The Microbiome: The Key to Dog Gut Health

The Microbiome & Dog Gut Health

1. What is the Microbiome?

   The gut microbiome is a complex collection of  different bacteria and other microbes such as viruses and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract. While many different families of bacteria can be found in a dog’s intestinal tract, the vast majority belong to one of five main groups: Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. These microorganisms work independently and together in a symbiotic fashion to support and benefit not only each other, but also the host (your dog).

   While microbial populations are found in dogs ears, skin, mouth and respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract is home to the largest population. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, estimates suggest there are 10 times more organisms in the intestinal tract than total cells in a dog’s body.

2. Why is the Microbiome Important?

   Your dog’s gut is made up of about 70% of immune cells, making it the biggest immune organ found in the body. A healthy and balanced microbiome is crucial for your dog’s overall health.

   When most people think about the gut, they only think about digestion. But, the microbiome impacts so much more than just digestion. It contributes to metabolic functions, helps ward off dangerous pathogens, regulates the immune system, impacts cognitive function, and affects directly or indirectly many physiologic functions.

   “A healthy and stable microbiome can simultaneously act as pro- and anti-inflammatory, keeping a balance to prevent excessive inflammation while still being able to promptly respond to infections,” wrote Dr. Rachel Pilla.

   Nearly every aspect of your dog’s health is impacted by the microbiome.

3. Balance is Key!

   When the composition of gut bacteria is altered, it changes the way the bacteria interact with each other. As a result, it can have serious consequences to your dog’s overall health. 

   Many factors can cause an imbalance that is sometimes temporary and other times chronic. Commonly, gut bacteria is disrupted by antibiotics and other medications, infections, chronic stress, and even sudden diet changes.

   Imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to inflammatory bowel disease, digestive issues, immune system reactions, and even behavioral issues. Loose stool and diarrhea is often the first signal that something is wrong with the gut microbiome. Rebalancing dog gut bacteria is the to restore gut health for dogs

4. Fiber is Your Friend!

   A dog’s diet plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy microbiome. When you feed your dog, you’re also feeding their microbiome. A healthy, balanced diet is the first step to restore gut health for dogs, and fiber plays a big role. 

   Research shows that high-fiber diets have been associated with increased diversity and number of gut bacteria in people. Since the gut microbiome of a dog is similar to that of a human, dogs can also benefit from high-fiber diets, unless a dog has an underlying disease that precludes the use of a high-fiber diet.

5. Probiotics for a Healthy Microbiome

   In addition to fiber, probiotics help to regulate the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which helps:

   • Provide protection from viruses, harmful bacteria and pathogens6
   • Form a protective barrier in your dog’s gut, defending against toxins, drugs, allergens, and carcinogens
   • Contribute to overall microbiome health
   • Aid digestion
   • Foster a good mood
   • Boost immune system

6. Steps to a Healthy Microbiome

   There are many steps dog owners can take to keep their pup’s microbiome balanced or to restore balance:

   • Give your dog a probiotic supplement that offers a variety of strains of beneficial bacteria.

   • Nourish those “good guy” bacteria with a prebiotic supplement.

   • Monitor your dog’s weight, the condition of his coat, his energy level, and the quality of his daily stool for signs that his diet needs adjusting. What works well for some dogs may not benefit other dogs in other circumstances.

   • Avoid overuse of antibiotics