How Long Does It Take A Dog To Digest Food?

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Dogs are omnivores, but their digestive system struggles to break down everything. A diet of meat proteins is more efficient for their digestive system, which works 8-10 hours.

A meal containing vegetables, grains, and proteins should leave the stomach completely within 12 hours.

In this article, we will give you an overview of exactly how your dog’s digestive system works and what factors can influence their digestion.

The Digestive Process in Dogs

The digestive process begins in the mouth, where food is broken down into smaller pieces through chewing and saliva. Swallowed food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, where powerful acids and enzymes break down proteins.

The food in the stomach can stay for 4–8 hours. The semi-digested food moves into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed for 2-4 hours.

The remaining food particles move into the large intestine, where water and salts are absorbed for 12 hours. After this process, the waste is excreted.

What Factors Affect Digestion in Dogs?

Age, breed, size, diet, health conditions, and activity level all play a role in a dog’s digestive health. Age-related factors include smaller meals, frequent bathroom breaks, and increased protein for growth.

Senior dogs require 20% fewer calories than growing puppies, but there is no significant difference in nutrition between adult and senior dogs.

Breed and genetics also influence the digestive system, with certain breeds like the German Shepherd experiencing issues and sensitivities while others are susceptible to food allergies.

Size can also affect nutrition and digestion, with high-protein foods taking less time to digest than grain-based meals. A high-fiber diet increases absorption of water into the GI tract and results in more poop deposits.

Health conditions, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), can affect the digestive process in dogs, causing weight loss, diarrhea, and extreme hunger.

Activity level also impacts the digestive process, with an active dog burning more calories than a couch potato. It is essential to provide the necessary nutrients and calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Food allergies, which are often related to dairy products, beef, lamb, chicken, soy, or gluten, can also affect a dog’s digestive system, with symptoms such as itchy skin, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Factors Affecting Digestion Time

Dogs have a slower digestive process, taking between 8 and 10 hours to digest their food. This is due to the fact that 70% of ingesta is stored in the stomach and 30% in the intestinal passage, making them more susceptible to digestive issues and causing intense reactions to their gut contents.

Factors influencing digestion time include food type, age, size, breed, and exercise.

To promote better gut health, dogs should have a regular feeding routine, as they spend between 8 and 10 hours digesting a single meal. High-protein diets like meat are digested slower than carbohydrate-rich ones.

Younger dogs have faster metabolisms, while smaller breeds generally have faster digestion rates, and regular exercise can speed up the digestive process.

Signs of Digestive Problems in Your Dog

Signs of digestive system problems can include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, straining when passing stools or blood or mucus in the stools.

These could be the result of digestive problems in your dog, such as gastroenteritis, colitis, stress diarrhea, or constipation.

Dogs appetites can be inconstant, but if you notice them changing drastically or for a continuous period of time, it could indicate an underlying health problem. In reality, 10% of vet visits are related to gastrointestinal diseases, so it is fairly common.

As a dog owner, you should get acquainted with your dog’s digestive habits, which include how often they go and the consistency of their feces. As unappealing as that sounds, you will be in a good place to know if there is something uncharacteristic going on with your pup.

If you do notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned, you should seek help from your veterinarian. More often than not, it will be a simple adjustment to your dog’s diet.

What if My Dog Eats Something He Cannot Digest?

If your dog eats something indigestible, it can lead to a variety of health issues. Here are some steps to take and signs to watch for:

Immediate Actions

1. Identify the Object: Try to figure out what your dog ate and how much of it. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian.
2. Stay Calm: Panicking can make the situation worse. Keep an eye on your dog and observe any immediate reactions.
3. Contact Your Veterinarian: If you know your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet immediately. They can provide guidance on the next steps and what symptoms to look out for.

Treatment Options

1. Inducing Vomiting: In some cases, the vet may recommend inducing vomiting to expel the object. This should only be done under veterinary supervision.
2. X-rays or ultrasound: If the object cannot be identified or if it’s causing a blockage, the vet may need to perform imaging to locate it.
3. Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the object from your dog’s digestive tract.
4. Monitoring: Sometimes, the vet may suggest monitoring your dog at home for any changes in behavior or symptoms.

Prevention Tips

• Pet-Proof Your Home: Keep small objects, toxic substances, and human food out of reach of your dog.
• Training: Teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to prevent them from picking up harmful items.
• Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially when they’re exploring new environments or playing with toys that could be chewed into small pieces.

Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested something indigestible.

Final Thoughts

To ensure your dog is digesting food properly and getting the necessary nutrients, it’s important to provide a balanced diet suited to their specific needs. Pay attention to any signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, and consult with a veterinarian with any concerns.