Why is My Dog Throwing up Undigested Food?

Dogs vomiting undigested food can be alarming for pet owners. While occasional vomiting may not be a cause for concern, frequent episodes could indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help pet parents take appropriate action.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation:  Understanding the Difference

Before diving into the causes, it’s important to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation.

• Regurgitation is a passive process where food is expelled from the oesophagus without warning. The food remains undigested and often appears in a cylindrical shape.

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

Recognizing whether your dog is vomiting or regurgitating can help determine the root cause of the issue.

Common Causes of Dogs Throwing Up Undigested Food

Eating Too Fast

Dogs that gulp down their food too quickly may not allow proper digestion to begin. This can lead to food sitting in the oesophagus and being expelled before reaching the stomach.

Overeating

Dogs may overeat due to instinct, competition, or highly palatable food. Some overeat because of boredom, stress, or inconsistent feeding schedules, while others may have medical conditions like diabetes or Cushing’s disease that drive excessive hunger. Managing portion sizes, using slow-feeder bowls, and ensuring a balanced diet can help prevent overeating  

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to regurgitation of undigested food.

Causes: Eating too fast or large meals, Obesity (increases stomach pressure), High-fat diets or food intolerances and Certain medications affecting digestion. 

Treatment & Prevention: Smaller, frequent meals, Low-fat diets. Elevated food bowls for better digestion and Vet-prescribed antacids if needed

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Certain ingredients in dog food can trigger gastrointestinal distress, leading to vomiting. Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat. Dogs can develop food allergies when their immune system mistakenly treats certain ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or soy as threats, triggering symptoms such as itchy skin, digestive issues, and ear infections. Artificial additives can also cause reactions. Managing allergies involves an elimination diet, switching to hypoallergenic food (like novel proteins), and consulting a vet for allergy testing.  

Megaoesophagus

Megaoesophagus in dogs is a condition where the oesophagus enlarges and loses its ability to push food into the stomach, causing frequent regurgitation and potential aspiration pneumonia. Some dogs are born with it (congenital) while others develop it due to neurological disorders or muscle weakness (acquired). Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and coughing. Management involves feeding dogs in an upright position (using a Bailey chair), small, frequent meals with soft food, and monitoring for complications. While there’s no cure, proper care can help affected dogs live comfortably  

Gastrointestinal Blockages

Foreign objects, tumours, or intestinal obstructions can prevent food from passing through the digestive tract, leading to vomiting.

To prevent blockages, training is crucial. Working with a professional dog trainer can help teach impulse control and commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to stop dogs from eating dangerous items. Additionally, owners should supervise chewing habits, provide safe toys, and puppy-proof their home to minimize risks. If a blockage is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.   

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness in dogs happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body, leading to nausea. This is common in puppies because their inner ear balance system is still developing, though some adult dogs remain prone to it. Other causes include stress, anxiety, or negative associations with car rides from past experiences. Symptoms may include drooling, whining, restlessness, vomiting, or excessive lip licking.

To help, try gradual desensitization, short trips with positive reinforcement, keeping car rides cool and well-ventilated, and talking to a vet about medications if needed or choose natural ways which will be available through our website 

Strong Emotions or Stress

Anxiety, excitement, or stressful situations can disrupt digestion and lead to vomiting.

Intestinal Parasites

Worms and other parasites can interfere with digestion, causing dogs to vomit undigested food.

Worms can seriously upset a dog's stomach by disrupting digestion and causing inflammation. Parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms latch onto the intestinal lining, absorbing nutrients meant for the dog. This can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, and excessive hunger. Some worms, like hookworms, can also cause anaemia, making a dog lethargic and weak. Regular deworming, good hygiene, and preventing contact with contaminated soil or faeces can help keep dogs safe. If symptoms persist, a vet check is essential to diagnose and treat the infestation effectively

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a life-threatening condition where a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and trapping air, food, and fluids. This can lead to rapid shock and organ failure if untreated. Symptoms include severe bloating, restlessness, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, and collapse. Causes vary but often involve eating too fast, exercising after meals, or stress, with deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and German Shepherds at higher risk. Emergency surgery is required to save the dog's life.

To prevent GDV, owners can take proactive steps such as using slow-feeder bowls to reduce gulping, feeding smaller, frequent meals instead of one large portion, and avoiding exercise for at least an hour after eating. Raising food bowls slightly may help some dogs, but it’s best discussed with a vet. Dogs prone to GDV can benefit from preventive gastropexy surgery, which secures the stomach to prevent twisting. Keeping stress levels low, ensuring calm meal times, and avoiding food that causes excessive gas, like high-fat meals, can also minimize risk. If signs appear, immediate veterinary attention is critical.

When to See a Vet

While occasional vomiting may not be serious, frequent episodes or additional symptoms like lethargy, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite warrant a vet visit.

How to Prevent Vomiting in Dogs

• Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent fast eating.

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.

• Avoid known allergens and switch to a hypoallergenic diet if needed.

• Ensure your dog doesn’t eat foreign objects that could cause blockages.

• Minimize stress by creating a calm feeding environment.

Understanding why dogs throw up undigested food can help pet owners take proactive steps to ensure their furry friends stay healthy. If vomiting persists, consulting a veterinarian is always the best course of action.

Several veterinarians have shared insights online about why dogs throw up undigested food. Here are some expert-reviewed sources:

• Senior Tail Waggers explains the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, highlighting causes like acid reflux, megaoesophagus, and overeating. You can read more

• Dogster provides a vet-reviewed list of nine reasons dogs might vomit undigested food, including eating too fast, food allergies, and foreign objects.

• PetLab Co discusses ten causes of this issue, covering topics like motion sickness, stress, and gastrointestinal blockages.