Why is gut health important?
Gut health is the secret to your dog’s livelihood. Dogs contain a unique group of bacteria and microbes within them just as you and I do. Most everyday bacteria are harmless to us and it even helps us in our development. Healthy bacteria are essential to sustain long and fit lives. When food enters the digestion systems it is crucial that the gut bacteria obtain the necessary nutrients from the food our dogs eat. Just as we are conscious of the food’s we intake, we must take the same incentive of what heals or harms our pet’s. Your furry friend cannot verbalize their gut concerns, so they rely on us to provide what is best for them. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for your dog’s overall nutritional and mental health. When your pet’s bacteria is unbalanced it can carry an array of problems such as (IBD) inflammatory bowl disease, immune system complications, diabetes, digestive issues, stress and even depression. It is crucial to keep aware of the foods your pet intakes to ensure they are receiving the essential nutrients to keep them going in the long hall.
When your dog’s gut health is a concern:
- Dull Coat– This is a common indication that something is upsetting your pet. A universal sign of pet health is a shiny coat. Shedding, scratching, or licking their paws are all cause for concern to be aware of as your pet may be experiencing symptoms of an upset gut.
- Gastrointestinal Issues-If your dog is suffering from frequent nauseas or diarrhea this is often a clear sign that poor gut health is to blame this points an alarm to something your dog is eating is upsetting them. Toxins from harmful foods your dog intakes can trigger inflammation in your dogs’ gut which can lead to dehydration and illness. It is always recommended to avoid giving your pet human food, and uncooked meats and vegetables.
- Weight Loss (usually caused by excessive vomiting and diarrhea)
- Constipation-common causes are due to poor diet, your pet not receiving enough fiber, blockages from eating non- food such as garbage, bones, plants, or gravel.
- Disinterest in pet food
- Excessive gas (rumbling stomach, burping, etc.)
Causes of Digestive Problems in Dogs:
- Bacteria (pathogenic)
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Worms
- Abrupt change in your dog’s diet
- Excessive consumption of grass (non-life threatening)
- Consuming chocolate (potentially life-threatening)
Gut illness prevention:
- Provide your pet with a balanced meal, ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients they require. Foods such as chicken provide a high amount of protein and vitamin B and phosphorus which dogs need the proper amounts of in order to grow well and remain healthy. Organ meats such as tripe, liver, and trachea are often considered quite gross to us humans! Our furry friends on the other hand find this to be delicious and it is a natural and excellent source of energy and nutrients. Liver is a great example one of the most nutritionally rich foods. The high vitamin and mineral content in beef liver is also beneficial for your pet’s dental and eye health.
- Prebiotics are typically found in many of your pet’s food that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria. Some common prebiotics include Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and Inulin which promote the growth of healthy gut microbes. Prebiotics have an important purpose as they feed the bacteria or probiotics in your dog’s gut.
- Never supplement your dog’s food with treats.
- Give your pet probiotics as they can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria and they also address other health concerns like join pain and allergies.
- Alleviate stress to your pet by providing them tender love and care and a balanced lifestyle. Reducing stress in your furry friend helps their immune system to heal and stress in dogs is commonly linked with inflammation that affects their gut.
Barking Buddha Pet Treat Suggestions:
The following recommendations boost your pet’s welfare and promotes gut health:
Barking Buddha Green Lamb Tripe Sticks
Allergy friendly, packed with Omega 3 and 6, our Green Lamb Tripe is perfect for dogs that require alternate sources of protein and have skin conditions.
- Green Tripe Nutrition Information: Green Tripe is high in protein. Tripe protein contains up to 7 amino acids, some which include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine these amino acids perform essential functions to your pet’s body, including building muscle and enhancing their immune response to tissue repair and urinary tract health.
- Green tripe has lactobacillus acidophilus which is a healthy probiotic that fight off harmful bacteria such as salmonella and e coli. By including this in your pet’s diet you increase the good bacteria that lives in your pet’s gut and promote digestion.
- Green tripe is acidic in pH, it is very easy for your pet to digest and helpful for those who have sensitive stomachs. If your dog has a leaky gut or having constant runs raw tripe can ease those symptoms.
- Green tripe is nutritionally balanced as it contains the right amount of calcium, phosphorus, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Disclaimer: We are not certified veterinary practitioner’s; we cannot provide medical consultation. Any concerns regarding your pet’s health should be urgently addressed to your nearest veterinary specialist. We only provide tips and suggestions based on our own judgment and care that we provide for our own pets. We do the research, so you do not have to.