5 Ways to Support Gut Health for Dogs

Table of Contents

• Signs of Poor Gut Health in Dogs
• How to Boost Your Dog’s Gut Health
• 1. Keep Your Pup Hydrated
• 2. Incorporate More Healthy Fats
• 3. Go On More Walks
• 4. Choose a High-Quality Pet Food
• 5. Explore Dog Food Supplements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Whether your dog is an energetic puppy or a senior sporting a salt-and-pepper coat, their digestive system plays a vital role in their overall well-being. A healthy gut does more than just process meals; it supports your pup’s immune system, mood, and energy levels. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of your dog’s gut health, the common signs that their microbiome might be out of balance, and the simple lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to support your pet’s healthy gut for years to come.

Signs of Poor Gut Health in Dogs

Our dogs can’t just speak up and tell us when something’s wrong. By keeping a close eye on your pup’s habits and behavior, you can identify areas for improvement. While every pet can benefit from a diet that supports a healthy gut, the following signs could indicate issues with your dog’s gut health that require your attention.

Stool Changes

When you’re a dog owner, you spend a lot of time thinking about your dog’s poop. Monitoring your dog’s stool changes is one of the easiest ways to identify poor gut health. Signs of an unhealthy gut can include frequent diarrhea, soft stools, or constipation.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Have you ever heard your pup’s stomach gurgling or making other strange noises, especially after eating? Tummy distress is a common symptom of an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Frequent vomiting is also something to note.

Dietary Habits

Changes in your pet’s dietary habits should always be something that raises an alarm. Decreased appetite, a sudden loss of interest in food, or excessive grass eating could be your dog’s way of telling you that their gut isn’t happy.

How to Boost Your Dog’s Gut Health

Health is all about habits. What you put in your pup’s bowl makes a huge impact on their gut health, and so does how often you take them on walks, play with them, and spend time by their side. You should always consult your veterinarian if you notice issues with your dog’s digestion or eating habits. If you or your vet have concerns about gut health, there are a few simple changes you can make.

At the end of the day, you can support your dog’s gut health the same way you support your own: dietary changes, increased exercise, and stress management can all do wonders to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy.

1. Keep Your Pup Hydrated

There are two pillars of good gut health for dogs and their humans alike: fiber and water. While fiber for gut health may be a no-brainer at this point, many people overlook the important role that hydration plays in digestion and overall gut health. Make sure your dog has consistent access to water and that they’re drinking enough to hydrate them after a hearty walk or some playtime at the park.

2. Incorporate More Healthy Fats In Their Diet

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce gut inflammation and support good bacteria in the gut microbiome. When choosing pet food or treats for your dog to support their gut health, look for ingredient lists that boast healthy fats like:

• Salmon
• Soybeans
• Tuna
• Chiaseeds
• Flaxseed
• Peas and pea fiber

3. Go On More Walks

Is there anything better than the predictable wiggle and wag after you say, “Wanna go for a walk?” Walking your dog daily does more than just give your pup a potty break. Regular exercise, like walks and playtime, helps reduce stress in your dog, which can directly impact gut health and digestion.

Studies have shown a strong connection between the gut and the brain, and your dog is no different. If they get anxious or stressed, they could experience gut inflammation, and symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

4. Choose a High-Quality Pet Food

The most significant change you can make to support your dog’s gut health is to switch them to a pet food that’s rich in fiber and whole grains. Dog food formulas that prioritize digestive health will feature probiotics, healthy fats like fish and legumes, and whole grains like brown rice and barley. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, specialty formulas can curb unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea and lethargy while improving the balance of their gut microbiome.

5. Explore Dog Food Supplements

If you’re concerned about your dog’s gut health and want to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients to support a healthy digestive system, dog food supplements are a great option. Prebiotics, probiotics, and other nutritional supplements come in a variety of forms that make it easy to add a little boost of nutrition to your pup’s bowl. Chews, like Solid Gold’s Mellow Belly chews, are a yummy way to treat your dog to a happier gut. Our Mellow Belly chews are rich in digestive enzymes and live probiotics that aid in digestion and support bowel health.

Why Solid Gold?

Since 1974, Solid Gold has set the standard for pet wellness. With high-quality ingredients that support gut health, our line of pet foods, treats, and supplements is designed to be nourishing, beneficial, and delicious. Start building your dog’s holistic pet food regimen today.

FAQs About Gut Health for Dogs

Do Solid Gold dog foods include prebiotics and probiotics?

All of our dry dog food formulas offer prebiotic fibers as well as probiotics to support your dog’s digestive health and nutrient absorption.

How do I introduce a new food into my dog’s diet?

Changing dog foods too suddenly can have the adverse effect of upsetting their digestive system. We recommend using a gradual transition method: over a period of 7-10 days, gradually replace a portion of their current food with the new Solid Gold dog food. Increase the amount of Solid Gold in their bowl until they’re no longer eating the old food.

Are treats bad for my dog’s health?

Treats aren’t necessarily unhealthy. It depends on the treat, as well as how often you give them to your pup. At Solid Gold, our treats are packed with nutrition and follow the same science-driven recipe philosophy as our dog food. We recommend following a balanced and consistent feeding plan that incorporates our healthy, tasty dog treats at snack time.