Chronic large bowel diarrhea in dogs can greatly affect their health and daily comfort. A 2022 study published in BMC Veterinary Research evaluated the effects of a fiber-supplemented therapeutic diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols on clinical signs in affected dogs.
The prospective multicenter trial involved 31 adult dogs from private veterinary practices across the United States. Each dog was switched to a complete and balanced dry therapeutic food containing whole grains and polyphenol-rich fiber sources for 56 days. Veterinarians assessed stool parameters, clinical signs, and recurrence rates at multiple time points, while owners monitored stool consistency, nausea/vomiting, stooling behaviors, and quality of life (QoL).
Improvements were rapid—significant diarrhea reduction occurred within 1 day of starting the diet. By Day 56, 68% of dogs achieved complete resolution of symptoms, and the remaining 32% showed marked improvement, with no cases of recurrence. Stool consistency, blood, and mucus levels improved significantly (P < 0.001). Owners also reported better QoL, reduced nausea, and improved stooling behaviors after 28 days, maintained through the end of the trial.
The therapeutic food was well tolerated and safe, indicating that fiber-rich diets not only resolve chronic diarrhea but may also contribute to long-term gastrointestinal health in dogs.
Source: Fritsch, D., Wernimont, S., Jackson, M. I., MacLeay, J., & Gross, K., BMC Veterinary Research, Volume 18, Published June 24, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-022-03330-y
