Research Shows A Raw Diet Can Help Dogs With Digestive Issues. Here's How

And not just for humans, but pups too! According to the CDC, humans experience IBD as "a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract [that] is divided into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis2." For our pups, however, IBD is less defined and harder to pick up on. So the more we learn about this condition, the quicker we can get our furry friends started on supportive solutions like Instinct Raw. So let's dig in!

Let's start with the basics. For dogs, IBD can show up as recurring chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or all of the above3. And why? IBD in dogs tends to occur as an immune response to an abnormal gut microbiome, thanks to genetics. But recent studies3 also suggest that environmental factors like pollution, stress, and diet also strongly influence IBD. As it turns out, what your dog is regularly eating has more to do with their digestive distress than we once realized.

It doesn't matter whether we're talking about humans or dogs—we always turn to the science where we can. And in 2021, a paper3 was published on a study done with 7,015 dogs (woof) to examine the link between early-life factors like diet and IBD reported later in life. Interestingly, the researchers found that puppies on a raw diet (of uncooked meat, veggies, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients) were associated with a significantly lower risk of developing IBD later in life. Compared to raw-fed puppies, puppies on a kibble diet at the same age were associated with a higher risk of developing IBD later in life. We'll throw you a bone and make it simple: The earlier we start our pups on a raw diet, the better their digestive health may be in the future.

But more importantly, their bellies are happier on a raw diet. And that's because of a theory researchers3 call the "Old Friends" hypothesis, which suggests that our pups' immune system benefits from early-life exposure to environmental elements like microbes, pollens, and molds (which raw food helps to do). A raw diet helps "educate" our dogs' immune systems to help foster a healthier microbiome for years to come. Just like our own gut microbiome plays a vital role in overall health—the canine microbiome4 similarly protects against pathogens and supports immunity.

Digestion woes can show up in many different forms—for humans and our pet pals alike. No matter the species, getting more intentional with diet is always a step in the right direction. Like us, our dogs deserve what's real: real food and real benefits. One easy scoop of Instinct Raw at a time!