Owning a dog is a joy, but there are many struggles that dog owners face daily. There is a constant need to look after our dogs and ensure their surroundings are safe. We don’t want them to chew or swallow anything that causes them harm. Above all, we can feel anxious and scared when our dogs are sick and need vet attention. However, for many pet owners, this can be a frequent occurrence, especially since many pups live with permanent conditions. One such disease is IBD.
IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease, and you may have heard of it before. As the name suggests, it is a gastrointestinal disease that results in the digestive tract’s chronic inflammation. Nearly half of the world’s population is unaware that this disease can be present in animals too. While some medications and treatments provide relief from symptoms, IBD is a life-long disease that requires constant management.
Some symptoms of IBD in dogs are:
- Long-lasting diarrhea
- Blood in stools
- Mucus in stools
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Chronic fever
- Weight loss
These symptoms might go away on their own or return again and again. A vet needs to perform an ultrasound, biopsy, and fecal examination to diagnose your dog with IBD. One of the best ways to control this disease is by giving your pup a proper diet that is easy to digest and helps them make solid bowel movements. We have handpicked some great food products that are fantastic for dogs with IBD. Check our list below.
1. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food
Purina is a renowned dog food brand, and they produce many dog foods that are curated with diseases like IBD in mind. Purina’s Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach dry food are enriched with prebiotic fiber that helps your dog digest food more easily and aids in firming up stools, making it easier for him to go to the toilet.
This product is great for dogs with IBD since it is dense in protein, thanks to salmon. It is also high in complex carbs and contains a lot of rice. As well as this, it includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and fur. Furthermore, it does not include any cheap fillers like wheat, corn, and soy, which can irritate your pup’s stomach. Fillers are especially detrimental to pooches with IBD.
Rich in antioxidants, this food won’t just be gentle on your pup’s stomach, but it will also strengthen their immune system. This food product is suitable for medium to large dog breeds, but you can also find variants better suited to younger and smaller dogs.
If you want dog food that a trusted company makes and is sure to help your pooch with his IBD and subsequent symptoms of this disease, then check out this product. It’s affordable, and a box of this food goes a very long way so that you won’t regret your purchase.
Features
- Uses salmon as the main source of protein.
- Contains prebiotics to aid digestion.
- Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Free from cheap fillers.
- Does not contains animal by-products and preservatives.
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2. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original Turkey & Chicken
Grain-free products are easier to digest for dogs with IBD since they can irritate your pup’s gastrointestinal organs. Grain-filled products often also contain simple or cheap carbs that have no nutritional and serve no real health benefits for your dog. Wellness Core’s Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is not only free from these ingredients, but it focuses on balanced nutrition.
This dog food consists of premium quality protein from turkey and chicken and is loaded with all essential vitamins and nutrients. It also includes prebiotic and probiotic bacteria that are good for the gut and promote healthy digestion, a necessity for dogs with IBD. The special formula used in its diet is free of animal by-products and artificial preservatives.
Wellness Core food also contains wholesome herb extracts and antioxidants that are good for your dog’s overall health. It includes absolutely no dairy, which is reassuring since animal by-products can often irritate animals living with IBD and cause diarrhea and vomiting.
This food is fantastic if you want to give your dog safe meals that won’t make him sick and provide him with the necessary nutrients he needs to be as healthy as possible. With Wellness Core, your dog will be able to live like any other pup, and his IBD symptoms will be under control.
Features
- 100% grain-free.
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics.
- Contains herbs.
- Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Uses turkey and chicken as the main source of protein.
- Does not contains any animal by-products and preservatives.
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3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
If your dog loves lamb flavored food, then you should definitely consider buying him the Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food. As its name suggests, this kibble only consists of six ingredients full of the necessary nutrients your pup needs.
First, this product’s formula is suitable for dogs with all kinds of food sensitivities and allergies. It is high in fiber, which firms loose stools and helps curb diarrhea, and stomach pains are all too common in dogs suffering from IBD. To complete a rich nutritional ingredient list of vitamins and minerals, this food also includes meat and vegetables.
Like other products on this list, Nutrish 6 also uses lamb as its main source of protein. Lamb is proven to be less harsh on your pup’s tummy, and there is a lower risk of by-products like eggs making their way into this food. It is free of fillers and preservatives, so your dog will not develop an allergic reaction to this food.
This food is perfect for dogs with IBD and dogs who might be carrying a few extra pounds. It uses brown rice in white rice, which is better for sensitive stomachs and has fewer calories, making this a great diet food. Check out the product reviews on Amazon if you are interested in serving this kibble to your pup.
Features
- Contains limited ingredients.
- Contains biotin.
- Free of animal by-products.
- Free of fillers.
- Does not contains preservatives.
- Uses lamb as the main source of protein.
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4. Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is another product that is high in fiber to provide your dog some relief from diarrhea. It contains probiotics that are great for your pup’s gut and can soothe any inflammation that IBD causes in your dog’s stomach.
This product is low in calories but contains all the essential nutrients for your pooch’s proper nourishment. It is rich in vitamin E and omega fatty acids that are great for the skin and will make your dog’s coat shine. To reach your pooch’s protein requirements, Hill’s Science uses chicken as its main protein source, although you can purchase other flavors.
This product is aimed at dogs over seven years of age, so for this reason, it is not recommended that your young dog eats this food. It contains essential minerals that older pups lack but need to live longer lives.
If you are looking for dog food for your older pup who suffers from IBD, consider this one. It’s free from the artificial aroma, colors, and preservatives and is recommended by vets to keep your dog’s IBD at bay. On top of this, it will ensure your pup remains happy and healthy.
Features
- High in fiber.
- Contains probiotics for gut.
- Uses chicken as the main protein source.
- Is 100% whole grain.
- Does not contains animal by-products.
- Rich in omega fatty acids.
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5. Wellness Simple Grain Free Dog Food
Like Wellness Core, Wellness Simple is also a brand that focuses on creating healthy food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is 100% grain-free, making it easier to digest, and doesn’t flare up any gastrointestinal issues. As well as this, it is rich in healthy fiber, helping your dog to go to the toilet regularly and without any pain.
This dog food product’s calorie content is considerably lower than several other dog food products on the market, making it a good choice for overweight pups. It is high in protein, with its main protein source being salmon, full of great fatty acids that will enrich your dog’s skin and coat and make it look healthy. However, if your pup isn’t a fan of fish, you can purchase this product in meat flavors.
IBD is the main reason you’re looking at this list, but it is equally important to purchase dog kibble to improve your dog’s neurological function and mobility. In this case, you will like this food since it is packed with omega fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s brain.
Since this food contains all-natural ingredients, it’s perfect for those of you who practice a holistic lifestyle and want your dog to do the same. Affordable yet a first-rate product, this is definitely a dog food to consider for your pooch.
Features
- Rich in healthy fiber
- Contains a complete nutritionally-balanced profile
- It is 100% grain-free
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Uses salmon as its main source of protein
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6. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food’s recipe is 100% grain-free, meaning that it is made purely from animal products, minerals, and vegetables. This dog food uses cage-free chicken as its main protein source, meaning your dog will have stronger and leaner muscles if he eats this food.
This food’s grain-free nature also makes it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities and conditions like IBD. Due to high levels of antioxidants, this food product is also fantastic for your dog’s skin. An IBD effect can be dehydration, which can make your dog’s skin dry and scaly, so by feeding him this product, you’ll be replenishing it.
Since IBD sufferers can get severe fatigue, they must eat food to restore their lost energy and make them feel alive again. This food contains antioxidants and minerals that will certainly perk him up and make him feel more awake and full of energy.
The rich omega fatty acids present in Instinct Original help to promote liver and kidney function, guaranteeing that your dog’s organs are in working order. You’ll be pleased to know that this product does not include any harmful fillers or animal by-products. What you see is what you get with this dog food, and you and your pup are sure to love it.
Features
- 100% grain-free.
- Uses chicken as its main protein source.
- Contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
- Balanced nutritional profile.
- Contains no preservatives.
- Contains no animal by-products.
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7. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems, Digestive Health, & Limited Ingredient Formulas Adult Dog Food
Another product from the Purina brand on our list is ONE Smartblend. This product is top-reviewed on Amazon as it has already helped thousands of dogs who suffer from stomach-related issues. It is a blend of ingredients proven to help your pup’s digestive health and keep IBD symptoms at bay.
Made with limited ingredients and loaded with nutrition, ONE Smartblend is highly-digestible. It does not include any products that cause indigestion, and it is rich in fiber. No cheap fillers are used in this blend, as these can cause bloating and can affect sensitive stomachs.
This food uses salmon as its main source of protein and includes glucosamine which is great for joint health. You can feed it to your dog both in dry form or mix it with some water if your dog does not like dry food.
The antioxidant blend in this food supports a healthy immune system and ensures that your pup can fight off any infection that might come his way. Dogs who suffer from IBD must be protected from other bacteria since this can seriously deplete their immune systems, especially if they are already experiencing a bout of stomach problems.
Features
- Uses salmon as its main protein source.
- Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Contains limited ingredients.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Contains glucosamine.
- Contains no fillers and animal by-products.
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8. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
For small adult dog breeds with IBD, they must get the right amount of nutrients in smaller portions of food. The Freedom Grain-Free Dog Food product from Blue Buffalo is undoubtedly the best option since it is made especially with small, adult dogs in mind.
With the wholesomeness of its gluten-free formula, this food is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants that improve your dog’s skin and fur. These vital ingredients also reduce inflammation and increase joint mobility, meaning that your older dog will be able to bound around like a young pup once more!
The main source of protein included in this food product is chicken, but it also includes pea protein, which is very healthy for dogs and gets some nutrition in their diet that can only be found in vegetables. The carbohydrates source in this product is potatoes. However, it contains no grain, wheat, or soy, so it is sensitive enough for dogs’ stomachs suffering from IBD.
The vast amount of rich vitamins and minerals in this food make it great for any dog. It also does not contain any animal by-products and preservatives and is simply a great holistic food product that your pup is sure to enjoy eating.
Features
- 100% grain-free.
- Loaded with omega fatty acids.
- Easy to digest.
- Uses chicken as its main protein source.
- Contains no animal by-products.
- Contains no preservatives.
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9. Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dog Food
Another grain-free product on our list comes from Nulo, a dog food manufacturers that are well-liked by vets and pet owners alike. This food uses turkey as its main protein source, which is great for overweight dogs and those who suffer from IBD. This is because turkey is a leaner meat, containing fewer calories and less fat which could cause IBD to flare up.
This food product also includes supplemental DHA, which improves neurological functions. This makes it a great food for older dogs, which may be less quick mentally than their younger counterparts. As well as this, it is rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and passing of stools.
Nulo’s adult dog food only consists of whole ingredients and makes use of a patented probiotic formula. This helps to fight the bad bacteria in your dog’s gut and consequently firms up his stools, making it easier for him to go to the toilet. If you want to give your dog food that will also help him look great, then you’ll be pleased to know that this kibble also includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are great for coat growth.
This food is great for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It’s best for dogs over the age of 7 since it contains essential ingredients to stay healthy and in top form.
Features
- It is 100% grain-free.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Contains probiotics.
- Uses turkey as its main protein source.
- Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
- Contains no animal by-products.
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10. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
The final product on our list is Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient Dog Food. This kibble is completely free of grains and contains no gluten and cheap fillers. As you know by now, these are terrible triggers for a pup who suffers from IBD and can set off a whole load of symptoms.
To provide your canine with complete nutrition, this food contains chicken as its main protein source but is also available in other flavors like lamb and duck. It contains a natural fiber blend that helps your dog go to the toilet with less difficulty and pain. Indeed, after just a few days of feeding this food to your pup, you’ll notice he is passing solids a lot more easily.
The taurine content present in this food is healthy for your dog’s heart, making this a good product for more senior dogs, who are more likely to suffer from heart issues. Natural Balance also contains herbs. Herbs are not common in all dog food products, but they are a great addition since many have antioxidant properties.
Finally, this product contains potatoes, which is great for IBD sufferers since it contains fiber. If you are interested in purchasing this product for your dog, then check it out on Amazon. It is inexpensive and comes in a puppy, adult, and senior formulas, so you can choose one that is best suited to your dog’s age.
Features
- Contains limited ingredients.
- 100% grain-free.
- Contains taurine.
- Uses chicken as its main protein source.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Contains no fillers and animal by-products.
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After using one of these food products, you will likely see improvement in your dog’s IDB symptoms. For more information and interesting articles, feel free to explore our blog.