Published on: 03/31/2020, updated on: 10/12/2021

Best Dog Food for Colitis | Top Picks and Reviews

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If your furry friend has bloody stool or strains during a bowel movement, it could be that it is suffering from colitis. This disorder can be caused by an allergic reaction to a particular food, eating contaminated food, or spread between dogs. Colitis has to do with the inflammation of the large bowel or colon, and it can be uncomfortable.

Fortunately, this is not a harmful health condition and your dog can recover from it quickly. Like other health issues associated with dogs, nutrition can considerably ease the symptoms and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of your dog.

With the best dog food for colitis, your dog can get through this disorder painlessly and quickly. Here are top recommendations for the best dog food for dogs with colitis:

Our top pick is the Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care. This canned dog food comes with highly digestible proteins, carbs, and fat. It supports a healthy digestive system and it helps to reduce the symptoms of this health issue while helping your dog to recover quickly.

The Best Dog Food for Colitis Are:

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Canned Dog Food — Best Overall

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The Prescription Diet i/d with Digestive Care from Hills Science is one of the best dog food for colitis. High water intake is very important for dogs suffering from colitis. Water prevents dehydration when they have diarrhea from colitis. This formula from Hill’s is one of the best solutions to this problem.

The top ingredients of this food are water, turkey, pork liver, rice, and modified rice starch. This food is formulated for dogs with digestive issues, and it is also perfect for dogs with colitis. It contains easily digestible ingredients with low fat and protein content. It also contains high-quality fiber ingredients such as whole grain corn and rice.

This food promotes the regeneration of cells, thanks to its blend of healthy antioxidants. This also helps to boost the overall immune health of your dog.

It is aimed at providing your pup suffering from colitis with better digestion while enhancing its overall health and wellbeing. It is formulated with an optimal balance of nutrients to replenish your dog’s body and encourage recovery.

It is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 5.6 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 2 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 1.2 percent with a caloric content of 369 kilocalories per 13 oz. can.

Specs

  • Form: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Pea-free, sensitive digestion, veterinary diet

Pros

  • Formulated to help with digestive issues
  • Highly digestible protein and fat
  • Nutritionally balanced and complete for dogs with colitis
  • Supports a healthy immune system

Cons

  • This product requires vet authorization
Hill's™ Prescription Diet™ i/d™

 

2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food — Best Dry Dog Food for Chronic Colitis

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food

The last on our list is the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food. This is one of the best dog food for colitis.

It aids in managing the diet of dogs with this health condition, and also those with intestinal issues such as large bowel diarrhea and constipation. The top five ingredients are brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken meal, and animal fat.

It also contains coconut oil and fish oil, which contain EPA, DHA, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to boost the skin and coat health of your dog. This food contains calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals to promote healthy and strong teeth and bones. The high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in this diet help to reduce bowel inflammations.

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This food also helps in boosting intestinal health, thanks to its powerful blend of prebiotics. It also features a moderate level of calories to help your pup maintain a healthy weight. This food is highly palatable and it is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.

The protein content of this food is 23 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 10.5 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 2 percent with a caloric content of 399 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Veterinary diet, pea-free, sensitive digestion

Pros

  • Added prebiotics
  • Moderate calorie and fat content
  • Supports healthy skin, coat, and immune system
  • Highly palatable

Cons

  • It is expensive

 

3. Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food

This Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula from Natural Balance is not just perfect for dogs with digestive issues, but also for other severe health conditions that require an adequate diet.

If your pup is suffering from colitis, then this is one of the best food options you have. This is a limited ingredient diet with lamb as the number one protein source. It is actually a single protein sourced diet.

The top five ingredients of this food are lamb meal, brown rice, brewer’s rice, rice bran, and canola oil. It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals to help your pup recover as quickly as possible. All the ingredients of this diet are easily digestible, which is one thing you must look out for in a diet for dogs with colitis.

The straightforward and simple formula of this diet makes it perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitivities also. It also contains a moderate level of fat that is ideal for this health condition.

This formula contains grains but it is free of gluten. It contains essential amino acids to help maintain the strong muscles of your dog. It also promotes healthy digestion, thanks to the fiber in the brown rice.

This food is produced in the United States and it is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content is 21 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 355 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Sensitive digestion, limited ingredient diet, pea-free, no corn, wheat, or soy

Pros

  • Formulated to treat for a lot of diseases
  • Limited ingredient diet
  • A single protein source
  • Supports healthy digestion

Cons

 

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

The next on our list is the Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight from Blue Buffalo. This is another great option for dogs with colitis. This food is basically formulated for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight, and the formula of the food is also great for dogs with colitis. It is one of the most affordable options on our list.

The top five ingredients of this food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, and pea fiber. It also contains chicken fat and flaxseed, which are sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

Other notable ingredients in this diet are oatmeal, pea starch, pea protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints.

Chicken is great for dogs with colitis because it breaks down easily and it is highly digestible. This food is also low in fat, which is great for adequate digestive flow. The protein content is 20 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 9 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 10 percent with a caloric content of 326 kilocalories per cup.

Pros

  • Contains real meat
  • Loaded with real veggies, fruits, and whole grains
  • Proper digestion
  • No additives and by-product meals

Cons

  • Pet owners complain that the food is too rich and it still causes weight gain
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food | Chewy

 

5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Grain Free Dry Dog Food

If your dog is suffering from colitis and at the same time allergic to grains, then the Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Beef, Potato & Bison Recipe Grain-Free formula is one of the best options to consider. This food contains US farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient.

The top five ingredients of this food are beef, chicken meal, dried peas, whole dried potatoes, and chicken fat. Other protein sources in this diet include bison, beef meal, menhaden fishmeal, and dried plain beet pulp. This food is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost the overall health and digestive system of your dog.

In addition to the highly digestible proteins in this food, it is completely free of grains. It contains healthy carbs such as peas and potatoes to provide your pup with plenty of energy. The beet pulp is also a great source of fiber and dog colitis probiotics. The chondroitin and glucosamine in this diet promote healthy joints, bones, and mobility.

It is free of by-product meals, artificial ingredients, and additives. The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 14 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent while the caloric content is 342 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Gluten-free, grain-free, no corn, no soy, no wheat

Pros

  • Simple formula
  • Great protein sources
  • Highly-digestible, wholesome veggies and fruits
  • Supports a healthy immune system

Cons

  • It contains chicken, which might trigger allergic reactions in some dogs

 

6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Dog Food

The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional and dietary needs of dogs with colitis or ulcerative colitis. This food helps to prevent health issues such as lack of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The top five ingredients of this food are chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, brewers rice, rice hulls, and powdered cellulose. It also comes with insoluble and soluble fibers to boost the intestinal movement of your dog. This food also helps to maintain the balance of good bacteria in the tummy of your dog, thanks to the blend of prebiotics and easily digestible proteins.

This food also contains fish oil and chicken fat, which are rich in EPA, DHA, and omega fatty acids to support a healthy GI tract, brain function, shiny coat, and healthy skin. It also contains low fat, which helps with optimum nutrient absorption.

The protein content of this food is 21 percent while the fat content is 14 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 12.5 percent with a caloric content of 287 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Veterinary diet, pea-free, sensitive digestion

Pros

  • Soothes GI tract
  • Rich in omega fatty acids, DHA, and EPA
  • A blend of highly digestible proteins and prebiotics
  • Supports healthy digestion

Cons

  • It is expensive

 

7. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Premium Loaf Grain-Free

nutro

This is another great option for dogs with colitis and also want to maintain a healthy weight. The Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet is a completely grain-free formula with lamb and potato as the two major ingredients. The top five ingredients of this food are lamb, water, whole potatoes, lamb liver, and potato protein.

It is a limited ingredient diet, with only a few ingredients, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. This canned diet comes with ingredients that promote healthy digestion and overall wellbeing. It also comes with plenty of vitamins and minerals, with omega fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat health of your dog.

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This food does not contain gluten, wheat, soy, or corn. It is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 7 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 7 percent. It features a maximum crude fiber of 1 percent with a caloric content of 502 kilocalories per can.

Specs

  • Form: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Limited ingredient diet, grain-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, no corn, no soy, no wheat

Pros

  • Tasty and highly nutritious
  • Grain-free, gluten-free
  • Limited ingredient diet
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients

Cons

  • Some fussy eaters may not like it
NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

 

Causes of Colitis in Dogs

Stress

Your dog can experience this disorder when it is stressed, and there are many reasons how this can happen. Moving, traveling, and home upheaval are some common reasons for stress in dogs.

A scenery change is not always comfortable for dogs, and their distress may result in health conditions such as colitis.  If stress is the reason your dog is suffering from this health condition, then you can help by providing it with all the support it needs during stressful events.

Allergies

Dogs are allergic to a wide range of things. If your dog is exposed to allergens in its diet, outdoors, or in the home, it can have colitis. If you notice that the health condition of your dog is triggered by allergies, you can consult your vet to figure what your dog is allergic to.

When you can figure out the ingredient your dog is allergic to, you can change its diet and avoid that ingredient(s) in the next diet. If the allergens are coming from the environment or the house, then you might need to do something about that too.

Infections or Parasites

Parasites such as salmonella, whipworms, E. coli, and giardia can cause colitis in dogs. Dogs often get these infections from contaminated food, water, and from each other also.

If your dog is infected, you can consult your vet to run a test to figure out what exactly your dog has. However, you can prevent common infections by preventing your dog from getting water from unhealthy sources.

Things to Look for In the Best Dog Food for Colitis

Grains

If your dog is not allergic to grains, these are great carb sources that help to reduce the symptoms of this health condition. Grains such as oatmeal and rice are very helpful

Probiotics

This is one of the best supplements that should not be missing in the diet of a dog with colitis. They help in maintaining good bacterial balance. As such, you should make sure that the dog food you choose contains probiotics.

Digestibility

It is very important that you opt for a dog food that contains highly digestible ingredients. Easily digestible ingredients aid proper digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.

Moderate Fat

While fat is a very important element in the food of a dog, we recommend you keep the fat intake of your dog moderate. Moderate fat content is great for dogs with colitis, as it helps with easy digestive flow.

Conclusion

Changing the diet of your dog can greatly help in relieving your pup of this health condition. However, you need to find out the root cause of the problem and deal with it. If the cause of your dog’s disorder has to do with food, then you cannot go wrong with any of the options on our list.

Our top pick for the best dog food for colitis is the Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care because it helps to alleviate this issue. It supports healthy digestion and it comes with highly digestible protein and fat.

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