Dogs eat food for a variety of reasons. Some do it to satisfy a hunger pang, while others eat their food to help them feel full. Regardless, if your dog is eating inappropriate amounts of dry dog food, it might be experiencing some gastrointestinal upset. This article will explore why your dog might be overeating dry food and what you need to do about it. Keep reading to learn more about the link between dry dog food and stomach problems in dogs.
How to Overcome an Upset Stomach in your Dog
Suppose your dog is eating a lot of dry dog food and showing signs of an upset stomach, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In that case, it is essential to consult your vet. If your pet is already suffering from chronic gastrointestinal issues, an inappropriate diet could worsen matters. Your vet can identify the cause of your dog’s upset stomach and suggest the best course of action. Suppose your dog is vomiting once a week or less.
In that case, they are likely to be able to resume normal eating without any further medical intervention. If your dog is vomiting more regularly, they will need to see the vet rule out any possible underlying medical issues.
Conclusion
Too much dry dog food can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or weight loss. Dry dog food should only be fed as a treat, with wet dog food being the primary food source. Dry food should only be served once your dog has had a drink of water. If you notice your dog eating excessive dry food, try adding a little wet food to their diet. If your pet is already suffering from chronic gastrointestinal issues, an inappropriate diet could worsen matters.
Several reasons your dog may be overeating dry food. Poor quality dry food, lack of access to fresh water, and boredom are just a few. If you feel your dog is overeating dry food, you should consult a vet to rule out any underlying health issues. As with any dietary change, it is vital to approach any diet transition cautiously. Suppose you have concerns about your dog overeating dry food. In that case, it is important to rule these out before making any drastic diet changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods irritate dogs' stomachs?
Oils, butter, and added seasonings can irritate your dog's stomach and make the problem worse, so stick with plain boiled chicken and rice and save the extra stuff for your meal.
Is kibble hard to digest?
This is not to say that kibble is bad for digestion, but it may not be the best fit for every dog with digestive issues. Avoid kibbles that contain too many carbohydrates, especially when those carbs are high-glycemic. The sugars and digestive load of these ingredients will surely give digestive reactions.
Is wet or dry food better for dogs?
Generally speaking, wet food is better for dogs than dry food. Wet food has fewer carbohydrates, which are hard for dogs to digest, and more water, which keeps dogs filled with water.
Is it OK to feed dogs dry food only?
For pet owners, dogs are just fine eating dry dog food. While many pets prefer wet dog food, because it is more acceptable to eat, that does not mean that dry food is not a healthy option for dogs.