Types of IBD in Dogs
IBD, or Irritable Bowel Disease, is a disease in which the intestines are inflamed.
The lining of the digestive tract has a large number of inflammatory cells, which causes structural changes in the mucosal lining and inhibits food digestion and absorption.
VIDEO: IBD in Pets
IBD or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition in which the intestinal lining becomes damaged or weakened, allowing toxins such as partially digested proteins and allergens from the gut to enter the circulation, causing ‘Dysbiosis’ (or Leaky Gut).
If inflammation isn’t alleviated fast enough, it might lead to a slew of other serious health issues.
It’s critical to understand that IBD and irritable bowel syndrome are not the same things.
Although the symptoms appear similar, the fundamental characteristic of IBD is inflammation, whereas a dog with IBS may or may not have an inflammatory condition in their GI tract, implying that the symptoms are there but the structural tissue alterations have not yet occurred.
Also, IBD is NOT related to stress whereas IBS is associated with stress
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Probiotics for IBD in Dogs
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health?
A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract, and the majority of dogs are enzyme deficient as a result of being fed almost entirely on processed food!
Discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health-Full Bucket’s Probiotic supplements
As a veterinarian, I’ve spent numerous hours researching and suggesting the finest dog foods to help prevent and treat canine inflammatory bowel disease.
Let’s get started!
What Food Should I Avoid If My Dog Has IBD?
It is possible for dogs to have an immune system reaction to proteins found in dairy, chicken, wheat, and beef. If your dog suffers from inflammatory bowel disease, you might consider feeding him foods free of common allergens.
How Long Do Dogs Live With IBD?
Because it affects the immune system, IBD cannot be cured, but it can be well-managed through dietary and medical interventions. IBD does not affect the life expectancy of most dogs, and they can enjoy a high quality of life despite their condition
What Vegetables Are Best For Dogs With IBD?
Dogs with IBD should be fed sweet potatoes (no skin), quinoa, and oats, and if symptoms of diarrhoea and sickness are severe, it will be best to feed a soothing vegetable broth made from cooked celery, carrots, green beans, and parsley.
What Do You Feed A Dog With IBD?
All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations for dogs.
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.
Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food for IBD
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Corn Starch, Hydrolysed Soy Protein Isolate, Coconut Oil, Partially Hydrated Canola Oil preserved with TBHQ
- Key feature: Vegetarian, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Chicken-Free, Hydrolyzed Protein, Sensitive Digestion
- Guaranteed Analysis: 18% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 311 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Diets with these nutritional modifications have been recommended for the following uses or for dogs with the following conditions: Elimination diet for food trials, dermatitis, and gastroenteritis associated with food allergy, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Key benefits
- Crafted in collaboration with nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians.
- Features hydrolyzed protein that has been broken down into smaller components.
- Developed with a single high-quality protein source and single carbohydrate source.
- Specially formulated to be highly digestible and promote optimal nutrient absorption in dogs.
Veterinary Authorization
This item needs authorization from your veterinarian. Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm.
If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation.
You can also email it to vetdiet@chewy.com.
Diet Transitioning
Pets can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diets. For this reason, it is extremely important to follow a gradual transition plan to best support your pet’s health and product effectiveness.
Ask your veterinarian about the best way to transition your pet to a new food.
Best Digestive Care Dog Food for IBD
Natural Balance LTD, Sweet Potato & Bison
- First 5 Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Bison, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
- Key feature: Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 355 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Natural Balance. L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Bison Dry Dog Food is a grain-free diet perfect for pups in any life stage.
Sweet potatoes, hormone-free bison, and peas provide plenty of protein and all of the carbohydrates your furry friend needs in every crunchy bite.
The Sweet Potato & Bison formula is an excellent source of DHA, helping keep your buddy’s brain sharp and focused.
Key benefits
- With a single animal protein source, this formula is perfect for pups with food sensitivities.
- Made with real bison, which provides essential amino acids that help maintain strong muscles
- Made with simple ingredients that help support healthy digestion
- Formulated with added taurine to help support your dog’s heart health
- A grain-free recipe with limited carbohydrates and no artificial flavors or colors.
- High-quality nutrition aids in good overall health.
- Brown rice gives added nutrients such as fiber and essential oils.
- Omega- 3 fatty acid from flaxseeds gives dogs a healthy and shiny coat.
Purina Dog Food for IBD
Purina Pro Plan Select Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Oat Meal, Barley, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Canola Meal,
- Key feature: High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 508 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This recipe is made without corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meal.
Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc in every serving nourish your dog’s skin and promote his healthy coat so he can look his very best, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints and mobility help to support his active lifestyle.
Key benefits
- Oatmeal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
- High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids for joint health and mobility and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
Best Single Protein Dog Food for IBD
Natures Instinct – Lamb Limited Ingredient Diet
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid)
- Key feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Chicken-Free, Raw
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 21.5% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 447 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
The ingredient list on this limited ingredient dog food is purposefully short, made with ONE ANIMAL PROTEIN and ONE VEGETABLE.
Instinct contains No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives but does have guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants for healthy skin & coat and immune health.
Key benefits
- Limited ingredient recipe includes just one animal protein and one vegetable for pets with food sensitivities.
- Made with grass-fed lamb, an easily digestible protein that provides all the essential amino acids your pooch needs.
- Guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants promote healthy skin and coat, plus immune health.
- Made in the USA using premium ingredients from around the world, with the pure nutrition of raw in every piece.
- Never contain any grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservative
Best Digestive Care Dog Food for IBD
Honest Kitchen Zeal Grain Free Fish Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated White Fish, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Eggs, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Dried Organic Coconut
- Key feature: High-Protein, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Human-Grade, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, Chicken-Free, Natural, Flax-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 8.5% Crude Fat, 5.8% Crude Fiber, 8.9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 437 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Fish Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food is a grain-free, gluten-free recipe made with wild-caught, Marine Stewardship Council-certified white fish and antioxidant-rich produce — including Pacific cod and pollock caught off the coast of Alaska.
It’s high in protein and low in fat. And since it doesn’t contain common allergens like flaxseed, white potatoes, grains, or gluten, it’s a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
Key benefits
- GRAIN FREE, WILD CAUGHT FISH: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Fish dog food is high in protein made with real whole food ingredients like wild-caught fish & cranberries, which are gently dehydrated for maximum nutrient retention & digestion.
- SUITABLE FOR ADULT DOGS: Complete & Balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes including adult and senior dogs.
- EASY HOMEMADE: Just add warm water for a wholesome & delicious meal. Serve alone as a complete meal for maximum nutrition, or use as a topper to their dry food.
- HUMAN GRADE: Unlike most pet food, this recipe is 100% human grade – made with human-grade ingredients & produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients & more safety standards, just like you’d expect from your own food.
- NOTHING ARTIFICIAL: This recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
Best IBD dog food for sensitive Stomach
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley
- Key feature: Sensitive Digestion
- Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 482 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
This dry dog food is specifically designed for adult dogs. It features real chicken first and contains prebiotic fiber to support a balanced microbiome for healthy digestion.
This recipe also delivers a generous source of vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat
Key benefits
- This adult dry dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
- A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
- This dog food is formulated to be highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption & easier stool pick-up
- Packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin
- Veterinarian recommended
Best Grain Free Dog Food for IBD
Natures Variety Instinct Raw BoostInstinct Raw Boost Gut Health Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid),
- Key feature: Grain-Free, Sensitive Digestion, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten-Free, Raw, Natural
- Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 9% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 471 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Every bite is crafted with a blend of prebiotics and probiotics to encourage healthy microflora in your BFF’s belly for healthy digestion.
Not only is this dry dog food completely free of grains, but it’s also made without corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, potato, artificial flavors, and preservatives!
Key benefits
- The grain-free combination of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw ingredients contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics to help promote healthy bacteria in the stomach.
- Crafted with cage-free chicken first for a digestible protein that’s gentle on your companion’s tummy.
- All-natural, minimally processed, and freeze-dried to help preserve nutrients and flavor.
- A combination of antioxidants and omega fatty acids helps encourage healthy immunity which is necessary for overall digestive health.
- Made in the USA with no grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial flavors, or preservatives whatsoever!
Best Probiotic Dog Food for IBD
Taste Of the Wild” Sierra Mountain, Roasted Lamb
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Lentils
- Key feature: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Raw, Natural
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 338 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
A lamb protein, grain-free recipe with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your dog.
Made with real roasted lamb, Supplemented with vegetables and fruits, this recipe delivers antioxidants to help give your friend a healthy lifestyle. along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.
Essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to optimize their absorption and ensure maximum benefit,
Key benefits
- Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain with ROASTED LAMB dry dog food; REAL LAMB is the main ingredient; 25% protein to help support bones, joints, and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system, and overall health and wellness
- DHA – DHA from salmon oil helps support brain and vision development in puppies, which makes it an important addition to this all-life stages formula.
- Omega Fatty Acid Blend – Optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids work together to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Dried Chicory Root – This source of prebiotic fiber provides fuel for the beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive system.
- Antioxidants – Vegetables, legumes, and fruits, including sweet potatoes, peas, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries, provide nutrients that help support your dog’s overall well-being, while guaranteed levels of zinc, selenium, and vitamin E support the immune system.
IBD Dog Food for Allergies
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Wild Boar, Pork Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Garbanzo Beans
- Key feature: Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Chicken-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 454 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Formulated with just seven simple ingredients and no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
It uses protein-rich wild boar as the first ingredient along with pork to help build strong muscles, plus a mix of wholesome veggies for extra nutrients and long-lasting energy.
A mix of probiotics, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins provide digestive, immune, and nutritional support, while the grain-free formula and novel proteins help your pup avoid common allergens. Great for all pups but especially those with sensitivities
Key benefits
- Limited ingredient dog food filled with ingredients you recognize
- 10 Key ingredients or less
- Packed with the goodness of premium, clean proteins
- #1 Ingredient real meat, poultry, or fish. Beautiful skin & coat supported by Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids
- CANIDAE PURE Real Wild Boar and Garbanzo Bean Formula are formulated by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Royal Canin IBD Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Barley, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp.
- Key feature: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Sensitive Digestion
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 5.5% Crude Fat, 8.9% Crude Fiber, 3.9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 248 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food is a palatable, digestible low-fat dog food formulated for dogs that may have difficulties digesting or tolerating fat.
Prebiotics help maintains the balance of good bacteria in the gut. A blend of dietary fibers supports healthy digestion for optimal stool quality.
Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, from fish oil help soothe the GI tract. And a precise blend of antioxidants supports a healthy immune system.
Key benefits
- Veterinary-exclusive dry dog food for dogs with long- or short-term digestive sensitivities.
- Promotes digestive health and optimal stool quality with highly digestible proteins and prebiotics.
- Contains low-fat content for dogs that have difficulties digesting or tolerating fat, while providing sufficient calories for their daily diet.
- Enriched with a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers for healthy GI transit.
- Helps manage GI health with omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
Veterinary Authorization
This item needs authorization from your veterinarian. Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm. If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation.
You can also email it to:vetdiet@chewy.com.
Best dog food for IBD - The bottom line!
PurinaHypoallergenicVegetarian dog food is the best overall product for alleviating your dog’s IBD symptoms, according to our experts.
This solution provides comprehensive and balanced nutrition while addressing your dog’s specific digestive issues.
There are additional brands that we have suggested that may provide your dog with a great IBD diet that is more suited to his or her needs.
The golden rules are to feed a low allergy diet or a “novel” source of protein that the dog has never seen before. After you’ve chosen a diet, stick with it and don’t deviate for at least eight weeks.
If the symptoms don’t improve after that time then try an alternative option, choosing one that doesn’t contain any of the same ingredients, but many dogs with inflammatory bowel disease do not respond to dietary manipulation alone.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health – read our blog on: The Best Probiotics for Dogs.
References:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
