BLOG

Humans have been focusing a lot on Gut Health recently….. 

In particular, when experts discuss “Gut Health”, what they are normally referring to is the health of the gastrointestinal, or gut, Microbiome.

Put simply, the Gut Microbiome is a mixture of different micro-organisms including bacteria, Fungi, and various Viruses.

Keeping these in a healthy balance is important to our health because they help regulate Digestion, Immune Function, Mental Health, Inflammation and Metabolism.

Whilst there is still much to learn about this, it's also important to recognise that it is just as important for our Pets health as well.

Keeping a well balanced, and healthy, Gastro-intestinal microbiome is as essential for the health of our pets as it is for us!

It’s particularly important for breaking down food into nutrients, as well as helps to eliminate toxins and waste…. Thus, keeping our pets healthy.

When the balance of microorganisms in the gut is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including diarrhoea, constipation, and other digestive issues. Furthermore, gut health is closely linked to the immune system, with a healthy gut microbiome helping to support a robust immune response.

By maintaining good gut health in your pet dog, you can help support their overall health and well-being, promoting a healthy, and happy, life for your furry friend.

This is all well and good to understand the importance of this, however, how do we help keep our pets Gut healthy?

Here are 10 ways that may help with this:

1.  Make sure the food you feed them is a high quality food which is well balanced.

This means not just protein, but also plenty of fibre, whole grains and lots of fruit and vegetables as well….. Remember, our dogs are Omnivores. They need more than just meat protein.

2.  Probiotics.

Just like in humans, a good probiotic can help with keeping your pets gut microbiome healthy and balanced.

A probiotic is a collection of live bacteria which are specifically designed to help with the health of your pet.

Be sure to ask your vet professional which one is best suited for your pet.

3.  Prebiotics.

These are high fibre foods which do not actually get digested, but help provide a place where those millions of live bacteria can live, hide, and thrive.

A prebiotic does not get digested or broken down, but actually gets fermented and creates certain short-chain fatty acids which allow a source of energy to the prebiotic micro-organisms living in the intestinal tract.

These high fibre prebiotics may include Banana, Oats, Beet Pulp, Apple and other fruits plus tuber plants such as Artichoke or Chicory Root.

It’s advisable to consider a prepared Prebiotic blend if you felt this would help as not all high fibre plants provide prebiotic characteristics.  Therefore a prepared Prebiotic blend might be easier to source.

Please be sure to speak to a Vet, or Animal Health specialist, when considering this.

4.  Only give Pet Treats which are made specifically for that pet.

This is important because many human table treats, or generic pet treats, contain high levels of salt and sugar which is not great for your pets digestive system.

Therefore, limit the left-overs from our human meals, and stick to the Dog Treats, and other Pet Treats, which are Australian Made, and from a reputable company which actually design these products with the health of your pets in mind…… Not a simple Short Bread biscuit made for humans altered to be sold as a Pet Treat.

5.  Fresh, Clean Water.

Your pet always needs fresh, clean water to stay properly hydrated, but also, having enough water in their system also impacts the health of this microbiome.

Having ample water means that the food your pet is eating can easily move through the digestive tract and thus ensures that these microorganisms all get a chance to work on this food to extract the most nutrients whilst at the same time ensure the waste gets expelled regularly….. Water ensure this movement is regular.

Furthermore, water helps to support the mucous membranes that line the digestive tract, providing a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and other pathogens. 

This can help to prevent infections and inflammation in the gut, which can negatively impact the health of the microbiome.

6.  Regular Exercise.

This has shown to help reduce inflammation in the body which is really important for the gut health.

Exercise also has been related to an increase in microbial diversity.

Regular exercise will also promote the movement of food through the digestive tract and works in partnership with water.

Of course, regular exercise also uses energy which this microbiome has worked so hard to unlock and thus makes sure that this energy is being used so more energy can be created and therefore used.....  not stored as fat!

7.  Low Stress.

Stress in our pets has similar negative health effects as it does in humans. This stress can directly affect the health of our pets Gut Health and thus affect their overall happiness and health.

Stress will also affect your pets mental health….. which in-turn affects negatively the digestive tract.

Therefore, keep your pets environment comfortable and calm. 

Also it's important to develop, and stick to, regular routines.  This provides a certain amount of calm in their day as well as gives them something to look forward within those certain daily activities.  Thus, have an understanding of what is happening within their daily life and movements.

As with humans, good, regular habits, help keep us in the moment and able to handle stress better.  It has the same affects on pets.

8.  Don’t let your pets to get bored. 

Being bored directly affects stress levels, along with mental health and well being.

Therefore, use boredom busting Pet Treats and Pet Toys.

Products such as Cow Hooves, Beef Tendons, Kangaroo Tail just to name a few are great ideas.  They are all natural and are nutritious for your puppy dog, but will take them hours to chew on.

These products will entertain your pets whilst you are not around.  Hide them through the yard and get them looking for these such rewards.

Just be sure to use long lasting pet treats which are made here in Australia, and are designed with the health of your pet in mind; and with toys which are sturdy enough to withstand a playful animal and not fall apart.

If you need some ideas please feel free to contact us.....  Our team will happily give you some great ideas for both Boredom Busting pet treats as well as toys for pets.

9.  Limit exposure to toxins:

Toxins in the environment can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your dog's gut. Try to limit your dog's exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.

10.  Get a regular Vet Check-up.

Getting health check-ups by a professional can help pick up issues and imbalances early and thus preventive measures can be identified and taken before your pet gets sick.

Needless to say, Gut Health is very important but it doesn't have to be difficult.  These are just some simple ways to keep things balanced, and therefore help maintain good general health in your pets.

If you have any questions, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

Otherwise thank-you for your support and have a great day.

From the team at Huds and Toke.

@Hudsandtoke

#Hudsandtokefamily