Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fiber diet helps dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea
By Fritsch, Dale A et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2022·Hill's Pet Nutrition, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A prospective multicenter study of the efficacy of a fiber-supplemented dietary intervention in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 31 dogs with chronic diarrhea were switched to a special therapeutic food containing plant fibers known for their health benefits. Within just one day, many dogs showed improvement, and by the end of the 56-day study, 68% had completely resolved their diarrhea, while the rest saw significant improvement. Owners also reported better stool consistency, less blood and mucus in the stool, and improvements in their dogs' overall quality of life. This fiber-supplemented diet was safe and well-tolerated, helping dogs feel better without any recurrence of symptoms.
People also search for: dog chronic diarrhea treatment · fiber diet for dogs with diarrhea · improving dog stool consistency
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic large bowel diarrhea is common in dogs and can have a significant impact on their overall health and well being. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a therapeutic food with select dietary plant fibers known to contain antioxidant and polyphenol compounds on clinical signs in dogs with chronic diarrhea. METHODS: A prospective clinical study was conducted in 31 adult dogs currently experiencing chronic diarrhea from private veterinary practices in the United States. Enrolled dogs were switched to a complete and balanced dry therapeutic food containing whole grains and polyphenol-containing fiber sources for 56 days. Veterinarians evaluated changes from baseline in overall clinical signs, recurrence of clinical signs, and stool parameters at Days 2, 3, 4, 28, and 56. Dog owners evaluated stool consistency daily and nausea/vomiting, quality of life (QoL), and stooling behaviors at Days 1, 14, 28, and 56. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-effects model with Day as a fixed-effect. RESULTS: Assessments of overall clinical response and stool parameters indicated that diarrhea improved significantly within 1 day of initiating the therapeutic food. Veterinarians reported that 68% of dogs had complete resolution of their clinical signs by Day 56 and the remaining 32% experienced improvement (P < 0.05), with no cases of recurrence. Veterinarians also reported improvement in stool consistency (P < 0.001) and reductions of blood and mucus in stool (P < 0.001). Significant improvements in nausea/vomiting, stooling behaviors, and quality of life (QoL) were reported by dog owners after 28 days and were sustained through day 56 (P < 0.05). The therapeutic food was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea, the therapeutic food rapidly improved stool consistency, resolved clinical signs, and improved stooling behaviors and QoL. Therapeutic foods supplemented with fiber sources rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds contribute to rapid resolution of chronic diarrhea without recurrence and may contribute to long term health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35751062/