Why Does Dog Gut Health Matter?
Dogs are more than pets; they’re members of the family. And that means ensuring that they’re healthy. But some pet owners often overlook one crucial factor – gut health.
A dog’s gut is deeply tied to their physical health. In fact, a damaged or weak gut can lead to chronic diseases, cancer, and other life-threatening health issues. Therefore, paying close attention to your dog’s stomach is crucial to their longevity.
If your dog suffers from a weak or damaged gut, here’s what you can do to help them.
How to Improve Gut Health for Your Dog
It’s difficult to see your dog suffer from any health issues. The good news, though, is that there are holistic steps you can take to help support their gut recovery. Here’s how to improve gut health for your dog.
1. Keep Them Hydrated
First and foremost, hydration is crucial to your dog’s overall health. This is especially true for their gut.
Water helps with digestion, nutrition absorption, and overall body functions. If a dog is dehydrated, they could become constipated, negatively impacting the gut bacteria.
To avoid this, be sure to keep a fresh and clean bowl of water accessible to them at all times. On hot days or after physical activity, be sure to increase their water intake.
2. Incorporate Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients
Like humans, nutrition is a cornerstone of good gut health for dogs. In fact, a diet that’s rich in fresh and high-quality ingredients will benefit their entire health and well-being.
If you are deciding to make their meals and treats from scratch, be sure to research recipes that are dog-friendly and specialize them to your dogs needs. If you are buying pre-made food, pay close attention to the preservatives that are being used like…
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
- BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
- Ethoxyquin
- Nitrates/Nitrites
- Propyl Gallate
- Carrageenan
- MSG
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
For a healthier food that’s made with your dog’s health in mind, Get Joy offers meals and treats with fresh and high-quality ingredients!
3. Look For and Remove Allergens and Intolerances
Dogs can also develop allergies and intolerances, which can cause gut issues. That’s why paying close attention to what they eat is important. If you suspect that a specific ingredient is causing problems, remove it from their diet and track their health. You can also speak with your veterinarian for clarity and solutions.
Signs that may indicate an allergen include:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Constant licking
Once allergens are removed, your dog’s gut health will improve.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress can be a cause for many health problems. This is especially true for a dog’s gut. Animals are sensitive, and stressful situations can lead to gastrointestinal issues. To avoid this, be sure to create a calm and comfortable environment. Their routine should also be consistent with little changes.
While comfort and social needs vary by pet, it’s recommended that dogs shouldn’t spend more than 6-8 hours alone because it can lead to a higher level of stress.
Remember, a healthy gut is a happy and healthy dog. So it’s crucial that dog owners do all they can to maintain their furry friends’ gut health.
Best Foods for Gut Health in Dogs
When it comes to supporting your dog’s stomach health, food ingredients are a major factor. Here are the best foods for gut health that you can begin incorporating into your dog’s diet to help better support them and their needs.
- Spinach
- Cranberries
- Carrots
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Fish oil
- Prebiotics, probiotics, and post-biotics
Foods with these ingredients can be found in Get Joy’s fresh meals.
The Big 3 of Gut Health for Dogs
If your dog is having struggles with stomach health, there are three main ingredients that you should focus on incorporating into their diet to help.
- Probiotics: Supports digestive health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora. They are also great for digestion and your dog’s overall immune system.
- Fiber: These foods help dogs have healthy bowel movements and support the overall gut environment. Fiber-rich foods include vegetables and grains.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: This ingredient helps to reduce gut inflammation. It also supports the immune system, cardiovascular health, and other important aspects of your dog’s health.
All of these gut healthy ingredients can be found in Get Joy’s fresh and freeze dried meals.
Support Your Dog’s Overall Health with Get Joy
At Get Joy, we take immense pride in putting your dogs health and wellness first. As a result, our meals and treats are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients that support your dog’s longevity. Learn more today!
