Diet for Dachshunds with Colitis

Dachshunds with colitis require a high-fiber diet.

Colitis, or an inflammation of the colon, causes dachshunds to suffer from diarrhea and dehydration. By adjusting a dachshund's diet, owners can treat colitis and maintain a happy, healthy dog.

Dachshunds and Food

With any dachshund, a balanced diet is necessary to maintain health. Foods to avoid include ingredients such as corn products and sorghum, a kind of grass.

Fiber

Foods that contain high amounts of fiber help dachshunds with colitis digest properly and ease diarrhea. Look for natural fiber sources, such as brown rice, fruit and oats.

Fluids

Diarrhea, a common side effect of colitis, causes dehydration. Dachshunds with colitis require a plentiful supply of fluids. Adding water to the dog's food, or increasing canned food, can also help with dehydration.

Food Allergies

One potential cause of colitis is an allergy or intolerance to a specific food item. An easy way to test this is to feed dachshunds homemade food containing sweet potato, brown rice and fruit.

References

• Dogtime: Colitis in Dogs
• Vet Info: Managing Colitis with a Fiber-Rich Diet