It’s a well-known fact that the key to a dog’s heart lies in his or her stomach. Watching how quickly your dog gobbles up a treat is all the scientific evidence needed.
But while kombucha, yogurt, and fiber supplements may be the trendy solution for human gut health, there’s a little more to the story inside your dog’s belly.
There are simple, natural ways to promote your dog’s gut health. Just like you would for yourself, including a probiotic, a supplement, or plain old gut-healthy foods in your dog’s diet may have significant long-term benefits.
Below is a breakdown of your dog’s gut health and how to maintain it so they stay tummy-ache-free (with room to wolf down a treat or two).
Why Gut Health is Important for Dogs
One study showed that the majority of dogs (61%) were dealing with some sort of health issue, and the majority of those afflicted dogs (57%) were suffering from a digestive problem in particular.1
You might have heard it said that the gut is the “second brain.”2 It’s where the phrase “listen to your gut” comes from: our gastrointestinal tracts hold the largest and most nuanced part of the peripheral nervous system (what’s known as the enteric nervous system), which alerts the brain when something’s amiss.3 It’s why we have butterflies in our stomachs, that churning feeling in our tummies, or might occasionally take a trip to the toilet during times of distress.
The same goes for your dog. Your pet’s gut is his second brain, too—and not just because obtaining his next Scooby snack seems to govern his every decision.
Diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, constipation—all can ensue if your pup’s microbiome and digestive health isn’t in optimal working order. Ensuring your pup’s second brain remains sharp might not only keep these tummy woes at bay but may also organically encourage immune health.4
Fortunately, there are a variety of supplements and simple dietary swaps that may help keep your dog’s digestive tract running at peak function. Read on to learn about the most gut-healthy choices you can make on your pup’s behalf.
Probiotics for Your Pooch
If you’ve heard the phrase “good bacteria,” you already know the basics of probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria found in foods or supplements that are intended to improve the gut microbiome—a vast, complex colony of microbes that influence everything from demeanor to digestion.5
Including probiotics in your dog’s diet—as well as your own—may nourish gut homeostasis and stave off an imbalance among these critical organisms.
Why is this imperative?
More organisms live in any given person’s (or dog’s) gut than there are people on the planet. Veterinary scientists have also found that a balanced gut microbiome boosts not only your pup’s GI tract function, but also nurtures immune health, hormonal balance, and nutrient absorption.6
Choosing the Best Probiotic Supplement for Your Dog
A probiotic supplement is an easy, healthy way to ensure your pup is packing those “good” gut bacteria into his or her diet (after all, most probiotic-rich eats are “human foods”).
In particular, veterinarians recommend unflavored probiotic supplements—one with a diverse array of nutrients and types of gut bacteria included is best.7
This is why we recommend Vetericyn’s ALL-IN support for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. It contains probiotics and prebiotics (more on these below), plus tons of other nutrients that may promote bone, joint, muscle, skin, and heart health.
Keep in mind that while probiotic supplements are a healthy choice for nearly all dogs, they’re not a panacea for those with chronic or underlying issues. If your pet’s upset tummy becomes pervasive, consider a trip to the vet in tandem with his or her supplement routine.
Do Dogs Need Prebiotics, Too?
In researching overall health practices for yourself or your dog, you may have heard of mysterious prebiotics. Prebiotics are dietary fibers that act as food for probiotics in the gut.
Prebiotics are essential to a thriving microbiome, so the more pre- and probiotics in any given digestive system, the better. Prebiotics can help your pet stay “regular” and absorb nutrients. What’s more, prebiotics may fortify intestinal, immune, and bone health.8
In fact, without adequate prebiotics and the balanced gut microbiome they foster, your dog may be vulnerable to flatulence, vomiting, and weight loss.9
It’s easy for humans to eat a prebiotic-rich diet, but many foods packed with prebiotics are unsafe for dogs (i.e. cocoa, garlic, onion). That’s why it’s worth investing in a natural prebiotic supplement for your dog to account for his probiotics and bolster his overall gut health.
Doggy Dietary Choices for Gut Health
Making simple swaps in your pup’s diet and dog food could transform her gut microbiome before her next weekly playgroup session. Studies show that introducing more fiber into your pet’s diet can cause metabolic changes within two days and a full bacterial community transformation by day six.10 Talk about zoomies, inside and out.
Below is a list of foods you can include in your dog’s diet (in addition to a probiotic supplement and high-fiber dog food) to nurture a healthy gut:
- Fresh veggies packed with fiber (i.e. broccoli, leafy greens, carrots)
- Fermented foods (i.e. unsweetened whole milk yogurt, sauerkraut, ginger, carrots)
- Gentle, plant-based foods rich in probiotics (i.e. bananas, sweet potatoes)
- Prebiotic-rich, dog-safe, plant-based foods (i.e. pumpkin, butternut squash)
- Apple cider vinegar (in moderation)
- Lean meats and proteins (i.e. turkey, chicken, eggs)
- Mushrooms
Introducing these wholesome foods into your pup’s diet in moderation may offer her the same benefits they provide you. Most of them are common doggy favorites, and they’re a natural way to gain peace of mind when it comes to the state of your dog’s tummy.
Other Gut-Healthy Practices for Your Pup
Beyond the aforementioned dietary switches and add-ons, there’s more you can do to support your pet’s second-brain IQ. Plus, most of these practices have additional benefits for your dog’s health. It’s a win-win
Hydration
Drinking ample clean water every day has been proven to encourage a diverse microbiome.11 Dogs should drink about as many fluid ounces of water per day as they weigh in pounds.12
Yet, it’s often hard for your pet to hit that target since they’re lapping up water in such small quantities (and they can’t exactly tote around an emotional-support water bottle).
For this reason, it’s important to keep your pup’s water bowl full, and consider carrying a portable one, especially on hot days and/or long walks.
Reduced Stress
Reducing stress is key to a healthy gut, as stress can contribute to—and exacerbate—symptoms of nearly any physical ailment. Despite their lack of a 9-to-5 work day, dogs may experience stress just as much as humans. If you notice your pet growling, whining, pacing, or shivering, he or she might be experiencing a bout of anxiety.13
If you sense that your pup is a bit on edge, try calming them down with some physical affection and TLC. If that doesn’t seem to help, you can try other methods, like diffusing essential oils for aromatherapy, playing classical music, or dressing your dog in a compression shirt.
Checking for Intolerances and Allergies
In some cases, your dog’s gut health may be out of balance as the result of an undetected intolerance or food allergy. Consider asking your vet to conduct an allergy test.
Just like humans, dogs can be intolerant to ingredients that might be included in their kibble formula, such as:
- Gluten
- Eggs
- Dairy
Cutting out an allergen might transform your pup’s gut health (and save them from the more serious implications of conditions like Celiac disease).
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you’re not sure whether or not your pet is suffering from digestive troubles, there are some common symptoms to look out for, like14:
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Weakness and fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent flatulence
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Blood or mucus in the stool
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a wise idea to bring your pet to the vet. They may be a sign of poor gut health, whether it’s an easily treatable bacterial imbalance or a more serious disease like pancreatitis. Catching digestive issues early is the best way to keep your precious pup flourishing for years to come.
Boost Your Dog’s Overall Health with Vetericyn
If there’s one thing you want as a dog owner, it’s probably for your pet to be able to gobble up treats without the consequence of a tummy ache.
Vetericyn is here to make a healthy gut for your dog a reality. Our ALL-IN dog supplement contains a wide array of nutrients and superfoods, including a powerful combo of digestive enzymes. With a one-of-a-kind absorption technology, this safe, natural formula is designed to promote a healthy microbiome. Just serve it to your pet like a daily vitamin.
Next time you’re concerned about your pup’s digestive health, trust your own gut and invest in ALL-IN.
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine. Prevalence of common canine digestive problems compared with other health problems in teaching veterinary hospital. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4774851/
- Harvard University. The gut and the brain. https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/gut-brain
- Gastroenterology Research and Practice. The enteric nervous system and its emerging role as a therapeutic target. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7495222/
- Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6971114/
- Open Veterinary Journal. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat’s health and diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794400/
- Texas A&M University. The benefits of a balanced microbiome. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/the-benefits-of-a-balanced-microbiome/
- Texas A&M University. Choosing the best probiotic for upset tummies. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/probiotics/
- Fermentation. Potential effects of prebiotics on gastrointestinal and immunological modulation in the feeding of healthy dogs: a review. https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/9/7/693
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Leaky gut syndrome in dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/leaky-gut-syndrome-in-dogs
- University of Illinois. New dog food? Study shows Fido’s gut bacteria could turn over within a week. https://aces.illinois.edu/news/new-dog-food-study-shows-fidos-gut-bacteria-could-turn-over-within-week
- National Library of Medicine. Drinking water source and intake are associated with distinct gut microbiota signatures in US and UK populations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34642755/
- PetMD. How much water should a dog drink? https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_the_importance_of_water
- AKC. How to tell if your dog is stressed. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-stressed/
- All Aboard Animal Hospital. Gastro problems in dogs: signs you need to look for. https://www.allaboardanimal.com/common-gastro-problems-in-dogs/#signs-your-dog-has-a-gastro-problem
- Cleveland Clinic. Probiotics. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
