Understanding and Addressing Hunger Pukes in Dogs Naturally

14 Apr

Dogs, like humans, can experience digestive issues, including vomiting. One common type is known as "hunger pukes," which occur when a dog vomits bile due to an empty stomach. While occasional vomiting may not be a cause for concern, recurrent hunger pukes can indicate underlying issues that need attention. In this article, we'll explore the causes of hunger pukes in dogs and discuss natural remedies to help alleviate this discomfort.

Causes of Hunger Pukes in Dogs

1. Empty Stomach:

One of the primary reasons for hunger pukes is when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This can happen if a dog skips a meal or if there's a long gap between meals, especially overnight.

2. Bile Build-Up:

When a dog's stomach is empty, bile can accumulate, leading to irritation and vomiting. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in the digestion of fats but can be irritating to the stomach lining when present in excess.

3. Dietary Issues:

Poor diet or irregular feeding schedules can contribute to hunger pukes. Feeding low-quality or inappropriate food, sudden diet changes, or overfeeding can all disrupt the digestive system and lead to vomiting. Furthermore, the frequency of meals may impact bile production and vomiting episodes. Eating multiple meals a day can overstimulate the liver, leading to excess bile production. Conversely, some dogs may benefit from fewer meals or additional snacks to prevent reflux and absorb excess acid.

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders:

Underlying gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or food allergies can also cause vomiting in dogs, including hunger pukes.

5. Excess Fat:

In some cases, excess fat in the diet can contribute to hunger pukes in dogs. If a dog’s diet contains too much fat, it can over-stimulate the liver, leading to vomiting bile. Conversely, if a dog is accustomed to a high-fat diet and receives a lower fat meal, it could result in the excessive secretion of bile acid, leading to vomiting later on. Aim for 15% DMB (dry matter basis) Fat “delays gastric emptying and reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which promotes reflux of food and gastric secretions into the esophagus.”

6. Not Enough Fibre:

Moreover, bile acid pukes can also be linked to the carbohydrate content in the diet, particularly during transitions from kibble to a raw diet. When transitioning, the liver may continue producing high levels of bile acid to compensate for the previous high carbohydrate content. However, as the dog adjusts to the lower carbohydrate diet, this issue typically resolves over time. Adding fruits and vegetables to meals during the transition period may help ease the adjustment.

For dogs who have been on kibble for an extended period, they may require additional carbohydrates in their raw diet to compensate for the liver’s inability to adjust bile acid production. Opting for low glycemic carbohydrates such as green beans, leafy green veg, or berries and incorporating them into the diet can help alleviate reflux.

Indeed, many raw-fed dogs may have diets low in fibre, as raw diets typically consist of meat, bones, and organs with minimal plant matter. While fibre can slow gastric transit, providing a sensation of fullness, it's crucial not to increase fibre intake excessively.

Adding too much fibre, exceeding 5% on a dry matter basis (DMB), can lead to slow gastric emptying rates. This means food stays in the stomach for longer periods, potentially causing discomfort and digestive issues. Therefore, while fibre can offer benefits in moderation, it's essential to maintain a balance to support optimal digestion in raw-fed dogs.

By carefully managing fibre intake within recommended limits, pet owners can help ensure their dogs receive the nutritional benefits of a raw diet while minimizing the risk of digestive disturbances.

7. Gallbladder Stones:

In some cases, gallbladder stones may be the underlying cause of hunger pukes. Gallbladder stones can block the secretion of bile acid, leading to inflammation and pancreatitis attacks. Ultrasound can diagnose gallbladder stones and other related conditions, providing insights into appropriate treatment options.

Overall, understanding the dietary factors and potential medical conditions contributing to hunger pukes can help pet owners address this issue effectively and naturally. However, consulting with a veterinarian is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Natural Remedies for Hunger Pukes in Dogs

1. Frequent Small Meals:

Instead of feeding your dog one or two large meals a day, consider dividing their daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals. This helps prevent the stomach from becoming empty for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of hunger pukes.

2. High-Quality Diet:

Ensure your dog's diet is nutritionally balanced and free from artificial additives, fillers, and potential allergens. Opt for a species appropriate, fresh high-quality dog food made from natural ingredients, or consider a homemade diet under the guidance of an appropriately qualified canine nutritionist. We have a selection of Recipes on our website and we also have a group dedicated to home cooking and raw feeding.

3. Regular Feeding Schedule:

Establish a consistent feeding schedule for your dog and stick to it. This helps regulate their digestive system and prevents fluctuations in food intake, reducing the risk of hunger pukes. It could be beneficial to investigate whether the frequency of meals impacts the condition. Consuming two or more meals per day might overstimulate the liver, leading to excessive bile production, as bile secretion is triggered by food in the duodenum. In such cases, switching to one meal daily, typically in the evening, could potentially resolve the issue without requiring further dietary adjustments.

Conversely, some dogs may benefit from additional meals each day. Genetic factors could contribute to the liver's overproduction of bile acid, with the gallbladder secreting bile randomly when it becomes too full. For these dogs, extra meals can help prevent reflux by absorbing excess acid. Adding two or more meals, including late-night or early-morning snacks, might alleviate the problem. While this approach may not reduce bile acid levels, it can prevent vomiting episodes. We suggest feeding your dog later and earlier in the day and feeding light meals 3-4 times a day.

4. Natural Supplements:

Certain natural supplements can help support digestive health in dogs and help soothe the stomach and alleviate sickness. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and Marshmallow root or slippery elm bark are examples of supplements that may aid in digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. My personal recommendation would be Deglycyrrhised licorice as its effectiveness in treating human GERD has been well documented and was found in a 2018 study more effective at treating acid reflux than pharmaceuticals.Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile are other examples of herbs that may be beneficial for dogs experiencing digestive issues

5. Hydration:

Ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Adequate hydration is essential for proper digestion and can help prevent vomiting.

6.Stress Reduction:

Minimise stressors in your dog's environment, as stress can contribute to digestive upset. Provide a calm and secure space for your dog, and incorporate regular exercise and mental stimulation to promote overall well-being.

7.Add or increase dietary fibre:

Adding some extra fruits and vegetables to their meals for the first couple of days may help to ease the transition, decreasing them over time. Dogs who have been on kibble for multiple years may continue to need extra carbs added to their raw diet because the liver is unable to adjust the production of the bile acid. Selecting low glycemic carbohydrates like;

Broccoli
Leafy greens
Cauliflower
Carrots
Green beans
Blueberries
Cranberries

and feeding as little as 15% – 20% of the overall diet might be enough to eliminate the reflux.

Conclusion

Hunger pukes in dogs can be distressing for both pets and their owners, but they can often be managed effectively with natural approaches. By understanding the causes of hunger pukes and implementing appropriate remedies such as adjusting feeding practices, providing a high-quality diet, and incorporating natural supplements and herbs, you can help support your dog's digestive health and minimize episodes of vomiting.

However, if hunger pukes persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult with a holistic veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and ensure proper treatment.