Best Food for Dogs With Gastroenteritis – A Comprehensive Guide

Nutritional Therapy for Dogs with Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis in dogs is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Proper dietary management is crucial for alleviating these symptoms and promoting recovery. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the best foods, herbs, and nutrients for treating gastroenteritis in dogs, along with practical advice on fasting and avoiding harmful foods.

Table of Contents

• Should You Fast Dogs with Gastroenteritis?
• What Foods Are Best for Managing Gastroenteritis?
• What Are the Worst Foods for Gastroenteritis?
• Are Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics Good for Dogs with Gastroenteritis?
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • Postbiotics
• Best Plant-Based Foods, Herbs, and Nutrients for Gastroenteritis in Dogs
  • Plant-Based Foods
    • Rice
    • Pumpkin
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Carrots
    • Oatmeal
    • Bananas
    • Applesauce
  • Herbs
    • Slippery Elm
    • Marshmallow Root
    • Liquorice Root (DGL)
    • Chamomile
    • Ginger
  • Other Nutrients
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids with EPA and DHA
• Best Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs with Gastroenteritis
  • Cranberries
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia Seeds
• Conclusion

Introduction

Gastroenteritis in dogs is an inflammatory condition that affects the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Proper dietary management is crucial for soothing these symptoms and promoting recovery. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of the best plant-based foods, herbs, and nutrients to manage and treat gastroenteritis in dogs, including advice on fasting and avoiding foods that may worsen the condition.

Should You Fast Dogs with Gastroenteritis?

Fasting can be beneficial for dogs with acute gastroenteritis. Withholding food for 12-24 hours allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest and heal. During this period, it’s important to 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 digestive system.

What Foods Are Best for Managing Gastroenteritis?

Certain plant-based foods can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for dogs recovering from gastroenteritis. These foods include:

• Rice: Easily digestible and gentle on the stomach, rice helps soothe the digestive system and provides a bland, energy-rich food source.
• Pumpkin: High in fibre, pumpkin aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movements by absorbing excess water in the intestines, which can firm up stools.
• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes are gentle on the digestive system and provide necessary nutrients during recovery.
• Carrots: Containing beta-carotene and being easy to digest, cooked carrots can help support the healing of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Oatmeal: High in soluble fibre, oatmeal is soothing to the stomach and helps regulate digestion, making it an excellent choice for dogs with gastroenteritis.
• Bananas: Easily digestible and rich in potassium, bananas help replenish nutrients lost during bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Apples: Apples provides pectin, a type of soluble fibre that can help with digestion and firm up stools.

What Are the Worst Foods for Gastroenteritis?

It’s crucial to avoid certain foods that can exacerbate the symptoms of gastroenteritis. These include:

• Fatty Foods: High-fat foods stress the digestive system and can worsen inflammation.
• Spicy Foods: These irritate the stomach lining and can lead to increased gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Processed Foods: Containing additives and preservatives, processed foods can trigger or worsen gastroenteritis symptoms.
• Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can lead to further digestive upset, especially during a bout of gastroenteritis.

Are Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics Good for Dogs with Gastroenteritis?

Supporting gut health is essential when managing gastroenteritis, and prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics play a significant role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

• Prebiotics
  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. Sources of prebiotics include chicory root, garlic (contrary to the myths, garlic is actually beneficial for dogs but should be fed in moderation), and certain vegetables like asparagus.
• Probiotics
  Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut. These bacteria help balance the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, enhance digestive function, and boost immune system health. Probiotics can be found in supplements or fermented foods designed for dogs.
• Postbiotics
  Postbiotics are the metabolic by-products of probiotics. They can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, further supporting gut health and reducing symptoms of gastroenteritis. These are available in specialised supplements formulated to enhance gut health or can be found in quality, health focused dog foods.

Best Plant-Based Foods, Herbs, and Nutrients for Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Plant-based foods, herbs, and nutrients can play a vital role in managing gastroenteritis in dogs. Here’s a detailed look at the best options:

• Plant-Based Foods
  • Rice: Easily digestible and soothing to the stomach, rice is a staple food for dogs with gastroenteritis. It should be boiled until soft and served in small portions.
  • Pumpkin: Rich in fibre, pumpkin helps regulate digestion. Cook until soft, then mash or puree before serving.
  • Sweet Potatoes: These are gentle on the digestive system and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Boil or bake until soft, then mash.
  • Carrots: Cooked carrots are easy to digest and provide beta-carotene, which supports digestive health. Steam or boil until soft, then chop or mash.
  • Oatmeal: A soothing, high-fibre food, oatmeal should be cooked thoroughly with water and served without added sugar or milk.
  • Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest and provide potassium, which is beneficial for dogs recovering from vomiting and diarrhoea. Mash and serve in small amounts.
  • Apples: Applesauce provide pectin, which aids digestion. Use raw apples or unsweetened applesauce, and serve in small portions.
• Herbs
  • Slippery Elm
  • Benefits: Contains mucilage, which forms a soothing film over mucous membranes, reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Mechanism: The mucilage in slippery elm coats the stomach lining, creating a protective barrier that helps prevent further irritation and promotes healing of the inflamed tissues.
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Benefits: Contains mucilage, which soothes and protects the stomach lining, reducing irritation and inflammation.
  • Mechanism: Marshmallow root’s mucilage content provides a protective layer over the stomach’s mucous membranes, helping to reduce inflammation and support the healing process of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Liquorice Root (DGL)
  • Benefits: Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) supports the stomach and intestines, helps repair the stomach lining, and eases inflammation.
  • Mechanism: Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) enhances the production of protective mucus in the stomach, which helps to heal ulcers and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal lining without the risk of elevated blood pressure associated with regular liquorice.
  • Chamomile
  • Benefits: Calms the digestive system, relaxes the smooth muscle lining, reduces inflammation, and aids healing.
  • Mechanism: Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, reduce cramping, and soothe inflammation.
  • Ginger
  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation and nausea, calms the stomach, and improves digestion.
  • Mechanism: Ginger contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It works by relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles, improving digestion, and reducing nausea and inflammation associated with gastroenteritis.
  • Turmeric
  • Benefits: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce inflammation and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Mechanism: Curcumin in turmeric works by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, providing relief from the symptoms of gastroenteritis and supporting overall digestive health.
• Other Nutrients
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids with EPA and DHA: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and support overall gut health. These can be derived from plant-based sources like seaweed or algae, making them beneficial for dogs with gastroenteritis.

Best Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs with Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, so incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your dog’s diet is essential for recovery. Here are some of the best options: Read the following article for a more detailed list of The Best Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs

• Cranberries and Blueberries
  Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, cranberries and blueberries help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in the stomach lining.
• Spinach
  Spinach contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium and iron, which support overall health. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the stomach lining and reduce irritation.
• Kale
  High in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, kale supports digestive health. Fibre helps regulate digestion and reduce inflammation, while antioxidants protect against cellular damage.
• Turmeric
  Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, making it an excellent addition to a gastroenteritis management plan.
• Ginger
  Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, ginger contains gingerol, which reduces inflammation and soothes the digestive tract.
• Flaxseeds
  Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, while fibre supports healthy digestion.
• Chia Seeds
  Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre, chia seeds reduce inflammation and support digestive health.

Conclusion

Managing gastroenteritis in dogs requires a comprehensive 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 soothe the gastrointestinal tract and support digestion. Avoiding fatty, spicy, and processed foods is crucial for preventing further irritation. Additionally, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics work together to reduce inflammation in the gut, balance the dog’s microbiome and prevent dysbiosis

For more detailed information on managing gastrointestinal issues in dogs, you can visit Gastrointestinal Issues in Dogs and Vegan Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs.

Bonza plant-based vegan dog food is an excellent choice for dogs suffering from gastroenteritis. It includes high-quality ingredients like sweet potato, 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.

Note there are differences between gastroenteritis and gastritis in dogs – the linked article outlines the differences. If your dog is suffering from gastritis this article Best Food for Dogs with Gastritis: A Comprehensive Overview, will provide details on the nutritional strategy you can follow to provide relief and prevention for your dog’s condition.