Dogs have a reputation for having ironclad stomachs. These animals will not hesitate to eat garbage, feces, and any other strong-smelling substance they stumble upon.

For the most part, canines can handle a lot. Their guts are highly acidic, allowing them to digest things humans could never process.

However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, intolerances, and a wide range of digestive troubles. Usually, those digestive problems are temporary and go away after a few days. But what if they don't?

Bowel Problems

Bowel problems are more common than most dog owners think. They can be debilitating, causing pain anytime your dog eats. In some cases, they impact nutrient absorption and result in other complications.

Irritable Bowl syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), and Colitis are three conditions you can't ignore.

Symptoms can vary, and the exact cause of these issues isn't precisely known. But one thing is for sure: You must take action to ensure your dog is comfortable and healthy. Fortunately, these digestive conditions are manageable with the proper diet.

What Are IBD, IBS, and Colitis?

These digestive complications are unique but have similar symptoms and often connect in some way.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common functional disorder that humans can experience. Biologically, the digestive system looks relatively normal. However, IBS causes diarrhea, constipation, and intense abdominal pain.

The symptoms arise from psychological factors rather than physical changes to the digestive tract. Typically, it occurs when dogs experience mental distress. Many canines will suffer when dealing with anxiety or extreme stress.

Irritable Bowel Disease has many of the same symptoms as IBS. But they're more severe and can cause irreparable harm to your dog's system. In addition to stomach pain and diarrhea, IBD can cause a bloody discharge, excruciating cramps, fever, and more.

With IBD, there are physical abnormalities in the digestive tract. Swelling and mucus buildup are common. Because those abnormalities exist, veterinarians usually take biopsies, collect stool samples, and perform many tests to diagnose the condition.

The potential causes of IBD can vary. There's no exact underlying factor, but veterinary experts believe that parasites, allergies, bacteria, and a weak immune system are to blame.

Finally, there's Colitis. 

Colitis occurs when the large intestines become inflamed. Inflammatory cells will line the intestine, impacting nutrient absorption and changing how food flows through the digestive system.

It can cause a wide range of issues, but the most common symptom is persistent diarrhea. Colitis can accompany IBD; both can be chronic or affect a dog intermittently.

If you suspect your dog has any of these conditions, see a vet as soon as possible. Proper diagnosis is the first step in addressing the issue and taking steps to avoid problems in the future.

Related: Dog Has Diarrhea But Acts Fine

Why Your Dog's Diet Matters

There are many ways to treat IBD, IBS, and Colitis. Veterinarians may recommend a cycle of antibiotics. However, those medications only tackle current issues.

The intermittent nature of symptoms requires you to make long-term changes. Vets often work with dog owners to develop a healthy diet that keeps flare-ups at bay.

IBD, IBS, and Colitis all relate to food sensitivities and allergies.

Certain dog food ingredients can exacerbate the problem, causing symptoms far more often than they should. Adjusting your dog's diet can help you manage these conditions and provide the much-needed relief your pup needs.

Many owners of dogs with digestive complications go the homemade route. It's a fantastic alternative to processed commercial foods that gives you more control over what your dog puts into their system.

Sticking with homemade recipes that utilize whole ingredients can be a life-saver that mitigates painful symptoms and puts your dog in good health.

As always, consult your vet before making drastic changes. Their knowledge of your dog's unique case allows them to make recommendations that suit your dog's needs.

What Foods Should You Include in a Homemade Diet for IBD, IBS, and Colitis?

There are a few goals when making your dog's meals. You want to focus on whole ingredients and avoid any food known to cause adverse reactions in your pup's digestive tract. That's where working with your vet comes in handy.

They can help you narrow down those triggers and determine what foods to avoid.

Beyond that, you also need to ensure that you're fulfilling your dog's nutritional needs while providing them with healthy vitamins and minerals that combat the effects of IBD, IBS, and Colitis.

Here are some staples you'll use when creating homemade meals.

Wholesome Protein

Protein is the most critical thing in a dog's diet. That doesn't change with a digestive condition. Real animal meat should make up most of the meals you create.

The problem with commercial foods is that they often use fillers that cause allergic reactions. By going homemade, you can avoid those and stick to high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, fish, and more.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables serve as valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. They help to boost your dog's immune system, helping their bodies fight the effects of IBD, IBD, and Colitis. Antioxidant-rich fruits can also provide antioxidants that support the body in other ways.

Fiber

Vets often guide dog owners to add a source of fiber. Fortunately, you can do that with fruits and vegetables. Ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, and more do double duty.

In addition to providing nutrients, the cellulose in those fruits absorbs liquids and helps promote stool regularity.

Related: 5 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods

Probiotics

Probiotics can maintain the delicate microbiome in your dog's gut. Healthy bacteria help fight the effects of dangerous pathogens and strengthen their system's ability to process foods effectively.

Probiotic supplements can also improve immunity and minimize allergic reactions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids from ingredients like fish oil do wonders. They improve cardiovascular health, keep the coat smooth, and more. However, for dogs with IBD, IBS, and Colitis, the fatty acids are anti-inflammatory agents to keep swelling under control.

2 Homemade Food Recipes for Dogs with IBD, IBS, and Colitis

Every dog responds to foods differently, so it's wise to work with your vet when developing recipes. But we have two easy-to-adjust recipes to get you started.

Recipe #1 - Chicken, Brocolli, and Sweet Potato Bowl

Here's a simple recipe that uses whole ingredients and no unnecessary additives. It's easy to make, and you can easily prepare a few days of meals in advance.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 3 ounces of chicken liver
• Half a pound of broccoli stalks
• Half a can of unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt
• 2 empty eggshells

In addition to those ingredients, your vet might request that you add drops of vitamin oil or probiotics. Adjust accordingly to meet your dog's needs.

Preparation

Preparing this meal is a breeze. Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Leave out any extra oil or butter you would typically use.

As the chicken cooks, boil or microwave the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool. To cook the broccoli stalks, steam or boil them until they are soft to the touch.

After your sweet potatoes and chicken cool down, cut them into bite-sized chunks. You can leave the skin on the potatoes as an added source of fiber.

Now, mix all the ingredients. Crush the eggshells and ensure that all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Recipe #2 - Chicken, Rice, and Bean Mash

This recipe is also very adaptable. It's easy to make, and you can fine-tune the formula with any supplements your vet recommends. You can also adjust the amount of rice and beans to create portions that work for your dog.

This is a great recipe to make in advance. It holds well in the fridge, allowing you to make big weekly batches.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 1 and a half cups of rice
• 2 cups of drained red kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon of iodized salt
• 2 and a half teaspoons of bone meal powder
• 2 tablespoons of fish, flaxseed, or canola oil

Preparation

Start by cooking your chicken. You can cook it in a skillet or boil it in a large pot. Either way, don't use seasoning or oil. As your chicken cooks, prepare your rice in a standalone cooker or on your stove.

Both white and brown rice works well. Drain your kidney beans and give them a good wash to remove any salty broth. When everything cools down, you're ready to assemble.

Shred the chicken breasts before adding everything to a bowl. Mix the larger ingredients before adding salt, bone meal, and oil. Once everything is mixed well, it's ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

IBD, IBS, and Colitis don't have to control your dog's life. These recipes can help you manage these digestive conditions and restore your dog's health.

You'll notice improvements quickly, and your dog should have fewer stomach upsets.

While creating homemade meals is a significant time investment, giving your dog nutritional and delicious meals that cater to its unique health needs is worth it.

Also read:  

• 5 Reasons for Yellow Dog Poop
• Best Dog Foods for Acid Reflux
• Dog Walks And Poops At the Same Time
• Homemade Dog Food to Combat Skin Allergies

If you've ever had the misfortune of dealing with bladder stones, you know how painful they can be. When these calcified stones form, they can physically obstruct the bladder, causing swelling, inflammation, and tons of pain. It's a nightmare scenario that no one wants to go through.

Now imagine your precious dog experiencing it.

Most dog owners don't realize it, but dogs can develop bladder stones, too. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to these issues.

The most commonly affected are Shih Tzus, Bichon Frise dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, and Miniature Poodles. 

However, any dog can get them when biological conditions are right.

A few different types of bladder stones can form in your dog's body, but the most prevalent are calcium oxalate bladder stones.

If your dog is prone to getting bladder stones, you must take steps to manage the issue. One of the best ways to do that is by adopting a healthier diet that addresses this specific concern.

What are Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones, and How Do They Form?

This type of bladder stone forms when calcium and oxalic acid bind together. When that happens, you get a hard mineral called calcium oxalate. These two chemicals already exist in your dog's urine.

In most cases, they coexist without any issues. But when conditions change, they can hold onto each other, creating a stone that gets bigger with time.

So what triggers the binding?

There are many ways the two chemicals suddenly gravitate toward one another. It can occur when a dog's diet is high in calcium and oxalic acid. The high level of chemicals increases the chances of binding.

Stones also form when urine pH levels are too acidic.

A healthy dog has urine pH levels between 6.5 to 7.5. The 7.0 mark is neutral, so healthy urine is usually not too far off from that.

Trouble can begin when the urine becomes acidic, falling between 5.0 and 6.5 on the pH scale.

The Best Diet for Managing Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones

Nutritional management is the best way to decrease the likelihood of bladder stones forming. Every dog is different, so it's wise to consult your vet. They can work closely with you to help you hone in on the foods your dog should and shouldn't eat.

That said, here are a few tips that can make a difference.

Cut the Oxalates

One of the most straightforward fixes you can make is reducing the amount of oxalates your dog gets into their system.

With less oxalic acid in your pup's diet, there's a decreased chance of calcium binding. Oxalates include foods like spinach, brown rice, organs, and sweet potatoes.

These ingredients are common in commercial kibbles, so make sure to read ingredient lists. Instead of those foods, try looking for formulas with lower oxalate levels.

Good options include apples, meat, and fish.

Ask Your Vet About Calcium Restriction

You might assume that cutting calcium is your next step. However, it would be best if you only reduced calcium under your vet's supervision and approval.

Dogs need calcium to stay healthy. It supports the bones and many biological functions. Cutting it out can lead to even worse health problems if you're not careful.

Low-calcium diets do exist, but you must be strategic and provide the right amount to avoid bladder stones. Work with your vet and see if this is a diet change you should make.

Switch to a High-Carb Diet

Upping carbohydrates could provide good results. Every dog metabolizes food differently, but carbohydrates are a great way to neutralize urine.

If your dog's urine is on the acidic side, carb-heavy meals could create safer pH levels.

Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber is always an excellent addition to your dog's diet. Fiber helps to improve digestion and promote more regularity.

When it comes to avoiding calcium oxalate bladder stones, fiber works to absorb excess minerals. It pushes the minerals out of the system, decreasing the chances of binding.

Related: 5 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems

Iodine

Iodine can help to flush the bladder.

Introducing sea vegetables such as seaweed into your dog's diet can be an easy way to increase their iodine intake. Just be aware of the fact that seaweed can potentially cause intestinal blockage in dogs.

Provide Vitamin B

Vitamin B is water-soluble and inhibits oxalate stone formation.

A good supplement can introduce the vitamin into your dog's diet and help prevent issues.

Add Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids from fish or flaxseed oil have many benefits. In addition to making your dog's coat nice and shiny, it helps with inflammation.

Omega fatty acids can help reduce the inflammation caused by existing stones.

Reduce Sodium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D

When battling bladder stones, you must cut sodium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.

High sodium and Vitamin D levels cause excessive calcium secretion into the urine. Meanwhile, Vitamin C produces oxalate when broken down in the body.

Related: Best Low Sodium Dog Foods

Encourage More Hydration

Here's a universal tip that can make a significant difference. Encourage your dog to drink as much water as possible. Consider placing many bowls around your home and replacing the water frequently to keep it fresh. 

More hydration equals more diluted urine. Dilution decreases the amount of calcium and oxalic acid in the urine, lowering the odds of binding.

Common Symptoms of Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are an internal issue. In most cases, dog owners are completely unaware of the problem. It's only once the stones are fully formed and causing issues that symptoms occur.

Calcium oxalate bladder stones are physical, tangible objects. The bladder is only meant to hold and store urine until it leaves the body through your dog's urethra. The presence of a physical stone can cause many problems.

Stone sizes vary, but even the tiniest nugget can obstruct the bladder and cause injury. Here are some of the most common symptoms your dog might experience.

Extreme Pain

We can't stress enough how painful bladder stones can be.

Whether you've experienced them yourself or not, there's no denying that a physical stone moving through what's supposed to be a liquid-only bladder hurts! 

Your poor dog will likely make their pain known, despite the canine instincts of hiding it.

You might see your pup yelping in pain when they try to urinate. But the nature of the bladder will result in extreme discomfort when they're not.

They might suddenly start whining or yelping as a response. That's bound to result in some noticeable behavior changes, too. Your dog might become withdrawn and even exhibit signs of depression or anxiety.

Dysuria

Dysuria is the medical term for difficulty urinating.

The stone obstructs the bladder's function. The only way it can move is forward, but the solid nature of the stone prevents urine from passing through the urethra.

Some might get out, but large stones can cause complete obstructions.

To make matters worse, the bladder can inflame due to the constant scraping and cutting of the stone; more on that later. Dysuria is a serious problem that could result in severe illness or even death.

Haematuria

Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.

If your dog manages to squeeze some urine out, it may be darker than usual or tinged with a splash of pink or red. This happens because the stone is slowly moving through your dog's system. 

As it does, it scrapes along the bladder wall, resulting in friction, irritation, and bleeding.

The bladder stone movement often causes the most pain, so don't ignore the blood when you see it.

Related: Yellow Dog Poop.  What it Means

Asymptomatic Bladder Stones

Interestingly enough, not all bladder stones cause these symptoms. That's what makes them so challenging to manage.

Some stones are asymptomatic and have no symptoms at all! Even still, it's crucial to observe your dog's behavior, check on their urine, and pay attention to any signs that your dog is struggling or in pain.

Related: Best Non Prescription Dog Food For Urinary Health

Treatment Options

Calcium oxalate bladder stones are an issue you cannot ignore. Left untreated, it could eventually kill a dog, causing immense pain every moment until it does. So how do vets treat it?

Unfortunately, calcium oxalate stones do not dissolve on their own. They rarely get excreted, either. As a result, surgery is often the go-to option.

Surgical intervention is necessary when stones are large. Vets also perform surgery when there are many stones in your dog's system or when the issue poses a clear danger of obstruction and damage.

Vets will sedate dogs and go in to remove the stone physically. Then, they'll flush the bladder to remove any remaining traces.

Cystoscopy.

Another option is to use cystoscopy.

This method involves passing small tools through the urethra and the bladder to break stones apart. The goal is to fragment the stone so your dog can pass them naturally.

Vets will examine your pup and determine the best action based on their needs.

Do Bladder Stones Come Back?

Dealing with calcium oxalate bladder stones can be a nightmare. But once you remove them, you're dog is okay, right?

Unfortunately, that's not always the case. No matter how well your surgical vet works or how much flushing they do, it can be impossible to remove all traces of the stone.

Small bonded compounds can remain, resulting in more problems down the line.

It's common for calcium oxalate stones to form again. That's true with humans, too. Once you get a bladder stone, your chances of getting more in the future increase.

It's a sad reality, but it also cements the importance of managing this issue instead of avoiding it.

Don't rest on your laurels. If your dog has experienced calcium oxalate bladder stones in the past, or they're genetically predisposed to get them at all, you must do your part to help avoid them in the future.

Managing the Threat of Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones

No one wants to see their canine companion go through the absolute torture of a bladder stone. If your dog is prone to getting them, you must do what you can to help.

Dogs have no control over what they eat. If they did, they wouldn't know how to prevent bladder stones anyways!

It's up to you to modify your dog's diet. Use these tips to create a healthy diet that lowers the risks. Don't forget to work with your vet! They can provide more personalized advice that addresses your dog's specific needs.

Also read: How to Care for a Dog After a Tooth Extraction