Ultimate Guide to Digestive Health for Active Dogs

Kristina Voltin
Mar 27
6 min read

Updated: Mar 27

Why it matters: Good digestion fuels energy, speeds up recovery, and strengthens immunity.
Common problems: Exercise, dehydration, and stress can disrupt digestion.
Key nutrients: High-quality protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and proper hydration are crucial.
Feeding tips: Stick to consistent meal times, adjust portions based on activity, and time meals around exercise.
Choosing food: Opt for natural, whole ingredients with no fillers or additives.

How To Improve Dog Gut Health - 4 Simple Ways To Do It ...

Core Nutrients for Gut Health

The right nutrients are key to keeping your active dog's digestion running smoothly and supporting their overall performance.

Protein Needs

Active dogs rely on high-quality protein to repair muscles and maintain energy levels. Protein plays a critical role in:

Repairing muscle tissue after exercise
Providing sustained energy throughout the day

Opt for easily digestible, whole-food, human-grade protein sources. These not only support gut health but also help reduce sensitivities.

"Packed with high-quality proteins to help maintain strength, agility, and lasting energy." - Loyal Saints Pets

In addition to protein, fiber intake is crucial for healthy digestion.

Types of Fiber

Fiber comes in two main forms, and both are essential for gut health:

Soluble Fiber

Regulates digestion speed
Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
Enhances nutrient absorption

Insoluble Fiber

Promotes regular bowel movements
Helps prevent constipation

"Includes nature-derived nutrients and wholesome fibers to support a healthy gut and smooth digestion." - Loyal Saints Pets [2]

For fiber to work effectively, it should be paired with proper hydration and balanced minerals.

Water and Minerals

Active dogs need adequate hydration and a balance of essential minerals to stay healthy. Here's what to keep in mind:

Hydration Tips

Provide 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day
Increase water intake during exercise or in warmer weather
Keep an eye on hydration levels, especially during hot conditions

Key Minerals

Calcium and phosphorus aid in muscle function
Magnesium supports nutrient absorption
Potassium helps regulate fluid balance

"At Loyal Saints, we believe that healthy ingredients lead to happy, vibrant lives for our beloved pets." - Loyal Saints Pets [3]

Pet owners have shared that nutrient-rich, well-balanced diets significantly improve digestion and overall performance.

Meal Planning for Active Dogs

In addition to choosing high-quality nutrients, having a structured meal plan can support better digestion for active dogs.

When to Feed

Stick to consistent feeding times around your dog's exercise routine. Serve breakfast at least 2 hours before morning activities like walks or training. For dinner, aim to feed your dog 2–3 hours before bedtime to allow proper digestion and avoid sleep interruptions.

How Much to Feed

Portion sizes should match your dog's activity level. Dogs with light exercise needs can stick to standard portions, while those with intense activity may need more food. Nutrient-dense options, like Loyal Saints formulas, require smaller portions because they contain fewer fillers. Loyal Saints currently boasts a 5.0/5-star rating from 46 reviews, showcasing its popularity among dog owners.

Exercise and Feeding

Timing meals around exercise is key. Wait 2–3 hours after a main meal before engaging in physical activity. Before strenuous exercise, offer small amounts of water, but make sure fresh water is always available at other times. After exercise, wait 30–45 minutes before feeding again. Start with small amounts of water, then transition back to regular feeding. Adjust portions based on your dog's energy levels and how well they digest their food. Loyal Saints formulas are known to work well for dogs with sensitive stomachs, making them a great choice for active pets.

Selecting Quality Dog Food

Picking the right food is key to keeping your active dog's digestive system in check. Knowing what to look for in dog food and how to switch diets safely can greatly impact your pet's health.

Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Freeze-dried raw food retains natural proteins and fibers that are essential for healthy digestion. Brands like Loyal Saints use these benefits to help maintain a healthy gut.

"We started transitioning Nef over to Loyal Saints a few weeks ago and he is loving it! We have already noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues we were noticing on his previous food. Excited to see how else this new food benefits Nefarian" - NefariansMom

Understanding Labels

Reading food labels can help you make informed choices. Here's what to focus on:

Component	Look For	Avoid
Protein Sources	Whole meat listed as the first ingredient	By-products, meat meals
Fiber Content	Natural sources like vegetables	Artificial fiber additives
Supplementary Ingredients	Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables	Artificial preservatives, colors
Nutritional Statement	AAFO-supported formulation	Generic or vague claims

Prioritize foods with whole, natural ingredients and steer clear of unnecessary fillers and additives. High-quality proteins should always be the main ingredient, supported by nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables.

Switching Foods Safely

Even with the best ingredients, switching dog food too quickly can upset your dog's stomach.

"We gradually made the transition from raw food to this freeze dried and our dog goes crazy, spins in circles, as we are grabbing for the bag. He's always had a picky stomach but the gradual transition had no problems" - Colin J

Follow these steps for a smooth transition:

Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food.
Every 3-4 days, increase the new food by 25%.
Watch for any signs of digestive upset.

The process usually takes about 10-14 days, but some dogs may need more time. Always keep fresh water available throughout the transition.

Daily Gut Health Care

Keeping an eye on your dog's digestion is essential for spotting potential issues early and ensuring they stay energetic and healthy.

Warning Signs

Digestive problems can affect your dog's overall health and activity. Be on the lookout for these key indicators:

Warning Sign	What to Monitor	When to Be Concerned
Stool Changes	Consistency, color, or frequency shifts	Persistent or unusual stool changes
Eating Habits	Food intake and interest in meals	Noticeable drop in appetite
Physical Signs	Energy levels and weight	Weight loss or consistently low energy
Behavior	Comfort and activity level	Signs of discomfort or reduced activity

If you notice these signs, consider adjusting their diet before looking into supplements.

Nutrition and Supplements

A well-rounded, natural diet is the foundation of good gut health. For example, freeze-dried raw dog food offers nutrient-rich ingredients and natural fibers to help maintain your dog’s digestive balance. Prioritize complete and balanced nutrition rather than relying on additional supplements.

When to See the Vet

If diet adjustments don’t solve the problem, consult your veterinarian if you observe:

Persistent digestive issues.
Multiple symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Major changes in eating habits or energy levels.

To assist your vet in diagnosing the issue, keep track of:

Changes in eating patterns.
Variations in stool consistency.
Shifts in activity levels.
Recent transitions to new foods.

This detailed information will help your vet create a tailored treatment plan. Acting quickly can lead to a faster recovery and a happier, healthier dog.

Summary

Keeping your active dog's digestive system in good shape is crucial for their energy and overall well-being. Below, we'll explore important practices and solutions that can make a real difference.

Quick Tips List

Here are some essential tips to help maintain your dog's digestive health:

Area	Best Practice	Why It Matters
Feeding Schedule	Stick to consistent meal times and adjust around exercise	Helps prevent digestive upset and ensures better nutrient absorption
Food Quality	Choose high-protein, natural foods without fillers	Promotes gut health and minimizes digestive problems
Monitoring	Keep an eye on stool consistency, eating habits, and energy levels	Allows for early detection of any potential health issues
Exercise Timing	Wait 1-2 hours after meals before physical activity	Lowers the risk of bloat and discomfort
Hydration	Provide fresh water at all times	Aids digestion and helps with nutrient absorption

These straightforward practices highlight the importance of quality nutrition, something Loyal Saints delivers exceptionally well.

Loyal Saints Products

For active dogs needing top-tier nutrition, Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw food is a standout choice. Their veterinarian-approved recipes are packed with natural nutrients and wholesome fibers that promote healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Pet owners frequently praise these products, with many noting noticeable improvements in their dogs' digestive health. Loyal Saints has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from verified reviews, reflecting its consistent quality.

Key benefits include: human-grade, high-protein formulas made with natural ingredients and no additives - designed to support smooth and efficient digestion.