5 Must-Have Items for a Healthy Dog Digestive Tract

It all starts in the mouth and ends, well, at the opposite end. Digestion is one of the main running systems for the body. Brain function, heart health, hair and nail growth, even energy levels depend on digestion’s products. Without the digestive process of ingesting food, extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste, the body could not self-sustain its numerous other processes for life.A few simple habits of good nutrition and supplementation can keep the road smooth for the adventures to come. 

Check out these 5 must-have items for a healthy dog digestive tract.

1. Green vegetables that have chlorophyll help stabilize the gut. Chlorophyll detoxifies the body, supports the liver, cleans the digestive tract, helps with bad breath, and feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Dogs eat grass (which is far from a food source) when they crave chlorophyll.

2. Probiotics in the form of kefir or purchased probiotics reinstate the good bacteria into the digestive system. They do not need to be given every day, especially if you feed your dog green vegetables. Several times a month is fine.

3. Sweet Potatoes have special compounds in them that soothe inflammation in the gut and are great for acute cases of diarrhea. Of course, they should be baked first.

4. Canned pumpkin is excellent for digestive health. Constipation is rare in dogs and diarrhea is much more common, but pumpkin can help with both.

5. Slippery elm is great to give dogs with digestive problems. A small amount of powdered slippery elm bark mixed in water forms a jellylike substance and can be fed to your pooch to help stop diarrhea. Mix the slippery elm powder with water. Depending on the severity of the problem and the size of the dog, give a dosage between 1 teaspoon and 2 tablespoons three times a day.

A licensed doctor of veterinary medicine with over thirty years in practice and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Dr. Deva Khalsa has studied homeopathy for nearly three decades. Dr. Khalsa uses her extensive knowledge and experience to encourage and empower owners in a holistic approach to pet care. In addition to publishing several books on animal care and health, Dr. Khalsa lectures internationally and contributes regularly to several animal-centered magazines. A second edition of Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog will be available in the spring. For more information, including online pet health videos, visit doctordeva.com.