Avoid These Diet Mistakes: Superfoods to Boost Your Dog’s Gut This Summer, Simple Fixes for Common Feeding Habits That Harm Digestive Health

As temperatures rise and outdoor adventures beckon, your dog’s diet plays an even more critical role in maintaining gut health and summer vitality.

But many well-meaning dog owners are unknowingly sabotaging their pup’s digestion with common summer diet mistakes—especially in dogs prone to IBS or sensitive stomachs.

This season, let’s fix those missteps and fuel your dog’s microbiome with cooling, nourishing superfoods that support digestion, immunity, and energy.

🚫 Common Summer Diet Mistakes That Harm Gut Health

1. Overfeeding Processed Kibble

Kibble can be convenient, but feeding it exclusively—especially in the heat—can:

• Dehydrate your dog (kibble is only ~10% moisture)

• Irritate the gut lining due to preservatives or fillers

• Make digestion harder when your dog is already sluggish from the heat

Tip: Mix in hydrating, whole-food toppers like bone broth or steamed veggies to lighten the digestive load.

2. Neglecting Hydration

Increased panting and playtime under the sun = more fluid loss. Dehydration is a top trigger for:

• Constipation

• Dry, hard stools

• Slowed digestive motility

Tip: Offer water often and try hydrating add-ins like broth ice cubes or goat’s milk kefir.

3. Using Low-Quality Treats

Many popular dog treats are packed with:

• Artificial colors

• Wheat, soy, or corn

• High sugar or salt content

These can disrupt gut bacteria, increase inflammation, and worsen IBS symptoms.

Tip: Choose single-ingredient freeze-dried treats—or better yet, use dog-safe fruits like blueberries.

🥕 Summer Superfoods That Soothe and Support the Gut

Time to upgrade your dog’s bowl! These superfoods are easy to add and powerful for digestion:

🦴 Bone Broth

• Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that soothe and repair the gut lining

• A hydrating boost that encourages better nutrient absorption

• Ideal for post-play recovery or picky eaters

Try freezing bone broth in silicone molds for a cooling summer treat!

🫐 Blueberries

• Loaded with antioxidants to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut

• Support immune balance and healthy gut bacteria

• Low-calorie, low-sugar treat—even better frozen!

🍠 Sweet Potatoes

• High in soluble fiber to support regularity and feed healthy gut flora

• Gentle on sensitive stomachs and a great source of beta-carotene

• Cooked and mashed, they make an easy topper or a homemade treat base

🧠 Emanuela’s Take

“So many dog owners think they’re doing the right thing—but gut imbalances often stem from small daily habits. When you switch out just a few ingredients, the change in your dog’s energy, digestion, and behavior can be incredible.”— Emanuela Visone, Founder of DogIBS.com

🐶 Ready to Build a Gut-Boosting Summer Plan?

Don’t let another season go by with tummy troubles. Whether your dog has occasional bloating or full-blown IBS, you can help them feel better naturally.

🎯 Emanuela offers free one-on-one coaching through DogIBS.com to help you design the perfect seasonal plan—with real food, not guesswork.

➡️ Book your free session now

BOOK NOW

Your dog’s best summer starts with a balanced belly. Let’s get their tail wagging again—one superfood at a time. 🐾