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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 02/10/2025
From breaking down food to absorbing essential nutrients, a properly functioning gut is the basis for a happy, energetic, and healthy dog. But did you know that the dog digestive system does more than just digest food?
The dog's digestive system is closely tied to a dog’s immune system, energy levels, skin health, and mood. When your dog’s gut is out of balance, it can lead to a cascade of issues, from lethargy and dull coats to much more serious health concerns
As a dog owner, it's important to pay attention to your dog’s digestive health, not only to avoid the occasional upset stomach but also to ensure they can live their best lives
In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of the canine digestive system, explore how a healthy gut impacts your dog’s overall health, and share practical tips to keep their digestive system in top shape. Whether your dog is a picky eater or a foodie, understanding and supporting their gut health can make all the difference in their vitality and quality of life.
First, it's important to understand the fundamentals of your dog’s digestive system. Digestion begins in the mouth, where dogs chew the food and combine it with saliva. It then moves to the stomach for additional breakdown by stomach acids and enzymes.
From there, the food moves into the small intestine, where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. Finally, it passes into the large intestine, where water is absorbed and waste is prepared for elimination [1].
This entire process is designed to efficiently extract essential nutrients from food while helping discard what your dog’s body doesn’t need.
While the digestive process in dogs shares some similarities with ours, there are key differences. Dogs possess a shorter digestive tract, meaning food moves through their bodies more quickly. This is why they can handle certain raw foods that might be risky for humans [1]. However, this shorter digestive tract also means they may have difficulty digesting certain items, such as complex carbohydrates or fibrous foods. Additionally, dogs produce stronger stomach acids, enabling them to break down proteins and bones more effectively.
Recognizing these differences can really help you choose the best diet for your furry friend, ensuring their tummies stay happy and healthy.
Digestive issues in dogs can stem from a wide range of reasons—ranging from eating scraps that they shouldn’t be to more serious underlying conditions. These problems can manifest in various ways, from noticeable symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea to more subtle behavioural changes that might be easy to miss.
Sometimes, digestive troubles appear out of the blue, while other times, they develop slowly and gradually, becoming chronic and harder to pinpoint.
Gastrointestinal issues, which involve the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the digestive system, often present with a handful of common signs. These can include [2]:
Vomiting
Diarrhea (which may contain blood or excess mucus)
Constipation
Excessive gas
Sudden lack of appetite
Weight loss
Fever
Dehydration
Restlessness, or an inability to get comfortable
It’s important to remember that your dog probably won’t show all of these symptoms at the same time. Even one or two of these signs can signal that something is off, so stay vigilant. If you recognize these red flags early you can help address potential issues before they escalate.
Just like humans, dogs can experience a variety of digestive issues that be anywhere on the spectrum of mild discomfort to serious health concerns. Some of the most common problems include [1]:
Constipation and diarrhea, which can stem from dietary changes, dehydration, or underlying conditions.
Inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, such as gastritis or colitis, can cause chronic discomfort and require veterinary attention.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV or bloat)—a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists. This requires immediate emergency care.
Intestinal blockages, which are often caused by ingesting foreign objects, can also disrupt digestion and pose serious risks.
Food intolerances and sensitivities can lead to chronic digestive upset.
Parasites and infections, like worms or bacterial overgrowth, can wreak havoc on your dog’s gut health.
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
While every dog is unique, there are many simple steps you can take to support their gut health and overall well-being. From establishing a consistent feeding routine to ensuring they stay hydrated and active, these tips can make a big difference in how your pup feels every day.
Let’s dive into some practical ways to keep your dog’s digestive system in the best shape possible!
Sticking to a consistent feeding schedule is one of the simplest ways to support your dog’s digestive health. When you set regular mealtimes, it allows their digestive system to work more smoothly, helping their body process food efficiently. Plus, this routine can prevent overeating and lower the chances of bloating or discomfort [1].
Try to feed your dog at the same times each day, and steer clear of free feeding to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Did you know that overfeeding is a common cause of digestive issues in dogs? It can lead to problems like obesity, bloating, and indigestion. To avoid this, you should measure your dog’s food portions according to their size, age, and activity level.
If you’re unsure about how to properly feed your dog, follow the guidelines on your dog food packaging. Alternatively, you could consult your vet for personalized recommendations on their diet.
Proper portion control not only supports digestion but also helps maintain a healthy weight.
Water is essential for every stage of digestion, from breaking down food to absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. That’s why it’s critical that you give your dog access to fresh, clean water throughout the day.
Dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive problems, so monitor their water intake, especially during hot weather or after exercise. Another way to make sure your dog is hydrated properly is by adding wet food or broth to their food [2].
Regular exercise isn’t just good for your dog’s muscles and joints—it also promotes healthy digestion. Physical activity helps stimulate the digestive tract, preventing issues like constipation and bloating.
Whether it’s a daily walk, a game of fetch, or a run in the park, keeping your dog active can improve their gut health and overall well-being [3].
In some cases, adding supplements to your dog’s diet can support their digestive system. Probiotics, for example, promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, while fibre can aid in regulating bowel movements [1].
Remember to always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s diet. By doing this, you can make sure any supplements are safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
Routine vet visits are crucial for maintaining your dog’s digestive health. Regular check-ups allow your vet to monitor for any underlying issues and catch potential problems early. From parasite prevention to dietary advice, your vet can provide recommendations that are tailored specifically to your dog.
By incorporating these tips into your dog’s daily routine, you can help ensure their digestive system stays healthy, allowing them to live a happier, more comfortable life.
While occasional digestive upset can be normal, certain symptoms call for a trip to the vet to ensure your dog’s health isn’t at risk.
If your dog experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhea (lasting for more than 24 hours), shows signs of abdominal pain (such as a haunched posture or yelping when touched), or has blood or excess mucus in their stool or vomit, it’s time to seek professional care.
Other red flags include severe lethargy, refusing to eat or drink for more than a day, unexplained weight loss, or a swollen abdomen, which could indicate a serious condition like bloat. Additionally, if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or has an intestinal blockage, don’t wait—contact your vet immediately [2].
By intervening early, you can make all the difference in preventing complications and ensuring your dog gets back to their happy, healthy self.
Your dog’s digestive system is vital for their overall health, impacting energy levels, immune function, and the condition of their skin and coat. By understanding its functions, spotting potential issues, and actively supporting their gut health, you can enhance your pup’s quality of life.
Remember, your dog relies on you to be their advocate—so don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if something seems off. By staying attentive and proactive, you can ensure your pup’s digestive system stays healthy, allowing them to thrive by your side for years to come.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
