Digestive issues are common in dogs and can happen for many reasons. Sometimes they’re related directly to the stomach and intestines, but other times they’re linked to other health problems. The right diet can play a big role in helping your dog feel better, depending on their specific needs.

Here are some common digestive conditions that benefit from tailored nutrition:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Food allergies
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Lymphangiectasia

Recognizing Digestive Issues

Your dog's symptoms can tell you a lot about what’s going on in their digestive system:

• Small bowel issues: Black, tarry stool (melena), normal-to-large stool volume, no urgency, occasional vomiting.
• Large bowel issues: Bright red blood in stool, mucus, small stool volume, urgency, frequent bowel movements.
• Mixed bowel issues: A mix of symptoms from both small and large bowel problems.

What to Do if Your Dog Has Vomiting or Diarrhea

1. Give Their Stomach a Break
   Fasting for 24 hours helps calm their digestive system. This reduces bacteria, prevents further vomiting, and helps their body reset.
2. Reintroduce Food Slowly
   After fasting, start with easily digestible foods, often called "bland diets." These include ingredients like rice, low-fiber veggies, and lean proteins. These diets are gentle on your dog’s stomach and easy for them to absorb.
3. Go Back to Their Normal Food (Carefully)
   Once your dog feels better, you can gradually reintroduce their usual diet. If symptoms return, it may be time to explore a different type of food.

Foods and Supplements That Can Help

Probiotics
Probiotics can be a great addition to your dog’s diet when they’re having tummy troubles. They help balance the bacteria in their gut and are gentler than antibiotics, which can disrupt their digestive system.

Fiber

• Soluble fiber (like pumpkin or sweet potato) can help support healthy bacteria and improve digestion.
• Insoluble fiber (like bran) isn’t as helpful during acute issues because it’s harder to digest.

For Ongoing Digestive Issues

Some dogs have chronic digestive problems that need longer-term solutions. These include conditions like food sensitivities, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or Lymphangiectasia. In many cases, changing their diet can improve their health significantly.

• Novel or Hydrolyzed Protein Diets
  These diets use proteins your dog hasn’t eaten before (like venison or duck) or break the proteins into tiny pieces to reduce the chance of a reaction.
• Low-Fat Diets
  Low-fat foods are especially important for breeds prone to certain conditions, like Yorkies with Lymphangiectasia. These diets help reduce pressure on the digestive system and support recovery.
• Modified Fiber Diets
  Dogs with certain large intestine issues may benefit from added fiber like psyllium. Your vet can help determine the right amount for your dog.