Get a Grip on Gut Health
To mark National Dog & Cat Gut Health Awareness Day, we take a close-up look at the importance of taking care of the gut for a healthy and happy pet.
Why does gut health matter?
Did you know your dog’s gut is the largest immune organ? Up to 80% of your dog’s immune system is located in the gut which makes it the first line of defense in protecting your pup's health.
The gut consists of the stomach, small intestine, and colon or large intestine and plays a vital role in your pet’s health and wellbeing. Not only is gut health essential for immune function and digestion, but it can also impact allergies and sensitivities, mental wellbeing and even behavior.
What is microbiome?
Like us, dogs have a balance of thousands of microorganisms in their digestive tract, known as gut microbiome. Maintaining a diverse and healthy gut microbiome is vital for your pup’s overall health and wellbeing.
In a healthy gut, the good, beneficial bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check. Disrupting the gut microbiome can have a far-reaching impact and lead to uncomfortable symptoms and health conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, itchy skin, behavioral issues and bad breath.
Benefits of a healthy and balanced gut
- Efficient digestion
- Helps with the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food and supplements
- Maintains healthy energy levels
- Supports overall immune function and fights seasonal allergies
- Aids weight management and supports metabolism
- Supports mental wellbeing
- Balances mood and behavior
How can we promote good gut health?
Good gut health has a huge positive impact on the quality of your pet's life. Luckily, there are various things we can do to boost our pup’s intestinal health and nurture that all-important gut microflora.
- Feed raw - processed foods like kibble can be difficult for dogs to digest because they contain fillers and additives. Feeding a high-quality, nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate, raw diet will help promote gut function and nourish those important good gut bacteria.
- Provide variety - dogs thrive on a diverse, balanced diet that mimics what they would have in the wild and provides a wide range of nutrients. Try rotating proteins and offering nutritious toppers to boost their bowl.
- Keep your dog hydrated - make sure your pup is hydrated is essential for good gut health. A raw diet is already much richer in moisture than kibble, but make sure they have access to plenty of clean, fresh water and offer hydrating foods such as watermelon, strawberries, etc.
- Add fermented veggies - offer fermented vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and cauliflower to build beneficial bacteria that aid digestion.
- Probiotic power - probiotics help keep the microbiome in check and can do wonders for balancing the gut. Try adding some probiotic-rich food to your dog’s diet, such as green tripe, natural yoghurt, cottage cheese, or kefir.
- Minimize stress - stress and anxiety can directly impact gut health. Try to keep your pup calm and relaxed by sticking to a regular routine, making plenty of time for walks and playtime, and avoiding stress triggers.
- Don't forget fiber - fiber is an important nutrient for digestion and can be found in vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli and certain fruits such as apples.
- Take time with transitions - always introduce new foods slowly to keep the gut happy, and when making the switch to raw we always recommend a gradual approach.
- Pay attention to poop - an important indicator of your dog’s health - check out our poop chart.
Listen to your gut
The key to good health begins in the gut, which is why we are so passionate about feeding a species-appropriate raw diet to unleash your pups full potential. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions, need product recommendations or want to take your first steps towards feeding raw.
(Always consult your veterinary team if you need further advice or specific support with gut-related issues or medical conditions.)