If you’re a pet parent, you’ve likely heard of the importance of gut health in dogs, but have you ever heard of the “forgotten organ,” the gut microbiome? The gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that live in the digestive system and play an important role in the health of your pup.
Just like with humans, gut health in dogs is important for keeping them energized and maintaining their overall health. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to poor nutrition, inflammation, and a weakened immune system.
One of the best ways to support gut health in your pup is through the use of probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that help to maintain a healthy balance of microbes in the gut and prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that help to feed the probiotics that are already in the gut. Both probiotics and prebiotics can be found in certain supplements, as well as certain foods.
Medications, particularly antibiotics, can also disrupt the gut microbiome, so it’s important to talk to your vet about any potential side effects and to monitor your pup’s health closely when they are prescribed any medications.
To ensure that your pup’s gut microbiome is in tip-top shape, there are certain foods that can be helpful. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are great for feeding the probiotics and prebiotics in the gut. Additionally, foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
By helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome in your pup, you can help to support their overall health and wellbeing. By utilizing probiotics and prebiotics, monitoring how medications affect the gut, and providing your pup with the right foods, you can help to ensure that their forgotten organ is healthy and happy.