The Importance of Gut Health in Dogs
You know that your gut health is important. Maybe you take a probiotic, sip on kombucha, or pour a little kefir on your granola in an effort to support a diverse environment of microflora that is linked to immunity and nutrient absorption (among other critical functions). But did you know that gut health is important for your pup, too?
For far too long, gut health in dogs has been overlooked, often overshadowed by the idea that a scoop of kibble twice a day is enough to keep them healthy. Many commercial pet food companies have focused on calorie counts and catchy marketing claims like “complete and balanced,” with little attention paid to how a dog’s digestive system actually works. But as research into the canine microbiome grows, it’s becoming clear that gut health plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of a dog’s well-being, including behavior and allergies.
A dog’s digestion starts the moment they eat. Food moves through the stomach into the small intestine, where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place. Whatever’s left—undigested fibers and nutrients—then travels to the large intestine, where billions of bacteria break it down, producing beneficial compounds that support health. A diverse, balanced gut microbiome is key to good digestion, a strong immune system, and even healthy behavior, thanks to the powerful gut-brain connection. When a dog’s gut health is poor, it can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and even mood or behavioral problems.
So how do you support better gut health? It starts with moving beyond a typical kibble-only diet. Most kibble is made with highly processed ingredients, artificial additives, and low moisture content, all of which do little to help good bacteria thrive. Fresh, minimally processed foods—like high-quality proteins, fiber-rich veggies, and natural probiotics—can make a world of difference. Adding fermented foods like plain kefir, small amounts of plain yogurt, or prebiotic-rich vegetables can also help balance the microbiome and improve digestion.
By paying more attention to gut health, you’re setting your dog up for better digestion, stronger immunity, and even a happier mindset. After all, a healthy gut truly is the foundation for a healthy, happy dog.