Best Dog Food For IBD: Our Top 10 Selections To Manage The Disease

Perhaps your dog is not eating as much as he used to. Or maybe he’s constantly getting an upset tummy.

You might think that it’s just a case of having a sensitive stomach or being finicky with his food, but in some cases, it can turn out to be an inflammatory bowel disease. 

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is not to be taken lightly. It can severely impact your dog’s health when not managed properly. A dog’s IBD left untreated can result in loss of weight, dull and poor coat, lethargy, and decreased muscle mass. 

The disease can be caused by several factors, which include: food allergies, genetic markers, parasites, bacteria, or a weak immune system.

A dog’s IBD is not caused by feeding the wrong kind of food, but it can be worsened by feeding your pet food products that his body reacts adversely to.  

As dog lovers, we want what’s best for our canine friends. In this article, we will discuss the best dog food for IBD to help your pet cope, and hopefully, thrive. You can also read up further on ways you can manage the disease further down this article.

 

Best Dog Food For IBD

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat 

This is a veterinary dog food diet made specifically for canines who have difficulty digesting fat.

It comes with prebiotics to maintain the balance of the bacteria in the gut; dietary fibers for optimal stool quality; and EPA, DHA, and omega fatty acids to soothe the GI tract.

This wet food recipe has one of the highest number of reviews on Chewy and 3356 customers highly recommend it, which says a lot about the effectiveness of the product. It also has an 86% 5-star rating. 

What many reviewers like about this wet food from Royal Canin is that it has helped their dogs with delicate digestive systems cope.

They found that through the food their pets experienced renewed energy, increased appetite, healthy weight, decreased incidences of upset stomachs, and were not throwing up or suffering from diarrhea anymore. 

It’s not just excellent for IBD sufferers, but also for canines who have pancreatitis, allergies, and other intestinal or sensitivity issues.

Although we would like to see better quality ingredients, in this instance, function is best. And based on the sheer numbers of those who found this dog food recipe helpful, we agree that it should hold the top place. 

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2. Ollie Fresh Lamb with cranberries

Ollie offers fresh food that’s safe enough for humans to eat, but especially designed to give canines complete nutrition.

The foods are minimally processed and gently cooked to preserve the essential nutrients they contain. There are no artificial flavors that may cause an upset tummy. There are also zero soy, wheat, and corn, which are common allergens in pups.

This Ollie lamb recipe, like all of Ollie’s food offerings, is customized to your furry friend so that he gets the precise nutrients that he needs, unlike pre-packed dog food that is usually a one-size-fits-all. The brand perfectly proportions each serving to take away all the guesswork on your part. 

According to Trustpilot, Ollie’s recipes have a 4.7 rating out of 5 from 5656 reviewers. Most of the pet parents are happy with the foods’ complete and balanced nutrition.

Several dogs who used to have tummy problems with their previous dog food suffered none when given Ollie. 

We are always happy with fresh food because that means there are fewer preservatives present (if there are any) and all ingredients are recognizable.

From what we’ve seen of the ingredients in this recipe, we can say that all of it is real nutrition from premium ingredients. And that’s a plus in any dog lover’s book.  

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3. Wellness CORE 95% Turkey & Spinach

This Turkey and Spinach is a natural and grain free wet food that is made of 95% premium turkey. The rest of the ingredients are made up of spinach, flaxseed, essential vitamins, and chelated minerals. 

If your pup is highly sensitive to many ingredients, this wet food recipe takes most of the worry out of feeding your pup. There are no fillers, no common food sensitivity triggers, and everything in the list of ingredients are recognizable.

So far, there are only 63 reviews on Chewy, but the majority of reviewers rated it 5 stars. They also recommend the Wellness CORE recipe to other dog owners.

One common factor among the reviews is this product's high quality. One buyer rated it as excellent because the food helped her dog, who had a sensitive stomach and recent gastric surgery, cope and thrive.

As for us, we decided to check both the reviews and the list of ingredients carefully. Just by looking at the list, we’ve know that this is a premium type of wet food.

And based on customer reviews, we’re glad to know that it is also extremely functional. 

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4. ACANA Freshwater Fish Recipe

Acana Freshwater Fish Recipe is a wag-worthy grain free dry dog food that is made with 60% fish ingredients that include catfish, rainbow trout, perch, whitefish, and mackerel.

The remaining 40% of the ingredients are made up of fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. There are zero artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Though there are minerals, vitamins, and prebiotics added.

If your pup doesn’t take to poultry or other meats, this protein packed dry dog food diet made up of fish might do the trick. And since it doesn’t contain fillers or artificial stuff, there’s less chance that your pup’s irritable stomach might be triggered.

331 reviewers gave this grain free recipe an average of 4.5 out 5 rating. According to many, the food doesn't trigger their dogs’ food and tummy sensitivities.

There has been no more tummy issues, stools are firmer, and the pups’ skins have become itch-free when put on this dry dog food diet. 

We do like it whenever we find a recipe that doesn’t skimp on the ingredients. This is one of those. The first three ingredients are different kinds of fish and there are more further down the list.

The carbohydrate sources are whole vegetables that are either fresh or raw. The only downside is that it’s high in fat, which may not be ideal for some dogs with IBD.

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5. Solid Gold Buck Wild Recipe

Solid Gold Buck Wild is a gluten and grain free recipe that supports a dog’s healthy metabolism with its protein-rich formulation and unique blends of functional superfoods, rich omegas, and living probiotics. It’s a holistic dry dog food that will give your furry sidekick a healthy immune system and gut. 

The dry dog food takes its fat from two different quality sources: chicken fat and salmon oil. The combination of the two brings pups enough omega fatty acids to control inflammation, provide joint health,  improve their mobility, and encourage healthy coat and skin. Meanwhile, because it’s grain free, the sweet potato provides energy through its supply of carbohydrates. 

This recipe has a score of 4.5 stars out of 5, and 80% of customers give it a highly recommended rating.

The grain free food is low fat which helps some pups maintain their stomach acids and decrease incidences of stomach upsets. One customer whose dog has IBD symptoms say that the dry dog food recipe helps keep her dog completely free from irritable bowels.

We’re pretty happy with the formulation of this diet. There are no cheap fillers or meat byproducts. Aside from the venison, this grain free diet also features turkey meal for further protein content.

And, of course, there are lots of good reviews from actual buyers, which is why we included it in our list.

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6. Natural Balance Health Protection Real Salmon, Brown Rice & Pumpkin

This kibble is a wholesome, balanced formula crafted to support your dog's overall well-being.

It’s crafted with ingredients such as inulin (from chicory root) to promote healthy digestion, prebiotics to keep intestinal health, and zinc and vitamins for maintaining the health of a dog’s immune system. It uses high-quality meat (chicken) for protein and whole grains as healthy carb sources.

Made with real salmon as the first ingredient, it provides high-quality protein to help maintain strong muscles. The blend of brown rice and pumpkin offers fiber for healthy digestion, while essential vitamins and minerals support immune function and skin health.

Free from artificial colors or flavors, this nutrient-rich recipe is perfect for adult dogs looking for a tasty, nutritious meal that supports their active lifestyle.

We’re all for functional recipes. This dry dog food formulation uses quality and healthy ingredients to address 6 key health benefits: promoting digestive health, enhancing skin and coat condition, supporting heart health, strengthening bones and teeth, boosting immune function and maintaining healthy hips and joints.

Since it contains brown rice, it’s not ideal for dogs with grain allergies, but for everyone else, rice and other grains can be better sources of energy than legumes. It’s got our vote and it’s got the votes of many other buyers too.

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7. Blackwood Catfish Meal with Ancient Grains Recipe 

This kibble is specially crafted for dogs with delicate digestive systems and sensitive skin. Made with protein-rich catfish meal as the first ingredient, it offers an easily digestible source of nourishment.

The blend of ancient grains like barley and oatmeal provides fiber to support healthy digestion, while omega fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.

This limited-ingredient recipe is free from corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring a nutritious and wholesome meal that caters to your dog’s specific dietary needs. Perfect for maintaining overall well-being and vitality.

Based on 28 reviews, this organic dog food has garnered a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Purchasers noted that the food agrees with their pups’ sensitive stomachs. Since being on the diet, the dogs’ energy has been boosted and no more allergies. 

You can appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into the selection of each ingredient in this organic recipe. We like that there’s no artificial stuff, fillers, meat meals, meat byproducts, or cheap ingredients in the diet. Rather, it’s made with all the good stuff you want for your dog. 

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8. Canidae Pure Senior Limited Ingredient Diet

As dogs get older, their nutritional needs change. This is true for all breeds, and the Pure senior dog food from Canidae provides your dogs with what they need to thrive as they get older.

This grain free diet is specifically formulated to help with gentle digestion in mature dogs so that they thrive and do well in their twilight years.

Made with just nine real food ingredients, this recipe keeps things simple and wholesome, ensuring that your aging companion gets high-quality nutrition without unnecessary fillers.

Protein-rich chicken is the first ingredient, providing essential amino acids to help maintain muscle mass and overall strength. Complementing the chicken are nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and garbanzo beans, offering a natural source of fiber and energy to support digestion and sustained activity.

A blend of different probiotics helps aid in digestion while boosting the immune system, and there are also tons of vitamins and minerals designed to provide your older pup with everything they need to thrive, including glucosamine and chondroitin.

Each batch is carefully prepared at Canidae’s Texas facility and fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend—a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids—helping to promote healthy digestion, immune function, and a shiny coat.

With wholesome veggies in the mix, every bite is packed with natural goodness, ensuring that your senior dog enjoys a balanced, flavorful, and nourishing meal.

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9. Nutro Puppy Tender Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pea Recipe

Nutro Ultra has been around long enough to know what makes a high-quality premium dog food. They do not skimp on the protein sources, and their gravy mix is full of flavor that all puppies will eagerly enjoy.

Crafted in the USA with high-quality ingredients carefully sourced from a network of trusted farmers, this recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for puppies up to one year of age.

Each bite is made with real chicken as the main ingredient, ensuring a protein-rich meal that supports muscle development and overall growth. The addition of sweet potatoes and peas adds natural fiber and essential nutrients to promote healthy digestion and sustained energy.

Formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy and made with non-GMO ingredients, this grain-free recipe is ideal for pet parents seeking a wholesome, clean diet for their pup.

The convenient, easy-to-serve trays make mealtime simple and mess-free, whether at home or on the go. With a savory gravy that enhances flavor and moisture, this Tender Bites not only nourish but also satisfy even the pickiest eaters, helping puppies thrive during their crucial first year.

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10. Weruva Awesome Belly Variety Pack

These tasty meals are specially designed to provide gentle, nourishing meals for pups with sensitive stomachs.

Crafted to help conquer upset tummies and support digestive health, this all-natural recipe ensures a happier, healthier pup with every bite.

Each can is packed with high-quality shredded chicken, delivering a protein-rich, easily digestible meal that’s free from gluten, carrageenan, wheat, corn, soy, and meat by-products.

Fortified with tummy-friendly ingredients like pumpkin and inulin, this recipe helps soothe sensitive stomachs while promoting optimal digestion.

Superfoods are also included to provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall well-being and immune health.

With a mouthwatering texture and delicious flavor, this wet food makes mealtime both enjoyable and beneficial, offering a wholesome diet that keeps dogs feeling their best from the inside out.

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Signs That Your Dog May Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There are a number of signs that dogs with IBD have. If you see the following in your dog, you need to seek out veterinary advice immediately. It may or may not be IBD, but early intervention is the key to help your dog live a normal life.

1. Chronic vomiting – Dogs with IBD have sensitive stomachs. Once a dog’s tummy is inflamed, it can show through chronic vomiting. Check closely which foods or treats tend to trigger his upset stomach.

2. Chronic diarrhea – Dogs with IBD suffer from inflammation, which can be contained in the large or small intestine. If it is located in the intestines, it usually shows up as diarrhea. The occasional loose stool and mucus are normal, but if there’s blood in the poop, bring him to your vet immediately.

3. Weight loss – Many dogs with IBD experience a decreased appetite for food, which can lead to weight loss in the long run.

They may not be eating much because they feel poorly afterward. However, in some dogs, it’s the exact opposite. They may have a voracious appetite to make up for their inability to digest and absorb the food they eat.

Ways You Can Manage IBD Symptoms In Your Dog

There is no cure for IBD, although complete recovery is possible. For most dogs, it’s a lifelong condition but the IBD symptoms can be managed in a variety of ways.  

1. Your Dog’s Diet – Depending on the results your pup gets from his medical tests, special dog food diets can be a lot of help.

Normally you’d be required to feed your dog hypoallergenic food, a high fiber diet, or a low residue one. It may take eight to twelve weeks for real health benefits to be seen so patience is required.

Some diets are not specifically geared towards IBD, but the way the food is formulated can be extremely helpful for dogs suffering from the disease.

Look for dog food that contains natural ingredients, is nutritionally balanced, and contains ingredients that aid digestion. 

2. Medication – In some cases, the veterinarian will prescribe drugs for your dog. Antibiotics, probiotic supplements, or anti inflammatory medications may be prescribed.

3. Deworming – Sometimes deworming is recommended for parasites in the digestive tract.

4. B12 Supplementation – Most dogs with bowel inflammatory disease are unable to absorb vitamin B12 into their bodies so an injection may be needed. 

Choosing The Best Dog Foods For IBD Sufferers

Dogs suffering from IBD have sensitive stomachs and can be quite picky. But the process of finding the best dog food for your pet requires trial and a lot of patience.

Each dog is different and may have a completely different response to one dog food compared to another. However, these are the diet characteristics that many veterinarians recommend when selecting what to feed your pet.

1. Minimal or no additives

It’s difficult to know which ingredient in a dog food your pooch is reacting to, but you can make it easier by selecting a dog food recipe with few ingredients and additives. Those additives can trigger an allergic reaction in your pet that you want to avoid. 

The best food for your pup is one that contains natural ingredients. Consider too his food sensitivities. Dog foods with fewer ingredients are the easiest to keep track of, particularly if your furry buddy has many sensitivities you need to watch out for. 

2. Highly digestible food

For many dogs with sensitive stomachs, fiber and fat are the hardest to digest, especially when their gastrointestinal tracts are inflamed.

Some dog foods address this problem by providing low fat and fiber recipes. Wet dog foods can also help because high-moisture foods are easier to digest than dry kibble.

While you can go immediately for grain free foods, many dogs do well on grain-inclusive diets. It may be that your dog shows more IBD symptoms when he’s fed food with wheat, but will thrive when given a diet with simple white rice.

3. Novel proteins

Novel proteins are those proteins that your canine has not been exposed to yet so his immune system does not react to it.

Based on research, the usual culprits in reactions are beef, chicken, and dairy. If your dog is okay with these animal proteins, continue giving them to him. However, if he reacts to them, a recipe with novel proteins is recommended.

More and more dog food brands are now offering pups different animal protein sources. Duck, venison, buffalo, and the like may just be what your dog needs if he can’t take the usual protein choices. 

4. Nutritionally Balanced Meals

Some dogs need lower residue meals so that their digestive system won’t get irritated by working overtime.

In cases like this, it’s even more important that you choose a dog food with balanced nutrition formulated to make up for the less fat or fiber present in the food. Your dog should still get enough energy for his daily activities.

Transitioning to New Food

There’s a right and wrong way to switch to new food so that you don’t upset your pup‘s fragile stomach. Do it gradually over the course of a week.

For the first day, put in 25% of the new dog food and 75% of the old. On day three, the new dog food should make up half of the meal. On day 5, only a fourth of the meal should be made of old food. By the 7th, fully transition him to the new diet.

Final Thoughts on IBD

The prognosis is good for canines who are diagnosed with IBD. Once the veterinarian determines the right diet or medication, most dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may be on it for life but many will be able to live normally. Some are even able to get off the drugs completely. For many, IBD has no effect on a dog’s life span.

Careful nurturing and a good diet are the keys to successfully managing the disease. Just keep feeding your pup with a nutritionally balanced diet that promotes healthy digestion, and he should be fine.