What’s all the fuss about Gut health?

Good gut health is gold right now and for good reason. With 90% of a pet’s immune system residing in their gut or microbiome, the health of the gut plays a vital role in the overall health and wellbeing of your furry family member.

A balanced healthy microbiome helps your pet:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Absorb nutrients
• Improve mental health
• Promote healthy skin & coat quality
• Maintain a strong immune system

An imbalanced, unhealthy microbiome can result in:

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Skin conditions
• Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Compromised immune system

It’s also important to know that diet plays a major role in maintaining or restoring the health of the microbiome.

So, how do you know if your pet’s microbiome is in need of nourishment?

While the more acute symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation are a sure sign that things are not great inside, there are also some not so obvious signs that are worth exploring further.  Things like bad breath, low energy levels, a lock of interest in food, or skin and coat issues could all be signs that your pet’s gut is out of balance. 

If some of these more subtle signs are happening on a regular basis we recommend getting along to your holistic vet so you can quickly zero in on the underlying issue before it turns into anything more serious.

Are there particular foods or ingredients that negatively impact on a dog or cat’s gut health?

Processed foods and synthetic ingredients are always going to fall into the hinder, rather than help bucket when it comes to your pet’s gut health.  And this makes perfect sense if you consider that a pet’s gut flora has evolved over millennia to thrive on whole foods.  They’re simply not designed to properly digest artificial or overly-processed ingredients.  The impacts can be seen in their poop, breath, teeth, eyes, skin and coat.

Like us humans, some pets will also form allergies to certain foods which can cause inflammation and disruption to the gut flora as well.  Once again, a visit to your holistic vet can help to identify and address the underlying problem.

What about microbiome friendly food?

A dog or cat’s gut microbiome is a complex system that’s easily thrown out of whack by lower quality food options.  Staying away from highly processed foods, synthetic ingredients and additives will always serve your pet well.   

We recommend filling their food bowl with whole, natural foods and supplements that nourish the digestive tract.  For example, many vegetables are gut-friendly so adding some grated broccoli, beetroot or pumpkin into their bowl each day is an easy and healthy addition to their diet.  Adding in a few drops of pure seed oils like borage, or primrose oil along with coconut will also benefit the gut. They are a rich natural source of essential fatty acids that support digestion, immunity and so much more.

Good food and exercise really is the best microbiome medicine.

Make your pet’s food their ticket to GOOD GUT health

Keep your furry friend's microbiome nourished and immunity firing with a teaspoon of Doggy Daily in wet or dry food bowls. Rich in all-natural superfoods, and tried and tested by our Chief Veterinarian, it's great for gut health and so much more. Shop for your pet supplies online. Order here.

Discover our range of Purrfectly Pressed Oils here