What dogs do to digest their food starts as soon as they eat it. Food is first broken down in the mouth, where saliva and food mix. However, dogs don’t eat as well as people do. Food goes down the throat and into the stomach after being eaten. There, gastric acids and enzymes start to break it down even more. Important parts of processing happen in the gut. This stage can last for hours, based on the type of food eaten. Most of the time, proteins and fats take longer to digest than carbs. So the question is how long for dog to digest food and poop?
The Small Intestine: A Trip Through It
The food that has only partly been broken down goes from the stomach to the small intestine. This is where most of the intake of nutrients takes place. The pancreas and liver make enzymes and bile, which help break down food into nutrients that the body can use.
Getting Through the Large Intestine
The big gut is the next step. This is where water and salts are taken from the food that can’t be digested. It could take anywhere from six to twelve hours to do this. There are also many types of bacteria in the large gut that help break down fibers that haven’t been processed yet. This process makes vitamins and fatty acids that are good for the dog’s health. When food gets to the end of the large intestine, it has been broken down into feces and is ready to be passed out of the body.
Different things that affect digestion time
How long it takes for a dog to digest food and go to the bathroom depends on a number of things. Some of these are the dog’s breed, size, age, amount of exercise, and health. Bite-sized dogs may digest food faster than bigger types because their metabolisms are usually faster. Because their bodies are still growing and they need more energy, puppies usually absorb food faster than older dogs. The food that a dog eats also plays a big part. Fiber-rich foods can help processing go faster, while high-fat foods may slow it down. Being active can also boost the digestive system, which can help processing go faster and bowel movements happen more regularly.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s eating and poop schedule
It can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours for food to go through a dog’s digestive system. For your dog’s health’s sake, you should keep an eye on their stomach and poop routine. Splons that are regular and have a good shape are usually a sign of good intestinal health. Talk to your vet about any big changes in your dog’s stomach or poop habits, like diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the nature of the stool.
