Gut health: Nurturing your pet’s inner ecosystem

  5 Minutes

What is good gut health?

Good gut health is a complex interplay of organs, microorganisms, and bodily functions. The digestive system, comprising the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, and liver, works harmoniously to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.

At the heart of gut health lies the gut microbiome – a diverse community of good bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract. A healthy gut microbiome has a rich diversity of microorganisms working together to support digestion, produce essential nutrients, and maintain a robust immune system.

The importance of good gut health

The gut plays a crucial role far beyond processing food. It serves as a barrier against harmful pathogens, absorbs vital nutrients, and even influences your pet’s mood and behaviour. A healthy gut plays a part in:

• Efficient nutrient absorption
• Strong immune function
• Balanced mood and behaviour
• Healthy skin and coat
• Proper weight management

The gut-immune connection

Just as in humans, there’s a strong link between an animal’s gut and their immune system. Approximately 70% of a pet’s immune system lives in the gut. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in training and modulating the immune response, helping to protect against pathogens while maintaining tolerance to harmless substances.

Healthy gut = happy pets

Emerging research suggests that the gut-brain axis – a two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the brain – may influence your pet’s mood and behaviour. A healthy gut microbiome has been associated with reduced anxiety and improved cognitive function in animals, highlighting the profound effect of gut health on overall well-being.

How do I tell if my pet’s gut health needs support?

Be on the lookout for these symptoms, which could mean gut health problems in your pet:

• Frequent diarrhoea or constipation
• Vomiting or nausea
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Lethargy or changes in behaviour
• Skin issues or dull coat

If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s important to consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Supporting your pet’s gut health

There are many ways you can help to maintain excellent gut health in your beloved pets. A proactive approach can support a balanced gut microbiome and good digestive function. Let’s explore some ways to nurture your pet’s digestive system:

1. High-quality, balanced diet: Ensure your pet receives a nutritious diet tailored to their specific species and life stage. Look for high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients.
2. Introduce variety: Gradually incorporate different protein sources and safe fruits and vegetables into your pet’s diet. For example, cats may benefit from varied protein sources like chicken, fish, or turkey, while rabbits thrive on a mix of hay, leafy greens, and pellets.
3. Increase fibre intake: Herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs need ample fibre through hay and fresh vegetables for digestive health. Dogs can benefit from having fibre-rich foods like sweet potato and broccoli added to their meals.
4. Fresh, whole foods: Include small amounts of pet-safe fruits and vegetables in your pet’s diet. Options like blueberries for dogs can be great additions.
5. Fermented foods: In moderation, offering small amounts of plain yoghurt or kefir can introduce beneficial bacteria to your pet’s diet. Ensure that these foods are appropriate for your specific type of pet.
6. Regular exercise: Encourage physical activity suited to your pet’s needs. Exercise helps stimulate digestion and contributes to overall gut health.
7. Stress reduction: Create a calm environment for your pets to minimise stressors that could negatively impact their gut health.
8. Proper hydration: Always provide access to fresh, clean, filtered water to support digestive functions across all types of pets.
9. Gradual diet changes: When switching foods, do so slowly over 7-10 days to allow your pet’s gut microbiome to adjust comfortably.
10. Regular outdoor time: For pets that enjoy outdoor activities, exposure to diverse environments can help introduce beneficial bacteria naturally.

Supplements that support gut health:

	Anima-Strath: This natural supplement enhances nutrient absorption, ensuring your pet gets the most out of their food. Pet parents can maximise the benefits of high-quality pet food by incorporating Anima-Strath into their pet’s daily routine.
	Protexin: An easy-to-administer probiotic supplement that supports long-term gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
	Canigest: A must-have for every pet medicine box, Canigest provides quick relief for common digestive issues like abnormal gut sounds, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
	Pegasus Pet D.V.C. 30C: This homeopathic remedy targets gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps, offering a gentle yet effective approach to digestive health.

The time and effort invested in maintaining your pet’s gut health can lead to a happy, healthy pet, and more years together . Taking steps to support your pet’s gut health today, adds quality time to their life – more walks in the park, more cuddles on the couch, and more cherished moments that make pet ownership so rewarding . A pet with good gut health is more energetic, playful, and engaged and ensures that your pet remains a part of your family for as long as possible.

This article first appeared on Anima-Strath and can be found here.

References and additional reading:

1. Berg, C.H. (2024) Digestive issues in dogs, Nala Health. Available at: https://www.nalahealth.dog/za/how-gut-health-affects-our-dogs/
2. Bethany (2023) 7 steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets, My Pet Nutritionist. Available at: https://mypetnutritionist.com/post/7-steps-to-optimal-gut-health-for-your-pet/
3. Dog gut health: The 4 ways to restore it naturally (no date) AnimalBiome. Available at: https://www.animalbiome.com/blogs/pet-health/dog-gut-health-the-4-ways-to-restore-it-naturally
4. Elliott, S. (2024) A balanced gut is the key to a healthy pet, Alltech. Available at: https://www.alltech.com/blog/balanced-gut-key-healthy-pet
5. How to support your dog’s Gut Health & Microbiome (no date) Purina US. Available at: https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/health/digestion/dog-gut-health-microbiome
6. Maintaining a balanced diet for your pets: Tips & Tricks for optimal gut health (no date) Heads Up For Tails. Available at: https://headsupfortails.com/blogs/all/balanced-diet-tips-for-your-pets-gut-health
7. Pet gut health – why is it important? learn from vets (2023) Autumn Trails Veterinary. Available at: https://autumntrailsvet.com/pet-gut-health/
8. Pilla, R. and Suchodolski, J.S. (2019) The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease, Frontiers. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00498/full
9. Protexin Vet (no date) Understanding gut health, Protexin Vet. Available at: https://www.protexinvet.com/article/414-understanding-gut-health
10. Signs of an unhealthy digestive system in dogs – guides: Big dog pet foods (no date) Guides | Big Dog Pet Foods. Available at: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/signs-of-an-unhealthy-digestive-system-in-dogs