Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder where the gut isn’t working as it should, even though there’s no obvious inflammation or structural damage. Pets with IBS may have gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or stools that alternate between the two, often triggered by stress, diet, or environmental changes. Diagnosis is typically made by ruling out other conditions. A gentle, holistic approach — focusing on a simple, species-appropriate diet, gut support, and reducing stress — can help keep symptoms more stable and improve overall comfort.
For dogs with IBS or IBD you should feed a limited ingredient diet with a novel protein (rabbit, duck, venison, turkey, lamb or bison).
You may want to do an intolerance test or elimination diet to determine if your pet is intolerant to anything in their diet.
Adding colostrum to your pets diet can help manage diarrhea and also heal the gut. We recommmend Adored Beast Pawsitivie Colostrum Immunity or Four Leaf Rover Colostrum (10% coupon off full priced items: SAVING-PETS).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional issue in the digestive system, meaning the gut doesn’t work quite as it should, even though there’s no visible inflammation or damage. In contrast, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a true disease where the digestive tract becomes chronically inflamed and can show structural changes, often leading to more serious, long-term complications. Simply put, IBS is about how the gut functions, while IBD involves actual inflammation and damage.
Pets with IBS often deal with recurring digestive discomfort, especially during times of stress or after eating trigger foods. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, alternating stool patterns, and general belly discomfort. Some pets may seem restless or uneasy when their gut is upset, while others may have mood changes connected to their digestive troubles.
Diagnosing IBS can be a process of elimination. Because there are no obvious physical changes to the gut, veterinarians often rule out other causes first, such as parasites, infections, or IBD. Bloodwork, stool testing, abdominal imaging, and diet trials are commonly used to piece together the puzzle. Once other conditions are excluded, IBS may be the most likely explanation.
Holistic support can make a big difference for pets living with IBS. A simple, limited-ingredient, and easily digestible diet helps reduce flare-ups. An intolerance test or elimination diet can also can be beneficial to deteremine if your pet has any intolerances. Stress through routine, enrichment, and calm environments is equally important, since stress is a common trigger. Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, while soothing herbs such as chamomile, slippery elm, and marshmallow root may comfort the digestive tract. For pets with anxiety-driven IBS, natural calming aids like CBD or adaptogenic herbs can also be supportive. For pets with reoccurring IBS, fecal microbiotia transplant (FMT) may be appropriate.
With a thoughtful, whole-body approach, pets with IBS can live comfortably and thrive, even with a sensitive tummy.
If your pet struggles with digestive issues, recurring yeast infections, or a sensitive gut, the Adored Beast Leaky Gut Protocol for dogs or Adored Beast Feline Leaky Gut Protocol and Yeasty Beast Protocol (dogs only) can be game changers. The Leaky Gut Protocol is designed to help soothe and repair the gut lining, supporting healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function. Meanwhile, the Yeasty Beast Protocol targets overgrowth of yeast, helping restore balance to your pet’s microbiome while calming inflammation and discomfort. Together, these protocols work holistically to promote a happier, healthier gut, leaving your furry friend feeling more comfortable, energetic, and vibrant every day.
Julie Anne Lee DCH RCSom, founder and formulator of Adored Beast put together a “relief protocol” – it includes the addition of Fidos Flora (canines) or Felix Flora (cats) and Phytosynergy between each protocol for 2 weeks. She also suggests maintaining Liver Tonic throughout.
2 weeks: Yeasty Beast Protocol (dogs only)
2 weeks: Fido’s Flora (canines) or Felix’s Flora (cats) and Phyto Synergy
2 weeks: Leaky Gut Protocol for Dogs, Leaky Gut Protocol for small dogs, or Feline Leaky Gut Protocol (probiotic powders recommended at 1/2 recommended amount).
2 weeks: Fidos Flora for dogs or Felix Flora for cats and PhytoSynergy
2 weeks: Yeasty Beast Protocol (dogs only) – and so on
If you have questions, contact Adored Beast Customer Service.
Note: If your pet does not have yeast issue or itching, and has only digestive issues you only need to do the Adored Beast Leaky Gut Protocol, Fidos Flora (dogs) or Felix Flora (cats) and Phytosynergy.
IBS in dogs and cats is often linked to stress, food sensitivities, microbiome imbalance, or inflammation in the digestive tract. A holistic approach focuses on soothing irritation, supporting normal motility, and restoring balance throughout the gut. Essential oils and digestive support supplements can play a gentle, supportive role when used properly and under guidance.
IBS Support Goals
Recommended Supports
This approach supports the digestive system as a whole, helping your pet feel more comfortable and restoring a healthier gut rhythm over time.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Inflammatory Bowel Disease Webinar” with Julie Anne Lee, DCH RCSHom.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Herbal Therapy for Gut Health” with Rita Hogan.
Leaky Gut Syndrome can be at the core of many different conditions, including skin disease, a compromised immune system, food allergies, digestive problems, ear infections, or any common health condition that comes from an inflammatory disorder. The Leaky Gut Protocol addresses the root causes of leaky gut and helps support healing.
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Fortify Your Feline — Optimize your furry friend’s health and wellness with this cat immune support and cat digestive support supplement. Give them a boost with an enzyme and antioxidant rich formula that provides the live nutrition they need. Feline CATalyst liquid digestive enzymes help by strengthening their immune response for a longer, happier life.
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Excessive scratching, looking tired and sluggish, digestive and gastrointestinal issues, paw biting, and hot spots are just some of the most common symptoms of an intolerance.
Give your pet a voice with UCARI and pinpoint the exact food and non-food items that may be causing them to experience these unpleasant symptoms.
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Comprehensive testing: Screens 395+ food and environmental factors for dogs and cats
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Each ingredient plays a role:
• Nux Vomica calms nausea, bloating, and tummy upset.
• Chelidonium Majus and Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) help the liver and gallbladder flush toxins naturally.
• Cinchona restores strength after GI upset or dehydration.
• Phosphorus eases bile vomiting and stomach irritation.
• Veratrum Album helps when diarrhea or vomiting comes on fast and hard.
• Lycopodium relieves gassiness and food sensitivity.
• Colocynthis soothes cramping and stress-related diarrhea.
• Bryonia Alba supports calm digestion and regularity.
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Gut Soothe, a health supplement for dogs, is a proprietary blend of pre and probiotics, and select herbs to help maintain a healthy intestinal tract, normal digestive function, proper gut flora and a healthy inflammatory response. Gut Soothe aids in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or changes in diet
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Healthy Gut aids in the digestion of food and supports a healthy immune system. Helps rebalance and cultivate proper growing conditions for friendly digestive flora destroyed by antibiotics and toxins.
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Common symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) in dogs and cats include chronic diarrhea, mucus in the stool, frequent bowel movements, gas, abdominal discomfort, and occasional vomiting. Symptoms often come and go and may worsen during times of stress or after dietary changes.
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve inflammation of the intestinal tract, stress, food sensitivities, gut microbiome imbalances, and immune system dysfunction. Identifying and addressing underlying triggers is an important part of supporting pets with IBS.
Natural support may include feeding a fresh, species-appropriate diet, identifying food sensitivities, adding probiotics and digestive support supplements, reducing stress, and supporting overall gut health. Because IBS symptoms can mimic other digestive conditions, it’s important to work with a veterinarian to rule out more serious causes of chronic gastrointestinal upset.
What we would do if this were our pet:
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