4 days ago
This common dog food could be upsetting your pet's stomach
Several little-known triggers can wreak havoc on your pet's guts.
Being a pet parent can be hard, especially since our animals don't have the words to tell us when something is wrong. But if your dog is often suffering from tummy issues and you don't know why, the culprit could be an ingredient in their food.
Food sensitivities can cause discomfort in your pooch, ranging from vomiting and diarrhoea to more severe conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. So reading the labels on your dog's food and keeping an eye on their behaviour can make a big difference.
With this in mind, experts at dog food company Barking Heads have warned that foods containing two ingredients could be affecting your pet's gut health.
In particular, dog foods containing grains or mixed meats can cause your pooch to have an upset stomach.
Dr Scott Miller, vet at Barking Heads explains that some foods with a mix of different meat ingredients can be too much for dogs with sensitive tummies.
This could be due to the high fat levels in mixed-meat food or an intolerance to a particular protein source, so it's best to opt for dog foods that contain just one type of meat to reduce the risk of giving your dog a sore tum.
Some dogs also have trouble digesting grains, which could be due to quality, quantity or intolerances. If your dog does seem to suffer after eating, switching to a grain-free diet could help reduce stomach issues.
Barking Heads offers a range of grain-free dog food which is currently on offer, but those browsing other options may consider Amazon's Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food, which is currently on sale for £53.20 for 10KG.
Other factors that can cause stomach issues in your dog
Protein intolerances
Other things that can cause stomach issues in your pet include protein intolerances, such as a poultry allergy.
Dr Scott explained: 'Poultry fat is a highly concentrated fat source that many dogs simply cannot tolerate, especially those with sensitivity to poultry proteins."
Owners of pets with this sensitivity may see improvements when switching to a poultry-free diet. Barking Heads offers Tummy Lovin' Care, a poultry-free dry kibble, which is available for £14.99 for 2KG.
With sensitive tummies in mind, they use white fish to provide your pet with a digestible, lean source of protein. Pooch & Mutt offer a similar kibble currently slashed to £11.40 for 2KG on Amazon.
A sudden change in diet
Doggy digestive systems aren't equipped for quick changes to their food. If you are thinking of altering your dog's diet, Dr Scott recommends making gradual changes over a two week period.
The expert says: "A rapid shift in your dog's diet could trigger an upset stomach by disrupting the balance of gut bacteria. Disrupting this balance could cause gastronomical issues like nausea and diarrhoea'.
Toxic substances
An upset stomach is often caused when dogs eat something that they shouldn't. Sometimes, out of curiosity or hunger, dogs may eat indigestible items, such as discarded food, rubbish or even toxic plants.
These could lead to upset stomachs, irritated digestive tracts or even blockages. If you see your dog eating something questionable, it's important to remove it straight away, monitor them for any changes and consult a vet if they begin to show signs of distress.
Stress & Anxiety
The vet explained: "Stress and anxiety can also play a significant role, particularly if there have been recent changes at home. If you notice a change in your dog's general wellbeing, it's always best to consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.'
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