Dogs love to eat. And what goes in at the top or the front has to come out at the bottom or the back at some point.
But how long does a dog digest actually? Are there guidelines here? And does the food play a role?
Find out the interesting answers in the guide below!
In a nutshell: How long does a dog digest?
A dog usually digests between 24 and 36 hours. If the dog defecates more or less frequently than during this time, this can indicate digestive problems.
What feeding times are best for digestion?
A prankster who thinks that optimal “feeding times” or mealtimes should only be good for human digestion.
In fact, there are also times for our dogs that are said to be particularly beneficial for good digestion.
However, this also depends on how many meals your dog gets to eat per day.
If he only gets a main meal and otherwise smaller snacks, the main food should be fed in the evening.
However, some experts disagree here. Then the later the feeding, the more restless the sleep. The reason: If digestion takes place at night, the dog’s body cannot switch off properly.
That in turn should risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis increase. As with many other things, the same applies here: Discuss the optimal feeding time and the feeding amounts with your veterinarian.
Good to know:
Another crucial factor is walking the dog. A feeding before this can both advantages and disadvantages have.
The advantage: The dog is fed up. This reduces the risk of him eating potentially harmful things along the way.
The disadvantage: If he is very active, this can lead to a torsion of the stomach. And this is just as dangerous as an accidentally swallowed poison bait.
How can I promote digestion in my dog?
A good and healthy digestion stands or falls with the right food. This can be both dry food and wet food.
The important thing is that it all important nutrients and minerals as well as trace elements contains. It is just as important that it is adapted to the physical needs of your dog.
Last but not least, make sure that it contains enough fiber and has a very high meat content.
Dry food in particular contains a lot of dietary fiber in many cases. Another advantage: the food has to be chewed properly. And proper chewing is half the battle so that digestion can function optimally.
What has no place in dog food: artificial flavors and additives as well as grain or lactose.
All of these things have an extremely counterproductive effect on the dog’s digestion.
Good to know:
Please discuss the right food with your veterinarian. Because the optimal composition depends, among other things, on the age, the breed and the general health of the dog.
If you do not know which nutrients, trace elements and minerals (such as currants or pomegranate) your dog needs, you are making the digestive problems – if any – even worse. Or you provoke them.
How do I recognize digestive problems?
If you have ever had digestive problems yourself, you know the most common symptoms.
These also occur in dogs. And, in many cases, end a messed up digestion with one olfactory bang at.
Correct – gas are a sure sign that the dog’s stomach is rebelling. So that you definitely notice this, the winds escape from your fur nose.
In addition, there are two other signs that your dog is in trouble with its gastrointestinal tract.
Either he has constipation – so nothing works – or he suffers from Diarrhea. Then things go a little too well.
Good to know:
Diarrhea is something to be taken seriously. This removes important nutrients and fluid from the dog’s body.
If the diarrhea does not subside within 12 hours, you should go to the vet as a precaution.
What can I do for my dog with digestive problems?
You don’t always have to take your dog to the vet immediately. In many cases you can too some home remedies helpto get your four-legged friend’s digestive problems under control again.
For example, if he is constipated, sauerkraut work real miracles. Or rather, these are said to him.
In the case of diarrhea, in turn, have among other things applesauce and oatmeal proven as part of a light diet.
These not only supply the body with liquid, but also with important nutrients.
Good to know:
puppies have a different eating rhythm, as adult dogs. They also need more meals.
The reason: they are still growing. And for healthy growth and a sufficiently filled energy balance, adequate feeding is very important.
Conclusion
It usually takes a dog between 24 and 36 hours to digest its food.
This also applies if he has «inhaled» a foreign body that does not automatically have to become a health risk.
In most cases, it comes back out naturally. So that Digestion always optimal is, play that too correct food and specific feeding times a role.
What about your dog’s digestion? We would be happy if you share your experiences and possible tips with us in the comments.