As responsible pet owners, we care deeply about the well-being of our four-legged friends. Good digestion is a key factor in the overall health of dogs and cats. When our pets suddenly have diarrhea or are constipated, we worry and often feel helpless. In this article, we aim to help you understand the causes and symptoms of digestive problems in dogs and cats, and provide practical tips on how to support your pet.

1. The digestive system of dogs and cats

Structure of the digestive system

The digestive systems of dogs and cats are relatively similar but have some notable differences. Both species have a system of organs working together in harmony to absorb nutrients from food and expel waste.

1. Mouth: Dogs use their tongues and teeth to take in food, with their teeth mainly used for holding and tearing food. They barely chew their food and tend to swallow it whole. Cats are similar in this respect, as they also chew less compared to us. Unlike humans, digestion in dogs and cats does not begin in the mouth because they lack digestive enzymes in their saliva.

2. Esophagus: Swallowed food is transported through the esophagus to the stomach.

3. Stomach: In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices. The pH level in both dogs' and cats' stomachs is very low (around 1-2), which helps kill unwanted germs. Dogs have a large stomach that can store significant amounts of food, while cats have a smaller stomach designed specifically to digest animal proteins, although dogs can also break down plant matter and carbohydrates. The stomach empties the food mixture into the small intestine based on fullness and a specific pH level.

4. Small intestine: In both species, the small intestine is the main site of nutrient absorption. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down into their basic components and absorbed into the bloodstream. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile help with this breakdown, and nutrients are absorbed into the body. The pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, while the liver regulates metabolism and detoxifies the body. The gallbladder releases bile to emulsify fats.

5. Large intestine: In the large intestine, water and electrolytes are absorbed from the remaining food and waste is prepared for excretion.

6. Anus: Finally, undigested material is expelled as feces.

Key differences

Dogs are facultative carnivores (omnivores with a preference for meat), meaning that while they prefer meat, they can digest a broader range of foods, including plant matter. This is because their ancestors' prey, such as rabbits, were primarily herbivores, eaten whole, including their innards. To ensure a diet that meets their needs, dogs should receive food that includes all these components. Descended from wolves, dogs are naturally inclined to eat large amounts of food at once, followed by longer breaks, such as after an unsuccessful hunt. However, studies¹ show that dogs have evolved during domestication, particularly since the advent of agriculture, to digest more starch and use it as an energy source, highlighting the long history shared by humans and dogs.

The cat's digestive system is shorter compared to the dog’s, as cats are obligate carnivores and do not need to digest much plant material. Their digestive tract is efficiently designed to break down animal proteins and fats. While cats do hunt prey that largely feeds on plants, the plant matter in their diet is so minimal that cats are considered true carnivores. In the wild, cats hunt and consume 10 to 20 small prey animals throughout the day, so their digestive system is adapted to frequent small meals. Cats, being solitary animals, need frequent access to food.

What does this mean for us as pet owners?

We should use this knowledge to adjust feeding practices to the natural habits of our pets. Dogs are often seen as carnivores, but an all-meat diet is not appropriate and can lead to malnutrition. Like wolves, dogs require nutrients from bones, blood, and the gut contents of their prey, particularly carbohydrates from plant fibers, which are important for gut health. The AAFCO² recommends a crude protein content of 18% and crude fat of 5.5% in dog food.
As mentioned, wild cats often hunt mice, which are about 65% water. The dry matter of a mouse consists of approximately 50-60% protein, 20-30% fat, 3-8% carbohydrates, and 6-8% minerals. This nutrient distribution serves as a good guide for a species-appropriate cat diet. For adult cats, AAFCO² recommends 26% crude protein and 9% crude fat in dry matter. Given their natural behavior of eating many small meals throughout the day, cats should have regular access to smaller portions of food at home.

2. Common digestive problems

The health of our pets is paramount, and their digestive system plays a crucial role. Digestive problems in dogs and cats can lead to serious health issues.

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can result from inappropriate diets, infections, or stress, often leading to frequent bowel movements and fluid loss.

• Constipation: Constipation presents as difficulty in passing stool, causing discomfort and potentially painful attempts.

• Gas: Gas often results from the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain and discomfort.

• Vomiting: Vomiting can have various causes, including digestive issues, toxins, or systemic illnesses, and may lead to dehydration.

• Upset stomach: Stomach upsets are often due to dietary changes or intolerances, leading to symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite.

The most common issues are diarrhea and constipation. Both conditions can be very uncomfortable for your pet and should not be ignored.

2.1 Diarrhea

Diarrhea in your beloved pet can have many causes, ranging from harmless to serious issues.

Causes

• Dietary errors: Sudden dietary changes or feeding low-quality food can cause diarrhea.

• Infections: Bacteria like Salmonella or viruses like Parvovirus can lead to diarrhea.

• Parasites: Worms and other parasites can disrupt the digestive system.

• Allergies or intolerances: Food allergies or intolerances can also cause diarrhea.

• Medications: Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect.

• Stress: Changes in the household, such as moving or new pets, can cause stress-induced diarrhea in cats.

• Illnesses: Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver, or kidney disease can cause diarrhea.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diarrhea can vary but often include:

• Frequent, watery stools

• Changed stool color (light brown to dark brown)

• Abdominal pain or restlessness

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

What can you do?

• Fasting: Allow your cat/dog to fast for about a day to let the stomach settle and avoid stimulating bowel movements.

• Bland diet: Easily digestible food like cooked chicken can help. Avoid dairy products. For dogs, you can also offer cooked rice.

• Probiotics: These can support gut flora and stabilize digestion.

• Hydration: Ensure your pet drinks enough to prevent dehydration.

• Medications: In severe cases, a vet may prescribe antibiotics or dewormers.

When to see a vet?

• If symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours or worsen.

• Severe fluid loss and dehydration

• Abdominal pain or lethargy

• Blood in the stool or extreme weakness

• Severe symptoms like persistent vomiting and intense diarrhea

2.2 Constipation

Constipation occurs when stool in the large intestine becomes too dry or hard to pass regularly. Your cat or dog may have much less frequent bowel movements or may not be able to pass stool at all, causing discomfort.

Causes

• Dietary problems: Too little fiber or fluid in the diet.

• Overweight and lack of exercise: This leads to sluggish bowel activity as intestinal peristalsis is impaired.

• Foreign objects: Swallowing indigestible objects can lead to constipation.

• Health problems: Conditions like hypothyroidism or neurological disorders can also cause constipation.

• Inadequate water intake and dietary fiber: Low water content and missing fiber in food can make the stool harder and more difficult to pass.

• Stress and discomfort: Stress from changes in the household can cause cats to withhold stool.

• Pain during bowel movements: Arthritis or other painful conditions can make squatting and straining difficult.

• Intestinal diseases: Idiopathic megacolon (in cats) or narrowing of the intestine due to tumors or scarring can block stool passage.

Symptoms

Symptoms of constipation can include:

• Rare or difficult bowel movements

• Abdominal pain

• Restlessness

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Straining without success

• Passing small, hard stool balls

• Enlarged abdomen

• Dehydration

What can you do?

• Increase fiber intake and ensure adequate fluid consumption.

• Make sure your pet gets regular exercise.

• For cats: Provide multiple clean litter boxes in quiet locations.

• Increase water intake, for example, by providing multiple water sources.

• Weight loss if overweight.

• Reduce stress by maintaining a stable environment.

In severe cases, consult a veterinarian.

3. Preventing digestive problems

To prevent digestive problems in dogs and cats, the following measures can be taken:

Specific tips for dogs

• Encourage slow eating: Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent your dog from eating too quickly.

• Avoid foreign objects: Prevent your dog from ingesting small objects that could cause digestive problems.

Specific tips for cats

• Manage hairballs: Brush your cat regularly to reduce hairball formation.

• Small, frequent meals: Feeding several small meals a day can improve digestion and prevent stomach upset.

• Reduce stress: Stress can negatively impact digestion. Create a calm and stress-free environment for your pets.

General tips

• Nutritional management: Feed high-quality food tailored to your pet’s needs. Avoid sudden dietary changes. Introduce new foods gradually.

• Ensure adequate hydration: Always provide fresh water and encourage your pet to drink enough.

• Add fiber: Fiber can help regulate digestion and bowel movements.

• Regular feeding times: Fixed feeding times can help regulate the digestive system.

• Hydration: Ensure your pets have constant access to fresh water.

• Regular exercise: Ensure regular physical activity to promote bowel motility.

• Health monitoring: Watch for signs of digestive problems and consult a veterinarian early on.

• Probiotics: Probiotics can support gut health and stabilize digestion

Recommendation: Enterogenic® - enhanced digestion for optimal nutrient absorption

Enterogenic Cat® and Enterogenic Dog® are specifically designed to support and improve the digestive health of cats and dogs. These products contain a carefully selected blend of prebiotics, probiotics, trace elements, and antioxidants that work together to maintain a healthy gut flora.

Key ingredients and their benefits:

• Algae calcium: Rich in calcium, helps optimize the calcium-phosphorus balance.

• Flaxseed: Naturally supports stomach and intestinal functions.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects.

• Inulin: Combined with probiotics, it enhances overall digestion.

• Trace elements (zinc and selenium): Play an essential role in metabolism and have antioxidant properties.

• Active cultures (probiotic): Promote a healthy gut flora.

Benefits of Enterogenic®:

• Gut flora stabilization: The combination of prebiotics and probiotics ensures a balanced gut environment.

• Nutrient utilization: A healthy digestive tract allows for optimal nutrient absorption, benefiting coat, teeth, and joints.

• Immune system support: A well-functioning digestive system supports immune function and reduces susceptibility to illness.

• Prevention of digestive problems: Regular use can positively influence diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive complaints.

Application

Using NN Enterogenic® is simple and can easily be incorporated into your pet’s daily feeding routine. Just mix the powder with your pet’s food. For dogs that primarily eat dry food, it is recommended to lightly moisten the food, ideally with high-quality olive oil, to help absorb the enzymes.

Recommendation: NN PetEnzym® - natural support for your pet’s digestion

As loving pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry companions are healthy and happy. A key component of this health is proper digestion. Issues like diarrhea or constipation can significantly impact the well-being of our beloved pets. NN PetEnzym® can provide valuable support in this area.

What is NN PetEnzym®? NN PetEnzym® Dog and NN PetEnzym® Cat are premium powders specifically developed to naturally support your dog’s or cat’s digestion. They contain a blend of enzymes and natural ingredients that help break down food efficiently and improve nutrient absorption. These natural ingredients work synergistically to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Benefits of NN PetEnzym®:

• Support for digestive enzymes: Dogs and cats have their own digestive enzymes essential for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In older animals or after illness, surgery, or medication, natural enzyme production may be impaired. NN PetEnzym® supports digestion and optimizes nutrient absorption.

• Natural ingredients: The product contains enzymes from pineapple, papaya, mango, and other natural sources that gently and effectively promote digestion.

• Support for digestive issues: If your pet suffers from bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, NN PetEnzym® can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: In addition to enzymes, the product includes Yucca Plus® Powder, which has anti-inflammatory properties and supports nutrient absorption. This is especially important for dogs with chronic digestive problems.

• High-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients ensures high bioavailability and tolerance.

• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is another essential component of NN PetEnzym®. It helps prevent deficiencies often seen in long-term digestive problems.

• Premium quality: NN PetEnzym® is made from high-quality ingredients with high bioavailability and is GMO-free. It provides a natural and effective solution for digestive issues.

Application

Using NN PetEnzym® is simple and can easily be incorporated into your pet’s daily feeding routine. Just mix the powder with your pet’s food. For dogs that primarily eat dry food, it is recommended to lightly moisten the food, ideally with high-quality olive oil, to help absorb the enzymes.

Conclusion

The digestive health of dogs and cats is a key aspect of their overall well-being and should be given special attention. A balanced diet is the foundation of healthy digestion and supports your pet’s vitality. In addition to proper nutrition, regular exercise, preventive measures like adequate hydration, and stress reduction play an important role. Supportive products like NN PetEnzym® or Enterogenic can help maintain your pets' digestive system and prevent problems.

Despite these measures, it is essential to seek veterinary advice immediately if persistent or severe digestive problems occur. Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite can indicate serious health issues that need prompt treatment to avoid severe consequences.

A healthy digestive system is crucial for the long-term well-being of your pets. By providing a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, a stress-free environment, and closely monitoring changes in your pet’s behavior or health, you can respond early and prevent many digestive issues, ensuring your pets receive the best possible care. Your efforts significantly contribute to your furry friends living a long, healthy, and happy life.

Sources

1 Axelsson E., Ratnakumar A., Arendt M., Maqbool K., Webster M., Perloski M., Liberg O., ArnemoJ., Hedhammar Å. & Lindblad-Toh K. (2013): The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature. Volume 495, S. 360–364. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature11837.

2 American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) (2023): ASFCO methods for substantiating nutritional adequacy of dog and cat foods. S. 1-24. (https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Model_Bills_and_
Regulations_Agenda_Midyear_2015_Final_Attachment_A.__Proposed_revisions_to_AAFCO_Nutrient_Profiles_PFC_Final_070214.pdf)


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