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Have you noticed bloody stool and stains in your canine? If that the case, then your pet might be suffering from colitis.

This disorder involves inflammation of the colon or large bowel, which can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, colitis is a harmless condition, and most dogs recover entirely.

Like with any disease nutrition can significantly minimize symptoms and promote a healthy lifestyle. So, do you want to know what’s the best dog food is for colitis?

Well, in today’s post we will review a couple of best dog food brands, and help you find the perfect meal for your furry companion.

Top 5 Food For Dogs With Colitis - Compared

IMAGEPRODUCTINGREDIENTS 
Our Top Pick

Small Product image of Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care i-d
Hill's Prescription Diet
Our Top Pick
Water
Pork Liver
Turkey
Modified Rice Starch
Rice
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Limited Ingredient

Small Product image of Natural Balance Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Formula
Natural Balance
Limited Ingredient
Lamb Meal
Brewers Rice
Brown Rice
Canola Oil
Rice Bran
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For Healthy Weight

small product image of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection
For Healthy Weight
Deboned Chicken
Brown Rice
Chicken Meal
Pea Fiber
Barley
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Gastrointestinal Health

Small Product image of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Fiber Response
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Gastrointestinal Health
Chicken By-Product Meal
Chicken Fat
Brewers Rice
Rice Hulls
Powdered Cellulose
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With Prebiotics

Small Product image of Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Beef Potato Bison
Rachael Ray Nutrish
With Prebiotics
Beef
Dried Peas
Chicken Meal
Chicken Fat
Whole Dried Potatoes
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Hill's Prescription Diet - Our Top Pick

First Five Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Pork Liver
  • Turkey
  • Modified Rice Starch
  • Rice

Dogs with colitis require a high water intake. The water will additionally hydrate their bodies when they have diarrhea from colon inflammation. For that reason, your vet may recommend wet nutrition such as Hill’s Prescription Diet.

Considering it contains premium ingredients, which stimulate GI tract, this is the best dog colitis diet. Canines with digestive issues would benefit from Digestive Care line. So, it’s a perfect match for dogs suffering from this disease.

This meal features digestible components, low in protein and fat content. Additionally, fibrous ingredients, such as whole grains corn and rise will help your dog maintain a healthy metabolism. Hill’s Prescription Diet also contains antioxidants which stimulate cell regeneration and protect the immune system.

Overall, your pet will enjoy every bite, while this food protects his blows and ensures proper absorption of nutrients.

Natural Balance - Best Limited Ingredient

First Five Ingredients:

  • Lamb Meal
  • Brewers Rice
  • Brown Rice
  • Canola Oil
  • Rice Bran

The limited ingredient diet plays a crucial role in bowels and stomach disorders. It can decrease symptoms and help your pet recover faster. For that reason, the Natural Balance has developed an excellent recipe with the limited number of proteins and carbs.

This meal will provide high-quality nutrition while ensuring healthy skin and coat. So, whether you are breeding a puppy, adult, or senior dog, limited ingredient diets and an excellent choice. The primary protein source comes from lamb meal.

On the other hand, brown rice provides nutrients such as fibers and essential oils.  

To conclude, Natural Balance L.I.D. will not only promote healthy digestion in canines but also help your dog battle allergies and food sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection - Best For Healthy Weight

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Brown Rice
  • Chicken Meal
  • Pea Fiber
  • Barley

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection recipe contains high-quality ingredients which promote healthy weight and stimulate metabolism. Even though it’s not a prescription diet, it has the same features.

This meal contains a moderate amount of protein from deboned chicken, which makes it perfect for treating colitis in dogs. Chicken is digestible meat and a premium protein source. Substantial fat content can overly stress your pet’s digestive tract. But, that’s not the case with this meal. It features a much lower fat percentage than other recipes.

It’s crucial to mention that all Blue Buffalo Life Protection formulas start with real meat, garden veggies, and fruits, as well as whole grains. Additionally, L-carnitine is excellent for lean muscle and reduces calories from fat.

In all, the Blue Buffalo will help your canine maintain a healthy weight, while glucosamine and chondroitin protect bones.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet - Best For Gastrointestinal Health

First Five Ingredients:

  • Chicken By-Product Meal
  • Chicken Fat
  • Brewers Rice
  • Rice Hulls
  • Powdered Cellulose

If your pooch has a digestive disorder, then average dog food might be a challenge for him. However, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet is designed to meet the needs of canines suffering from colitis or dog ulcerative colitis.

The perfect blend of ingredients will prevent conditions such as vomiting, lack of appetite, or diarrhea. This nutrition features soluble and insoluble fibers to stimulate intestinal movement. Additionally, highly digestible proteins and prebiotics will maintain the balance of good bacteria in your pet’s stomach.

Omega fatty acids, DHA, and EPA, sourced from fish oils will nourish your canine’s GI tract and help him maintain a healthy life. On top of that, this low-fat formula will provide optimal balance and ensure nutrient absorption.

To sum up, if you want to prevent digestive issues and offer your pet a comfortable life, then Royal Canin is the right choice.

Rachael Ray Nutrish - With Prebiotics

First Five Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Dried Peas
  • Chicken Meal
  • Chicken Fat
  • Whole Dried Potatoes

For owners who don’t like to give grains to their dogs, Rachael Ray Nutrish is one of the options. It features U.S. farm-raised beef as the dominant ingredient, along with the U.S. raised bison. Zero Grain recipe will offer your pooch a lot of easily-digestible proteins that boost up muscle mass.

Fresh vegetables such as potatoes and peas are healthy carbs which will provide your pooch with plenty of energy. On the other hand, beet pulp is added for fiber and dog colitis probiotics. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin ensure mobility and stimulate healthy joints. And of course, there is no grains, artificial flavors, additives, or by-products. This recipe also contains essential vitamins and minerals which will stimulate nutrient absorption.

The bottom line, Rachael Ray has designed high-quality nutrition, without breaking your bank account.

What is Colitis?

Colitis or inflammation of the colon is a common condition that affects all canines. Colon is the last functional part of the GI tract which is in charge of the final stage of digestion.

There are three types:

  • Chronic – the bowels remain inflamed for a couple of weeks
  • Acute – it sticks for a few days
  • Episodic – the combination of the previous two   

In most case, this disorder happens when the colon becomes irritated or inflamed. As a result, the inflammatory cytokines gather in the colon and disrupt its function. This further interferes with optimal stomach mobility.

Additionally, inflammation may trigger a variety of condition. Your dog may lose the ability to absorb water, as well as nutrients. In this case, your pet’s stool will become loose, watery, and sometimes bloody.

Since animals can’t tell us what wrong with their body, it’s safe to assume they will be dealing with a lot of pain. Make sure to follow his behavior. If you notice similar signs, then take your pooch to the vet.

Dog Breeds Prone To Colitis

Any breed prone to GI disorders can develop inflammation of bowels. The following canines are more susceptible to this condition.

  • Boxers
  • French Bulldog
  • Mastiff
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Miniature Schnauzer

If you parent such a dog, then make sure to follow his behavior. There are several types of this condition, and you need to be ready to face any situation. Even though it’s a harmless condition, it can potentially harm your pet’s health.   

Symptoms Of Canine Colitis

Soft Bloody Feces

Dog colitis bloody stool is often linked to small tears in the intestine and colon. There is a common name for this type of condition, such as ulcerative colitis. In this case, tissue erosion is the primary cause and the reason why blood appears in the stool.

Our recommendation: Top Rated Food for Dogs with Loose Stools

Pain While Defecating

This condition is quite painful, and many pets find it uncomfortable. Considering that bowel inflammation can cause various diseases such as diarrhea and loose stool, it should be addressed immediately. You will notice whining or lack of physical activity in your pooch. This will offer you enough clues to treat this condition as soon as possible.

Read more: Food for Dogs With Diarrhea

Irregular Eating Habits

Inflammation of bowels can often disrupt your pet’s eating habits. Since he’s unable to absorb nutrients properly, they just go through his body. Additionally, the pain will make dog moody, which will further mess with his eating schedule.

Depending on his condition, you will need to adjust diet, as well as intake of nutrients. Talk to your vet and try to find the best solution.

Weight Loss

This condition affects the dog’s appetite, which additionally decreases weight. On the other hand, if your four-legged friend has chronic colitis, then it can lead to long term consequences. In other words, it will reduce digestive efficiency, causing him to miss out a lot of high-quality nutrients. However, many vets agree on the fact that colitis related weight loss is rare in dogs.

Flatulence

Increased intestinal inflammation is usually linked to excessive flatulence. It will cause your pet to produce more gas than usual. You should keep in mind that some dogs are more prone to gasses than others. But, if paired with other symptoms, then it might indicate a problem.

If your canine is having a problem with gas try feeding him with best dog food to reduce flatulence.

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Causes of Colitis In Dogs

Parasites or Infections

E. coli, whipworms, salmonella, giardia, and other parasites in the stomach can cause this disorder. Canines usually pick up these infestations from contaminated water, food, or each other. The easiest solution would be to prevent your dog from licking anything from the ground.

However, it’s easier said than done. If you want to prevent this condition, then bring a water bottle or collapsible bowl. In this case, your pooch won’t be tempted to drink water from the puddle. Once canine is infested, the vet may take the stool samples, to determine what exactly your dog has.

Allergies

Food, environment, and other items at home can be possible allergens. Same as with humans, dog allergies can be challenging to detect. It’s a process of trials and errors, and with the help of a vet, you can diagnose your pet’s condition.

Once you remove allergens from his life, he should restore normal body functions. A hypoallergenic or grain-free diet might be in order.

Stress

Dog stress is a significant cause of colitis, and it’s often found in shelter dogs. On the other hand, moving, traveling, or upheavals at home can all cause anxiety. Each canine has its hang-up, and they might provoke mental issues as well.

Depending on the stress source, the only solution would be to remove the problem or to support your pet through this tough situation. In some cases, sedatives might be necessary.

Underlying Disease

A variety of conditions can cause inflammation of bowels. For instance, your pet might be suffering from:

  • Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Foreign Bodies
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Bowel Cancer

In this case, you need to consult a vet to determine possible causes and prevent further health consequences.

How Should I Feed My Dog If It Has Colitis?

This condition requires special nutrition. Therefore, a medical professional will tell you what to feed your pet while he’s recovering. Usually, a dog will need a bland diet for colitis because he needs to reboot his stomach.

In most cases, ground beef and rice are recommended. As an alternative, the vet might suggest turkey and pumpkin puree. On the other hand, if your pet is dealing with food allergies, then you need to involve new ingredients. A change in diet might be a problem. For that reason, you should start this process gradually.

Home Remedies For Dog Colitis

These days, the holistic approach is quite popular, so you must be wondering how to treat colitis naturally? Many pet parents resort to dog colitis natural treatment to alleviate the symptoms, or to stop the progress of this disease. So, here are some options you should explore.

  • Probiotics – they are one of the best supplements available in pet stores, which maintain bacterial balance.
  • Digestive enzymes – enzymes help in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbs. They ensure proper digestion and optimal absorption of nutrients.
  • Slippery elm – you can find this herb in powdery and liquid form. It coats bowels and absorbs toxins which cause intestinal imbalance.
  • L-glutamine – this amino acid eliminates inflammation or the large and small intestine and stimulates cell growth.
  • Canned pumpkin – pumpkin is rich in fibers and absorbs moisture from the bowels. It has shown positive results in constipation and diarrhea.
  • Grains – so, you must be wondering is oatmeal good for colitis? This snack is excellent when the symptoms are flaring up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Colitis

Are homemade recipes recommended?

The canine colitis diet recommendations largely depend on the severity of his condition. While some are against homemade meal, others have a positive experience with this type of nutrition. However, you have to be careful with the ingredient and learn how to combine them. Some of them are potent enough to stop the progress of this disease.

What is the recommended diet for them?

Dog colitis treatment usually involves proper nutrition. Your vet will advise you to use a bland diet, which won’t stress his GI tract. You can always resort to commercial formulas which feature perfectly balanced ingredients. Whatever option you choose, make sure it has premium components to accommodate your pet’s condition.

Is it contagious?

There are various types of colitis in canines. However, if it’s caused by a viral, bacterial infection, then it can be contagious. Dogs transfer this disease through fecal, which may affect other pooches in his vicinity. If your four-legged friend has been receiving some medications, then you should ask your vet whether he is contagious or not.  

What medicine can I give my dog?

The canine’s inflammation might be severe; in this case, you may need to use anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling. On the other hand, if colitis is associated with bacterial infection, then the use of antibiotics is necessary.

But, before you resort to any medication, consult your vet for further treatment.

Conclusion

Colitis is a painful condition any dog can face. Of course, some breeds are more prone to this disease than others and require extra care. In this article, we explained possible symptoms, causes, as well as treatment options.

As we already mentioned, nutrition has remarkable healing properties. For that reason, we reviewed a couple of brands which should satisfy the dietary needs of your pet.

Due to its premium set of ingredients, Hill’s Prescription Diet made it to the top. However, you can explore other options, until you find a meal that matches your pooch’s requirements.

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