Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Colitis in dogs is an unsavory health issue for pawrents to deal with. Although it is rarely fatal, this gastrointestinal ailment causes pain and distress to affected canines.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage canine colitis. In this article, we will focus on what appropriate dietary changes you can make to control the symptoms of this condition.
However, let us first understand how colitis affects dogs as it helps make sense of why adjustments in your pet’s meals must be made.
What Is Colitis in Dogs?
Colitis is a gastric issue induced by an inflammation in the colon. Also known as the large intestine or large bowel, the colon is located at the very end of the gastrointestinal system, just next to the small intestine.
This organ’s functions mainly involve absorbing nutrients, drawing out water and electrolytes from fluid contents and bowel movement regulation. When an inflammation occurs, the colon becomes inefficient at water absorption.
As a result, dogs with colitis usually end up having diarrhea and other symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss
- Loose stools
- Flatulence
- Poop containing blood or mucus
- Constipation
- Straining during defecation
Colitis in dogs may vary in duration and frequency. Sudden bouts of it that only last for a day or two are classified as acute.
On the other hand, cases of chronic colitis in dogs tend to be episodic and usually last for several weeks and sometimes, even longer.
What Are the Different Types of Colitis in Dogs?
Canine colitis generally comes in two forms: granulomatous and histiocytic ulcerative colitis. Here is a quick rundown of their differences:
1. Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Colitis in Dogs
It occurs when the lining of the intestine and stomach are invaded by lymphocytes and plasma cells. This condition’s main cause is unknown, but experts believe that an abnormal immune response might be its catalyst.
2. Eosinophilic Colitis in Dogs
A common form of colitis, it is triggered by a sudden surge of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the stomach and intestinal lining. It commonly affects younger pooches than full-grown dogs.
3. Granulomatous Colitis in Dogs
Researchers have yet to find the root cause of this type of colitis. However, a study suggests that an infection caused by an aggressive type of E. coli bacteria induces it. This results in the thickening and fractional obstruction of the large intestine.
Although rarely seen in canines, granulomatous colitis usually affects Boxers, Alaskan Malamutes, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs, and Doberman Pinschers.
4. Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis in Dogs
It is categorized as a severe inflammatory disease that causes the colon to thicken, sustain ulcerations, and produce pus.
This condition must be closely monitored as it can contribute to the development of bowel cancer in dogs. Experts are yet to find the cause of ulcerative colitis in dogs.
How Does Diet Aid in Managing Colitis in Dogs?
Feeding dogs with colitis inappropriate food can worsen their condition and significantly hamper their recovery.
For this reason, many veterinarians will recommend making some adjustments to their diets in conjunction with other treatment options.
Switching to anti-inflammatory meals helps in minimizing bouts of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal maladies. Additionally, they should be easily digestible to avoid increasing the colon’s workload, allowing it to rest.
If you are tailoring meals for a dog with colitis, here are the ideal components you should keep in mind:
1. Fiber-Rich Ingredients
Loose stools are a common product of colitis in dogs. High-fiber diets can help alleviate this symptom since they help improve digestion and regulate bowel movements.
Moreover, certain forms of dietary fiber act as prebiotics, which serve as food for the good gut bacteria of dogs.
When buying dog food for a pet with colitis, pick a product containing fiber-rich ingredients like psyllium seed husk, pea fiber, and beet pulp.
Depending on the severity of canine colitis, low-, moderate, and high-fiber dog food were observed to manage this condition.
However, take note that choosing the most suitable one for your dog is important as excessive intake of fiber can lead to more GI problems.
Read: 10 Natural Fiber Sources to Boost Your Dog’s Digestive Health
2. Highly Digestible Protein
The inflammation caused by colitis makes it difficult for the large intestine to function properly.
Feeding your dog meals containing highly digestible proteins makes it easier for his colon to extract nutrients and absorb them. This alleviates the strain on the organ and reduces its swelling.
Look for a dog food with a protein digestibility not lower than 87%. Ideally, it should be made up of single-source, novel proteins such as turkey, rabbit, kangaroo, and venison.
Choose a product that uses hydrolyzed protein, a type of modified protein chemically broken down into smaller particles.
It has higher digestibility compared to regular animal proteins and therefore is less likely to exacerbate colitis in dogs.
3. Minimal Fat Content
Consuming fatty food aggravates the inflammation caused by colitis. Thus, you should carefully monitor the fat intake of a pooch with this type of health issue.
Generally, dog food with low to moderate fat content ranging from around 10% to 15% on a dry matter basis (DM) works well in easing colitis-induced diarrhea.
However, many dogs with chronic colitis do not have adverse reactions to meals containing more than 15% fat DM.
4. Unlimited Access to Water
Colitis in dogs often causes diarrhea, which introduces the risk of dehydration Thus, canines suffering from this illness need to drink ample amounts of water.
If your pet rarely drinks water, try mixing in warm water or low-sodium broth to his meals for added hydration.
Switching to wet dog food is a good alternative. Just make sure to go for prescription diets specifically formulated for dogs with colitis.
Read: Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs
FAQs About Colitis in Dogs
1. Is Cheese Bad for Dogs With Colitis?
Cheese is not necessarily bad for dogs with colitis. However, pawrents need to choose less fatty varieties to avoid worsening gastric symptoms.
If you plan to add this human food to your pet’s meals, consult with the vet or a veterinary nutritionist. They will provide important details on how you can safely feed this to him without triggering his condition.
2. Is Chicken and Rice Good for Dogs With Colitis?
Chicken and rice are good for dogs with colitis, particularly when they have diarrhea. A bland diet helps soothe their stomach and gives it time to recuperate.
However, chicken and rice should not be used as long-term meals because they do not offer complete and balanced nutrients. It will cause nutritional imbalances.
3. What Does Colitis Dog Poop Look Like?
Colitis dog poop often looks runny and soft. Flecks of blood or mucus may also be present.
Since these symptoms are also seen in other canine ailments, it is important to get your pet properly diagnosed. It helps confirm if these are signs of colitis.
4. Does Colitis in Dogs Ever Go Away?
Colitis in dogs, specifically the acute type, goes away with proper treatment. On the other hand, chronic colitis can be managed but may reoccur.
For this reason, long-term treatment will be drawn up by the vet, including dietary changes.
Conclusion
The type of food a dog with colitis eats can greatly affect recovery. Feeding them the wrong meals may result in the exacerbation of their condition.
Thus, dog owners must carry out certain dietary changes that help ease gastric symptoms.
The ideal choice is fiber-rich meals containing highly digestible proteins and low to moderate fat content. Pets with colitis must be given adequate water to ensure proper hydration.
