Gut health is a hugely popular topic of interest in the UK, with over 1.6 million Google searches for the phrase in the last month alone.
It’s not only an important topic for humans, but our beloved pets too as a healthy digestive system plays a key role in pets’ overall wellbeing, influencing everything from energy levels and immune function to skin condition, and even mood.
In fact, digestive issues remain one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) reporting that one in 12 of all dogs in the UK suffer from acute diarrhoea that needs immediate veterinary care at least once each year. It also revealed that Cavapoo, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, German Shepherd Dog, American Bulldog and Rottweiler breeds had the highest risk of acute diarrhoea.
To help responsible pet parents build their knowledge on the subject, pet nutrition experts Vet’s Kitchen have broken down what the gut microbiome is, what symptoms to look out for, and how to support pets’ gut health through the right nutrition and care.
What gut health means in cats and dogs
Gut health refers to how well an animal’s digestive system is functioning and how balanced the ecosystem inside their gut is. This ecosystem is called the microbiome — a system of trillions of micro-organisms, including healthy bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestines.
Having a healthy microbiome helps your pet break down food, absorb essential nutrients, and fight off infections. It also plays a surprisingly important role in regulating their nervous system, and even influences mood and behaviour (Purina Institute).
While dogs and cats have different digestive systems, both animals rely on a balanced microbiome for their overall health and well-being. So, how can pet owners help maintain that balance? It all starts with what goes into their food bowl.
Signs of an unhealthy gut
Your pet can’t tell you when they don’t feel well, but there are often signs, some more obvious than others. Just like humans, digestive symptoms are the most common indicator that something’s off in your pet’s gut.
Keep an eye out for the following:
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Gas, bloating, or stomach gurgling
- Changes in appetite
- Eating things they shouldn’t, such as grass, small stones, or their faeces
Other changes in your pet’s behaviour or condition can also point to digestive troubles. Signs like low energy, lethargy, bad breath, or even shifts in mood or behaviour may indicate that their gut isn’t functioning at its best.
Cats and dogs can also show the signs differently. Cats, for example, are often better at hiding health problems. You might notice them becoming more secretive or withdrawn, grooming excessively, or developing a coat that looks dull or less glossy than usual.
Sometimes, digestive symptoms can be indicators of more serious health issues. If you’re seeing any of these signs regularly, always seek advice from your vet.
Common causes of gut issues in dogs and cats
Understanding what can disrupt the digestive system is key to keeping your pet healthy. Gut problems in pets can stem from a variety of issues:
- Poor quality diet: Feeding your pet a diet that’s lacking essential nutrients can put stress on their gut. For more information on what makes a healthy, balanced diet for pets, check out PetMD’s feeding guides for dogs and cats.
- Adverse food reactions: Some pets can experience adverse reactions to certain ingredients in their food. Symptoms such as digestive upset, recurrent ear infections, and pruritus (itchy skin), particularly around the ears, paws, head, abdomen and armpits, can all be indicative of adverse food reactions.
- Stress or anxiety: The gut and brain are closely linked, and stress can have an impact on digestion. A change in their environment or routine — for example, moving house — can cause short-term gut issues.
- Antibiotics or other medications: While often necessary, certain medications can disrupt beneficial gut bacteria. After a course of antibiotics, your pet’s microbiome may take time to rebalance, especially without nutritional support.
- Parasites and infections: Worms, Giardia, and bacterial infections can all cause serious digestive distress. Regular parasite control and good hygiene are key for preventing these, especially in outdoor pets, puppies, and kittens.
- Ageing: Older pets are sometimes more prone to gut issues. Their digestive function can slow down over time, making good nutrition even more vital.
How to support gut health
A healthy gut starts with the right food. The diet you feed your dog or cat directly affects the balance of their gut microbiome, as well as their overall health.
Digestibility
Digestibility plays a key role in the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats. Highly digestible foods allow pets to absorb nutrients more efficiently, supporting energy levels, skin and coat health, and overall vitality. Well-balanced recipes made with quality ingredients are also gentler on the digestive system, helping to reduce issues such as loose stools, flatulence, and food sensitivities.
Fibre
When the good bacteria in the gut ferment fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects that support gut health and overall immune function.
Whole grains, including rye, oats, and wheat, as well as vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potato, are all good sources of fibre that can be found in dog food. For cats, who are obligate carnivores and naturally consume less fibre, smaller amounts of highly digestible fibre can still be beneficial.
Postbiotics
- Beneficial compounds produced by probiotics as they grow and metabolise in the gut.
- Reduce inflammation, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and modulate the immune system.
- Help support pets’ digestive comfort, improve nutrient absorption, and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome even when live probiotics are not present.
If you are considering making a change to your pet’s diet, it’s best to consult a vet or qualified pet nutritionist first.
Sara Rowley, Head of Quality & NPD at Vet’s Kitchen said: “If your pet is dealing with dietary sensitivities, recovering from an illness, or you’re simply looking to give them the best possible diet to maintain their day–to-day health, supporting their gut is one of the most impactful things you can do for their overall wellbeing.
“Here at Vet’s Kitchen, we know that good health starts in the gut. That’s why our recipes are carefully formulated with digestive health in mind, using high-quality ingredients and beneficial ingredients to help maintain a healthy microbiome.”
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