Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease that can occur anywhere in the dog's digestive tract, most commonly in the small intestine and colon. This is completely different to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a stress-related medical condition.

Causes of IBD

The causes of IBD are not often clear, but usually involves food allergies, infections and sensitivities. 

Symptoms to look out for:

• Your dog's stomach makes constant and loud gurgling noises
• Sudden increase or loss of appetite
• Watery, explosive diarrhoea 
• Vomiting
• Tender abdomens 
• Fresh blood or mucus in the stools
• Painful bowel movements
• Low energy levels

Is IBD treatable?

There isn't a cure for IBD, but it can certainly be treated. 

Many research have shown that fresh raw dog food like Poppy's Picnic can help reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as it is the easiest and most nutritious food for your dog to digest - which improves and aids overall digestion and help repopulate the GI tract with healthy bacteria.

For more info, read here.

However, we are unable to advise on product for specific medical conditions, as our vet would have to know their medical history to do so.

We would recommend speaking to your vet before you make the switch or, if they are anti-raw as some are (happily this is changing), I would suggest you contact The Raw Vet where they can make a prescription diet based on your dogs' needs: info@rawvets.co.uk