Gastrointestinal Dog Food

The best dog food for gastrointestinal problems is highly digestible, low in fat, rich in fibre, and contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health.

You may find your vet will have a good recomendation, or you can trial a new food and see how your pup gets on.

Prescription/Veterinary Gastrointestinal Dog Food

- Formulation: Designed specifically for dogs with diagnosed digestive issues such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, colitis, or malabsorption disorders.

- Ingredients: Highly digestible proteins (most likely single source), limited fats, prebiotics, probiotics, and specialised fibre blends to support gut health.

- Medical Supervision: Should only be fed under vet supervision or guidance.

- Brands/Examples: Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Eukanuba Intestinal Veterinary, and more! 

- Usage: Short-term or long-term treatment depending on the condition, often fed under veterinary guidance.

General Gastrointestinal Dog Food

- Formulation: Designed for dogs with mild digestive sensitivity rather than diagnosed medical conditions.

- Ingredients: Often contains easily digestible proteins, moderate fat, added fibre, and probiotics but without the stricter medical formulation of prescription diets.

- Medical Supervision: Does not require veterinary guidance.

- Brands/Examples: Scrumbles, James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Purina, Hills and more!

- Usage: Suitable for dogs with occasional digestive upsets, food intolerances, or sensitive stomachs.

How do I choose the best gastrointestinal food for my dog?

- If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition, vet-prescribed food is the best option but always speak to your vet first.

- If your dog simply has a sensitive stomach or occasional digestive issues, a general gastrointestinal diet/digestive care food can help.

Low-fat gastrointestinal dog food is ideal for dogs prone to pancreatitis or fat-sensitive digestive conditions.

Excess fat in dog food can be difficult to digest and lead to gastrointestinal issues, while a low-fat diet can help reduce digestive strain and support gut health.

While both support digestion, digestive care dog food is typically designed for mild digestive sensitivities, whereas gastrointestinal dog food is formulated for more serious digestive issues, often recommended by veterinarians.

Yes, many gastrointestinal dog foods are suitable for long-term feeding, especially for pets with chronic digestive issues. Always follow your vet’s recommendations to ensure your dog’s dietary needs are met.

Brands like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Dog Food, Hill’s Gastrointestinal Dog Food, and Purina Gastrointestinal Dog Food offer tailored formulas to help manage gut health, with plenty of options available.