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Digestion in the dog

With a species-appropriate nutrition you make sure that the digestion functions correctly with your dog and your four-legged friend remains permanently healthy and vital.

Because inferior food and mistakes in the feeding cause digestion problems and lead to the fact that your dog lacks important nutrients and he may even become seriously ill.

How the digestion of dogs works and how you ensure a species-appropriate nutrition of your four-legged friend, we explain to you in the following.

The individual organs of the digestive system

Digestion in dogs

As far as the organs involved are concerned, the digestive system of dogs in principle does not differ from that of humans.

The mouth and the esophagus

The food is taken up with the mouth and reaches the stomach via the esophagus. Since dogs practically do not chew, however, hardly preliminary work for the digestion is done in the mouth.

The stomach

In the stomach, the food mixes with the gastric juices and decomposition begins. The resulting food paste is then released in small quantities via the stomach outlet to the small intestine.

The small intestine

The main part of the digestion takes place in the small intestine of the dog. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas and gall bladder break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats from food and the liver is responsible for the metabolism of nutrients. It is also involved in the elimination of toxins and the storage and formation of vitamins.

The large intestine and the anus

When the work in the small intestine is done, the food remains reach the large intestine. There, no significant degradation processes take place any more and the food remains are finally excreted via the anus.

Duration of digestion in dogs

The digestion of dogs takes a lot of time. It can take between 24 and 36 hours from feeding to excretion. The food remains in the stomach for about two to eight hours, while it leaves the small intestine after one to two hours and even remains in the large intestine for 18 to 24 hours.

Although food remains shortest in the small intestine, most of the dog's digestion is done there. For this reason, it is particularly important that the dog has an optimal intake of nutrients.

Digestive problems in dogs and their consequences

Digestive problems

The processes in the digestive system are perfectly coordinated and your dog depends on a functioning digestion. This is the only way to ensure that your dog's body is optimally supplied with all nutrients.

A healthy intestine also plays an important role for the immune system. Problems with the intestine or digestion therefore have the consequence, among other things, that your dog becomes ill more frequently.

Among the digestive problems that can occur with your dog are in particular:

  • Constipation (the animal cannot deposit any or only a small amount of faeces.)
  • Diarrhoea (the faeces is clearly too thin.)
  • Vomiting (the food does not even get into the small intestine.)

Constipation is very painful for your dog. If it lasts longer, it can also lead to a permanent overstretching of the intestine (megacolon).

Diarrhoea and vomiting, on the other hand, lead to insufficient absorption of nutrients, loss of fluid and, sooner or later, to weight loss and increased susceptibility to disease.

Our expert tip for dogs with diarrhoea

If your dog suffers from diarrhoea, we recommend our natural food supplement Gastro Relax. The preparation is easily digestible and with special ingredients, such as turmeric, beetroot and pectin, quickly provides relief.

Use Bellfor Gastro Relax to counteract diarrhoea in your four-legged friend in a natural way and to normalise your dog's digestion. 

Nutrients for healthy digestion in dogs

Of course, it is quite possible that your dog's digestive problems are the symptom of a disease. In many cases, however, they are simply caused by incorrect feeding.

For a healthy digestion it is important that your dog receives a high quality food that provides him with the right nutrients. As dogs are semi-carnivores, their diet should consist mainly of animal fats and proteins. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, should only make up a small proportion.

Contrary to popular belief, these can be starchy carbohydrates. Because in moderation these do not cause any problems for the digestion of dogs. However, larger amounts of them can hinder nutrient absorption and cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea.

Consider individual nutritional needs

Of course, the need for nutrients and calories varies from dog to dog. Among other things, the breed, age, weight and activities of the four-legged friend must be taken into account.

In addition, previous illnesses and existing complaints, such as kidney problems or diabetes, play a role in the choice and rationing of food.

It is therefore not always easy for dog owners to feed their four-legged friends properly. For this reason, we have developed an online nutritionist to support you.

Our nutritionist is easy to use and knows exactly what your dog needs. He takes all relevant details into account and shows you the right products within a few minutes to feed your dog healthily and support his digestive function.

Digestion in the dog: the most important things at a glance

If you want to ensure that the health and vitality of your dog is maintained permanently, you must ensure a functioning digestion. Because digestive problems are not only unpleasant. They also lead to a lack of nutrients and weaken the immune system.

Problems with digestion in dogs are often caused by mistakes in feeding. If you want to avoid these in the future and nourish your four-legged friend in a species-appropriate way, you must consider a number of factors.

With our nutritionist you will succeed with ease. Try the online tool directly and give your dog's digestion what it needs.

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