Low-residue dog food is characterized as capable of being completely broken down and used by the dog’s digestive system. It is normally advised for canines who have digestion problems.
Dogs often have digestion problems. Hence, ensuring that the digestive system of your pet is fine is a major part of dog care. If these problems are not addressed in time, it can be detrimental to the pet’s health. For dogs who are affected by these problems quite often, a low-residue diet is generally advised.
What is Low-residue Dog Food?
This type of dog food is advised for dogs with a troubled digestive system, or in cases where the dog has diarrhea and vomiting. Low-residue refers to the fact that almost all the food that is consumed is accepted and digested by the dog’s system. There is consequently minimum residue or waste or unnecessary substances which are left in the dog’s system.
When is it Given?
Most often, this food is given to a dog while it is recovering from diarrhea or an upset stomach. This is because normal food can prove to be difficult for the weakened digestive system of the dog. The less the dog has to digest, the better. Yet, at the same time, it has to get its quota of nutrients and food. Hence, this minimal-residue food is not very taxing on the dog’s impaired digestive system. Once the dog recovers from the problem, it is switched back to its regular diet. A crucial thing to remember here is that this is not a remedy to deal with indigestion or stomach problems in a dog. Instead, this food is used to give it the daily requirement of nutrients on its path to recovery. In case the dog has an upset stomach because of allergies, then there might be some complications.
Variations and Ingredients
There are many brands available in the market when you ask specifically for this type of dog food. All of them have their pros and cons and therefore, they have to be chosen discreetly and with caution. While some of the packages may be fit for colon problems, others might fit the bill with regards to minor digestion problems. Considering this fact, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian before you opt for any particular brand. Primarily, these dog foods are made of processed organic ingredients. These include vegetarian ingredients like dried rice, or substances derived from meat, like chicken fat, meat, dried eggs, and fish.
If you buy or perhaps prepare it after consulting the veterinarian, there is hardly a chance that it will prove to be harmful for your pet. However, there are a few ingredients which might cause your pet some problems. These are corn grits, which are hard to digest and nil in nutrition. The others are chicken parts, like any part of the chicken not used when it is cooked, and the last one is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a dry leftover from the manufacturing of sugar. Apart from putting undue pressure on the digestive system, it can lead to infections as well.
Thus, low-residue food is good for dogs who are prone to indigestion. However, proper research and a consultation with the vet are important before selecting any particular brand or preparing it at home.
