If your pooch suffers from indigestion, hypersalivation, diarrhea, periodic vomiting, or has been diagnosed with IBD, then L-Glutamine for dogs with IBD may be a simple over the counter (OTC) solution for you.
What Is IBD?
IBD or inflammatory bowel disease is a disorder causing intestinal pain, swelling, and discomfort that may lead to long-term inflammation of the gut.
Many dogs, for a variety of reasons, battle IBD either periodically or chronically.
In worst-case scenarios, your canine friend may suffer severe pain that would truly break any pet guardian’s heart.
Why L-Glutamine for Dogs with IBD Is Important
L-Glutamine is an amino acid building block for making proteins in the body. It aids in normalizing intestinal function.
During a bout of intestinal cell destruction, L-Glutamine for dogs with IBD inhibits further destruction of intestinal cells while also fueling the replacement of dying, diseased cells with new rapidly growing cells.
The result is the protection of the lining of the GI tract and quick regeneration of new, normal cells.
Introducing L-Glutamine Supplements for Your Dog
Glutamine deficiency is common in dogs, especially those suffering from injury, burns, chronic infections, malnutrition, and stress.
Post-surgery and high-intensity exercises can also contribute to deficiencies. Hence, L-Glutamine for dogs with IBD is an essential solution.
The good news is that L-Glutamine comes in OTC supplements considered safe for your animal companion when taken at recommended dosages.
How to Use Dog Supplements with L-Glutamine
A variety of dog supplements containing L-glutamine are available on the market; however, you must learn to use them correctly.
In addition to reading labels and instructions, take your pet and your choice of L-Glutamine supplement to your vet.
L-Glutamine for dogs with IBD may result in different reactions from your pets depending on the brand and other inactive ingredients.
There are L-Glutamine supplements formulated by veterinarians which carry the National Animal Supplement Council Seal (NASC). Look for one that contains probiotics. With healthy probiotic cultures and prebiotic nutrition, the growth of good bacteria in the intestines is effectively promoted.
Unless your vet says otherwise, you will need to give L-Glutamine daily.
The easiest way to accomplish this is by hiding the capsule in food. It usually works best if you hide it in a snack such as a small amount of dog food or any soft treat which can be molded around the capsule.
The best supplements are the most convenient supplements. They can either be sweet or flavored with tastes that pack a punch.
You can either give supplements alone or mixed with your dog’s food. Depending on your pet’s palate, you can also crush tablets into smaller pieces and sprinkle them all over the food.
Supplements that come in powder form allow for more accurate dosing and faster results than traditional tablets. You can mix the powder with soft, sticky food or pill pockets.
Dosage
L-Glutamine for dogs with IBD is usually labeled with a typical dosage that works best for most dogs. That is around 1000 mg per day.
These supplements are generally safe, and although specific circumstances may require varying doses, 1000 mg per dog per day should be sufficient.
Pure Encapsulations is a good product our veterinarian Dr. Marc Smith uses and highly recommends. If you choose this product, the dose is 1/3 of a teaspoon once daily on food.
Things to Remember!
Keep in mind to always have a veterinarian take a look at the supplements you use for your canine family.
What will sit well with one dog may not work well with another, so be prudent when it comes to feeding L- Glutamine for dogs with IBD.
For more options to help your dog with IBD, book a consult with Dr. Smith!
Dr. Smith can guide you on how to properly use L-Glutamine supplements that can help your pet heal from IBD.
Do take note that supplementation for digestive problems may not have an immediate effect.
Improvement is gradual and may take over several weeks.
