Dog Is Throwing Up Undigested Food: 10 Causes & How to Help

When it comes to dog vomiting, there are all sorts of varieties that concern pet parents. And when a dog is throwing up undigested food, it may cause pet owners to worry that their pups aren’t getting adequate nutrition and that something is wrong. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the causes of dogs throwing up undigested food, how pet parents can tell the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, when to be concerned, and we’ll provide tips to help keep your dog’s food down.

The Basics of Dog Digestion

To understand why your dog might be throwing up undigested food, it’s essential to know a bit about dog digestion. 

A dog’s digestive process begins in the mouth, where food is broken down by chewing and saliva. 

Once swallowed, the food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it mixes with gastric juices. This process typically takes about 6 to 8 hours, but can vary depending on the type of food. For instance, kibble might take longer to digest than wet or fresh food.

Dog Regurgitation Vs. Dog Vomiting

Understanding the difference between dog vomiting and regurgitation can help you determine the severity of your dog’s issue. 

Regurgitation is a passive process where undigested food is expelled from the esophagus, usually without any warning signs. 

Vomiting, on the other hand, is an active process where the stomach contents are forcefully expelled. Vomiting is often accompanied by retching and abdominal contractions. 

While regurgitation is generally less serious than vomiting, it can still indicate an underlying issue, such as esophageal problems.

Signs of Regurgitation in Dogs

• Occurs shortly after eating
• Food is undigested and often tubular in shape
• No prior signs of distress

Signs of Vomiting

• Can occur hours after eating
• Food may be partially digested and mixed with bile
• Accompanied by retching, drooling, and abdominal contractions

My Dog Is Throwing Up Undigested Food: Should I Be Concerned?

While it is never “normal” for a dog to vomit, occasional vomiting is not a cause for concern, especially if your dog is otherwise acting like themselves. If your dog vomits undigested food one time every few months or less, and you do not notice any other symptoms of illness, then it’s likely not of consequence. 

However, if your dog is vomiting undigested food frequently, such as several times a week or multiple times a day, even if they are acting like themselves, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Additionally, if a vomiting dog has any other signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weakness, veterinary care is warranted.

The timeframe of vomiting undigested food is also a factor to consider when deciding whether or not to be concerned for your dog. Vomiting shortly after eating might suggest regurgitation or eating too quickly. On the other hand, vomiting hours after eating could point to a more serious issue like a blockage or gastrointestinal disorder. If your dog throws up hours after eating multiple times in a row or over several days, have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Puppies Vomiting Undigested Food

Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs, making them more prone to vomiting undigested food. 

This can be due to their smaller stomachs, rapid growth, or dietary changes. If your puppy frequently throws up undigested food, it’s crucial to monitor their overall health and consult your vet to rule out serious conditions.

10 Possible Causes for Dogs Throwing Up Food After Eating

Some of the most common causes for dogs throwing up undigested food include:

• Eating too fast: Dogs that gulp their food can ingest excess air, leading to regurgitation or vomiting.

• Overeating: Eating too much can leave a dog uncomfortable and result in vomiting to relieve the stomach ache.

• Food sensitivities or allergies: Certain ingredients might not agree with your dog’s stomach, leaving it unsettled and causing them to vomit.

• Anxiety or stress: Nervous dogs might vomit due to anxiety.

• Switching food too quickly: A sudden change in diet can upset your dog’s stomach.

• Infectious diseases: Some infectious agents, such as canine parvovirus, can cause sudden and severe vomiting.

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions like gastritis, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can all manifest as vomiting.

• Intestinal parasites: Worms or other parasites can disrupt digestion. This is a common cause of vomiting in puppies, but dogs of any age can be affected.

• Foreign body: Ingesting non-food items can cause intestinal blockages and subsequent vomiting.

• Organ dysfunction: Conditions like liver disease or kidney failure can result as nausea and vomiting undigested food. 

Assessing Your Dog’s Vomit

Examining your dog’s vomit can provide valuable clues about their health. Note the following:

Undigested vs. partially digested food: Indicates where the issue might be occurring in the digestive process.

Timeframe: Vomiting immediately after eating can indicate eating too much or too fast, while vomiting hours after eating can be indicative of more serious health issues.

Color: Yellow (stomach acid) can suggest stomach issues, like gastritis, while red (blood) or green (bile) might indicate more severe problems.

Consistency: Watery vomit can indicate dehydration or a different issue compared to thick, chunky vomit.

Keeping a record of these observations can help your vet diagnose the problem more accurately. If and when possible, take a well-lit photo of the vomit to show your veterinary team. 

Diagnosing and Treating the Cause of Your Dog’s Vomiting

Veterinarians use various methods to diagnose the cause of your dog’s vomiting, including physical exams, intestinal parasite screenings, blood tests, radiographs (X-rays), and abdominal ultrasounds. 

The severity of your dog’s symptoms and factors such as their age, breed, and medical history will guide your veterinarian in selecting the appropriate diagnostic tests. 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may range from dietary changes and medications to surgery in severe cases.

Tips for Preventing Dogs From Vomiting Undigested Food

After you’ve determined that your dog’s vomiting isn’t due to a potentially serious medical condition, there are some simple steps you can take at home to reduce the chance that your dog will vomit undigested food:

1. Space out meals: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help.

2. Use a slow feeder bowl: These bowls are designed to slow down eating to prevent gulping.

3. Switch food slowly: Gradually transition to new food over the course of a week.

4. Avoid table scraps: Stick to a consistent diet to avoid digestive upset.

5. Maintain a calm environment: Reducing stress and anxiety can help.

By understanding the causes and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure your dog’s digestive health and reduce the chances of them throwing up undigested food. If the problem persists, always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.