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Dog Nutrition & Wellness Blog

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get our curated collection of articles on the benefits of cold-pressed dog food, dog nutrition & wellness, and much more!

  • 3 min read

At Nextrition, we often highlight how our cold-pressed dog food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and certain allergies. Digestive issues are a common concern among pet owners, and in some cases, the food a dog is eating could be the culprit. When that's the case, transitioning to a more suitable food can make all the difference.

Causes of Canine Digestive Issues

It's important to recognize that not all digestive problems can be solved with a simple food change. A variety of factors can disrupt a dog's digestion, including:

  • Dietary Indiscretion: Allowing a dog to eat table scraps or forage through the garbage often leads to stomach upset or more severe gastrointestinal problems.

  • Food Changes: Abruptly switching from one brand or type of food to another—such as transitioning from kibble to a raw diet—can temporarily upset a dog’s digestive system.

  • Canine Stress: Stress impacts dogs just as it does humans, potentially leading to difficulty digesting even the most nutritious and gentle foods.

  • Food Allergies: Dogs with food allergies may experience digestive distress as their immune systems react to certain ingredients.

Some dogs may experience a combination of these issues, making it even more challenging to identify the root cause of their digestive troubles.

Early Warning Signs of Digestive Problems

Being aware of the signs of digestive issues can help you address problems early. Common symptoms include:

  • Vomiting (especially if it happens frequently).

  • Changes in appetite, such as sudden disinterest in food.

  • Regular Diarrhea.

  • Postures indicating abdominal discomfort, like hunching or stretching.

  • Excessive flatulence or general gassiness.

  • Unexplained weight loss or lethargy.

  • Dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

  • Constipation or irregular bowel movements.

A particularly serious sign to watch for is abdominal distension, or swelling in the abdomen. This can indicate a more severe underlying condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Transitioning to a New Food

If digestive issues are linked to your dog's current food, a gradual transition to a new diet may help. Follow these steps for a successful switch:

  1. Consult Your Veterinarian
    Discuss your dog's symptoms and dietary needs with your vet before making any changes. Your vet can help confirm whether a food change is the right approach and recommend suitable options.

  2. Make the Switch Slowly
    Sudden changes can worsen digestive issues, so transition gradually. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food. Over the course of 7-10 days, increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old.

  3. Monitor Your Dog's Reaction
    Keep an eye on your dog's behavior, stool consistency, and energy levels during the transition. Any severe or persistent symptoms should prompt a return visit to the vet.

  4. Choose Gut-Healthy Food
    Look for dog food that supports gut health, like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. Our recipes are crafted with natural ingredients and processed at lower temperatures to preserve nutritional value and promote easier digestion. We also offer equally healthy tummy treats for dogs in two flavors: chicken and beef.

Helping Your Dog Feel Better

While digestive issues can be frustrating, they are often manageable with the right approach. Transitioning to a dog food made for sensitive stomachs, addressing stress, and avoiding dietary indiscretions can all help.

At Nextrition, we take pride in offering a gentle, nutritious alternative to traditional kibble. Whether your dog is struggling with food allergies, a sensitive stomach, or just a picky palate, our cold-pressed recipes could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Start the journey to better digestion today!

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  • 3 min read

Diverticulitis is a condition most commonly associated with human adults, but did you know dogs can develop it too? Although rare, canine diverticulitis can be painful and uncomfortable for your furry friend. The good news is that dietary modifications can play a big role in promoting healing and preventing future flare-ups.

For dogs with diverticulitis, a fiber-rich diet combined with gut-healthy food designed for sensitive stomachs can make a significant difference. Let’s dive into what diverticulitis is, what causes it, and how dietary changes can help.

Inflammation of the Diverticula

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches, known as diverticula, form along the intestinal wall and become inflamed. In humans, these pouches typically form in the large intestine, but in dogs, the location can vary. When inflammation sets in, symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea or constipation, and a loss of appetite often follow. In severe cases, the diverticula can become infected, though this is rare.

Causes of Diverticulitis in Dogs

The causes of diverticulitis in dogs are similar to those in humans. Lack of dietary fiber is a primary factor. Dogs on a diet of traditional kibble may not be getting enough fiber, increasing their risk of developing this condition. Switching to a fiber-rich, cold-pressed dog food can provide the nutrition they need without the need for additional supplements.

Other potential causes include:

  • Chronic constipation

  • Excessive roughage in the diet

  • Trapped intestinal gas

  • Seeds or food particles lodged in the intestines

  • Impacted fecal matter in the colon

When the diverticula become inflamed, the intestines lose their efficiency. Dogs may experience discomfort, nausea, and difficulty eating. These symptoms are not only distressing for the dog but also concerning for their owners.

Dietary Modifications for Recovery and Prevention

Following a diagnosis of diverticulitis, veterinarians often recommend starting with soft, bland foods that are easy to digest. This gentle approach gives the intestines time to heal without additional stress. Gradually reintroducing regular food helps prevent further irritation.

Long-term prevention relies on:

  • A fiber-rich diet of soluble and insoluble fiber to promote regular bowel movements

  • Adequate hydration to keep the intestines functioning smoothly

  • Regular exercise to support healthy digestion

A high-fiber diet is just as essential for dogs as it is for humans. A healthy balance of soluble and insoluble fiber keeps the digestive system moving, reducing the risk of food or waste getting stuck and causing inflammation.

Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Some dogs can develop long-term food sensitivities following an episode of diverticulitis. For these dogs, switching to a dog food designed for sensitive stomachs is crucial. Nextrition dog food is an excellent option. Made with natural ingredients and prepared using a cold-pressed method, it retains its natural flavor and nutritional value while being gentle on the stomach. Its soluble and insoluble fiber content and nutrient-dense formula make it a great choice for dogs recovering from diverticulitis or dealing with ongoing digestive sensitivities.

While diverticulitis is rare in dogs, it’s important to take proactive steps if your pet is diagnosed. Dietary modifications, exercise, and proper hydration can aid recovery and reduce the risk of future episodes. If you’re looking for a dog food that supports gut health and sensitive stomachs, consider giving Nextrition a try—it could make all the difference for your furry friend.

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  • 2 min read

At Nextrition, we’re big on talking about canine gut health. In fact, we believe our natural dog food is one of the best out there for supporting a healthy gut. It all comes down to understanding the canine gut microbiome and knowing which foods are good for it.

You might already be familiar with gut health when it comes to humans. You know that when your own gut is in balance, your overall health tends to improve. The same could be even more true for dogs. With 70% of the dog’s immune system found in the gut a healthy gut often leads to better overall health, which is why we’ve designed a gut-healthy dog food with that in mind.

Just like there are foods that can support your dog’s gut, there are also foods that aren’t so great. Knowing the difference is key to helping your dog live a healthier, happier life.

The Canine Gut Microbiome and Foods That Are Good for It | Nextrition Pet

 

A Community of Microorganisms

Think of the canine gut microbiome as a tiny community of microorganisms all working together toward the same goal. Most of these microorganisms are bacteria, and they live in your dog’s gastrointestinal system. When they’re in balance, your dog’s gut is healthy.

A balanced microbiome includes:

  • A diversity of bacterial species
  • More good bacteria than bad
  • Microorganism stability over time

That last point—stability—is important, and it can change throughout a dog’s life. Everything from age to environment to what your dog eats can impact gut stability. While you can’t change your dog’s age, you can control what they eat and somewhat manage their environment.

Foods That Promote Good Gut Health

Years of research have shown that certain types of food are especially beneficial for your dog’s gut health. These are the types of ingredients we focus on when developing Nextrition recipes. If you compare the list of gut-friendly foods below to our ingredients, you’ll find plenty of overlap.

Some of the best foods for supporting dog gut health include:

  • Eggs
  • Berries
  • Pumpkin and sweet potato
  • Dark, leafy greens
  • Vegetables (red, orange, and cruciferous)
  • Lean meats
  • Certain fermented foods (like fermented beets)

Both prebiotics and probiotics also play a big role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics nourish the good bacteria in your dog’s gut and can be found in foods like pumpkin. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria that support digestion, and they can be found in certain foods and supplements.

Why Gut Health Matters

So, why should you focus on your dog’s gut health? We could just say it helps promote overall health, but let’s dig a little deeper. Good gut health:

  • Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Boosts immune system function
  • Prevents inflammation and gastrointestinal distress
  • Encourages natural vitamin synthesis
  • Offers protection against harmful pathogens

The gut is home to the majority of your dog’s immune system, so keeping it healthy has a ripple effect on their overall well-being.

At Nextrition, we’re here to help you support your dog’s gut health with high-quality, nutritious dog food. If you’re concerned about your dog’s gut health, we invite you to give Nextrition a try and see the difference it can make.
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  • 3 min read

Here at Nextrition, we’re all about gut health. That’s no accident – we designed our products to be gut-healthy dog food options because we know how crucial a healthy gut is to your dog’s overall wellness. It’s a topic worth digging into time and again to cover all the details.

Some of our previous posts have touched on the general ideas of canine gut health. In this post, though, we’re diving deep. Let’s explore what gut health is, why it’s so important for dogs, and how it impacts both their physical and mental wellness.

Dogs Are What They Eat

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” Well, it applies to dogs too. From a health and wellness standpoint, what your dog eats affects every part of their physical wellbeing. And at the center of it all is the gut. Why? Because the gut is where food gets transformed into the valuable resources the body needs to keep going strong.

When we talk about gut health, we mean the health of your dog's digestive system. The gut includes everything from the stomach to the intestines to the liver. A healthy gut breaks food down into nutrients and waste. Nutrients get absorbed, while waste gets discarded.

But what happens when your dog’s gut health isn’t up to par? The digestive system might absorb fewer nutrients, produce more waste than it should, and that waste can be messy to clean up. This means your dog isn’t getting the full nutritional value from their food, leading to a host of issues.

Maintaining the Right Balance

Your dog’s gut doesn’t process food with gears and grinders. Instead, it relies on bacteria, enzymes, and other chemicals and microorganisms to break food down. Good gut health means creating and keeping the right balance of all these substances.

That’s something we focus on when we create gut-healthy dog food. We use all-natural ingredients and manufacturing processes that won’t upset the delicate balance in your dog’s gut. In fact, we add prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to our food to help keep it in check. When your dog’s gut health is strong, they get maximum nutritional value from every meal.

The Benefits of Good Gut Health

All those chemicals and microorganisms in your dog’s gut make up what’s called the gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome is key to good gut health. And good gut health in dogs means:

  • Optimal food digestion and nutrient absorption
  • A stronger and more effective immune system
  • Better control over inflammation
  • More efficient vitamin synthesis
  • Improved weight management

All these benefits lead to better physical and mental health. You probably get the link between good gut health and physical health. But what about mental health? Just like with humans, there’s a connection between physical and mental wellness in dogs. When your dog is physically healthy, they’re likely to show better cognition, mood, and behavior.

On the flip side, poor gut health can lead to allergies, a weakened immune system, excess weight, and chronic inflammation – all things we want to avoid for your dog.

Canine gut health is a vital part of overall wellness. That’s why we’re committed to designing and manufacturing gut-healthy dog food you can trust. Want to know more about our dog food? Just ask!
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  • 3 min read
Here at Nextrition, we're all about shattering norms and redefining what dog food can be. So, when we say our dog food is gut-friendly, we’re not just wagging tails. It might sound surprising since gut health talk usually circles around humans, but hey, your dog’s belly matters just as much!
The gut is your dog’s food processing HQ. When it’s in top form, every bite of food is broken down to unleash the full spectrum of nutrients. Plus, a healthy gut positively impacts 70% of your pup’s immune system. But flip that scene—a sluggish gut? That’s like tossing premium fuel into a clunker. You lose power, or in your pup’s case, vital nutrients.
Our recipes are crafted with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics (yes, a real thing) to vibe with your dog’s natural biology, never against it, ensuring their digestive system is rocking a healthy balance of microorganisms. It’s not just dog food; it’s a belly-boosting revolution.

A Healthy Microbiome: The Unsung Hero

Both canines and humans sport a bustling microbiome, a lively festival of bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms partying in the digestive tract. When this crowd is diverse and vibing well, your dog is on point health-wise. Our gut-healthy grub is designed with pre, pro and postbiotics along with natural ingredients such as pumpkin to keep that party popping, balancing the good and bad microbes like a skilled DJ.
Let’s face it, a bad diet is like a bad DJ—throws everything off. An unbalanced menu can lead to a domino effect of too much or too little of the essential microbes. Result? Your dog might not be feeling their best. They could gain weight, lose it, or even show signs of immune or tummy troubles. Not cool.
But here’s the kicker—it’s easy to keep your dog’s gut in the groove. Start with the right food (hint: like our gut-friendly cold-pressed dog food), and your vet can pitch in with some top-notch advice, too.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Out of Tune

Wondering if your dog's gut is hitting some bum notes? A healthy gut grooves with normal poops, regular bowels, and no belly dramas.
If things are off, you might see:
  • Bouts of diarrhea
  • Lots of flatulence
  • Skipping meals
  • Skin issues
  • Weight dropping off the chart
  • A sudden crash in energy levels
All these signs point to your pooch not soaking up the good stuff from their meals. Also, if the microbiome in your pup’s gut isn’t diverse or healthy and you start adding probiotics into their diet it can take a few days for things to normalize. During this time, your dog can experience some diarrhea or other back-end performance issues.

Talk With Your Vet – They’re the Real MVPs

If your dog’s gut health is tuning out, it’s time to sync up with your vet. They’re the headliners when it comes to health and can tell if your pup’s issues need more than just a diet remix.
In most cases, a gut tune-up with the right chow does the trick. Just like us, dogs are what they eat. Feed them something that not only fills their belly but also fuels their whole body—our gut-healthy dog food is engineered to boost that microbiome for a healthy and happy pup.
So, let’s kick the old, dry kibble to the curb and revolutionize your dog’s diet with our gut-friendly cold-pressed recipes. Order now or join our food revolution with a subscribe and save plan. Fresh, tasty, and delivered right to your door—because your dog deserves nothing less than a bowlful of awesome.
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