Colitis is relatively common in dogs, and it is one of the main causes of diarrhoea. Therefore, it isn’t something that you need to panic too much about if your dog is diagnosed with it.
While it can become more serious if left untreated, regular cases will go away after 3-5 days with plenty of rest, fluids, and foods that are gentle on their stomach.
Chronic cases can take a few weeks for your dog to recover from, but this is much rarer.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a case of colitis, you will need to make sure that you are stocked with food that will be gentle on their bodies so as not to further aggravate their condition.
That’s where we come in, providing you with a superb solution that will work for you and your dog.
1. Editors Pick
Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine Gastrointestinal Biome
2. Budget Pick
Wagg Complete Sensitive Chicken and Rice
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine Gastrointestinal Biome
- 2. Wagg Complete Sensitive
- 3. Forthglade Complete Wet Dog Food
- 4. Lily’s Kitchen Senior Recipe (Tin)
- 5. AATU Chicken (Wet)
- 6. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care (Wet)
- 7. Barking Heads Pooched Salmon
- 8. Burgess Sensitive
- 9. Eukanuba Puppy Veterinary Diet Intestinal
- 10. PRO PLAN OPTIGIDEST Sensitive
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
Want to know something interesting? There is more to picking the best dog food for colitis than just selecting one of our chosen foods. There are also some additional factors you will need to take into consideration so that you can make the right choice.
Age. Just because they have colitis doesn’t mean that they can have food for any age group. The higher calorie levels in puppy food will likely upset the stomachs of adult and senior dogs, especially as these foods are also fattier.
Similarly, even while recovering puppies still need a good balance of nutrients and minerals to grow healthily.
Grain/Wheat. Ideally, your colitis food will be free from wheat and grains. This is because they commonly cause flatulence and bloating, which could further irritate your dog’s gut as they recover. Rice is perfectly fine as this is very gentle on their digestive system and recommended, but wheat, oats, and cereals should be avoided
Fat Content. Again, this is something that can irritate the intestines and digestive tract, especially if the food is high in fat content. The perfect number is anywhere around the 10% mark, and you can go as high as 15% if needed.
Natural. Where possible, you should try to ensure that the food is as natural as possible. Artificial ingredients can cause further stomach upsets and leave your dog feeling even more uncomfortable.
Natural dog foods tend to be gentler as well as able to balance protein and vegetable ingredients expertly to ensure optimum nutrition as they recover.
Wet or Dry? Colitis is tough on dogs, and you may find that your pup has eyes only for wet food while they are unwell. Wet food is just as good as dry food at helping to ease their stomachs, and they also contain a lot more moisture which can help keep them hydrated. Whatever encourages your dog to eat is the best possible choice.
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine Gastrointestinal Biome
Editor’s Pick
This kibble comes from a renowned brand that makes your dog’s health their main priority. The prebiotic fibres included in each bite helps to promote healthy gut bacteria that will look after their digestive tract. It’s all about the unique ecosystem in your pet’s gut and how to care for it.
This particular food contains an ingredient known as ActivBiome+, a unique addition that promotes healthy and regular stools and reduces the risk of future gastronomic illnesses. Additionally, this food contains 21% protein, 13% fat, and 6% ash for optimum balance.
- Key Ingredients: Meat and animal derivatives, derivatives of vegetable origin, oils and fats
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Sensitive, gastric health
- Life Stage: Adult/Senior
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This food is trusted by vets and has been specially designed to look after your dog’s gut health efficiently. It’s perfect for colitis as well as sensitive stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Stephanie Munn
2. Wagg Complete Sensitive
Budget Pick
This kibble was designed for pups with sensitive stomachs, and it is completely free from wheat and gluten to avoid upset stomachs and excessive wind. Loaded with meat and vegetables, it is a complete and balanced diet that will leave their stomachs feeling a lot better after mealtime.
It is primarily rice and meat, which is why it’s so perfect for dogs that are recovering from colitis or more at risk of contracting it. It contains 20% protein, which is excellent, and the fat content remains low at just 9%. It’s the perfect way to support a healthy digestive and immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, Meat and Animal Derivatives, Vegetables, Oils & Fats, Minerals
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should definitely pick this food up. It comes at a budget price that is highly affordable and is ideal for dogs suffering from colitis as well as sensitive stomachs.
Sample Buyer Review
— Cheryl Lancashire
3. Forthglade Complete Wet Dog Food
Best Grain-Free Pick
These trays of wet food are completely free from grains and artificial ingredients, making them a gentle and natural solution to your dog’s gastric distress. Each of the vegetable ingredients has been carefully selected to provide plenty of good nutrients with minimal impact on their gut.
In fact, it contains 11% protein alongside a low 7% fat and 3% ash. Their low-fat content eases their impact on the gut, and turkey is naturally bland meat that won’t prove too rich for their digestive system. Additionally, it is rich in moisture to help keep them hydrated throughout.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Peas, Minerals
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free, sensitive
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is delicious wet food that your dog will love. What’s more, it’s especially good if they are feeling a little picky because they are unwell.
Sample Buyer Review
— Ann Davis
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Lily’s Kitchen Senior Recipe (Tin)
For Seniors with Colitis
This wet food is easy for senior dogs to chew and digest, and it smells great to them which is perfect for enticing them to eat something when they feel sick. It contains a wonderful balance of vegetables and meat, always ensuring that the protein takes up most of the ingredients list.
It has great protein content for wet food at 10.4%, as well as 5.1% fat and only 2.4% ash. This food also contains green-lipped mussel, which is used in association with joint care, as well as seaweed to promote healthy brain function as they grow older. Additionally, there are loads of prebiotics to help aid digestion.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberries, Parsnips, Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is a fantastic wet food that is sure to whet the appetite of any senior pup that’s feeling a little under the weather. It’s loaded with gentle ingredients that are good for their health.
Sample Buyer Review
— Pete Minvalla
5. AATU Chicken (Wet)
Best Protein Pick
This nutritious wet food is perfect for dogs who are recovering from colitis and prefer something wet and meaty as opposed to kibble. In addition to this, the added moisture from the wet food helps to keep your dog hydrated. It’s free from common allergens like grains, gluten, and potato.
Made with 90% fresh meat, it boasts an impressive 10.9% protein as well as 6.4% fat and 2.5% ash. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals to support your dog and keep their joints healthy, while also being kind to their gut.
Made in small batches in England, it’s one of the most natural foods on the market.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, Peas, Lucerne
- Texture: Wet
- Type: High protein content, grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should pick this food up. It has been designed to be gentle on digestive systems, easing the symptoms of conditions like IBD and colitis.
Sample Buyer Review
— Rachel Hurford
6. Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care (Wet)
Top Digestive Care Pick
This particular wet food has been designed to tackle a whole range of digestive issues, including colitis. It is low in fat to prevent further stomach upsets, and the ingredients used promote smooth digestion while also ensuring a nutritionally balanced meal for your dog.
The protein content it a little low at only 6%, but this is just about acceptable for wet food. The fat content of 2.2% is truly impressive, as it the 1% ash. Additionally, it is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat, an improved immune system, as well as better digestion.
- Key Ingredients: Meat derivatives, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables, minerals
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Low-fat, gastric health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should pick up this wet food. It comes from a reputable brand that has put years of research into the best possible food for your dog’s gastric health.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Barking Heads Pooched Salmon
For Delicate Bellies
This crunchy kibble is packed with deliciousness and plenty of fish – an ingredient that is known for being kind to the digestive tract. Additionally, the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, plus the salmon oil, mean your dog will benefit from a strong immune system, shiny coat, and strong joints.
It contains an excellent amount of protein at 22% as well as 15% fat and 7% ash. The vegetables used have been chosen for their nutritional benefits, helping your dog to lead a happier and healthier life, while also helping keep their stomach calm after mealtime.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Sweet Potato, Dried Salmon, Peas, Potato
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Sensitive, grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
This is a fantastic dry food that is gentle on stomachs and filled with natural ingredients. The fat content is also fairly low as an added bonus.
Sample Buyer Review
— Phillippa Lambert
8. Burgess Sensitive
Best Hypoallergenic Pick
This kibble is ideal for dogs that are suffering from colitis but also need a hypoallergenic diet. It’s gentle on the digestive system, and uses beet pulp to help keep stools firm throughout recovery. The carbs included are gentle, and the low-fat content eases digestion and prevents upsets.
It contains 20% as well as 10% fat, and the ash content is a little higher than we tend to like at 10%. However, this can be overlooked in favour of the nutritional benefits, and the inclusion of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat, healthy immune system, and strong joints.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, Lamb Meal, Unmolassed Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Fish Oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a great food for dogs that need a hypoallergenic diet on top of their recovery from colitis. It’s gentle, delicious, and relatively affordable.
Sample Buyer Review
— Samantha Beazer
9. Eukanuba Puppy Veterinary Diet Intestinal
Best Puppy Pick
Gastrointestinal issues in puppies are no laughing matter, and getting them on food that is nutritionally balanced as well as designed to help ease these illnesses is a must. That’s exactly what this food does. It’s packed with nutrients for immune and digestive health.
Not only that, but it also supports their joints and muscles to ensure that they grow strong. It contains 31% protein for energy and nutrients, as well as 15% fat – which is low for puppy food. The ash content is 7%, making this food balanced in all aspects.
- Key Ingredients: Beet pulp, Dried Chicken and Turkey, maize, rice, dried whole egg
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Sensitive, low-fat
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely, you should pick this food up. It’s easy for puppies to eat, packed with nutrients, and helps to settle their stomachs. Furthermore, they can continue on it even after recovery.
Sample Buyer Review
— Jan Fly
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. PRO PLAN OPTIGIDEST Sensitive
For Sensitive Pups
One of the active ingredients in this kibble is colostrum, which boots the immune system to help them fight illnesses like colitis in the future. It’s gentle on their stomachs, making digestion smoother and helping them through recovery with something both tasty and highly nutritious.
It contains 30% protein, as well as 19% fat. The ash content is 8%, which is a little high but also easy to overlook when you consider the digestive benefits. The kibble is also smaller than adult food, making it much easier for them to chew as well as providing them with good oral hygiene.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Dehydrated poultry protein, Wheat, Soya meal, Animal fat, Rice
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Sensitive, gastric care
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Colitis
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this food. It doesn’t take any of the nutrients your puppy needs away, and also manages to create a balanced meal that will calm their stomach and is easy to digest.
Sample Buyer Review
— Tanya McShane
FAQs
What is the Main Cause of Colitis?
Colitis is caused by an inflammation of the colon, and this is usually the result of an infection or loss of blood supply to the colon. Similarly, it can also be caused by IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) as well as lymphocytic white blood cells. Most dogs will suffer from it at one or more points in their life.
Is Colitis in Dogs Painful?
Yes, colitis in dogs does tend to be painful for them. You may notice that they are lethargic and don’t want to move around as much as usual. Usually, your vet will administer something to help ease the pain and discomfort that they are feeling.
Do I Need to Take My Dog to the Vet if They Have Colitis?
Yes, you should always take your dog in for a very visit if you think they have colitis. This is because it is easy for them to become incredibly dehydrated quickly, and if left this could result in serious illness and possible fatalities.
The vet will usually give them something to stop the pain and discomfort, as well as an injection that reduces overall feelings of sickness so that they don’t vomit again if they have already.
What are the Symptoms of Colitis?
Generally speaking, the symptoms of colitis are as follows:
- Loss of appetite (or less excitement over food)
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in stool
- Difficulty defecating
It should be noted that while the presence of blood in their stool can be alarming, it isn’t as bad as it looks and so you shouldn’t panic too much when you see it. Just make a vet appointment as soon as possible so that they can be checked over.
What are the Symptoms of Colitis?
No, you cannot catch colitis from your dog. There is a human form of colitis, and this can be spread between humans. Similarly, your dog can spread colitis to other dogs, and so it is advised to keep them separated until symptoms have ceased.
Final Thoughts
Colitis is awful, and it’s hard to watch your dog go through it and recover. However, the right diet will help to ease their digestive system and make the recovery process a little easier on their bodies.
We know how important your dog’s health is to you, and that is why our chosen foods come in a whole range of prices – allowing you to find something you can afford.
Additionally, we have made sure to include hypoallergenic options for dogs who also have allergies. Our personal favourite is Hills, but every food here is perfectly suited to help this condition.
What are your thoughts on our guide to the best dog food for colitis UK? Were you able to find something that helped settle their stomach, or are you yet to be convinced? We love hearing your thoughts and feedback, so leave us a message in the comment section below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.