Do you have a dog with a sensitive stomach and are struggling to find a hypoallergenic dog food that suits your canine chum’s delicate digestion?

Read on to find out how the Burgess Sensitive complete dog food range could help…

Some dogs can suffer from digestive problems, with certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, being more sensitive to certain foods than others. While ‘sensitive digestion’ is not a medically defined condition, it’s something that can affect some dogs to a greater or lesser extent.

Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes advises: “If you think that your dog may have a sensitive digestion, it’s important to ask your vet for advice, in case it’s something more serious that’s affecting them. It’s also well worth switching their food to a hypoallergenic dog food variety (which means it’s relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction) that has been specially developed for dogs with sensitivities.”

How to tell if your dog has a sensitive digestion

Adrienne Farricelli, a certified dog trainer, behaviour consultant, former veterinarian assistant and author of Brain Training for Dogs has consulted with experts to identify the most common signs to look out for that could indicate your dog has a sensitive digestion or upset stomach:

  • Drooling, gulping and lip smacking due to an increase in saliva, which can happen when a dog feels nauseous
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • Eating grass rather than food – some dogs will sometimes, but not always, eat some grass and then vomit
  • Licking surfaces such as carpets, floors, glass, windows, and sofas
  • Not being hungry when they usually would be – this could be nature’s way of deciding that the stomach needs some rest
  • Gurgling stomach sounds – these can indicate increased motility of the stomach and intestines, often due to indigestion
  • Excessive burping
  • Flatulence – the excessive formation of gases in the stomach or intestine, often caused by indigestion
  • Restlessness – some dogs may lie down and change positions frequently
  • Tensing up – some dogs may tighten their belly muscles when touched because it hurts or start shaking
  • Adopting the ‘prayer’ position – with front legs stretched out and their bottom in the air in attempt to relieve pressure or pain in their abdomen
  • Reluctance to move around, climb up stairs or jump on furniture – this may suggest your dog is suffering from abdominal discomfort
  • Changes in the way they interact with you – some dogs may become extra clingy, as if asking for help, while others may become distant and reclusive

 

What’s the best food for dogs with a sensitive stomach?

Burgess Sensitive is a complete dog food that’s hypoallergenic and made from simple, highly digestible proteins to keep your dog healthy on the inside and out. Our unique recipes are free from the usual ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach, making it ideal for those with a sensitive digestion. Free from artificial flavours and colours, and with no added preservatives, our Burgess Sensitive recipes feature:

Highly digestible protein (a choice of lamb, salmon or turkey) for good muscle formation and retention

Rice – a gentle carbohydrate which is a good source of energy

Beet pulp – an excellent source of dietary fibre for digestive health and good stool formation

Fish oil – a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids for a glossy coat and healthy skin

Lucerne – also known as alfalfa, which is a rich source of naturally occurring antioxidants

Taurine – an amino acid that supports a healthy heart

Burgess Sensitive is available in: Sensitive Adult Dog Lamb & Rice, Sensitive Adult Dog Salmon & Rice, Sensitive Adult Dog Turkey & Rice and Sensitive Puppy Turkey & Rice.

 

TOP TIPS FOR SWITCHING DIETS

Make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh, clean water available and, if you are feeding a dry food, you’ll find they’ll need a little more.

When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet.

For more information on Burgess Sensitive complete dog food head to www.burgesspetcare.com

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