How to Support Your Dog’s Gut Health

Nobody enjoys a tummy ache, and that includes your dog! Millions of different microbes and bacteria living in your dog’s digestive tract make up what we call the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in healthy digestion, metabolism, and importantly, in supporting the immune system.

Read on to learn about how you can support your dog’s gut health, keeping them happy and healthy!

Digestion and gut health: why is it important?

Gut health is systemic, making it foundational to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Essentially, this means that good gut health leads to benefits in other areas of the body while poor gut health contributes to undesirable symptoms in other areas of the body.

Uh Oh! You notice these signs? Stay calm! There are many ways to support your dog’s gut health and put a stop to these symptoms.

Don’t panic! Pre and probiotics to the rescue!

Prebiotics and probiotics both help support good gut health, but in different ways: prebiotics help to fuel and sustain probiotics.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria found in that body that support healthy gut function. They are often referred to as “good bacteria”. Your pet can get probiotics through their diet or through supplements.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are sources of food to fuel this “good bacteria” in the gut. The most common type of prebiotic is fibre; these are the type of carbs that the body cannot digest. Instead, they pass through the digestive tract, releasing essential short-chain fatty acids that help support colon function. Similar to probiotics, prebiotics help to support the immune system, increase nutrient absorption, and limit harmful microbes.

Go! Solutions Digestion + Gut Health Salmon Recipe with Ancient Grains

If you are interested in providing your dog with diets with pre and probiotics to support gut health, check out our Go! Solutions Digestion + Gut Health Salmon Recipe with Ancient Grains. This formula includes unique, patented, probiotic bacteria for digestion support, along with prebiotics from chicory root + yeast to support the gut microbiome. For extra immune system support, this recipe even comes jam-packed with fruits and veggies that are loaded with antioxidants. This recipes also includes fibre-rich ancient grains and psyllium husk to support healthy stools.

Whenever you change your pup’s food remember to introduce them to it slowly and gradually, especially if your pet is already experiencing poor digestive symptoms. For more information, read our blog on how to transition your dog to a new food. If your pup is experiencing chronic diarrhea, it may be time to seek veterinary attention as this could be a sign of an infection or parasite.

Recommended Solution

Ancient-grain solutions to support healthy digestion

A healthy digestive system is essential to your dog's overall wellbeing. Go! Solutions Digestion + Gut Health includes a distinctive mix of fibre-rich ancient grains, a three-yeast blend, and stable probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut and happy dog.

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Exercise can help reduce stress as well as promote good sleep & healthy body weight!

Does your dog love running around the park? Can they play fetch for HOURS without stopping? Maybe they love swimming and going on long hikes? Staying active is an essential part of your dog’s daily routine. Exercise keeps your dog’s body moving and brain stimulated, resulting in numerous benefits.

Exercise has been linked to reduced stress, better sleep, and even improved gut health. This is important since stress results in hormonal changes in the body that can cause subsequent changes in the gut microbiome.

Taylor RichardsMSc Student - Companion Animal Nutrition

In particular, stress triggers the release of the stress hormone, known as cortisol. Cortisol has several negative effects on the body including damaging gut health.

Instead, exercise helps your dog to produce those feel-good chemicals which is great for your pet’s overall health and can even increase your bond.

Exercise and appropriate diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Improving your dog’s gut health will help keep them happy and healthy. Pay attention to what is listed on your pet’s food label to see if there are any improvements you can make to help improve their gut health and overall health and well-being.