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Food & Diet

12 Super Foods Good For Your Dog’s Gut Health

At A Glance

As a pet owner, you want your dog to live a long and healthy life. These 12 superfoods for dogs' gut health will keep it strong and active.

  • The top super foods include blueberries, kefir, sweet potatoes, bone broth, garlic, chia seeds, pumpkin, fermented foods, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, green tripe, and yogurt.
  • Good gut health in dogs promotes healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and provides fuel for natural defenses against pathogens.

Last Updated on: May 01, 2023

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If you’re a dog owner, chances are you want to do whatever it takes to keep your pup feeling and looking their best!

Good gut health for dogs is essential for this-it promotes healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and provides fuel for natural defenses against pathogens.

That’s why we have put together an outline of twelve super foods for dogs that can help support the well-being of your furry companion. You will gain insight into some great ingredients that are sure to make a positive impact on ensuring good digestive health for your pooch. Read on if you’re ready to give your canine the nutrition they deserve!

custom oil-painted dog portraits by Poshtraits

What Are The Best Dog Foods For Your Dog’s Gut Health?

Blueberries, kefir, sweet potatoes, bone broth, garlic, chia seeds, pumpkin, fermented foods, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, green tripe, and yogurt are all great options to boost digestion. Of course, consulting with your veterinarian and caring for a balanced diet for your pup ensures long-term health.

Blueberries

As a dedicated dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. When it comes to keeping the dog’s gut healthy, consider adding blueberries to their diet.

These little berries pack a powerful punch of nutrients that can enhance your dog’s sensitive stomach and overall well-being.

With a rich source of antioxidants and fiber, blueberries can aid in regulating your dog’s digestive system and preventing an upset stomach.

The natural anti-inflammatory properties in blueberries can reduce inflammation in your dog’s gut, promoting better healing.

Blueberries are a healthy and tasty treat for dogs of all ages and sizes, with only a few calories and low sugar levels. Give your pup the best chance at their happiest and healthiest life by incorporating blueberries into their diet.

Kefir

Kefir is a nutritional powerhouse that is gaining popularity as a dietary supplement for young and adult dogs alike. This fermented milk-based beverage is naturally rich in beneficial probiotics that can help to promote a healthy gut in dogs.

These probiotics create a balanced digestive system by helping regulate the production of digestive enzymes and reducing inflammation in the gut. In addition to supporting digestive health, kefir also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals that can help support overall well-being in dogs.

Kefir is a versatile and delectable addition to any dog’s diet, helping to improve skin and coat health and boost the immune system. So if you’re looking for a new food or a natural and effective way to support your furry friend’s gut health, kefir might just be the best dog food answer you’ve been searching for.

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Sweet Potatoes

One can’t miss the delicious sweet potato on a list of super foods for dogs. Sweet potatoes are not only a popular ingredient in human food, but they can also provide numerous benefits for our furry friends’ digestive health.

One of the significant advantages of incorporating sweet potatoes into dog foods is their ability to promote gut health. Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and supports healthy bowel movements for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve overall gut health.

When it comes to feeding your dog, choosing a dry dog food that satisfies their taste buds and provides them with the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Sweet potatoes are one of the best dog food treats, providing a delicious taste and exceptional health benefits.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is known for its numerous health benefits, and it’s not just for humans. As it turns out, bone broth is also an excellent food for dogs, particularly those with food sensitivities.

The collagen in bone broth can help improve your dog’s digestive system by strengthening the gut lining and reducing inflammation. Bone broth is also a great source of amino acids, which can help with joint health and give them balanced nutrition.

And since bone broth is easy to make and highly digestible, it can also be a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Garlic

Garlic has been known for centuries to have amazing medicinal properties for humans. However, it is less known that garlic is also one of the best foods for a dog’s digestive health. This has also been subject to speculation, as garlic is purported to be toxic and fatal to dogs.

However, some research says that garlic contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which, in turn, helps to regulate digestion and assimilation of nutrients in a dog’s skin.

Optimal gut health in dogs has been linked to better overall health and immunity against a wide range of diseases.

Garlic also has antimicrobial properties that may help protect a dog’s gut from harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, check with your vet first, and if you give your dog garlic, remember that only minimal amounts of garlic should be fed to dogs, as large quantities can be harmful and even toxic.

So, as one of the many dog owners, if you want to promote gut health and longevity in your furry friend, a tiny bit of garlic in dog food now and then might just do the trick.

Chia Seeds

Keeping our furry friends healthy and happy is a top priority for us dog owners. One crucial way to do this is by selecting the right food for their sensitive stomachs.

Fortunately, the solution may be simpler than you think-chia seeds! Often hailed as a superfood for humans, chia seeds are also great super foods for dogs. They are also packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and other nutritional value, making them an excellent addition to your dog’s special diet.

Incorporating chia seeds into your dog’s diet promotes a healthy gut, weight management, and the prevention of certain diseases.

dog with a pumpkin

Pumpkin

When it comes to dog gut health, a few foods stand out, and pumpkin is one of the best. This popular orange vegetable, frequently linked with fall festivals and sweet desserts, is loaded with nutrients that are helpful to dogs.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, which supports healthy digestion, and it also contains vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and iron. In addition, pumpkin is low in calories but has high water content, making it an excellent choice for dogs who need to lose weight or stay hydrated.

Don’t forget about adding treats too! This doesn’t mean giving them popcorn or anything unhealthy. Instead, offer natural dog treats like jerky that are specifically designed for dogs’ digestive systems and do no harm to their stomachs.

Whether you serve it cooked or canned, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that you can add to your dog’s diet in a variety of ways. You can mix it with their regular food or create homemade dog treats. This dog food for sensitive stomachs is an excellent choice for your canine’s health!

Fermented Foods

Even though there are many different kinds of raw food on the market, most dogs can eat fermented food. These have been known to improve human gut health, and the same is true for our dogs!

This is because fermented foods contain live bacteria and enzymes that aid in easy digestion, the absorption of nutrients, and overall gut health. Some examples of fermented foods that dogs can eat include kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

Be sure to introduce these foods slowly and in small amounts to avoid any digestive issues in your dog.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been touted for its amazing health benefits for humans and dogs. Like their human counterparts, dogs can have occasional digestive issues too, and apple cider vinegar can be an effective natural remedy to help alleviate these problems.

This sour liquid is packed with healthy bacteria and acetic acid. It can help balance your dog’s gut pH levels, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive. Moreover, it can help your pup better absorb a wide array of nutrients and vitamins.

However, while apple cider vinegar is safe for consumption, remember that moderation is key. Too much of this acidic liquid can lead to throat irritation or stomach upset in your dog.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be one of the best choices among the many healthy foods for humans, but it has also proven to be one of the best choices for our beloved pets. Supporting their immune system is not the only benefit this superfood offers!

The powerful fatty acids found in coconut oil are great for aiding digestion and promoting a smooth coat and dog’s skin on top of it too! It doesn’t stop there; the fatty acids also provide joint and inflammation relief that adult dogs experience, and those suffering from arthritis can really reap the rewards.

But before you make any dietary adjustments, go over ideal dosage amounts with your trusted veterinarian first.

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Green Tripe

Green tripe is also one of the best foods for dogs-and for good reason. This unprocessed, raw meat is loaded with nutrients for your furry friends’ sensitive

Not only is it packed with protein, but it also contains vitamins and minerals that benefit your dog’s overall health. Green tripe is a great source of probiotics and digestive enzymes, which can aid in digestion and alleviate health issues like constipation and diarrhea.

Additionally, the natural fats in green tripe can help your dog have a healthy coat and skin. So, while it may not be the most appealing food to humans, green tripe is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet.

Yogurt

If you’re on the hunt for nutritious options for your furry friend, yogurt could be the answer. This dairy product is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics-nutrients that aren’t just beneficial for humans.

Made from milk, yogurt contains essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help promote digestive health and boost the immune system.

However, it’s important to note that not all types of yogurt are safe for your dog. Avoid yogurt that contains added sugar or artificial sweeteners at any cost, as they can cause health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and digestive upsets.

Instead, opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt that is suitable for dogs. You can also mix it with their regular food or use it as a treat.

In conclusion, gut health is of utmost importance for dogs’ overall wellness and requires a special diet that can help support good microbiomes.

These tips above will help ensure your dog consumes balanced and nutritious food to keep their gut healthy.

Taking good care of your canine friend’s intestinal health will result in a happy furry companion around you for longer-now that deserves a resounding woof!

 

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I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.