A Guide to Dog Gut Health

You must have read how the state of your gut impacts overall health. But does the same go for your canine? 

Yes, it does! Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of any living being affect and support  overall metabolism, health and development. Nutrition plays a huge role in supporting canine gut health, as do other factors such as physical well-being. 

In this article, CDK9 will go over why we think gut health is important for any dog and its impact on the overall physical well-being of man’s best friend! CDK9 is a raw dog food service with subscriptions available. Ensure your dog gets all the nutrition he needs to grow properly on a natural diet.  

What Is Dog Gut Health?

The gut microbiome of any living creature is defined as a system of microorganisms that supports the host's overall health. It is essential to the survival of both you and your pup and should be taken care of well. Factors like age, environment and nutrition all play a key role in maintaining gut health. 

Why Is It Important to Understand Your Dog’s Gut Health?

If the gut health of your dog is off balance, it can lead to shifts in their health, causing gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune diseases.

While autoimmune diseases are not common, ignoring gut health will increase the likelihood of them occurring. A dog's digestive system plays a critical role in its overall health and well-being. An unhealthy gut can lead to serious problems such as nutrient deficiencies, vitamin loss, and digestion issues. 

Maintaining good microbial health is essential for dogs to ensure that they are getting the vitamins they need, metabolising food correctly, and fighting off infection. 

What Can I Feed My Dog for Gut Health?

Feeding them a balanced diet consisting of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals combined with exercise will help to keep their gut functioning properly so they can enjoy all the benefits of being a healthy pup!

A great way to supplement all of these nutrients in one go is getting a subscription to one of our weekly complete mixes. These packs include ingredients such as: 

• Duck meat, offal and bones
• Beef meat, offal and bones
• Sardines
• Fruits and vegetables such as beetroot, spinach, pumpkin and pawpaw
• Oils such as coconut and wheat germ
• Added nutrients such as zinc sulphate 

How to Improve Your Dog’s Gut Health

There are a number of ways you can help support your dog’s gut health. 

• Mix Prebiotics/Probiotics in Dog Food

Probiotics are live bacteria that provide numerous health benefits, from improved digestion and a stronger immune system to better nutrient absorption. Prebiotics, on the other hand, act as food for the good gut bacteria already present in a dog's digestive tract. 

This combination of ingredients strengthens the existing gut microbiota and helps create a healthier digestive environment. As animal nutritionists increasingly recommend mixing prebiotics and probiotics in a dog's food, it is an ideal way to keep your pup feeling healthy and energised. Speak to your vet and see if you can pick up prescribed probiotic supplements for your pup. 

If you want to incorporate them naturally immediately, you can try one of our digestion support mixes. 

• Transition to Raw Dog Food

Transitioning your dog to a raw food diet can be a simple and natural replacement for kibble-based meals. While the switch won’t be easy, we assure you it is worth the trouble. Our team at CDK9 takes pride in providing healthy, nutrient-rich options for your beloved pet. 

We source all of our ingredients carefully, ensuring that you receive the best possible product with every order. With the highest quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables at the core of our recipes, your pup will be getting essential vitamins to aid in their overall health and wellness.  

Incorporate more natural items into your dog’s diet. You can try one of our raw dog food packages if you’re not sure where to start. 

• Be Aware of Dog Food Ingredients

Read the labels of the kibble food you buy and ensure that none of the ingredients are causing digestive issues for your pet. 

When it comes to maintaining your pet's health, paying attention to the quality of their food is essential. The ingredients and nutrition of your dog's diet are critical and should always be monitored with the same vigilance as you would with your own diet. Understanding which ingredients go into dog meals is key to making sure your pup is being provided with the highest quality food available. Invest in understanding what constitutes good nutrition for a happy, healthy dog and ensure your pup gets everything they need.

• Regularly Vet Check-Ups to Determine Health

Regularly checking in with your vet is an important part of ensuring the good health of your pup. Gut health is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in their overall well-being and can even affect their behaviour. 

By scheduling regular vet visits, you can ensure that any issues that may arise are caught early on so they can be treated quickly and with minimal stress for all involved. Plus, with careful monitoring from a qualified professional, you can rest easier knowing that your pup is getting the best care possible. So don't wait — take advantage of regular vet check-ups to ensure optimal gut health for your pup today!

• Avoid Grains & Rice in Dog Food

If your dog is experiencing gut issues, reducing its intake of carbohydrates. Since they are harder to digest, you are better off skipping them when experiencing digestive issues. 

Furthermore, highly processed grains can even aggravate digestive issues or create unnecessary allergies in your canine companion. Instead, look for a formulation that is abundant in natural proteins and beneficial nutrients without relying on grain-based fillers or artificial additives. You will quickly recognize that the higher-quality feeds are worth every extra penny. So go beyond the traditional grain-filled kibble and take the first step towards achieving a lifetime of canine health.

• Include Fibre & Natural Foods in Their Diet

Ensuring that your pup takes in enough dietary fibre can help maintain a healthy digestive tract, blood sugar levels, and more — including a sleek physique. So why not make sure that these nutrient-packed items are included in your pet’s day-to-day diet?  

A great way to include natural foods in your dog’s next meal is to try one of our complete proactive health mixes. It has a healthy balance of meat, vegetables and fruits to ensure easy digestion for your pup. 

With the right balance of these essential elements, you can guarantee they'll bask in good health for years to come.