Common Gut Conditions In Dogs

• Health Conditions

Gut complaints are a leading reason for vet visits, making them a primary concern, as issues such as diarrhoea can significantly affect the gut microbiome(1). It is important to recognise the difference between true diarrhoea and soft/runny stools. Some conditions which can cause diarrhoea include IBD, Chronic enteropathy, and colitis, which we will cover in this blog.

As discussed in previous chapters, the commensal bacterium, P. hiranonis (which has a higher abundance in raw fed dogs) converts primary bile acids (PBAs) to secondary bile acids (SBAs), which can aid with alleviating diarrhoea(1). The importance of the conversion of PBAs to SBAs for gut health has been demonstrated in humans patients with IBS, who excrete more PBAs in their faeces(1).

Chronic Enteropathy

Chronic enteropathy is very similar to IBD in humans, characterised by persistent and non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, which can be clinically classified as food, or medication responsive(2). Dogs with chronic enteropathy tend to do better on a diet consisting of leaner meats(3). In healthy dogs fat is the most digestible energy source, but in dogs with gut issues, fat digestion is disrupted. This undigested fat continues through the gastrointestinal tract, which can affect the microbiota, and cause osmotic diarrhoea(3). In fact, loose stools are not uncommon in dogs undergoing a dramatic dietary change, and sometimes when starting out, it is best to avoid fattier meats, such as lamb, introducing them slowly to avoid tummy upset.

Interestingly, research showed that when symptoms of chronic enteropathy began to present, dogs were more likely to be consuming a diet with a lower moisture content (<14%)(4). We know that dry food inherently has a lower moisture content, and higher carbohydrate content, both of which were associated with chronic enteropathy(4). Extruded diets also come with the issue of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which have a deleterious effect on the gut microbiota, and are associated with inflammatory conditions(4).

In dogs with chronic enteropathy, bile acid dysregulation is common(1). The higher abundance of P. hiranonis in raw fed dogs compared to those consuming dry diets allows a good conversion rate of PBA to SBA, which can aid with reduction of chronic diarrhoea(5). In fact, ~66% of dogs with chronic enteropathy respond positively to nutritional management, without the need for any medications(3). A recent study found that dogs who consume a raw diet during puppyhood and adolescence had a lower risk of developing chronic enteropathy in adulthood compared to puppies fed ultra processed diets(6). They found that raw bone and cartilage was significantly associated with decreased incidence of enteropathy, which could perhaps be due to the abundance of species appropriate fibre supporting gut health.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD in dogs is a subset of chronic enteropathy. It’s an inflammatory condition, linking the immune system and the gut and causing chronic vomiting and diarrhoea. Circulating antibodies are elevated, and dogs with IBD have an overactive immune response, which can target commensal gut bacteria and impair absorption of nutrients(1). Whilst the pathogenesis of IBD is not well understood, there is hypothesised to be a myriad of factors, such as genetic predisposition, intestinal inflammation, and dysbiosis(2). Bone broth can be a useful tool for providing electrolytes and hydration following an IBD flare up. A raw diet is an excellent option for dog with IBD, as it is easily digestible and provides a host of live digestive enzymes.

Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine. The colon is responsible for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, absorbing nutrients, and temporarily storing faeces. When the colon becomes inflamed, diarrhoea is a common result. It is typically caused from ingestion of something bad, food allergies, infection, extreme stress and possibly autoimmune conditions.

It may be best to withhold food for 1-2 days following a bought of colitis. Soluble fibre can help ease symptoms, following a rest of the digestive system(7). This is because it reduces water content in the faeces and prolongs the length of time food is in the tract. Bone broth is an excellent tool for rehydration, providing electrolytes and is easily digested.

In cases of colitis, it’s best to avoid a high fat diet, dairy and grains, as gluten, cereals and modified starch contribute to digestive issues. The gluten protein in wheat and zein protein in corn can cause inflammation in the gut, that can cause direct damage to enterocytes(8). In the long term, slippery elm, psyllium husk or brewer’s yeast can aid digestion. In pets with colitis a raw diet is the easiest diet to digest, however, if your pet is on any immunosuppressant medication, we advise seeking advice from your vet regarding raw feeding and medications.

Constipation

Owners who move from a dry, carbohydrate heavy food will certainly notice that their dog is producing smaller, firmer poos. The bone content in raw diets ensures firm stools, and this helps express the anal glands during defecation.

If raw fed dogs do become constipated, it usually means too much bone and not enough soluble fibre in the form of vegetables. Although not typically an issue with complete meals, dogs fed DIY raw can suffer constipation if they consume too much bone. Pumpkin can be very helpful for a constipated dog, as the soluble fibre content has the dual role of aiding with constipation and relieving diarrhoea. Dehydration can also cause constipation, and making sure your dog is receiving more fluid can help alleviate the issue, perhaps by offering bone broth, or mixing some additional water into the meal.

Further Information On Gut Health

See our gut health chapters linked below:

  1. The Dog’s Digestive System: Go With Their Gut
  2. The Gut Microbiome and It’s Links to Overall Health: Healthy Gut, Healthy Dog
  3. Common Gut Conditions in Dogs
  4. How Diet Impacts Gut Health: Food For Thought

References

  1. Rindels, J. E. and Loman, B. R. (2024) ‘Gut microbiome – the key to our pets’ health and happiness?’ Animal Frontiers, 14(3), 46-53. Available here
  2. Blake, A. B. and Suchodolski, J. S. (2016) ‘Importance of gut microbiota for the health and disease of dogs and cats,’ Animal Frontiers, 6(3), 37-42. Available here 
  3. Rudinsky, A. J. et al. (2018) ‘Nutritional management of chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats,’ Timely Topics in Nutrition, 253(5), 570-578. Available here
  4. Trewin, I. and Kathrani, A. (2023) ‘Pre-illness dietary risk factors in dogs with chronic enteropathy,’ Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine, 37(6), 2093-2101. Available here
  5. Herstad, M. V. et al. (2017) ‘A diet change from dry food to beef induces reversible changes on the faecal microbiota in healthy, adult client-owned dogs,’ BMC Veterinary Research, 13(147). Available here
  6. Vuori, K. A. et al. (2023) ‘The Effect of Puppyhood and Adolescent Diet on the Incidence of Chronic Enteropathy in Dogs Later in Life,’ Scientific Reports, 13, 1830. Available here
  7. Defarges, A. et al. (2024) ‘Colitis in Small Animals,’ MSD Veterinary Manual. Available here
  8. Roberts, R. (2024) ‘A Nutritional Approach to Leaky Gut Syndrome in Dogs & Cats,’ Innovative Veterinary Care. Available here

Lucy James, BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science

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