Ask the Vet: Is Grain Free Food Helpful for an Overweight Bulldog?
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Question:
I have an 8 year old extremely over weight bulldog. She also suffers from acid reflex. I am looking into changing her food. Would it be helpful for her digestion to try grain free and gluten free food?
Answer:
Undoubtedly, a grain-free, gluten-free dog food would help her digestion.
Acid reflux in dogs is usually congenital, caused by a condition known as hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus, a natural opening through the diaphragm. Younger pets are at greater risk of developing this condition because their esophageal sphincters are still developing. Your older dog may have an undiagnosed hiatal hernia and that should be checked out by your vet.
Many holistic veterinarians recommend starting dogs with acid reflux on a low-residue, balanced, home-prepared diet consisting of cooked bland veggies and meats to avoid any underlying food sensitivities. Eliminating allergenic ingredients like gluten, rice, soy, and all genetically modified (GM) foods also seems to help. Additionally, getting rid of all preservatives, colorings, additives, and emulsifiers used in commercial dog foods is recommended.
I would suggest looking at the grain free food here: Barkin Brownie, Pawcakes, Mutter Butter Bar.
The link I gave you shows you all the natural ingredients and tells you how to transition your dog safely from her old dog food to the new food. I hope this helps.
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Rocky Kanaka
Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in
dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!
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Lorna Ladd
Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with
dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.
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