Regarding intestinal health, dogs and cats are very similar to humans. Their digestive systems are a significant component of their immune systems, and an upset stomach can induce inflammation, depression, and other disorders in addition to bloating and pain.

Feeding your pet a high-quality meal is only one technique to ensure that their digestive system is functioning well. Here are some pointers to improve your dog or cat's digestion and gut health.

Watch for Health Issues

Digestive problems in dogs and cats, such as gas, diarrhea, and bloating, can indicate poor gut health. However, other symptoms, such as excessive shedding and scratching, can also suggest a problem.

Vomiting and weight loss can occur in dogs and cats with poor gastrointestinal health. Cats may also refuse to be picked up or spend excessive time grooming their abdomen. When a dog's digestive system isn't working correctly, it may experience separation anxiety. However, they might also be symptoms of other health conditions, so you should consult your veterinarian to establish the cause.

What Causes Digestive Problems in Dogs and Cats?

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestive health. Ageing and stress can change the natural gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Some examples of stressors are:

  • Travelling
  • Boarding
  • Surgery
  • Antibiotics
  • Inconsistency or dietary changes

If you suspect your pet's digestive health is suffering, consider adding a prebiotic, probiotic, or symbiotic to their diet.

Start with a Good Diet

High-quality pet food with a high animal protein content can help restore intestinal health. Look for meals that include meat as the first ingredient, not grains. Other nutrients, such as animal fat and turmeric, also benefit your pet's digestive system.

There are several good quality dog food that have probiotics to aid digestive health and is created with buffalo meat. Instinct limited-ingredient cat food, a grain-free salmon food, contains only one animal protein and one vegetable.

And, while offering your pet human food may be tempting, don't. Human food can not only hurt your pet's digestive system, but it can also cause weight gain and other problems.

Importance of Probiotics and Supplements

The gut contains 70% of a dog's, cat's, and human's immune system. Bacteria live in the digestive tract and break down food with the help of fungi and other creatures. When beneficial bacteria come into contact with nasty bacteria, they tell the immune system's white blood cells to fight it.

It is critical to maintaining a healthy mix of good bacteria in the gut, which probiotics can help with. Dogs can benefit from supplements such as Nootie Progility Advanced Skin & Coat With Probiotics.

Digestive vitamins for dogs and cats, such as Primal Raw Frozen Goat Milk, can also help maintain a healthy gut.

Hydration is Vital

Utilize the benefits of water for gut health by ensuring that your dog or cat drinks enough water during the day. Water not only aids digestion, but it can also help to maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.

Dogs require approximately one ounce of fluid per pound of body weight per day, whereas cats require about four ounces of water for five pounds. Consider a water dispenser to ensure your pet gets adequate water.