Both constipation and diarrhea are common symptoms that affect dogs. These symptoms indicate changes in the intestinal transit, which are also sometimes accompanied by deficiencies throughout the digestive system.
Although these conditions are not usually serious for the dogs, they may be caused by diseases that require immediate veterinary treatment. In any case, dealing with a symptom that is so closely linked to the digestive system will require dietary treatment.
Dietary changes and special diets are essential in these cases, so this AnimalWised article will explain how to prepare a soft diet for constipated dogs.
Causes of constipation in dogs
It is important to be aware that any abnormality in your pet's organism requires veterinary care. In this case, attention is very important because the common causes of constipation in dogs are very diverse, and some are dangerous:
- Fiber deficit
- Ingestion of bones
- Ingestion of foreign bodies
- Lack of water
- Lack of exercise
- Sudden change of habits
- Intestinal obstruction
- Alterations in the concentration of minerals
- Hormonal changes
How to prepare a soft diet for constipated dogs
Changing eating patterns is essential when your dog shows changes in the regulation of their intestinal transit. A soft diet is made up of food with soft textures and mild flavors that will not overburden the digestive system. The diet will consequently improve and the excretion of stools will become regular again.
Spicy, salty or oily foods cannot be included in a soft diet. A diet for constipated dogs should be based solely on a combination of the following foods:
- Boiled chicken, rabbit or turkey without the skin
- Boiled hake
- Boiled white rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Carrots, potatoes and boiled pumpkin
It is important to boil the food thoroughly and remove all skin. In order to optimize the therapeutic effects of diet you should portion the meal into 4 or 5 servings. This way, you should start to notice an improvement in your dog's constipation within 2 or 3 days.
Other tips to treat constipation in dogs
One of the most common causes of constipation in dogs is a lack of physical exercise due to sedentary habits. Therefore, to prevent this situation, it is essential that your dog has exercise on a daily basis; always take into account their limitations and don't overdo it.
It is essential that you accompany daily exercise with adequate water intake and frequently monitor what your dog drinks throughout the day.
If you feed your dog home-made food, once you have finished a soft diet, it is good to include olive oil in their diet daily. This way, the intestinal tract is more lubricated and it better facilitates the excretion of feces.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Soft Diet for Constipated Dogs, we recommend you visit our Intestinal problems category.