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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 06/03/2025
Does your dog get zoomies one minute and a grumbling belly the next? Believe it or not, those tummy rumbles might be telling you more than just “I’m hungry.” Just like humans, dog gut health is about a lot more than just digesting food—it plays a significant role in their immune health.
If you want your dog to live a vibrant, fulfilling life, it all starts with knowing what’s going on in their gut. Let’s explore why dog gut health matters so much and how you can support it to keep your pup happy, healthy, and thriving.
Just like in humans, around 70% of a dog’s immune system actually lives in their gut! This means your dog’s ability to fight off infections, recover from illness, and maintain overall vitality is highly interconnected to the health of their digestive tract.
Inside a dog’s gut lives something called the microbiome. This is a whole community of bacteria and other tiny organisms that help your dog stay healthy. These good microbes do the heavy-lifting behind the scenes, helping train your dog’s immune system, supporting healthy digestion, and even producing natural substances that fight inflammation and illness.
Another part of your dog’s gut is a complex system called the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). It plays a significant role in spotting harmful bugs and helping the body respond in the right way, as well as ensuring that the gut doesn’t overreact to things like food or friendly bacteria.
However, when the gut is out of balance—a condition called dysbiosis—your dog’s immune system can take a hit. When they suffer from this imbalance, your dog may be more likely to get sick, develop allergies, or struggle with long-term health issues.
Make sure you’re able to recognize key signs of an imbalanced gut! If you’re knowledgeable and vigilant, you can help prevent long-term health issues in your furry friend.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
Digestive Upset: Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or regurgitation
Gas and Bloating: Increased and/or worse-smelling flatulence
Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath that is not linked to dental issues
Skin and Coat Problems: Itchy skin, recurring ear infections, or poor coat quality
Behavioural Changes: Lethargy, reduced appetite, or discomfort
If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian and explore gut health testing options.
If you want to improve your dog’s gut health, you’re on the right path. Here are some effective strategies that’ll help boost their immune system and overall well-being:
The foundation of a healthy gut begins with what your dog eats. Choose high-quality dog food that is rich in fibre, free of artificial preservatives, and made with natural, whole-food ingredients.
Diets that include ingredients such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, oats, and brown rice provide essential prebiotic fibres to nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. Avoid foods high in fillers like corn, soy, or animal by-product meals, which can be harder to digest and contribute to inflammation.
Some experts also argue that if you add fresh, whole foods like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables to your dog’s diet, it can significantly improve gut health. These foods offer nutrients and beneficial bacteria that processed kibble often lacks, supporting digestion, immunity, and reducing inflammation.
If you’re interested in giving your dog the best nutrition, it’s crucial you consider supplements. For gut health, helpful supplements include probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore and maintain balance in your dog’s gut microbiome. Prebiotics are the dietary fibres that serve as fuel for these good bacteria. Look for probiotic supplements that contain strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis, which are proven to benefit canine digestion.
Consider other dog supplements like camelina oil for overall health.
Stress can significantly affect your dog’s gut health by altering the microbiome and impairing digestive function. Dogs may experience stress from environmental changes, separation anxiety, loud noises, or inconsistent routines.
Chronic stress in dogs has been linked to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream.
To minimize your dog’s stress, keep a consistent feeding and walking schedule, offer enrichment toys, and create a safe, calming home environment. Stress management will play a key part in restoring and maintaining your dog’s digestive balance.
Yes, antibiotics are sometimes necessary to treat infections. However, they also destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to dysbiosis, a state of microbial imbalance that weakens the immune system and impairs digestion.
If your vet prescribes antibiotics, ask about probiotic support during and after the treatment. Products specifically formulated to protect the gut during antibiotic use can help replenish beneficial bacteria more quickly.
Remember to always follow veterinary guidance and avoid self-diagnosing or administering leftover prescriptions.
By taking your dog out on a walk or other interesting exercise routines, you’re stimulating digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing stress.
Did you know daily walks are good for more than just keeping your dog’s weight healthy? In fact, dogs that get daily physical activity are less prone to constipation and digestive sluggishness. Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of activity per day, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and health status.
Proper hydration is equally essential. Water supports nutrient absorption, regulates body temperature, and helps flush toxins from the body. Always provide access to clean, fresh water and consider wet food or bone broths for dogs who aren’t enthusiastic drinkers.
Regular movement combined with hydration will be essential to keeping your dog’s gut and immunity in top shape.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Your dog relies on you to take care of them, ensuring that they’re living a lifestyle that keeps them healthy long-term. By prioritizing your pup’s gut health, you're also investing in their immune system and longevity.
Whether you're choosing the right food, incorporating gut health supplements, or simply paying closer attention to symptoms, every step you take helps ensure your dog lives a healthier, happier life.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
