Healthy Gut, Happy Dog: How Digestion Protects Immunity
The gut matters more than you think and here is why. Most people think the gut is only about food and digestion, but it’s much more than that. Around 70% of your dog’s immune system lives inside the gut. Studies in the Journal of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology show that the intestines are full of immune cells that protect the body and help it stay strong.*
Inside your dog’s gut lives a whole world of microorganisms, called the microbiome. These are friendly bacteria, yeasts, and other tiny helpers that keep everything in balance. When the gut is healthy, these microbes protect against illness, help absorb nutrients, and even influence your dog’s mood. Research from the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with a balanced microbiome often have shiny coats, good energy, and better digestion.*
A balanced diet, paired with a daily booster like Australian Pet Organics Digestive Health Supplement helps nourish the microbiome from within and supports overall immune strength.
What Can Upset a Healthy Gut
Even dogs with the best owners can have their gut health affected by modern life. A study from the Journal of Animal Science found that highly processed foods, too many antibiotics, and daily stress can disturb the gut’s natural bacteria.*
Environmental toxins also play a role, things like strong cleaning products, pesticides, or lawn sprays can upset the microbiome. When the good bacteria go down and the bad ones take over, you may start noticing problems: itchy skin, upset tummy, ear infections, or low energy.
Simple Ways to Restore Balance
The good news is that the gut can recover. With some easy changes, you can help your dog feel better from the inside out.
1. Give real food.
Fresh ingredients like chicken, pumpkin, carrots, and leafy greens help feed good bacteria. Natural fibre supports digestion and keeps stools regular.
2. Add probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics bring healthy bacteria into the gut, while prebiotics feed the ones already living there. The British Journal of Nutrition showed that probiotics for dogs can lower inflammation and improve digestion.* Our Digestive Health Supplement contains both pre and probiotics!
3. Lower stress.
Just like people, dogs feel stress too. Studies in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Nutrition show that high stress hormones can disturb gut bacteria.* Keep a calm daily routine, play together often, and give your dog enough rest. For doggos that are sensitive or anxious, our Australian Pet Organics Calm Support Supplement can help manage stress and protect gut health at the same time.
4. Use medication wisely.
Antibiotics are sometimes necessary but using them too often can harm the gut. Talk to your vet about natural or softer options when possible. You can also pair our Digestive Health Supplement with your dog’s daily meals if they are on antibiotics to help keep their gut in tip top shape!
Signs Your Dog’s Gut Is in Good Shape
Here are simple signs your dog’s gut is working well:
• Regular, well-formed stools
• Glossy, healthy coat
• Normal appetite and steady weight
• Good energy and happy mood
When you see these signs, it means your dog’s microbiome is balanced and the immune system is strong.
Healthy Gut, Happy Dog
A healthy gut means a healthy dog. By feeding whole, natural foods, adding probiotics, and keeping stress low, you can help your dog stay strong, happy, and protected from illness. Good health really starts in the gut, one meal (and one belly rub) at a time.
* Based on findings from Journal of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology (Schmitz & Garden, 2021), Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (García-Mazcorro & Minamoto, 2013), Journal of Animal Science (Guard & Suchodolski, 2016), British Journal of Nutrition (Schmitz et al., 2015), and Journal of Animal Physiology and Nutrition (Huang et al., 2020).