Help! My Two Dog’s Have Completely Different Reactions to Food! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hey Dr. Paola,
We have two dogs – Tippy is a mutt, pardon the language, but a mix of all kinds, probably a lab, some sort of terrier, and maybe another couple in there, but so hard to tell. He has a stomach made of iron and eats things he shouldn’t all the time and never has so much as a stinky fart.
Everything works fine, and he’s happy (we obviously discourage this behavior, but it’s still wild to see). Then, Tino, a purebred Labrador, gets an upset tummy just by looking at something that’s not for him. I exaggerate – he has no allergies, but if he does happen to try to enjoy a dead rabbit on the farm like Tippy, he gets diarrhea. Wondering if there’s any correlation between mutts and purebreds when it comes to digestive issues. ” – Isla
Quick Info about Tippy and Tino
Hi Isla,
What you are observing with Tippy and Tino is something veterinarians hear often, and it has a solid biological explanation. Digestive tolerance is influenced by genetics, early diet, and the gut microbiome, which is the population of bacteria living in the intestines. Dogs with mixed ancestry often inherit a wider range of digestive traits, and this genetic diversity can sometimes translate into a more adaptable gastrointestinal system, much like a well-traveled stomach that has learned to handle different cuisines. That does not make them invincible, but it can make reactions less dramatic when dietary indiscretions occur.
Purebred dogs, including Labradors, are selectively bred for specific traits, and that process can unintentionally narrow genetic diversity in systems unrelated to appearance or temperament, including digestion. Labradors are well documented in veterinary literature as tending to dietary sensitivity and food-related gastrointestinal signs, even in the absence of true allergies or disease. This does not mean something is wrong with Tino; it simply reflects how his gut responds more predictably and less flexibly to sudden changes, spoiled material, or high-fat items like carrion.
The important takeaway is that neither dog should be allowed to test the limits of their digestive system, even if one appears to tolerate poor choices better than the other. A resilient gut today does not guarantee protection from pancreatitis, obstruction, or infection later on. Managing both dogs as if they have sensitive digestion is the safest long-term approach.
Regards,
– Dr. Paola