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How To Improve Dog Gut Health Naturally: Diet, Supplements, and More

Keeping your dog’s gut healthy is essential for their well-being, energy levels, and mood. From gut-friendly diets to natural supplements, there are plenty of ways to support your dog’s digestive health without harsh chemicals or processed ingredients.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to improve dog gut health naturally, including the best gastrointestinal dog food, probiotics for dogs, and lifestyle tips that can make a big difference. 

Why Does Your Dog’s Gut Health Matter?

A healthy gut does more than digest food; it supports immunity, helps absorb nutrients, and even affects your dog’s behaviour. Poor gut health in dogs can lead to symptoms like:

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

• Flatulence and bloating

• Itchy skin or dull coat

• Low energy or mood swings

Looking after your dog’s digestive system is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health.

1. Choose Gut-Friendly Dog Food

What Is Gut Health Dog Food?

Gut-friendly dog food is specially formulated to support digestive function. Look for:

• Limited ingredient formulas: Reduce allergens and irritants

• Natural fibres: Sweet potato or pumpkin for healthy digestion

• Prebiotics: Feed good bacteria in the gut

• High-quality protein: From sources like beef, chicken, or turkey

Gastrointestinal Dog Food vs. Regular Food

Gastrointestinal dog food is often recommended for pups with sensitive tummies or chronic digestive issues. It typically includes easily digestible proteins, added fibre, and targeted nutrients to soothe the gut lining.

2. Add Natural Supplements and Probiotics

The Power of Probiotics for Dogs

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that support your dog’s digestive tract. They help maintain the balance of good bacteria and can reduce issues like bloating, diarrhoea, and inflammation.

Look for dog-specific probiotics with strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. These are tailored to canine biology and are more effective than general supplements.

Other Gut-Friendly Supplements

• Digestive enzymes: help break down food and ease digestion

• Prebiotic fibres, like inulin, support probiotic growth

• Bone broth: rich in collagen and amino acids, soothes the gut lining

Always consult your vet before adding new supplements, especially if your dog has existing conditions.

3. Feed a Natural, Whole-Food Diet

Processed kibble can contain fillers and artificial additives that disrupt gut balance. Instead, consider a whole-food or raw-based diet made with:

• Lean proteins

• Lightly steamed vegetables (e.g., carrots, squash, broccoli)

• Healthy fats from fish oil or flaxseed

• Fermented foods like kefir (in moderation)

Work with a holistic vet or pet nutritionist to ensure it’s balanced when preparing meals at home.

4. Maintain a Routine and Reduce Stress

Stress affects digestion in dogs just like it does in humans. Maintaining a calm home environment, regular exercise, and consistent feeding times can improve your dog’s gut health.

Signs of stress-related gut issues:

• Intermittent diarrhoea

• Pacing, panting or whining

• Appetite changes

Try enrichment toys, gentle walks, and calming routines to help reduce stress-related gut symptoms.

5. Monitor, Adjust, and Observe

Every dog is different. Keep an eye on:

• Stool consistency

• Coat quality

• Energy and mood

You're on the right track if you notice positive changes after introducing new foods or supplements. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary advice.

Gastrointestinal Dog Food vs. Regular Dog Food

Everyday Steps to Support Digestion

Improving your dog’s gut health naturally doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with better choices, like choosing gut-friendly ingredients, adding probiotics for dogs, and keeping stress levels low. At Know Better Pet Food, food should support your dog’s wellbeing from the inside out. That’s why our range of gently cooked meals and natural supplements is designed with gut health in mind, no fillers, no nasties, just real food that makes a difference.

Dog Breeds More Prone to Gut Issues

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to digestive problems due to genetics, body structure, or sensitive stomachs. If you own one of these breeds, paying extra attention to gut health, including feeding gut-friendly dog food and using natural supplements, is essential.

Breeds prone to gastrointestinal issues include:

• German Shepherds: Commonly affected by Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a condition that impacts nutrient absorption.
  

• Yorkshire Terriers: Known for sensitive stomachs and food intolerances.
  

• Boxers: Prone to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and flatulence.
  

• Labrador Retrievers: Often suffer from food allergies and dietary indiscretions.
  

• Miniature Schnauzers: At risk of pancreatitis, especially when fed fatty or processed foods.
  

• French Bulldogs: Their short digestive tracts can make them prone to gas and digestive upset.

What To Do

Choose gut health dog food tailored to sensitive digestion, add dog-specific probiotics, and avoid common allergens like corn, wheat, or artificial additives.

Even if your breed isn’t listed, digestive health varies by individual. Monitor symptoms and work with your vet to personalise your dog’s gut support plan.

FAQs About Dog Gut Health

What is the best gut health dog food?
Look for high-protein, limited-ingredient dog food with added fibre, probiotics, and no fillers.

Can I improve my dog’s gut health naturally?
Yes. A natural diet, probiotics, and a low-stress lifestyle can significantly support gut health.

What are the signs of poor gut health in dogs?
Upset stomach, itchy skin, bloating, low energy, and mood changes.

Ready to support your dog’s gut health? Explore our gut-friendly range →

How To Know If Your Cat Has Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Spot Them Early

Cat allergies are more common than you think. They can also be caused by a large variety of things, so it’s not always easy to narrow down the root of an allergy.

It’s important to remember that allergies are not the end of the world - in fact, with early detection, your dedication, and the help of a vet, you can manage your cat’s allergies and give them a happy, pain-free life.  Learn all about spotting the signs and managing symptoms in our guide below: 

What Is An Allergy?

In short, allergies are the body’s immune response to certain substances. These substances, called antigens or allergens (e.g. pollen or dust), are usually harmless, but there are humans and even pets whose bodies overreact to their presence. 

Once in contact with an allergen, the body then stimulates an inflammatory response, which causes allergy symptoms.

How To Know If Your Cat Has Allergies

Allergies are typically a lifelong condition, and can show up later in life as well. Certain foods your cat used to enjoy might start causing allergic reactions out of nowhere. Your little furry friend might even deal with multiple allergies, which can make it hard to diagnose specific ones.

Here are a few of the most common symptoms of allergies in cats to watch out for:

• Excessive scratching or licking, including overgrooming

• Sores, scabs, crusting, tiny lumps/bumps, or acne

• Areas of flat, reddened, swollen skin (eosinophilic plaques)

• Areas of hair loss or thinning hair, poor or unkempt hair coat

• Coughing, wheezing

• Shortness of breath/trouble breathing

• Sneezing

• Watery nasal discharge

• Upset stomach (vomiting, diarrhea, change in appetite)

• Blood in stool

• Weight loss

• Facial swelling (most common around the lips, nose, and eyes)

• Hives

• Anaphylaxis

Any of these symptoms, if they show up regularly, are a sign that you should seek veterinary help. 

What Causes It - Main Possible Allergies In Cats

Food and environmental allergies are the most common among cats, but there are a few more possible causes you should be aware of. Let’s break it down:

Food

It's very common for cats to develop allergies to certain foods, though the actual causes are not as well understood. Your cat could be allergic to:

• Certain proteins in food (e.g. beef, fish, or chicken) - also the most common

• Grains, corn, or gluten

• Any food additives and preservatives included in store-bought cat food

Some studies have shown that Siamese cats may have higher rates of developing food allergies. If you're caring for a little Siamese baby, it's best to be on the lookout for possible symptoms as early as possible.

Food allergies can produce any of the symptoms we previously mentioned, especially itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues. 

Environment

Environmental allergies, also called atopy, or environmental allergies, are often found in Abyssinian, Devon Rex, and domestic short-haired cats under 3 years old. In cats, atopy manifests as an inflamed, itchy skin.

Environmental allergies are most commonly triggered by:

• Pollen

• Mold spores

• Yeast

• Dust and storage mites

• Animal or human dander

While it is rare, some cats can suffer from allergic contact dermatitis - a delayed hypersensitive reaction to coming in contact with:

• Plants (e.g. pollen, grass, leaves, trees)

• Certain medications (e.g. ear medications, soaps, shampoos, insecticides)

• Home furnishings

• Rice flour

• Chlorinated water

Fleas

Some cats can be allergic to fleas (more specifically, flea saliva), triggering a hypersensitive reaction called flea allergic dermatitis.

Cutaneous Drug Eruptions

Sometimes, the drugs you administer to your cat can cause a cutaneous drug reaction, after one dose or as a delayed reaction after multiple doses. 

The drugs most commonly known to trigger this response are:

• Antibiotics

• Anticonvulsants

• Antihypertensives

• NSAIDs

• Antiarrhythmic drugs.

Allergic Bronchitis

Cats are also known to react to certain allergens in the air, which cause the airways to constrict due to inflammation (also known as allergic bronchitis).

Some of the allergens known to cause this reaction include cigarette smoke, hair spray, molds, pollen, various powder products and household chemicals, and air fresheners.

Studies have also shown that purebred cats are more likely to have airborne allergies than domestic short-haired cats.

If you notice your cat struggles with breathing (e.g. breathing with its mouth open, labored breathing), don’t wait - seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

So, You’ve Spotted Allergy Symptoms In Your Cat - What Now?

1. Schedule A Vet Appointment

If you suspect that your cat has allergies, the first step should always be to call your vet. There are many types of allergies out there, and only a vet can help investigate the root cause and prescribe an appropriate treatment.

2. Allergy Testing

Once the vet examines your pet, they might recommend going for allergy testing. This can be done by a veterinary dermatologist, but your general vet practitioner can also conduct a full physical exam while reviewing your kitty’s medical history.

Some potential tests vets do to rule out causes are:

• Flea combs (for fleas)

• Skin scrapes (for skin mites)

• Tape prep (for bacteria & fungal infections)

• Ear examinations (for bacteria and yeast)

• Blood tests (to look for underlying medical issues)

• Diet trials (to rule out possible food allergies)

Blood tests may take longer as the vet will need to send out the blood sample to a lab for evaluation.

Diet trials are even more complex. During a diet trial, your cat will need to only eat ingredients that it hasn’t been fed before (e.g. duck, rabbit, venison). This diet must be followed exclusively for at least 8-12 weeks (depending on the vet’s recommendation) to really see any improvements.

Your vet will also emphasize the importance of sticking to this diet religiously - this means no treats or supplements, no human food, nothing else besides the prescribed diet. This is because any small quantity of a possible allergen would invalidate the test. 

If your cat’s symptoms improve after the food trial, your vet might do a presumptive diagnosis for food allergies. 

3. Treatment Prescription

After the vet determines what’s causing the allergic reaction, they can then prescribe the right solution. For example, in the case of food allergies, they might recommend following a lifelong hypoallergenic diet, which has been proven successful in treating many allergy-based skin issues.

How Do You Treat Cat Allergies Effectively?

Based on your cat’s specific allergy, your vet might recommend a combination of food and medications. Most commonly, they will prescribe:

• Steroids (prednisolone/prednisone)

• Anti-diarrheal protocols including probiotics, a bland diet, and fiber and/or pectin supplementation

• Anti-nausea medication like Cerenia or Ondansetron

• Immunotherapy, or allergy vaccines

• Immunosuppressive therapy or drugs, like cyclosporine 

• Immunomodulating drugs like oclacitinib (Apoquel)

• Antibiotics and antifungals for secondary infections (Convenia or itraconazole)

• Pain medications (Onsior or gabapentin)

• Topical therapy

• Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine)

• Flea and tick treatment

• Hypoallergenic shampoos and wipes

• Hospitalization

• Oxygen supplementation

Just a note: You should never administer any medications or supplements without your vet’s recommendation. 

Hypoallergenic Cat Food - Best Way To Manage Your Cat’s Food Allergy

One of the most important aspects of food allergy management in cats is introducing a hypoallergenic diet, free of any preservatives, additives, or artificial colors. 

With Know Better Pet Food, you have access to homemade, hypoallergenic cat food made using 100% natural ingredients. You’ll always know exactly what your food contains, making it easy to address your cat’s specific dietary needs. 

With a strong dedication to the health of our furry friends and countless happy stories from our customers, you can confidently switch to our raw diet products and give your cat the quality food it needs and deserves. 

🎁 States Most Likely to Buy Their Pet a Gift (2025)

Pets aren’t just companions — in many households, they’re fully-fledged family members. And as birthdays, holidays, and “just because” moments roll around, millions of Americans are treating their furry friends to toys, treats, custom accessories, and even full-blown celebrations.

A new 2025 nationwide study has revealed the U.S. states most (and least) likely to buy their pet a gift, analyzing everything from holiday spending to year-round gift-giving habits.

With more than 202 million pets living in American homes, this ranking highlights where owners go the extra mile to spoil their companions — and where gift-giving is less common.

🧮 How the Rankings Were Calculated

Each state was scored using seven key metrics from 2024/Dec 2024:

1. Average Spend on Pet(s) Per Household – total annual spend including food, toys, treats, and accessories

2. Dog Toys Index Score – regional popularity of dog toys based on sales and search trends

3. Cat Toys Index Score – popularity of cat toys

4. Dog Treats Index Score – purchases and searches for dog treats

5. Cat Treats Index Score – purchases and searches for cat treats

6. Dog Gift Index Score – products marketed as gifts for dogs (toys, clothing, accessories)

7. Cat Gift Index Score – products marketed as gifts for cats

Each factor was normalized and combined into a composite score, producing a ranking of the states most likely to buy gifts for pets.

📊 Key Findings at a Glance

✅ California tops the nation, showing both high household spend and high dog/cat gift indices.
🎄 New York and Washington follow closely, reflecting strong urban pet markets.
💰 Illinois and Pennsylvania also rank in the top five, combining solid spending and consistent gift-giving trends.
🔻 South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska are the least likely to buy gifts, with low spending and index scores.
🐾 States with high pet toy and treat indices often have stronger overall pet gifting culture.

🏆 Top 5 States Most Likely to Buy Their Pet a Gift This Christmas (2025)

Why these states lead:

• California: High disposable income, dense urban pet population, and strong boutique retail presence

• New York: Pet gifting is part of urban lifestyle culture, especially for dog treats and accessories

• Washington: Eco-conscious and active lifestyle owners buy practical and fun gifts for pets

• Pennsylvania & Illinois: Gift-giving is seasonal and holiday-driven, often centered on birthdays and Christmas
  

🚫 5 States Least Likely to Buy Their Pet a Gift (2025)

Why these states lag:

• Sparse populations and fewer specialty pet stores

• Lower household spending on non-essential items

• Pet gift-giving tends to focus on food and basic necessities rather than enrichment or celebration
  
  

🐾 The Expert View — Pet Nutritionist, Dana Harris

Top States:
“Pet owners in California and New York treat pets as full family members,” Harris explains. “They invest in toys, treats, and seasonal gifts. Urban areas drive this behavior, with access to specialty retailers and online stores.”

Bottom States:
“South Dakota and Montana pet owners love their pets but focus on essentials like food and vet care. Gift-giving isn’t widespread due to lower population density and limited retail options.”

Pet Gifting 
 "Even small gifts. a treat, a new toy, or a seasonal accessory — can enhance a pet’s well-being, enrichment, and happiness. This research shows that cultural, economic, and lifestyle factors influence which pets are likely to get spoiled, and where owners prioritize basic care over extra indulgences.

🐾 Full List of US States

🐾 Best and Worst States to Own a Dog

Owning a dog may be a universal joy - but depending on where you live, it can be far easier (or harder) to give them the life they deserve.

From sunny beaches and lakes in Florida to Vermont’s rolling green hills, some states offer dogs endless adventure, space, and community. Others, like New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, present unique obstacles such as dense cities, high housing costs, and limited pet-friendly rentals. 

A new 2025 study has revealed the best and worst places to own a dog across all 50 U.S. states, analyzing everything from rental access and vet availability to open space and dog ownership rates

With over 65 million U.S. households owning a dog, this ranking reveals where dogs (and their humans) are thriving — and where they face challenges.

🧮 How the Rankings Were Calculated

Each of the 50 states was assessed across several weighted categories to produce an overall composite score. Alaska and Hawaii were omitted due to a lack of data access.

🐶 Dog ownership rates – from PawlicyAdvisor (2025)
🏠 Pet-friendly rentals – % of dog-allowing properties via Zillow
🌲 Parkland per state – acres of state and national parks per land area from World Population Review and Mental Floss
💉 Veterinarians per 100,000 residents – from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
👥 Population and density data – from World Population Review

📊 Key Findings at a Glance

✅ Top Performers: North Dakota, Montana, and New Hampshire lead thanks to open space, affordable care, and strong pet culture.
🌤️ Surprise Success: Florida ranks #4, boosted by growing pet-friendly rentals and accessible vet care.
💰 Affordability Matters: States with lower housing costs and higher parkland ratios scored dramatically better overall.
🏙️ Urban Struggles: New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island land at the bottom, showing how expensive city living limits pet ownership quality.
🐕 Vet Access = Happiness: States with more veterinarians per capita had notably higher satisfaction scores among owners.

🏆 5 Best States to Own a Dog (2025)

🚫 5 Worst States to Own a Dog (2025)

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