Miniature Dachshund

　　Many owners know their dogs have poor gastrointestinal health. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may vomit after eating a little food that is unsuitable. So have you seriously understood the characteristics of the dog digestive system?

　　The dog’s stomach has a shape similar to an irregular pear. Additionally, the hydrochloric acid content in the gastric juice is 0.4~0.6%, which ranks first among domestic animals. Because hydrochloric acid can cause protein to swell and change properties, it helps food digestion and decomposition. Therefore, dogs have a very good ability to digest protein, which is a basic habit of carnivorous dogs.

　　Within about 5~7 hours after eating, dogs can completely empty their stomach contents, which is much faster compared to herbivorous or omnivorous animals. The dog’s intestines are short, usually only 3 to 4 times the length of its body; whereas the intestines of monogastric animals like horses and rabbits are 12 times their body length. Dogs have thicker intestinal walls, so their absorption and digestion abilities are very good, which are typical characteristics of carnivorous animals.

　　Dogs have a strong ability to digest and absorb protein and fat, but because of incomplete chewing and short intestines, they do not ferment fiber well. Thus, they have weaker digestive power for coarser fiber foods. Therefore, when feeding vegetables and fruits to dogs, try to cut them all finely and cook them thoroughly.