What food and medicine can help my dog with IBD live a normal life?

Most cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require hypoallergenic diets composed of hydrolyzed proteins (proteins broken down to the point where they will not stimulate the immune system). These diets are prescription based and include Royal Canin Ultimano, Royal Canin HP, Science Diet Z/D and Purina HA. In some cases of IBD, a dog can tolerate a novel protein diet (one protein source and one carbohydrate source) after a period of time on a hypoallergenic diet. Some novel protein diets are prescription based (such as Science Diet D/D), but others are available over the counter (such as Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet). Most cases of IBD also require some form of corticosteroids for management in addition to the diet change. Before making any changes in Peaches' diet, be sure to consult her vet to make sure this is appropriate for her case. I hope this helps!

Hello, and thank you for your question. Dogs with IBD should definitely be on a hypoallergenic diet of some sort. The good news is that there are a wide variety of hypoallergenic diet options. Hill's i/d is actually NOT a hypoallergenic diet. It is a bland diet designed for sensitive stomachs, but not for food allergies. There are two main categories of hypoallergenic diets: 1) Novel protein diets, which consist of protein sources that most dogs have never been exposed to before. This includes venison, duck, kangaroo, rabbit, etc. You would choose the novel protein that you are sure Toby has never eaten before, including through treats or table scraps. 2) Hydrolyzed protein diets most often consist of hydrolyzed soy protein, where the molecule is broken down in such a way that the body does not recognize it as an allergen. These are a good option as well, but it is not guaranteed to work in all dogs. Both types of diets come in wet and dry options (e.g. Hill's z/d comes in wet and dry). I would talk to your vet about trying a brand with a wet option. Once he is weaned onto the new diet, he should be kept on it for a minimum of 8 weeks with no other treats or table scraps. I hope this helps, and that Toby gets better soon!

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Kyro. Dogs are able to break down/digest bones. If Kyro did not demonstrate any vomiting/diarrhea and was eating well after this event it is unlikely that the bone was causing a problem. IBD is caused by excessive inflammation in the GI tract to certain particles in food. Most commonly it is the protein source in the diet that causes this inflammation. There are two different diet forms that are used for dogs with IBD. One is called a hypoallergenic diet. This means that the diet is specially made to take away any of the particles that could be leading to the inflammation in the GIT. Some diet options that fall under this category are Hill's Z/D or Purina HA. The second type of diet is called a novel protein diet meaning that the diet is made using a protein source that most animals haven't been exposed too. Diet options that fall under this category are Royain Canin Duck, Venison, or Rabbit formulas. All of the diets mentioned above are prescription diets, meaning that you will have to either purchase them from a veterinary clinic or you will need veterinarian approval to buy them elsewhere. Hope this helps, good luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Cosita! There are several diets available that do not require a prescription. Most of these are labeled “light” or “lite”. I recommend Hill’s Science Diet I/D food. You can also consider giving dog-friendly probiotics. If Cosita does not eat, you can offer her some plain boiled chicken and white rice (no bones, skin, or spices) which should be gentle enough on her intestinal tract and low in fat. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While you could do this longterm, it would have to be supplemented with a more balanced diet. For example, you could consider switching Izzy to a diet of chicken and white rice combined with a dry diet such as Hill's zd which would be good for inflammatory bowel disease. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not so much about the amount of protein per se but more so the right protein. It is a matter of using a new protein and carbohydrate that he may tolerate better. For example, if he is on chicken and rice, switch him to lamb and potato for instance. Another option is a hydrolized protein diet and finally something like Royal canin low fat GI. That is actually what my dog is on who also has severe food allergies and he does great. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is adorable! I think that a course of prednisone could potentially be added to better control the IBD so it has an all day effect. Another thing that can be tried if your veterinarian (who knows all his medical history) thinks is a good idea is changing him to another IBD type diet such as Royal canin ultamino. This diet has proven to be very effective for both IBD and skin allergies. Good luck and have a great day!