best human food for dogs digestive system

Understanding and Improving Your Dogs Digestive System

Our digestive systems have a lot to say about our overall health, and recently, gut health has become a hot topic in human well-being. Its not just about physical health but also mental well-being and the same goes for dogs digestive systems.

What makes it so important in dogs is that they communicate how they feel through their behavior. You probably monitor their digestive system more than youre consciously aware what their poop looks like, what their appetite is like, and if theyve consumed something that doesnt look gut-friendly (likely).

As a dog parent, keeping a close eye on your dogs daily digestion and ensuring they consume a healthy diet is essential for their well-being. But why exactly is a dogs gut health vital? And what constitutes the best diet for a healthy digestive system? This article will answer these crucial questions and guide you in maintaining your dogs digestive health effectively.

Does my dog have a healthy digestive system?

What is a dogs digestive system?

The dogs digestive system is incredibly complicated which does not make for an easy life. The system, comprising the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and colon, works to break down food, extracting essential nutrients.

The small intestine plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, supported by diverse cell types and beneficial bacteria, contributing to gut health. A balanced diet sustains immune cells in the digestive system, ensuring overall health for your dog.

How can I tell if my dogs digestive system is down?

Its usually easy to tell if your dog is suffering from digestive sensitivities, whether due to a particular episode (usually caused by the dog eating something they shouldnt have) or something more serious such as parasites or a chronic condition. Nonetheless, if your dog is experiencing digestive issues, here are some common symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, with or without blood or mucus
• Constipation
• Increased gas or flatulence
• A lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal enlargement/distension.
• Distress or inability to get comfortable¹

Why is gut health so important for my dog?

When we talk about the gut, its referring to the gastrointestinal tract which is essentially the path that food takes from the mouth, through the stomach and intestines before reaching the colon and leaving the body as poop.

The gut is important because its your dogs first line of defense against pathogens and toxins. Its also responsible for digesting their food, absorbing nutrients, and contributing to vitamin production.

But the importance of dog gut health also impacts the dogs immune system, body weight, metabolism, behavior, and brain.

Whats the best dog food diet for a healthy digestive system?

Diet is the number one way you can impact dog digestion and gut health. Thats because the food your dog eats will influence which bacteria survive and thrive in the gut. A well-balanced diet suitable for the age and size of your dog should provide them with a healthy digestive system.

Use dog food that supports digestive health

A dog food that meets the standards of the AAFCO will contain the essential nutrients required for health. However, fiber isnt something that is always included in AAFCO-approved standard dog food.

Certain foods will support digestive health better than others, and there are other elements of a diet that can support gut health which some dog food brands can include. For example, pre-, pro, or post-biotics, particular fibers, or balance of fibers are terms likely to feature on labels of food that support a healthy digestive system.

Avoid human food

Many human ingredients do not pair well with dogs as we have different digestive systems. Typical human food is too rich and fatty for a dog to digest and while there are some safe human foods, many can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Often human packaged foods contain flavors or sweeteners which make them unsuitable for dogs.

Its probably best to avoid giving your dog human food but if you do want to share something as a treat, make sure to research or seek expert advice before doing so.

Make sure your dog is hydrated

Regular hydration is a major assist to digestion as it starts the breakdown of food particles. The purpose of water for pets is to carry important nutrients into and out of the cells of the body, aiding in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. If youre concerned that your dog may not be drinking enough water, consider taking them to the vet.

What other factors can influence my dogs gut health?

Size

Naturally, the bigger the dog, the larger its intestine length, area, and volume. ².

This means if you have a smaller dog, their shorter digestive system leaves less time for food to be digested and so highly digestible diets are beneficial to allow for maximum nutrient absorption vice versa for larger breeds.

Its also important to select an appropriate dog food according to AAFCOs nutrient profiles, whether based on the age of your dog or their breed size.

Exercise

Along with a balanced diet, regular exercise is essential for a healthy digestive system. Just like humans, activity aids the movement of digestion and regular movement reduces the risks of constipation.

Freedom of stress

Your dogs mind and body are linked, so if they are feeling anxious, you can usually tell by their bowel movements. This is due to the microorganisms that populate the gut. There is a proven brain-gut connection and the health of each affects the other.

Food allergies or intolerances

If you know that their diet is balanced and nutritious but they still experience poor dog digestion, although unusual, take a look at the possibility of food allergy in your dog.

Generally, different foods suit different dogs, so even if your dog has no sensitivity to an ingredient, some ingredients or food recipes may simply agree or disagree with your dog.

For example, some dogs prefer grain-based formulas, while others dont digest high-meat or protein diets easily theyre all different, just like us humans.

However, its advised to visit the vet before removing a food group from your dogs diet for this reason.

Changing diets

Your dog may also experience an upset stomach as a result of a new diet, ensure you transition them slowly and gradually if a new diet is required.

What diseases stem from an unhealthy digestive system?

Issues such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, and gastritis can stem as a result of a poor digestive system. However, its more common that poor digestion and gut health have a knock-on effect on poor general health, so its important to keep on top of your dogs gut for an overall healthy life.

Should I feed my dog probiotics and supplements?

If your dog is eating a balanced diet and appears to have a healthy digestive system, probiotics arent necessary. However, they are a great addition to any dogs diet, particularly if they do experience digestive issues, and are good for strengthening the microbiome.

We have a more in-depth article on probiotics if youre considering introducing them to your dogs diet: Should I Give My Dog Probiotics?

Overall, a dogs digestive system isnt that much different from our own. Certain dogs can have more sensitivities than others, while many dogs wont have any issues at all. Its important to keep an eye on whats going in and coming out of your furry friend, and adjust their diet accordingly.

16 Healthy Human Foods for Dogs (That You Havent Thought Of)

Rarely, if ever, are we encouraged to feed our dogs human foods, but some whole foods can actually have great health benefits. But some of the best human foods for dogs, when fed in moderation, can provide a lot of health benefits and improve your dogs overall well-being.

Many pet owners already know about some of the more popular best human foods for dogs, like pumpkin (and its seeds), apples, carrots, peanut butter, and so on. But we've been missing out by excluding plenty of other safe and healthy human foods for dogs that would provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other good things.

How can you use these foods? There are many ways. You can either give them as snacks to your dogs in between meals instead of highly processed dog treats; you can mix them with the dog food to improve taste, smell, and nutrient profile; or you can make your own homemade dog food recipes using these ingredients, which can be particularly helpful for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, and other diet-related issues.

Here are 16 of the best human foods for dogs that you probably haven't thought of yet.

16 Best Human Foods for Dogs(That You Haven't Thought Of)

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is found in the ingredients list of many commercially made dog foods, but it can be fed to your dog as is (or mixed with dog food). High soluble fiber content makes oatmeal beneficial to the dog's digestive system, and high volumes of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, copper, and iron make oatmeal very nutritious.

People have been eating oatmeal as a healthy food for centuries, but few have considered it as one of the best human foods for dogs that can provide a lot of good things. An added benefit of oatmeal for dogs is its high levels of antioxidants, which battle free radical damage, decrease inflammation, reduce itching, and lower blood pressure.

The more you know: Oatmeal is often utilized to improve weight gain for underweight dogs, and veterinarians sometimes recommend it as part of the diet.

2. Celery

Dogs may eat celery in moderation; however, some dogs find the texture of this raw veggie difficult to chew. When feeding your dog celery, make sure to remove leaves and cut celery sticks into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. Its also important to note that eating too much celery can have a diuretic effect on the dog.

Potential benefits of celery for dogs include reduction of inflammation throughout the body, reduction of high blood pressure, improved liver health, improved digestion, improved infection-fighting capability, reduced occurrence of urinary tract infections, and decreased risk of cancer. This has also been shown in many human studies.

The more you know: At one time, celery was used by the pharmaceutical industry as a treatment for arthritis in people.

3. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a healthy food that some dogs enjoy, but others find appalling due to its taste and smell. Cauliflower for dogs is safe in moderation, but it's known for increasing flatulence. Your dog can eat raw or cooked unseasoned cauliflower. Although cooked is easier for the dog's digestion, raw cauliflower contains more healthy vitamins and nutrients.

Cauliflower is one of the best human foods for dogs because it offers many health benefits, including improved weight loss for obese dogs, reduced inflammation, decreased risk of cancer, better digestion, protection of eye health, and improved clot formation due to higher Vitamin K content.

The more you know: Cauliflower has also been used to improve weight gain for underweight dogs.

4. Squash

Roasted or boiled plain butternut squash for dogs will make a great treat for them, but squash must be peeled and seeded first. Raw squash should be avoided because it is harsh on the canine's digestive system and skin, and seeds can prove poisonous when consumed by dogs.

Squash is rich in fiber as well as vitamins A, C, and K. Feeding squash to dogs can help protect their eyesight and improve their digestive health, and it can be used as a more nutritious yet low-calorie filler or topper for foods instead of using grains.

The more you know: Yellow squash varieties are great for your dogs eyesight because they are rich in beta-carotene.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great treat and an alternative to regular potatoes in dog foods. Steamed or boiled and served in small portions, sweet potatoes are low in fat, high in fiber, and vitamin-rich. It's one of the best human foods for dogs that some pet owners have already taken a liking to and have been feeding to their pets for a while.

Potential benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs include protection of eye health, healthier skin and coat, healthy growth patterns, improved digestive health, improved heart health, reduced risk of degenerative disease, improved immune health, healthy thyroid function, healthy nerve conduction, protection against signs of aging, and protection against cancer.

The more you know: Sweet potatoes come in various colors, and each variety offers specific health benefits. The purple sweet potato contains more anthocyanin (an antioxidant), the white sweet potato is more calorie-dense and best for undernourished dogs, and the orange sweet potato is richer in beta-carotene and better for your dogs eye health.

RECIPE:Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

6. Watermelon

When peeled, watermelon is a great low-calorie treat for your dog that also provides hydration during the summer months. Your dog should never consume the rind or seeds of the watermelon because they can be dangerous to your dogs health. You should also keep in mind that due to its water content, watermelon will increase your dogs frequency of urination.

Watermelon is one of the best human foods for dogs because of its increased antioxidant levels, and it improves the immune system functioning, improves circulation, betters heart health, increases hydration, improves digestion, gives healthier skin and coat, reduces the risk of cancer, and reduces high blood pressure.

The more you know: 92% of the watermelon is water, which is what makes it such a refreshing summer treat for you and your dog, especially when your pet refuses to drink plenty of liquids during hot days.

7. Strawberries

Cleaned and hulled strawberries make a great treat for your dog when given in safe and moderate amounts. Too many strawberries can cause digestive upset in dogs. When giving your dog strawberries, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to avoid choking and to make them easier to eat.

Some of the benefits of giving your dog fresh strawberries include improved immune system functioning, better eye health, reduced inflammation throughout the body, protection against cancer, improved cognitive function, reduced risk of arthritis, maintenance of normal blood pressure, and a healthier nervous system.

The more you know: The high levels of nitrate in strawberries make them a great pre-exercise snack because they increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to your dogs muscles, just as they do for humans.

8. Bananas

The flesh of the banana can be given to your dog in moderation, but the banana peel should always be removed. Due to the high sugar content of bananas and their ability to cause constipation, however, bananas should only be given to your pup in smaller quantities and on rare occasions.

Bananas are great for your dogs digestive health and are rich in fiber and potassium. They're also beneficial to your dogs heart health, good for reducing high blood pressure, good for boosting the iron content of the blood, regulating the heartbeat, improving cognitive health, reducing inflammation, and protecting against and improving symptoms of degenerative diseases.

The more you know: Slightly green bananas are often given in small quantities to relieve diarrhea and can help to improve insulin sensitivity. They also have lower sugar content than ripe yellow bananas.

9. Coconut

Coconut and its oil have been a hot topic recently, with a lot of proven benefits shown in studies, many of which are shown in dogs, too. The husk, shell, and coconut water from the coconut should be disposed of, but the meat and oil of the coconut are safe for dogs to eat. Coconut offers many health benefits, and recently, dog food companies are turning to it as a source of great products.

Coconut is one of the best human foods for dogs to eat because it's been shown to improve immune system health, decrease inflammation throughout the body, improve skin health, improve energy and stamina, improve digestive health, improve symptoms of diabetes, protect against cancer, improve heart health, support healthy thyroid function, protect against urinary tract infections, support kidney health, improve weight loss, and support healthy skin and coat.

The more you know: Many holistic veterinarians recommend that pet owners use coconut oil on their dogs coat to get rid of flea infestations.

10. Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood for dogs as well as humans. Theyre packed with fiber, antioxidants, and a wealth of vitamins. Many studies (see here) have demonstrated the benefits of blueberries, and it's regarded as one of the best fruits/berries to eat, ever.

While blueberries for dogs are safe, you should give them in moderation to avoid upset stomachs. Blueberries are particularly good for boosting the immune system, preventing urinary tract infections, promoting cognitive and neural health, reducing the risk of eye diseases, and curing constipation.

The more you know: Blueberries are one of the most healthy fruits that dogs can eat, and the majority of canines love the taste.

11. Pork

Pork is one of the least popular meats when it comes to feeding dogs. But skinless, unseasoned boiled pork with the fat trimmed is not only safe for your dog to eat, but it's also a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (and it's cheaper, too).

Pork should never be fed raw, however, due to the possibility of parasite infection. Among the meats, pork is one of the best human foods for dogs because it's rich in thiamine, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. Thiamine is crucial in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of energy. Selenium protects against a range of diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Zinc in limited quantities is beneficial for skin and coat health. B vitamins play an important role in dog's metabolism, neural health, and growth.

The more you know: Pork is sometimes incorporated into dog foods for dogs with protein allergies because it has a lower incidence of allergic reactions.

RECIPE:Beef and Pork Crock Pot Dog Food

12. Shrimp

Another rarity among the best human foods for dogs lists, shrimp can be very good for your pooch. When boiled and served plain without legs and shell, shrimp is completely safe and healthy in moderation. As with people, too much shrimp can cause an increase in cholesterol, so it should be avoided in dogs with cardiovascular disorders or obesity.

Shrimp provide high levels of copper, omega fatty acids, and selenium. Some of the benefits of giving small amounts of shrimp to dogs include reduced inflammation throughout the body, increased levels of antioxidants, reduced incidence of heart disease, improved nervous system health, and lowered blood pressure.

The more you know: Raw shellfish should never be fed to your dog due to the number of bacteria it may contain. Always prepare your dog's shrimp accordingly.

13. Tuna

As with most fish, tuna is high in beneficial omega fatty acids, but it must be wild-caught and deboned for maximum benefit and the least amount of risk. Dogs may consume minimal quantities of canned tuna in water, but due to possible mercury contamination, fresh tuna is always recommended for dogs.

Some potential benefits of giving tuna to dogs include improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation throughout the body, increased recovery time from illness and injury, improved circulation, better skin health, increased weight loss for obese dogs, improved immune system functioning, increased energy levels, increased antioxidant levels, and improved neurological functioning.

The more you know: One of the worlds healthiest foods, tuna is exceptionally beneficial to humans and dogs with illnesses of the immune system.

14. Oranges

Although high in sugar, dogs can eat oranges in moderation unless they suffer from diabetes. Too many oranges may also cause digestive upset in some dogs, so portions should be limited to a single segment or two. They're a great dog treat replacement.

Some of the health benefits of feeding oranges to dogs may include lowered blood pressure, increased levels of antioxidants, improved heart health, reduced frequency of kidney stones, better skin health, reduced inflammation, better sleep quality, and improved nerve conduction.

The more you know: Oranges are particularly helpful in reducing the incidence of heart disease in humans, dogs, and rats, as shown in some studies.

15. Mango

Peeled and with the pit removed, mango is a safe treat option for your dog, and its loaded with Vitamins B6, C, E, and A, as well as fiber. Like many fruits, mango is also high in antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage and signs of aging.

Mangoes for dogs have a whole host of health benefits to offer, including guarding against cancer, improving skin and eye health, improving digestion, and creating a more alkaline environment in the body.

The more you know: Mango can be beneficial to dogs with degenerative disorders due to their very high levels of antioxidants and fiber.

16. Pears

Last but not least, pears are one of the best human foods for dogs. They are also high-fiber fruits and offer dogs healthy doses of Vitamins A and C. A fat-free food, pears are the ideal treat for overweight dogs and are also beneficial for canines with heart disease, a compromised immune system, or symptoms of inflammation.

In moderation, pears are also a good snack for stabilizing blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs. Before feeding pears to your dog, cut them into smaller pieces and take out any seeds. Like many other fruits, too many pears can cause diarrhea in dogs, so they should be given as a treat in moderation.

The more you know: Pear seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be dangerous to your dog, so prepare them before feeding.

A Word of Caution

If you have a dog with existing digestive concerns or a sensitive stomach, its best to avoid introducing new foods into their diet unless you've consulted with a veterinarian and decided to go with a homemade dog food diet approach. Always make sure to follow proper dietary guidelines for dogs with sensitive stomachsor other diet-related issues.

If you feel that the benefits of any of the above-mentioned best human foods for dogs outweigh the risks of gastric distress for your dog (or other potential adverse effects), always be sure to check with your veterinarian first, or just avoid the specific food item altogether.

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