Why Your Dog Has Digestive Issues (And How Chia Seeds Can Help Safely)
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If your dog has loose stools, inconsistent poops, or digestion that just never seems quite right, I want you to take a breath.
You’re not alone.
And you’re probably not doing anything “wrong.”
Digestive issues are one of the most common concerns dog parents deal with — and yet they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Before you panic, switch foods (again), or blame yourself, there’s one important piece of the puzzle most dog owners overlook:
Fiber.
In this post, I want to walk you through why digestive issues are so common in dogs, what vets actually say about fiber, and how chia seeds can gently support digestion — when they’re used correctly.
(You can also watch the full video version of this blog below, where I explain everything step by step.)
Why digestive issues are so common in dogs
Loose stools, inconsistent digestion, and sensitive stomachs don’t usually come from one single cause. In my experience — and according to veterinary nutrition experts — digestion issues tend to show up when a few factors overlap:
- Sensitive gut microbiomes
- Highly processed diets
- Too many rich treats or scraps
- Sudden changes in food or routine
Organisations like the American Kennel Club consistently point out that dietary fiber plays a key role in stool quality and gut health — yet it’s often treated as an afterthought.
One important mindset shift that helps many dog parents:
Loose stools are often not about too much food — they’re about imbalanced fiber.
A quick personal note: how I got here
None of this is something I always knew.
When my dog Bucky was diagnosed with cancer, I realised very quickly how little I understood about dog nutrition. I was just a dog mom trying to do the best I could with the information I had.
But once I started learning, something clicked. I became genuinely obsessed with how small, intentional food choices could support a dog’s health — not in a miracle-cure way, but in a foundational way.
That journey is what led me to found The Barkery: a place where we bake fresh, functional dog treats designed to support health, one snack at a time.
Digestive health was one of the very first areas that pulled me in.
Fiber 101: what most dog owners don’t know
Here’s where things usually get confusing — because not all fiber does the same thing.
There are two main types of fiber, and they affect digestion in very different ways.
Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber:
- Absorbs water
- Forms a soft gel in the gut
- Slows digestion
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
This type of fiber is often recommended by vets for dogs with loose stools or stool inconsistency, because it helps regulate moisture in the digestive tract.
Insoluble fiber
Insoluble fiber:
- Adds bulk
- Helps move things through the digestive system faster
Both types matter — but for dogs with loose stools, soluble fiber is usually the missing piece.
This approach is supported by veterinary nutrition research, including studies indexed by the National Institutes of Health, which highlight the role of soluble fiber in stool normalization and gut balance.
Where chia seeds come in (and why they’re different)
This is where chia seeds really shine.
Chia seeds are extremely high in soluble fiber. When they’re properly hydrated — either soaked or baked — they form a gel-like texture. That gel is what makes them so helpful for digestion.
When used correctly, chia seeds can:
- Help firm loose stools
- Support healthy gut bacteria
- Improve stool regularity
Research shows that chia seeds can absorb many times their weight in liquid, which explains their ability to help regulate moisture in the gut.
In simple terms: they help things become more balanced.
The biggest mistake with chia seeds (and why they sometimes “don’t work”)
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Chia didn’t work for my dog,” this is usually why.
The issue isn’t chia seeds themselves — it’s how they’re used.
Common problems include:
- Feeding chia seeds dry
- Using human-sized amounts
- Sprinkling them randomly on food
- Using them during active gastrointestinal upset without guidance
None of this means you’ve done anything wrong. It just means chia seeds need a little intention to work well.
How to use chia seeds safely for dogs
When it comes to dogs, three things matter most with chia seeds:
Preparation.
Chia should always be hydrated or baked — never fed dry.
Portion size.
Dogs need much smaller amounts than humans.
- Small dogs - 1/4 teaspoon
- Medium Dogs - 1/2 teaspoon
- Large Dog - 1 teaspoon
Consistency.
Chia works best when used gently and consistently over a few days.
This is also why I personally love chia seeds baked into treats. Baking allows:
- Even distribution
- Correct, dog-appropriate dosing
- Easier digestion for sensitive stomachs
It takes the guessing and overthinking out of the equation.
That’s exactly why I created Chia Seed Crunch — so dog parents can offer digestive support without needing to measure, soak, or remember one more thing.
👉 You can find Chia Seed Crunch here:
https://www.thebarkery.ch/products/chia-seed-crunch-dog-treats
When chia seeds are NOT the right solution
As much as I love food-based support, it’s important to be clear:
Chia seeds support digestion — they do not replace veterinary care.
Always speak to your vet if your dog is:
- A puppy with acute diarrhea
- Experiencing sudden, severe digestive symptoms
- Showing signs of blockage, pain, or lethargy
Food can do a lot, but it’s not meant to handle emergencies.
A gentle takeaway
If your dog’s digestion has felt inconsistent, frustrating, or confusing, you’re not failing them.
Sometimes the gut just needs a little extra support — not extremes, not panic, not another dramatic food switch.
Fiber isn’t flashy.
But when it’s used correctly, it’s powerful.