Can Dog Treats Cause Diarrhea?

Dog treats are a wonderful way to reward your furry friend, but they can also cause unexpected digestive issues, including diarrhea. Understanding the link between treats and digestive health is essential to keeping your pet comfortable.

In this article, we’ll explore how dog treats can cause diarrhea, review some helpful products from Under the Weather, and offer guidance on maintaining your dog’s digestive health.

Can Dog Treats Cause Diarrhea? Get Some Help

Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for Dogs

The Chicken & Rice Bland Diet from Under the Weather is designed to soothe your dog’s digestive system, particularly when they are experiencing diarrhea. This freeze-dried blend of easily digestible chicken and rice helps calm the stomach and promotes hydration, which is critical when diarrhea leads to fluid loss. It’s made from cage-free chicken and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a simple and safe option for dogs with digestive upset​.

Hamburger, Rice, & Sweet Potato Bland Diet

For dogs needing a heartier option, the Hamburger, Rice, & Sweet Potato Bland Diet offers a blend of lean hamburger meat and sweet potato, which adds extra fiber to help firm up stools. The combination of these ingredients provides essential nutrients while being gentle on your dog's digestive system. This diet is ideal for longer-term digestive issues or more severe diarrhea.

Ready Cal High-Calorie Supplement

When your dog is dealing with reduced appetite due to diarrhea, the Ready Cal High-Calorie Supplement can provide essential calories in an easy-to-administer gel. This supplement contains fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to ensure your dog maintains their weight and energy levels even when they aren’t eating as much as usual. It’s a highly beneficial product for pets recovering from digestive issues.

How Can Dog Treats Cause Diarrhea?

Dog treats can cause diarrhea due to several factors, but it’s crucial to explore these in-depth. For instance, sudden changes in diet or the inclusion of rich, fatty treats can trigger an episode of dog diarrhea, especially in breeds predisposed to gastrointestinal issues like Labradors and Bulldogs. High-fat treats, such as those made with excessive amounts of bacon or beef, are harder to digest and can lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in dogs with a history of pancreatitis​.

Artificial preservatives are another key factor. Many lower-quality treats include chemicals like BHT or ethoxyquin, which can upset the stomach and lead to diarrhea​. By opting for treats free from preservatives, pet owners can avoid these common irritants. This focus on all-natural ingredients and single-ingredient treats, such as freeze-dried chicken, helps ensure that sensitive dogs avoid digestive distress.

Dogs with food allergies or intolerances are particularly susceptible to diarrhea when exposed to common allergens like beef, wheat, or soy. By carefully monitoring your dog’s response to new treats, you can determine whether specific ingredients might be causing their diarrhea. For dogs prone to food sensitivities, hypoallergenic treats that contain limited ingredients can be an excellent choice to avoid gastrointestinal upsets.

Signs That Treats Are Causing Diarrhea

If your dog experiences diarrhea after eating treats, keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as:

• Frequent bowel movements with watery stools
• Straining or urgency during defecation
• Lethargy or loss of appetite
• Excessive gas or abdominal discomfort

These signs indicate that the treats may be too rich for your dog's digestive system or contain ingredients that are causing irritation​.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown: What to Avoid in Dog Treats

It’s essential to know what ingredients to avoid when selecting treats for dogs prone to diarrhea. High-fat content, artificial preservatives, and allergens such as gluten and dairy are common culprits. A breakdown of how these ingredients affect your dog’s digestive system adds depth to the discussion.

• High-fat treats: These are particularly problematic for dogs prone to pancreatitis, as the pancreas struggles to process excessive amounts of fat. Over time, high-fat diets can cause inflammation, leading to dog diarrhea.
  
  
• Artificial ingredients: Chemicals like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are often found in cheaper treats and can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Opting for natural, preservative-free products can help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy.
  
  
• Common allergens: Beef, soy, wheat, and dairy are frequent allergens that can trigger diarrhea. Dogs with sensitive stomachs should avoid treats containing these ingredients to prevent diarrhea from developing​
  
  

Tips for Choosing Dog Treats That Won’t Cause Diarrhea

To avoid dog treats causing diarrhea, here are some tips:

• Select single-ingredient treats: Choose treats made from a single high-quality ingredient, such as freeze-dried meat, which is less likely to cause digestive upset.
  
  
• Avoid artificial ingredients: Steer clear of treats with preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors, as these additives can irritate your dog’s stomach.
  
  
• Introduce treats slowly: When giving your dog new treats, introduce them gradually to ensure they can tolerate the ingredients without digestive upset.
  
  
• Stick to low-fat options: Low-fat treats are easier to digest and less likely to trigger gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea After Treats

If your dog develops diarrhea after eating treats, start by withholding treats and offering a bland diet, such as the Chicken & Rice Bland Diet or Hamburger, Rice & Sweet Potato Diet. These options will help soothe their digestive system and allow it to recover. You can also incorporate probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria.

Probiotics

Incorporating probiotics into your dog’s diet can significantly reduce the likelihood of digestive issues. Probiotics, such as those found in Under the Weather’s Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement, help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which plays a critical role in digestion and immune function. When a dog experiences diarrhea, particularly after consuming treats, the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut may be disrupted.

Supplementing with probiotics can aid in restoring this balance, especially in dogs with recurring digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or chronic food sensitivities. A section on the benefits of daily probiotic use, including their ability to reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes caused by dietary indiscretions, can provide valuable insight to pet owners looking for long-term solutions​.

Managing Stress

Stress and anxiety can significantly impact a dog’s digestive health. Situations like traveling, loud noises, or changes in routine can exacerbate stress-induced dog diarrhea​. Stress affects the digestive system by altering gut motility and increasing the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea.

Calming treats that contain natural anxiety-relieving ingredients like chamomile or hemp can help manage stress-related digestive problems. When stress is minimized, dogs are less likely to experience diarrhea from emotional distress. Under the Weather offers calming products that are gentle on the digestive system, which can be a helpful addition to your pet’s routine during stressful situations.

Dealing with Sensitive Stomachs

For dogs prone to diarrhea, selecting the right treats is crucial. Look for single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats, as these are less likely to include fillers or allergens that might trigger digestive upset​. Freeze-dried chicken or turkey treats provide a lean protein source that’s easy to digest, minimizing the risk of dog diarrhea. Other options include treats made from sweet potatoes or pumpkin, which are gentle on the stomach and provide natural fiber that can firm up stools​.

Managing Hydration

During episodes of dog diarrhea, maintaining proper hydration is critical. Diarrhea leads to the loss of water and electrolytes, which can quickly dehydrate your dog, especially if the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours​. Under The Weather’s products, like the Ready Cal High-Calorie Supplement, not only provide essential calories during times of low appetite but also help with hydration, thanks to the added electrolytes​.

When a dog experiences diarrhea, the rapid loss of fluids can lead to dehydration, which can become serious if not addressed. Knowing how to monitor for dehydration is essential to ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable during bouts of diarrhea caused by dog treats or other factors.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Here are some critical signs to watch for when your dog is dealing with diarrhea:

• Dry Gums: A healthy dog’s gums should be moist. To check for dehydration, gently press your finger against your dog’s gums. If the gum remains white for a few seconds after releasing, this may indicate dehydration.
  
  
• Skin Elasticity Test: Gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin should snap back into place quickly. If the skin remains tented or takes time to return to its normal position, it may signal dehydration.
  
  
• Lethargy: Dogs who are dehydrated tend to become lethargic. They might sleep more than usual or seem generally weak and uninterested in normal activities.
  
  
• Excessive Panting: Dehydration can cause dogs to pant more than usual. If your dog is panting excessively, even in a cool environment, dehydration might be the cause.
  
  
• Sunken Eyes: This is a more severe sign of dehydration. If your dog’s eyes appear dull or sunken, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately​

Final Thoughts

While dog treats are a great way to reward your pet, they can sometimes lead to diarrhea. By choosing high-quality, easily digestible treats and monitoring your dog’s response, you can prevent digestive upset. Products like Under the Weather’s bland diets and Ready Cal High-Calorie Supplement offer excellent solutions when diarrhea strikes, helping your dog recover and regain their strength. Always consult your vet if your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.