Best Food for Dogs with Gastritis: A Comprehensive Overview
· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics
Nutritional Therapies for Dogs with Gastritis
Gastritis in dogs is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Proper dietary management is crucial for alleviating these symptoms and promoting recovery. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the best plant-based foods, herbs, and nutrients for treating gastritis in dogs, along with practical advice on fasting and avoiding harmful foods.
Gastritis in dogs is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Proper dietary management is crucial for alleviating these symptoms and promoting recovery. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the best plant-based foods, herbs, and nutrients for treating gastritis in dogs, along with practical advice on fasting and avoiding harmful foods.
Should You Fast Dogs with Gastritis?
Fasting can be beneficial for dogs with acute gastritis. Withholding food for 24-48 hours allows the stomach to rest and heal. During this period, ensure your dog has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration. After the fasting period, gradually reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods to avoid overloading the stomach. (1)
What Foods Neutralise Gastritis?
In much the same way humans suffering from gastritis are advised to eat, or avoid, certain foods so the same applies to our dogs. Certain plant-based foods can help neutralise gastritis by soothing the stomach lining and reducing inflammation. (2) These include:
Rice: Easily digestible and helps soothe the stomach.
Pumpkin: High in fibre, aids digestion, and regulates bowel movements.
Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins and minerals, gentle on the digestive system.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. They support a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Postbiotics are the metabolic by-products of probiotics. They can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, further supporting gut health and reducing symptoms of gastritis.
Best Plant-Based Foods, Herbs, and Nutrients for Gastritis in Dogs
Plant-Based Foods
Rice
Benefits: Easily digestible, helps soothe the stomach lining.
Preparation: Boil until soft, and serve in small portions.
Pumpkin
Benefits: High in fibre, helps regulate digestion.
Preparation: Cook until soft, and mash or puree before serving.
Sweet Potatoes
Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, gentle on the digestive system.
Preparation: Boil or bake until soft, and mash.
Carrots
Benefits: Contains beta-carotene, easy to digest.
Preparation: Steam or boil until soft, and chop or mash.
Oatmeal
Benefits: High in fibre, soothing to the stomach.
Preparation: Cook thoroughly with water, and avoid adding sugar or milk.
Bananas
Benefits: Easily digestible, contains potassium.
Preparation: Mash and serve in small amounts.
Apples
Benefits: Provide pectin, which can help with digestion.
Preparation: Use raw apples or unsweetened applesauce, and serve in small portions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and support overall gut health. Derived from sources like seaweed or algae, they are beneficial for dogs with gastritis. (3)
Gastritis is an inflammatory condition that can cause significant discomfort in dogs. Anti-inflammatory foods play a crucial role in soothing this inflammation and promoting healing. Here are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, spices, and supplements for dogs with gastritis, along with their mechanisms of impact:
Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre.
Mechanism: Omega-3s and antioxidants reduce inflammation, while fibre aids digestion.
Conclusion
Managing gastritis in dogs requires a holistic approach that includes proper dietary management, the use of soothing herbs, and the incorporation of beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based foods such as rice, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes can help neutralise gastritis and support digestion. Avoiding fatty, spicy, and processed foods is crucial for preventing further irritation. Additionally, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics play significant roles in promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. By following these guidelines, pet owners can help their dogs recover from gastritis and maintain optimal digestive health.
Bonza plant-based vegan dog food is an excellent choice for dogs suffering from gastritis. It includes high-quality ingredients like chickpeas, potatoes, peas, and quinoa, which are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Bonza food is enriched with essential nutrients such as taurine, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12, which support overall health. The inclusion of supplements like glucosamine, ginger and turmeric, helps reduce inflammation and promote digestive health. Omega-3 fatty acids from seaweed or algae further reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, while probiotics and prebiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption.
About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics
I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy on the day, as his contribution to our new family!
Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other
Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.
I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.
I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.
The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food that elevates our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.
I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.
I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!
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