Maintaining optimum gut health is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. A healthy gut plays a critical role in digestion, supports a robust immune system, and can positively impact mood and behavior.

Remarkably, approximately 70% of a dog’s immune system is linked to gut health.

To promote a long and vibrant life for your canine companion, prioritizing gut health is a key step. Discover effective, everyday practices to enhance your dog’s digestive health and support their overall vitality.

1. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good gut health for your dog. Ensure your dog’s meals are rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporating a variety of vegetables can also be beneficial, as they provide the necessary fibre to support digestion.

Avoid feeding your dog processed foods or treats high in artificial ingredients, as these can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

2. Regular Exercise

Physical activity isn’t just good for your dog’s muscles and joints—it also supports digestive health. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and promotes regular bowel movements, all of which contribute to a healthier gut.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood or a playful session in the backyard.

3. Hydration

Keeping your dog hydrated is essential for digestion. Water helps break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water. You might even consider adding a splash of bone broth to their water bowl occasionally, which can provide added nutrients and encourage them to drink more.

Interesting Tip: Adding a splash of bone broth to your dog's water can enhance its flavour and boost their nutrient intake, making hydration more appealing.

4. Introduce Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your dog’s gut. Introducing probiotics into your dog’s diet can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and even boost their immune system. While yogurt is a common probiotic source for humans, it’s not always suitable for dogs due to its lactose content.

Instead, consider a dog-specific probiotic supplement like the one offered by Absolut Pet. Their probiotic chews are easy to use—just give them as a treat or break them into their meal.

These chews feature 12 strains of probiotics and include locally sourced ingredients such as ginger, chicory root, pumpkin, and papaya. Plus, they are all-natural with no artificial preservatives. For more details, check out Absolut Pet’s Probiotic Gut Chews.

5. Probiotic chews > Probiotic powders

If you're looking for a convenient way to support your dog’s gut health, a probiotic chew could be an excellent addition to their daily routine. Powders are usually messy and a hassle to measure. These chews are specifically formulated to promote healthy gut flora, support digestion, and improve overall immune function. They’re an easy, mess-free option for pet owners who want to ensure their dogs get the probiotics they need without any fuss.

One such option is Absolut Pet Probiotic Chew’s

  - Combines the benefits of probiotics with a tasty treat

  - Maintains a healthy balance of gut bacteria

  - Supports overall digestive health

  - Ideal for daily gut care

6. Monitor Stress Levels

Stress can significantly impact your dog’s gut health. High-stress levels can lead to digestive issues, including diarrhoea and loss of appetite. To help manage your dog's stress, try to keep their environment calm and stable, provide plenty of mental stimulation, and ensure they have a safe, comfortable place to relax.

Regularly engaging in activities they enjoy, such as interactive puzzle toys, can also help keep their stress levels in check. These toys, which require your dog to solve a puzzle to get a treat or food, can keep them engaged for a long time.

Examples include treat-dispensing balls or toys with hidden compartments.

7. Regular Vet Check-ups

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your dog’s gut health. Unfortunately, only about 30% of dogs receive regular check-ups, which means many potential health issues may go unnoticed until they become serious.

Preventive healthcare is far more effective than treating diseases or issues after they have set in. By having your vet monitor your dog’s digestive system, recommend dietary changes, and suggest beneficial supplements, you can catch any potential problems early, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.

A healthy gut is vital to your dog’s overall health. By providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular exercise, maintaining hydration, managing stress, and considering the addition of probiotics to their routine, you can support your dog’s gut health and enhance their quality of life. Don’t forget to schedule regular vet visits to keep everything in check and catch any issues early on. With a thoughtful approach, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a healthy, happy life—inside and out.