Gut Health
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5 min
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A healthy gut is at the heart of your dog’s overall wellbeing. It’s where digestion happens, nutrients are absorbed, and where much of their immune system lives.
When things are running smoothly, you’ll see the signs - firm poos, a shiny coat, plenty of energy, and a happy, settled pup. But when the gut’s out of balance, it can show up in all sorts of ways, including tummy troubles, itchy skin, bad breath, and mood changes.
The most comprehensive way of figuring out what’s going on in their gut is with a Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test - but in the meantime, there are natural ways to help nourish it.
Let’s explore…
When it comes to keeping our dogs happy and healthy, what we put in their bowl makes all the difference.
Just like us, dogs can benefit from nutrient-rich ‘superfoods’ - natural ingredients packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other powerful compounds. Many of these superfoods do more than just support overall health. They can also play a key role in maintaining a balanced gut, which is the foundation of your dog’s digestion.
Whether you’re looking to boost your dog’s daily diet or find gentle, natural ways to support their gut health, these pooch-friendly superfoods are a great place to start.
Superfoods come in all shapes, sizes, and categories, each with their own individual benefits - so there should be something for every dog to get on board with!
You can feed superfoods as they are, or mix them into your dog’s usual food for an extra burst of goodness and flavour.
Just remember, extra food carries extra calories. So make sure you’re not going over your dog’s recommended daily calorie allowance, and that they’re being fed complete meals.
If you’re concerned about adding extra foods to their normal diet, here at Pooch & Mutt, we make sure to utilise as many of these rich and nutritious ingredients within our dog food as possible. This way, your dog can easily benefit from these natural superfoods in their everyday diet.
With the following list in your arsenal, you can scan ingredient lists and make sure your dog's getting everything they need.
Without further ado, let’s discover what foods are considered superfoods, and what value they can bring to your dog’s gut and overall wellbeing.
These ingredients help support a healthy gut microbiome, digestion, and stool quality - ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies, digestive issues, or after antibiotics.
| Ingredient | Gut Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Apple | Rich in pectin fibre to support digestion and feed good gut bacteria. High in antioxidants and vitamin C for immune support. |
| Blueberry | Full of antioxidants like anthocyanins to fight inflammation; contains fibre and polyphenols for microbiome support. |
| Mango | Loaded with vitamins A & C and digestion-aiding enzymes; offers soluble and insoluble fibre for smooth digestion. |
| Watermelon | Hydrating and soothing with natural electrolytes and lycopene to support immunity. |
| Beetroot | Provides fibre for digestion and antioxidants for inflammation; supports liver detox and vitality. |
| Cabbage | Supplies prebiotic fibre and natural enzymes to aid digestion and support the microbiome. |
| Carrot | High in fibre and beta-carotene for gut, eye, and immune health; naturally sweet and crunchy. |
| Celery | Hydrating with anti-inflammatory compounds and fibre to support regular digestion. |
| Cucumber | Mostly water; soothing and hydrating for sensitive stomachs. |
| Green Beans | Rich in fibre and gut-supporting plant compounds; contains vitamin K and manganese. |
| Kale | Full of fibre, vitamin K, and antioxidants to feed good bacteria and aid digestion. |
| Pumpkin | High in soluble fibre for smooth digestion; rich in beta-carotene and gentle on the gut. |
| Spinach | Loaded with fibre and iron; supports digestion and protects gut lining with antioxidants. |
| Sweet Potato | Rich in fibre and antioxidants; supports healthy bacteria and smooth digestion. |
| Chicory Root | Natural prebiotic with inulin fibre to feed good bacteria and balance the microbiome. |
| Lentils | Packed with fibre and resistant starch for microbial support; high in plant protein and iron. |
| Legumes (peas, chickpeas, beans) | Excellent fibre and protein source; supports digestion and fuels good bacteria. |
| Quinoa | Gluten-free, fibre-rich seed that supports a balanced microbiome and easy digestion. |
| Broccoli | Rich in fibre and sulforaphane, promoting gut bacteria growth, detox, and anti-inflammatory benefits. |
High-protein, easily digestible ingredients are ideal for active dogs, puppies, or those needing to maintain/restore muscle mass.
| Ingredient | Gut Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Lean, highly digestible protein that's gentle on the gut. Supports strong muscles and provides vitamin B and selenium for immune and digestive health. |
| Turkey | Tummy-friendly, low-fat protein with essential amino acids. Contains L-tryptophan to support calmness and gut-brain balance. |
| Cod | Lean and easy to digest, supporting muscle maintenance without being too rich. A natural source of B vitamins to aid gut and energy health. |
| Haddock | Low-fat white fish ideal for sensitive stomachs. Provides amino acids and minerals that support digestion and overall wellbeing. |
| Salmon | Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce gut inflammation and support a healthy microbiome. Also high in protein, vitamin D, and essential nutrients. |
| Egg | Complete protein with essential amino acids for muscle and tissue repair. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids that support gut lining health. |
| Lentils, Legumes, and Quinoa | Plant-based proteins that provide long-lasting energy, gut-loving fibre, and essential minerals for digestive and overall health. |
These foods are packed with antioxidants and micronutrients that help reduce inflammation and support immunity.
| Ingredient | Gut Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Blueberry | Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins to reduce inflammation. Contains fibre and polyphenols that help nourish the gut microbiome. |
| Bell Pepper | High in vitamin C and antioxidants to support immunity and reduce inflammation. Easy to digest when cooked. |
| Kale | Fibre-rich and full of vitamin K and antioxidants. Helps feed good gut bacteria and support overall digestive health. |
| Spinach | Loaded with fibre and plant-based iron for digestive health and energy. Antioxidants help protect the gut lining. |
| Salmon | Rich in omega-3s to reduce gut inflammation and support a healthy microbiome. High in protein and vitamin D. |
| Broccoli | Fibre-rich and supports good gut bacteria. Contains sulforaphane, a compound linked to detox and anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Cabbage | Provides prebiotic fibre to feed the microbiome. Also rich in antioxidants and natural enzymes to aid digestion. |
| Beetroot | High in fibre and antioxidants for gut support and inflammation reduction. Also supports liver detox and vitality. |
| Pumpkin | High in soluble fibre to help regulate digestion. Rich in beta-carotene and gentle on sensitive tummies. |
| Carrot | Great source of fibre and beta-carotene for gut, eye, and immune health. Naturally sweet and crunchy. |
| Chicory Root | Natural prebiotic rich in inulin fibre to feed good gut bacteria. Supports digestion and microbiome balance. |
| Egg | Complete protein with essential amino acids for muscle and tissue repair. Supports gut lining with vitamins and fatty acids. |
| Quinoa | Gluten-free seed rich in fibre, protein, and minerals. Gentle on the gut and supports microbiome diversity. |
Good for dogs with itchy skin, allergies, or those needing coat nourishment.
| Ingredient | Gut & Overall Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce gut inflammation and support a healthy microbiome. Also provides high-quality protein and vitamin D. |
| Egg | Complete protein with essential amino acids for muscle and tissue repair. Supports gut lining with vitamins and healthy fats. |
| Pumpkin & Sweet Potato | Both are high in beta-carotene, supporting skin health and offering natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Also gentle on digestion. |
| Blueberry | Superfruit packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and help protect the skin barrier. |
| Turkey | Low-fat, easy-to-digest protein with essential amino acids. Contains L-tryptophan to support calmness and gut-brain balance. |
Light, water-rich foods that help maintain hydration and kidney/urinary health.
| Ingredient | Gut & Overall Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Watermelon | Extremely hydrating with high water content and natural electrolytes. Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that supports immunity and overall health. |
| Cucumber | Mostly water, making it super hydrating and soothing for the gut. Light, refreshing, and easy on sensitive stomachs. |
| Celery | Hydrating and packed with antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Fibre content supports regular digestion. |
| Pumpkin | High in soluble fibre to regulate digestion. Rich in beta-carotene and gentle on sensitive tummies — a gut-health hero. |
Ideal for anxious dogs ,or those with nervous tummies due to stress.
| Ingredient | Gut & Brain Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Low-fat, easily digestible protein with essential amino acids. Contains L-tryptophan, which supports calmness and gut-brain balance. |
| Chicory Root | Natural prebiotic rich in inulin fibre to feed good gut bacteria. Supports digestion, microbiome balance, and gut-brain axis function. |
| Salmon | High in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce gut inflammation, support the microbiome, and are linked to brain health and emotional wellbeing. |
| Egg | Complete protein with amino acids for tissue repair. B vitamins in eggs help regulate mood and support brain and gut function. |
To get a clear picture of the diversity status of your dog’s gut microbiome, a dog Gut Health Test is the way to go!
Not only will this provide a breakdown on the diversity of your dog’s gut microbiome, or lack thereof, but where the focus should be when it comes to their diet and supplement intake, to help get things back on track. This will help you tailor a diet strictly to their needs, and their needs only. A Gut Health Test for your dog is the first step towards an all-around happy and healthy pooch.
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