Dog Gut Health: What Is It And How To Restore It
‘Gut health’ has become a buzzword. It’s something we’re becoming increasingly aware of, with huge amounts of research being carried out on the subject. And just like humans, dogs have trillions of microorganisms in their digestive system. This wealth of bacteria and microbes (including viruses and fungi) makes up what we call the ‘gut microbiome’. If the microbiome is off-kilter, this can affect your dog’s health. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep on top of dog gut health.
What Is Dog Gut Health?
The gastrointestinal tract (also known as the gut) transports food all the way from the mouth to the stomach. It’s the gut’s job to convert food into nutrients and energy and to get rid of all the nasty waste. In recent years, scientists have discovered that gut health plays a huge role in general health – much bigger than previously assumed. Recent studies show that gut health is linked to everything from skin issues to immune strength and even mental health.
Common Digestive Problems In Dogs
First things first, if you’re in any way worried about your dog’s health, please contact your vet. Digestive problems in dogs are diverse. The digestive system includes an array of different, complex organs, including the stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines, and with each of these comes an array of varying health issues. Common digestive problems to look out for in your dog include constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating.
How To Know If Your Dog Has Poor Gut Health
There are lots of signs of poor gut health. Your dog might be suffering from bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea that last more than two days. You might notice their weight has changed or that they suddenly lack any appetite. Or you might notice changes in your dog’s stools. Another sign of poor gut health is that your dog’s mood is lower than usual or that he or she has become lethargic.
Steps To Restore Gut Health in Dogs
There are plenty of ways to ensure good dog gut health. Boosting your dog’s gut health will not only give your pet more energy, it will also give them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
A Balanced Diet
The best way to ensure your dog’s gut flora stays at a healthy equilibrium is to give your pet a balanced diet. While kibble is widely used and convenient, not all brands are rich in fibre and nutrients, and many of them contain preservatives and other ingredients that aren’t good for your dog.
Fibre-rich foods such as brown rice, kale, broccoli, sprouts, green beans, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots and cabbage can help restore gut health for dogs and are easy to add to your dog’s food bowl. You can also add some types of fruit to your dog’s diet, for example chopped apple. A few spoonfuls a day can make a big difference.
Alternatively, you could look into feeding your dog a healthier brand of dog food. Pets Love Fresh is a fibre-packed nutrient-rich fresh dog food. And it is carefully created dog food to help
