What to feed a dog with gallbladder problems

If your pet has been diagnosed with gallbladder problems, there are a few things you can do to help keep it healthy and happy. If we replace some of the fats in our dogs’ diets with other nutrients, their bodies will be less likely to have issues with the gallbladder. In addition, reducing the amount of processed foods we give our pets can help prevent gallstones from forming.

The recommendations here can be achieved through our Perfect Dog Food Mix recipes too.

Completely avoid any fatty meats or processed foods.

If you want to avoid any fatty meat, be sure to avoid nuts, avocados and vegetable oils.

When it comes to processed foods, do not give your dog any of this type of food. It can cause diarrhea and pancreatitis in dogs that are predisposed to gallbladder disease. In addition, processed fats can cause weight gain and gallbladder problems in dogs with existing gallbladder issues.

Cook lean meats and vegetables in water until soft.

Lean meats like chicken, turkey and fish are healthier than red meats. You can look for lean cuts of beef, but avoid fatty ones like ground beef or sausage.
Use water instead of oil when cooking vegetables. This will help prevent the formation of fat in your dog’s body.
Cook until soft and tender by using either a pressure cooker or slow cooker.

Use a high-quality protein source.

When selecting a high-quality protein source, look for the first ingredient listed on the label to be meat or fish. The next choice is eggs, then dairy products such as cottage cheese or yogurt.
Avoid plant-based proteins because they can cause gas and bloating in pets with biliary tract disease. These include corn gluten meal, soybeans and wheat gluten (found in some commercial pet foods).
If you are feeding your dog wet food instead of dry kibble, choose one that contains at least 40% protein on a dry matter basis (the amount left after moisture has been removed from a product).

Offer food at room temperature or slightly warm.

You can also try warming up the food before you feed it to your dog. This will make it easier for them to digest and will be more appetizing. Refrigerated or frozen food can cause bloating, constipation and other digestive problems in dogs with gallbladder issues.

Try to avoid “tempting” your dog with people food, as this can cause pancreatitis.

Avoid feeding your dog fatty foods, such as bacon and sausage.
Avoid feeding your dog high-fat treats like cheese, peanut butter and ice cream.
Avoid greasy foods like french fries and potato chips.
Limit the amount of food you feed your dog at one time if he has pancreatitis or is overweight: Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis to flare up in dogs with this condition.

With a little careful preparation, you can give your pet the nutrition that it needs.

Make sure that you are giving your dog the right amount of food to meet its energy needs. If you don't know how much your dog should be eating, talk with a veterinarian or consult with one of our nutritionists: they can help determine your pet's specific caloric needs and recommend a diet plan accordingly.

As far as water goes, make sure you're keeping up with their daily hydration requirements by offering plenty of fresh water at all times. We recommend checking in with your vet before starting any sort of exercise program or change in diet; they can advise you on how much exercise is appropriate for your dog based on its age and health status. They may also suggest vitamin supplements for dogs who require extra nutrients because of an illness or poor diet (this is especially true for senior pets).

Conclusion

With a little careful preparation, your pet can get the nutrition it needs. It’s important not to overdo it on treats or people food and make sure that you are giving them foods that are appropriate for their body type. A lower calorie diet might be necessary, so choose leaner meats and vegetables when possible. By following these tips, you can keep your dog healthy while still giving them the proper amount of food needed for their specific needs!