Food Maldigestion/Malabsorption in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for weight loss, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or dehydration. RED for bloody vomiting, tarry stools, collapse, or a severely bloated abdomen.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
When a dog cannot digest food, it means that their digestive system is unable to break down the food they eat into nutrients and absorb them. This can lead to various health problems, as the dog’s body does not receive the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Digestion in dogs begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. It then moves to the stomach, where stomach acids and enzymes further break down the food. The intestine then absorbs the nutrients, while the indigestible parts of the food are excreted. If a dog cannot digest food, it may mean that part of this process is disrupted.
One of the most common causes of digestive problems in dogs is an insufficient production of digestive enzymes, known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). With EPI, the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down food, leading to poor nutrient absorption.
Other causes can include gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food intolerances or allergies, and parasites like worms. Infections caused by bacteria or viruses, such as parvovirus or giardia, can also lead to digestive disorders.
Structural problems, such as narrowings or tumors in the digestive tract, can obstruct the passage of food. Stress, a sudden change in diet, or the ingestion of indigestible objects can also impair digestion.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Vomiting: Repeated vomiting can be an indicator that the dog is not digesting food properly. It occurs when stomach contents travel back into the esophagus and are expelled.
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Diarrhea: Frequent, liquid stools are another sign of digestive issues. It can indicate impaired absorption of water and nutrients in the intestine.
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Weight loss: A dog that does not absorb enough nutrients from its food will lose weight as the body draws on its reserves.
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Flatulence: Excessive gas production may indicate food maldigestion/malabsorption of carbohydrates or other food components.
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Loss of appetite: A dog with digestive problems may lose its appetite because it feels uncomfortable after eating.
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Changed eating behavior: The dog may eat more or less than usual or start eating grass or inedible objects.
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Lethargy: A lack of nutrients can lead to a lack of energy and lethargy.
When to visit the vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog suffers from vomiting or diarrhea over a long period, especially if blood is present in the vomit or stool. Sudden weight loss or persistent loss of appetite should also be taken seriously.
If other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or weakness occur in addition to the digestive problems, an immediate veterinary examination is necessary.
A visit to the vet is also advisable if home remedies or dietary adjustments do not bring any improvement or if the dog’s condition worsens.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for pet owners to recognize changes in their dog’s digestive behavior early on. Observations regarding vomiting, diarrhea, changes in weight, and appetite should be carefully noted to provide the veterinarian with a comprehensive medical history.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may order blood tests, stool samples, or imaging procedures such as X-ray or ultrasound to determine the cause of the digestive problems.
In some cases, an endoscopy may be necessary to look directly into the stomach and intestinal tract and take samples for a biopsy, especially if inflammatory bowel disease or tumors are suspected.
Based on the diagnostic results, the veterinarian will suggest an appropriate treatment that targets the specific cause of the digestive problems.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
At home, pet owners can take several steps to improve the dog’s condition. This includes initially switching the dog to a highly digestible diet consisting of boiled chicken and rice or special bland diets from specialist retailers.
It is important to keep the dog hydrated, especially if they are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. Fresh water should be available at all times, and in some cases, an electrolyte solution may be required to compensate for fluid loss (dehydration).
Pet owners should also ensure that the dog does not eat any indigestible or potentially harmful objects that could further impair digestion. This can be done by using chew toys or removing such objects from the dog’s environment.
If the veterinarian prescribes medication or supplements to support digestion, these should be given according to the instructions. Enzyme preparations can help with EPI, while probiotics can support the balance of the intestinal flora / gut microbiota.
The pet owner should schedule regular follow-up checks with the veterinarian to monitor progress and adjust the therapy if necessary. Close cooperation with the veterinarian is crucial to resolve the cause of the digestive problems and ensure the dog’s long-term health.