Every pet parent has experienced their pet having tummy troubles from time to time and it can be very normal. Generally speaking, by feeding a well-balanced diet your pet should have no health concerns, right? Nope! It’s not always enough to keep our dogs’ stomach happy and healthy long term. But we all know that when our fur babies have an upset stomach – no body is happy! By feeding a nutrient rich diet that also incorporates stomach soothing superfoods into their diet, you help ease discomfort and promote long term digestive health, and overall immunity too!
Before we break down the specific ingredients we like the best, we want to make sure we discuss some basic building blocks that will help support a properly working digestive system - supporting long overall health!
- High-Quality Protein: Dogs always need a diet rich in high quality protein. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent options that are essential for building and repairing tissues in the digestive system!
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Fruits and veggies high prebiotic fiber, can aid in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa are also fiber rich helping maintain a healthy level of gut bacteria supporting overall digestive health.
- Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. Probiotics can aid in digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and strengthen the immune system.
- Digestive Enzymes: Some foods, such as ginger, pineapple and papaya, contain natural enzymes that can aid in the breakdown of food and improve digestion.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote healthy digestion.
- Water: Hydration is essential for proper digestion and overall health in dogs. Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times!
Now onto our favorite part – the superfoods that help make it all happen. There are so many to choose from but these are some of our “must have” stomach-soothing superfoods for dogs …. and why they're beneficial:
- Ginger: Natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs. Also know to aid in the digestion process.
- Pineapple & Papaya: Both Rich in digestive enzymes like bromalin that can aid in the breakdown of food and improve digestion. Bromalin is also a fantastic natural ant- inflammatory.
- Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients and collagen, which can help soothe and heal the digestive tract. Easy to digest and can be beneficial for dogs with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs.
- Pumpkin: Rich in fiber and water, helping regulate bowel movements and balancing the overall flow of the digestive tract.
- Coconut Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties and ability to promote healthy gut flora. It can help strengthen the intestinal wall which is essential for maintaining gut health and preventing issues such as leaky gut syndrome.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances pH levels and kills off excessive yeast build up. Promotes regularity creating a more efficient digestive system. May enhance the production of digestive enzymes in the stomach, facilitating the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food.
By incorporating these digestion-friendly foods into your dog's diet, you can help support their digestive health and ensure they receive the nutrients they need to thrive. Improved digestion will help prevent issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Many even believe that it may help alleviate allergies and food intolerances!
We suggest you start with small amounts and monitor their response. You should also remember that each pet can be a little different in what works for them for them so start slow and see how they feel. However, it's essential to consult with a pet nutritionist or veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
