitic worms in the gastrointestinal tract. These herbs are crucial in eliminating and expelling various types of intestinal worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. Infections by these worms cause significant problems, including frequently profuse diarrhoea and anaemia of the liver and lungs. Anthelmintic herbs include:
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Wormwood’s compounds help expel and eliminate intestinal worms.
- Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum): Cloves contain active compounds effective against certain types of parasitic worms.
- Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic’s natural properties support a healthy gut environment and discourage parasitic worms.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Chamomile’s antimicrobial properties aid in addressing worm infections.
- Turmeric (Curcuma domestica): Turmeric contains curcumin, which can be effective against certain types of parasitic worms.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger’s compounds may contribute to worm elimination and digestive health.
Bonza , best digestive support vegan dog food includes science informed, vet recommended, prebiotic and probiotic ingredients with herbs and botanicals designed to support your dog’s digestion and best digestive health.
Prebiotic ingredients: Chickpeas, fava beans, peas, oats, cranberries, baobab and Yucca Schidigera
Probiotic: Calsporin® – Bacillus subtilis C-3102
Herbs, Botanicals and Adaptogens: Chamomile, ginger, echinacea, turmeric, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, parsley and oregano
What is the best vegan dog food for digestive support?
For all of the reasons outlined above we contend that Bonza is arguably not just the best vegan dog food for digestive support, but the best dog food for digestive support available for your dog.
