Improving Your Dog's Gut Health

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: your dog’s gut. When it comes to their overall health, their gut is the unsung hero. It's easy to overlook what's going on beneath the surface, especially when your dog is still happy as can be. But a healthy gut is essential for far more than digestion–it impacts immunity, mood, skin health, and energy levels. In fact, over 70% of your dog's immune system is in their gut. 

At the core of gut health is the microbiome: a complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in your dog’s digestive tract. These include good bacteria, bad bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. When this ecosystem is balanced, your dog’s digestive system runs smoothly, nutrients are absorbed properly, and their immune system gets a helpful boost. When it’s imbalanced, the door opens to all kinds of issues: loose stools, itching, bad breath, allergies, gas, fatigue, or even chronic inflammation.

Antibiotics, processed foods, stress, and even aging can disrupt the balance of this microbiome. That’s why proactive gut care is important at every life stage, not just when something goes wrong.

Your dog can’t tell you when their stomach’s out of whack—but their body often gives signals:

• Chronic itching or licking
• Loose or irregular stool
• Gassisness or bloating
• Bad breath
• Lack of energy
• Food sensitivities

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it might be worth taking a looking at their gut health.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to support a balanced, healthy gut. Some involve tweaking their diet; others are about lifestyle and supplementation. Together, they can make a noticeable difference.

1. Feed a Clean, Whole Food Diet: One of the most impactful changes you can make is upgrading your dog’s diet. Highly processed kibble often contains fillers, preservatives, and artificial additives that are tough on the digestive system. Look for food that includes easily digestible proteins, healthy fats (like plant-based omega oils), and fiber-rich vegetables.
2. Add Pre- and Probiotics: Think of probiotics as reinforcements for your dog’s gut. These live beneficial bacteria can help restore balance when the microbiome is thrown off by antibiotics, illness, or stress. Prebiotics are the fuel that keep these good bacteria thriving. Remember, pre- and probiotics only help if the bacteria are live.
3. The More Fiber, The Better: Fiber helps regulate digestion and feeds the beneficial bacteria in the microbiome. Soluble fibers like pumpkin, sweet potato, flaxseed, and chicory root act as prebiotics. They also help stabilize bowel movements and reduce symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
4. Keep Stress Levels to a Minimum: Just like in humans, stress can take a toll on a dog’s digestive system. New environments, loud noises, separation anxiety, and even boredom can cause gut disruptions. Regular exercise, playtime, enrichment activities, and a consistent routine can all help reduce stress and support gut health from the inside out.

5. Consider Targeted Supplements: 

   Supplements formulated for gut health often include a mix of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics (like Epicor), and natural anti-inflammatories like spirulina or turmeric. These can help repair the gut lining, balance the microbiome, and reduce allergy-related symptoms like itching or sneezing.

   Some ingredients to look for:

   • Colostrum: Helps strengthen the gut lining and support immunity.

   • Ahiflower oil: A plant-based omega that supports inflammation control and skin health.

   • Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage and support detoxification.

• Plain canned pumpkin (no sugar or spices)
• Plain Greek yogurt 
• Kefir
• Cooked sweet potato
• Blueberries
• Bone broth
• Chia seeds
• Ground flaxseed
• Steamed leafy greens like spinach or kale