As the name suggests, this disease involves inflammation of the intestinal tract as a result of irritation. The inflammatory response which occurs is an immune response to the presence of an allergen or trigger of which there are many possible forms which may include bacteria or parasites, but more commonly is due to the consumption of ‘foreign’ foods, especially denatured or difficult to digest proteins [1].
Digestion is limited by the inflammation with the gut increasing the rate of mucus production as it attempts to shield itself from the foreign matter or pathogen. Complete with mucous, the partially digested food moves quickly through the digestive system and enters the large bowel where it can be expelled. Although most cases involve diarrhoea, some pets, in particular cats, may experience vomiting as a result of IBD [1]. If the pet suffers recurring bouts of IBD or is symptomatic for a prolonged period of time the effects of poor digestion will begin to affect their general health with weight loss, poor coat condition and a loss of muscle mass all evident, as the disease continues damage to other organs becomes apparent as the pet struggles to absorb the nutrients it desperately needs.
The gut is the first line of defence for our pets from pathogenic bacteria, parasites and foreign foods which may cause them harm. As carnivores, our cats and dogs naturally have an acidic gut environment with a healthy gut flora ideally suited to the task of digesting prey, raw meat proteins [2]. Eating an inappropriate diet such as your sterile commercial Kibble’s with their high carbohydrate content and denatured meat proteins reduces this defence with a lifting of the Ph level within the gut, a degradation of the natural gut flora and general inflammatory nature of this heat treated ‘food’. If this doesn’t trigger an allergic response in the pet it leaves the door wide open for any invading pathogens the pet may encounter on their daily adventures. With an immune system already challenged coping with daily kibble, any environmental toxins may also send the immune system into over-drive in an effort to protect itself.
Transitioning the pet to a species appropriate raw diet is essential for resolving IBD with a number of considerations depending on the pet’s history, general health and severity of symptoms. Providing the symptomatic pet with a helping of bone broth can be beneficial as it provides the body with collagen and other essential nutrients to reduce inflammation and support healing of the intestinal barrier [3]. Restoring of healthy gut bacteria is also an essential part of restoring a healthy digestive system, adding a natural, unsweetened Greek yoghurt or other suitable probiotic to the pet’s diet until symptoms subside is recommended [1].
Depending on the severity of symptoms and number of triggers applicable for the pet it may be necessary to use a meat source the pet has not previously been exposed to and therefore least likely to produce an immune response. Selecting a lean red meat is ideal as red meat stimulates a more acidic gut environment than white meat, it should be free of any preservatives to avoid any unwanted additional toxins or triggers being included in the diet [1]. Organs are essential in a balanced diet; Raw Liver is packed with valuable B12 whilst raw green tripe is naturally high in enzymes and probiotic bacteria whilst being low in fat making it an ideal dietary choice.
There are a number of ‘gut friendly’ foods which can support a return to healthy digestion. Dark leafy greens such as spinach are an excellent source of fibre which aid in slowing digestion as well as providing Vitamin C and other much needed antioxidants, enzymes and other nutrients to the diet. Bananas are also useful for the symptomatic pet, a very versatile and easily accessible fruit rich in vitamin B and other valuable nutrients which aid digestion as well as providing valuable pectin which firms stools by drawing out excess water.
Supplementing the diet with good quality fish or flaxseed oil as an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids is recommended, an appropriate Vitamin E source should also be provided to protect the pet against the oil becoming rancid in their body[2].
Sources
[1] Syme, B. 2011. Scientific Guide to Natural Nutrition. Southbank, Australia: Vets All Natural Pty Ltd. [2] Billinghurst, I. 1993. Give Your Dog a Bone. Bathurst, New South Wales: Warrigal Publishing. [3] Johnson, J. 2020. What are the benefits of bone broth? Retrieved October 22nd, 2020, from Medical news today web site: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323903#summary
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