Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) is a condition in which the intestinal wall becomes damaged, causing bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to leak through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. These substances are not meant to be in the bloodstream, so they trigger immune system responses that cause inflammation throughout the body and many other symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a leaky gut syndrome include:
- Allergies
- Digestive disorders like diarrhea or constipation
- Joint pain
- Unusual weight gain or loss
- Food sensitivities can also develop because undigested food particles have leaked into the bloodstream
The symptoms of a leaky gut syndrome in pets may be similar to other conditions, so a veterinarian should be consulted. A comprehensive physical exam will help rule out other causes for the symptoms, including disease and infection.
Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome in Pets
The most common causes of a leaky gut syndrome in pets are dietary changes that increase the amount of gluten-containing grains in their diet (such as wheat), parasites such as hookworms or whipworms that live inside their intestines, kidney disease that interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food and medications such as steroids.
The following factors can also cause a leaky gut:
- Inflammation from food sensitivities or allergies
- Toxins from environmental pollution or chemicals like chlorine found in tap water
- Undigested food particles that have crossed over from your small intestine into your bloodstream
- Bacterial imbalance
Treatment
Once your dog has developed a leaky gut syndrome, dietary changes are essential to heal your dog's gut and prevent further damage. For your dog's tract to heal, you'll need to eliminate all processed foods from his diet.
It will also be necessary to avoid sugar and preservatives in the form of additives and artificial ingredients that may still be present even if the label says "all-natural" or "organic."
The best diet for dogs with leaky gut is a raw food diet made from fresh human-grade ingredients. This diet contains all of the nutrients that dogs need for optimal health but doesn't contain any harmful ingredients or preservatives that can damage their gastrointestinal tracts.
Leaky gut syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms are not always obvious. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort in their stomach or digestive system, then it's time to take a closer look at what he's eating and how it could be affecting his health.
Remember that your dog will only thrive if you feed him nutritious food that doesn't contain any harmful ingredients or preservatives.
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