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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 10/15/2025
When it comes to your dog’s comfort and quality of life, gut health plays a much bigger role than most people think. If you’ve ever experienced stomach issues yourself, you’ll know how tiring and frustrating it can be.
Dogs can experience the same discomfort, and one of the more serious digestive conditions that pup parents should be aware of is IBD in dogs (inflammatory bowel disease). This chronic condition affects the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and often causes diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
If left unmanaged, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs can take a real toll on both their energy levels and overall well-being, which is why early recognition and proper management are so important.
In this blog, we're here to offer you helpful information to ensure your four-legged friend enjoys the best possible quality of life. We’ll explore inflammatory bowel disease, talking about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and some nutritional tips to keep your dog happy and healthy.
IBD in dogs is a chronic condition where the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes increasingly irritated and inflamed. Unlike occasional upset stomachs, this is a persistent problem where the immune system overreacts, causing the intestines to become thickened [1]. This makes it harder for food to pass through smoothly as it normally should.
It’s important to note that IBD is different from canine colitis and other bowel diseases in dogs.
Colitis is typically characterized by inflammation limited to the colon, often resulting in diarrhea and a frequent need to urinate [2].
IBD can affect any part of the GI tract, from the stomach to the small or large intestine. Other bowel diseases, such as infections or food intolerances, can cause similar symptoms. However, they are often temporary and are resolved once the trigger is addressed [2].
As we mentioned, inflammatory bowel disease is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management.
Because the intestines are primarily responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, IBD can seriously impact your dog’s ability to get what they need from their meals [1].
Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease often lose weight, struggle with poor coat quality, or seem lethargic because their bodies aren’t absorbing enough nutrients. Over time, this inflammation can also affect their immunity and overall well-being [1].
When it comes to finding the exact cause of IBD in dogs, things can be a bit tricky. In many cases, veterinarians aren’t able to pinpoint a single reason why it develops. Instead, IBD is considered a syndrome—basically, a set of symptoms which can be triggered by chronic irritation in the gut rather than one clear disease [2].
Some dogs may develop IBD due to an overreaction to specific proteins in their diet, while others may have lingering bacterial or parasitic infections that set off the immune system [1]. In all cases, the body sends immune cells to the digestive tract, which thickens the intestinal lining and makes it harder for nutrients to be absorbed.
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✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Recognizing the signs of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs early can make a huge difference in your pup’s comfort and overall health. Common symptoms often develop gradually, but often worsen over time [3]:
Vomiting
Diarrhea (sometimes chronic or alternates with normal stool)
Poor appetite or picky eating
Weight loss
Excess gas
Melena (black, tarry stools)
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to malnutrition, abdominal swelling, and even serious complications like blood clots.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
If you’ve decided to visit the vet, you can expect the diagnostic process to begin with a physical exam. Depending on their findings, your vet will likely also order laboratory testing, which includes blood work, urinalysis, and occasionally X-rays or ultrasounds [3].
These tests can help rule out other causes of bowel problems, but the gold standard for diagnosing IBD is a biopsy of the intestinal tract. This can be done through colonoscopy or exploratory surgery, depending on which part of the GI tract is suspected to be affected [3].
It’s important to know that IBD may sometimes be misdiagnosed as other bowel diseases in dogs, like parasitic infections or dietary intolerances, since symptoms can overlap. This makes working closely with your vet essential to pinpoint the proper treatment to keep your dog healthy [2].
Since other health issues often cause IBD, the ideal way to treat IBD is to diagnose the underlying disease that is causing the reaction.
You should know that managing IBD in dogs isn’t usually about finding one quick fix; it’s more of a multi-step process that combines medication, diet, and sometimes supplements to help calm inflammation and keep your pup comfortable [1].
Here are some approaches your vet may recommend:
Depending on how severe your dog’s IBD is, your vet might prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole to reduce inflammation and support healthy gut bacteria. In other cases, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressing medications are necessary to control flare-ups.
Food plays a big part in IBD management. Your vet may recommend an easy-to-digest GI diet, a low-fat formula, or a novel protein diet (something your dog’s system hasn’t reacted to before).
Sometimes, a strict elimination diet with just one protein and one carbohydrate source is necessary to pinpoint sensitivities, but it must be done carefully and under veterinary guidance [1].
Adding the right probiotics can help restore balance to your dog’s gut bacteria, which may help in reducing inflammation and improving digestion [1].
Having regular check-ins with your vet is really important. They’ll keep an eye on how your dog is doing, make any necessary adjustments to medications, and make sure your furry family member is getting all the nutrients they need [1].
The good news? With the right plan in place, many dogs with IBD go on to live happy, active lives. It may take some trial and error to find what works best, but most pups can enjoy a great quality of life once their condition is under control.
When it comes to what to feed a dog with IBD, there isn’t a single “one-size-fits-all” diet. Each pup is different, so it often takes some trial and error to determine which foods keep their gut calm and which ones exacerbate symptoms [4].
Best diet types include:
Limited-ingredient diets (LID): These keep things simple by eliminating extra fillers, additives, and common allergens. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of triggering your dog’s immune system [4].
Hypoallergenic or novel protein diets: Proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy are common triggers for dogs with IBD. Switching to a new protein source, such as venison, rabbit, or duck, may help reduce your dog’s immune flare-ups [5].
Hydrolyzed protein diets: These are another option, since the proteins are already broken down into smaller pieces that are less likely to trigger inflammation [5].
Highly digestible diets: Because inflamed guts struggle with absorption, foods that are easy to break down, like canned diets with higher moisture, are often better tolerated [4].
There are also a few things that it may be better to avoid for your dog. These include fatty foods, highly processed treats, and products with long lists of additives—all can worsen symptoms. Even if your dog begs, it's generally best to avoid giving table scraps.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Consider something like camelina oil or various fish oils to get these essential fatty acids. You can also think about probiotics since they support a healthier gut microbiome [4].
Remember that supplements should always be added under your veterinarian’s guidance.
The key is patience. Finding the right food may take weeks, but once you achieve the right balance, many dogs with IBD experience significant improvements in energy, stool quality, and overall comfort.
One of the biggest questions pet parents have is: how long can a dog live with IBD? The good news is that, with the right treatment plan—a combination of medication, dietary changes, and supplements—most dogs with IBD can live a normal lifespan [4].
IBD in dogs doesn’t have to be a life-limiting condition. In fact, many pups go on to enjoy years of comfort once their symptoms are managed.
While inflammatory bowel disease in dogs can feel overwhelming at first, the critical thing to remember is that it’s a manageable condition. With the right combination of veterinary care, medication, dietary adjustments, and ongoing monitoring, most dogs go on to lead whole, active lives.
Catching IBD in dogs early makes a big difference. The sooner you work with your vet, the easier it is to find the right treatment plan to prevent further complications down the road. If your pup shows signs of IBD, consult with your veterinarian to explore treatment options and nutrition plans that are effective. Taking action early not only helps relieve discomfort but also sets your fur baby up for a healthier, happier future.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso.
