Pops + Your Pup's MicrobiomeUpdated 5 months ago
Tummy Tales: Why Your Pup's Stomach May Throw a Fluffy Fit with New Treats
Imagine this: You've just spoiled your furry friend with a new treat, but suddenly, they're not feeling their usual perky selves. Just like us, some pups have sensitive stomachs, and introducing something new can throw their tummies for a loop. But why does this happen?
Picture their tummy as a delicate ecosystem, bustling with enzymes and tiny helpers known as the microbiome. When you introduce a new treat, it's like shaking up that world, and their system might not know how to react. Cue the tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhea. It's all about finding the right balance for your fur baby's sensitive system. Remember, sometimes good things take time. So if your pup shows signs of gastrointestinal upset, take it slow. And if there's consistent upset, it's best to hit pause on the new treat and chat with your vet. After all, your furry friend's health always comes first!
o AKC. “How to Switch Dog Foods: Transitioning Your Dog’s Diet.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 2 Mar. 2022, How to Switch Dog Foods: Transitioning Your Dog's Diet (akc.org)
Introducing Our Pops to Your Pup's Delicate Digestive System
We craft our Pops with your furry friend's well-being and taste preferences as our top priorities. However, for our pals with sensitive tummies, we recommend a slow and gentle introduction to our delicious treats. It's important to note that our Pops typically contain around 32% fat. So, if your pup's veterinarian has ever diagnosed your fur baby with pancreatitis or EPI, it's best to fetch their advice before diving into this pup-tastic delight!
Why may some dogs be experiencing GI upset with Pops?
Abrupt change in diet routine: An abrupt change in a dog's daily diet can trigger gastrointestinal upset, even if the new addition, like our Pops, constitutes a small portion of their overall intake. Dogs' digestive systems are finely tuned to process their regular meals, with enzymes and gut microbiota tailored to their typical diet. When a new treat is introduced, the digestive tract may struggle to efficiently break it down. This can lead to inflammation of the gut lining, resulting in symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
For instance, if a dog accustomed to a low-fat diet is given a treat with higher fat content than they are used to, their digestive system may struggle to cope with the sudden influx of fat. Gradually introducing Pops allows the dog's digestive tract time to adapt to the new ingredients, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
Glycerin: Glycerin is used as a humectant and has osmotic properties in the gut. Given its affinity for moisture, it will draw water into the intestines. So when consumed in large amounts, it can lead to increased water retention in their intestines which in turn results in loose stools or diarrhea. Like sorbitol and mannitol, glycerin can have laxative effects for both humans and animals.
o Defarges, Alice. “Constipation and Obstipation in Small Animals - Digestive System.” Merck Veterinary Manual, June 2020, www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-stomach-and intestines-in-small-animals/constipation-and-obstipation-in-small-animals.
High Fat: Within our Pops lies a notable amount of fat, a characteristic that may stir digestive unease in certain dogs. This stems from dogs' inherent limitations in digesting and metabolizing fats effectively. For those unaccustomed to treats rich in fats, the pancreas may respond by generating an excess of enzymes, potentially sparking episodes of diarrhea. Moreover, the absorption of fats within the intestines calls upon bile acids, which can amplify osmotic activity in the gut, further compounding digestive issues.
o Ollila, Erin. Understanding Digestive Problems in Dogs | Hill’s Pet, 17 Aug. 2016, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/digestive-gastrointestinal problems-in-dogs.