How to improve your dog’s gut health

How to improve your dog’s gut health

It is now widely accepted that gut health can have a profound effect on our overall health.  Many studies in humans have demonstrated that diseases such as cancers, mental health and autoimmune disorders are influenced by our gut health. It is no different for our canine companions.

The microbes in the gut do so much more than digest food. They provide a defensive barrier to help fend off dangerous pathogens, their by-products reduce the growth of pathogens and help fix any gaps in the gut membrane, reducing the risk of leaky gut and susceptibility to food allergies. When the gut is working well the good bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check.  However, if this balance gets upset, dysbiosis occurs and the bad bacteria begin to overrun the good bacteria. This can lead to less gut repair and more inflammation, and less protection from pathogens. 

How do I know if my dog’s gut is unhealthy?

If your dog suffers from:

  • Itchy Skin
  • Recurrent Ear Infections
  • Bouts of Diarrhoea
  • Anxiety
  • Constant symptoms that keep returning

There’s a good chance your dog’s gut could do with some help.

Changing your dog to a diet of real, fresh food is a good start to improving your dog's gut health.

How to improve your dog’s gut health

  • Firstly feed a species appropriate raw diet
  • Include fibre from low glycaemic foods and antioxidant rich fruits which provide the prebiotic needed to nourish the microbiome (green vegetables, blueberries and raspberries)
  • Kefir - made from goats milk
  • Fermented vegetables - just one or two teaspoons introduced gradually
  • Add Marshmallow Root or Slippery Elm to the food. Marshmallow root is now available.

It’s really important to remember we need to nourish both the dog and the dog’s gut for optimal health.  Check out our Complete meals- quality meats for your dog and added veggies, herbs and superfoods for your dog's gut.

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