What diet should I feed my dog with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

If your dog has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can impact part or all of the gastrointestinal tract. The condition can also be difficult to diagnose. In this post, our Greensboro vets share some of the symptoms of IBD in dogs, along with tips on which foods will be best.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Sometimes, a dog’s gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) can become inflamed. This is caused by inflammatory cells that are not related to another underlying health condition.

Once the inflammatory cells enter your dog’s stomach and GI tract, the intestinal tract’s lining is altered, impairing the normal absorption and passing of food.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is sometimes confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Though the two conditions have similar symptoms, they have very different causes. While inflammatory bowel disease is due to a physical abnormality, irritable bowel syndrome most often stems from psychological stress.

What causes IBD in dogs?

It’s unclear what causes inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Whether the condition is a defensive response to other conditions or is, in fact, a disease, is still to be decided. Contributing factors to IBD may include parasites, an abnormal immune system, bacteria, genetics, and food allergies.

Vets may have difficulty diagnosing the underlying cause of your dog’s IBD, leading to trial-and-error treatments as your vet observes your pet’s responses to numerous treatments.

While any dog breed can be diagnosed with IBD, breeds that seem especially susceptible include English Bulldogs, Basenjis, Shar Peis, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Setters, Norwegian Lundehunds, and Boxers.

What are the signs of IBD in dogs?

If you notice that your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication that your pooch is suffering from inflammatory bowel disease:

• Chronic vomiting
• Bloody or Chronic diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Picky eating
• Fever
• Lethargy

Pet parents should note that symptoms of IBD can come and go, and vary in severity. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of IBD, contact your veterinarian to book an examination for your furry friend. While these symptoms can point to IBD they can also be associated with a number of other serious health conditions in dogs.

How is IBD diagnosed in dogs?

If your dog is experiencing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, your veterinarian might recommend diagnostic testing to help determine the underlying cause of your pup's symptoms. Ultrasound, complete blood cell count, radiographs (x-rays), serum chemistry screen, and fecal exam are some of the most common tests used in diagnosing IBD in dogs. If your veterinarian concludes that IBD is the most likely cause of your dog's symptoms a biopsy may be performed in order to provide a definitive diagnosis.

A biopsy will typically only be performed after other conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms (such as organ diseases or parasites), have been ruled out. Results from your pup's biopsy will establish the type and quantity of inflammatory cells in your dog's intestinal wall and help your vet to determine the best treatment for your pet.

How is IBD in dogs treated?

Currently, there is no cure for IBD in dogs but your vet will likely prescribe medications and dietary modifications to help manage the condition. Treating IBD is definitely not an exact science so be prepared for a potentially lengthy period of trial-and-error when treatment for your dog's inflammatory bowel disease first begins. Just like people, every dog is different so finding just the right combination of food and medications to manage your pup's IBD is likely to take some time.

Your veterinarian will work closely with you to ensure that the changes to your dog's routine can be made safely and offer your dog the best possible results. Once the condition is well under control many dogs are able to stop taking medicine on a daily basis and may only need it when they experience symptom flare-ups.

What food should I give my dog with IBD?

Many dogs with inflammatory bowel disease respond well to dietary changes. Although there is no specific food that’s ideal for every case of inflammatory bowel disease, your vet may recommend one of the following diets for your pup:

Highly Digestible

In dogs and people alike, some foods are more easily digested than others particularly if your dog’s GI tract is inflamed. Fiber and fat can be more difficult for dogs with IBD to digest. Whereas foods that are high in moisture (canned foods) may be easier for your pup to digest.

Minimal Additives

Feeding your furry friend a diet with simple ingredients and minimal additives may help to reduce your dog's IBD symptoms. In some dogs, additives have been found to cause an immune reaction so these should be avoided wherever possible.

A Novel Protein Based Diet

Proteins in dairy, chicken, wheat, and beef can sometimes lead to an immune system reaction in dogs. Part of the approach to treating your dog's inflammatory bowel disease may be choosing foods without common food allergens that could aggravate the condition. The logic is that when a dog eats a protein they have never had before, the immune system won’t be triggered to respond.

With a modified diet and treatment, the prognosis for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease is generally good. Your dog may need to remain on a modified diet for life, but once the IBD is being managed successfully you may be able to reduce your pet's medications (with veterinary supervision), or only use meds when symptoms flare-up.