A sensitive stomach in dogs and cats can be a challenge for pet parents, but these four tips will help you dial in their diet for better digestion and fewer symptoms!
Pet parents know the importance of a healthy diet, but when you have a dog or cat with a sensitive tummy, what you feed them can make all the difference. Having a sensitive stomach can cause a great deal of discomfort and even behavioral changes and other symptoms. But with the right diet and a few other simple changes, you can ensure your dog or cat gets all the nutrients they need to thrive without the nasty symptoms. Let’s look at the top four ways you can support a sensitive stomach in dogs and cats.
Causes of a Sensitive Stomach in Dogs and Cats
Diet is one of the most common causes of tummy troubles in companion animals. Allergies, food intolerances, changes in diet, and inappropriate ingredients can all cause symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Changes in eating habits
- Weight loss
Beyond that, dogs and cats can also have gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastritis. What’s more, stress and anxiety can cause gastrointestinal issues and exacerbate GI conditions. Further, eating too much or too quickly can also cause a sensitive stomach in dogs and cats.
Top 4 Ways to Support a Dog or Cat with a Sensitive Stomach
1. Create a Consistent Feeding Routine
Most adult dogs and cats thrive on two meals daily, usually one in the morning and one in the evening. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule helps regulate their digestive system.
2. Switch to a Limited-Ingredient Recipe
Foods with limited ingredients can help you avoid common allergens, foods your dog or cat might have an intolerance to, ingredients that trigger GI disorders, and biologically inappropriate foods, including fillers, additives, and meals. Carefully crafted limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats will contain species-appropriate ingredients that are highly digestible and easy on the tummy.
3. Opt for Minimally Processed Food
There are many ways to process dog and cat foods, and some of them can have positive or negative results for dogs and cats. For example, gently cooking food can increase the bioavailability of nutrients. Similarly, dehydrating food can help preserve nutrients without destroying them.
On the other hand, processing methods like adding preservatives may negatively impact digestion, trigger allergies, cause inflammation, and disrupt the gut microbiome.
4. Avoid Ingredients That Can Trigger Digestive Upset
There are ingredients you can avoid, such as common allergens, to help prevent tummy troubles in your dog or cat. Here are some of the ingredients to watch out for:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Chicken
- Soy
- Grains
- Fatty foods
- Gums
- Rendered fats
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While you should discuss gastrointestinal issues with your veterinarian, these four simple dietary changes can often help a sensitive stomach in dogs and cats. RAWZ Natural Pet Food specializes in high-protein, limited-ingredient diets made with species-appropriate natural ingredients that are gently cooked in small batches to support digestion, sensitive stomachs, health, and vitality.
RAWZ proudly donates 100% of its profits (less taxes and reserves) to cat and dog rescues, service dog programs, and initiatives that improve the lives of individuals affected by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, making it a brand you can feel good about supporting!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Source: Animal Wellness Magazine
