Have you ever wondered what goes on in your pet’s stomach when they’re eating grass? While dogs may eat grass for a variety of reasons, including curiosity, taste, instinct, or simply because they enjoy it, sometimes pet parents notice the behavior alongside signs of an upset stomach. The occasional digestive hiccup can happen to any pet, but supporting a healthy digestive system starts with what goes into their bowl.
Your pet’s digestive health is about much more than an occasional upset stomach. Inside the digestive tract lives an entire community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome, and keeping this delicate ecosystem balanced plays an important role in normal digestion, nutrient absorption, stool quality, and overall wellness. One way nutrition can help support that balance is through prebiotics and probiotics.
So, what exactly are prebiotics and probiotics, and what can they do for your pet’s gut? Let’s take a closer look!
What are prebiotics and probiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, usually specialized plant fibers, that act as nourishment for the beneficial bacteria living in your pet’s gut. Ingredients like dried chicory root are a natural source of prebiotic fiber and are often added to pet foods to help support healthy digestion.
Probiotics are the good bacteria themselves. When included in your pet’s diet, these beneficial bacteria can help support a healthy balance within the gut, which plays an important role in digestion and how your pet’s body uses the nutrients from their food.
The easiest way to remember is this: prebiotics FEED the good bacteria, while probiotics ARE the good bacteria. When you put both together, they can give your pet a little extra support where it matters. Their gut!
Why does a healthy gut matter?
Your pet’s stomach has a pretty important job! Every meal has to be broken down so their body can absorb and use the nutrients inside. When their digestive system is working as intended, it can support healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, normal stools, and even normal immune function.
If you’ve ever had a dog with an upset stomach, you probably already know how much of a difference healthy digestion can make. Both for you and whoever is on poop-scooping duty!
Ingredients like pumpkin and psyllium husk can also provide helpful fiber, working alongside prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion.
We believe a happier gut starts with your pet’s food.
Every pet is different! Some seem like they could eat just about everything and anything without care, while others have much more sensitive stomachs. That’s why finding the right food for your pet really matters.
Go! Solutions offer recipes created around different nutritional needs, including formulas designed specifically to support digestion and gut health. With ingredients like beneficial fibers, and prebiotics, the right recipe can help your pet’s digestive system find the nutritional support it needs.
You can find a whole list of what we carry on our online store HERE or come visit us at one of our nine locations in the Kansas City area.
If you’re not sure which food is the right fit, stop by your local Brookside Barkery & Bath! Our team will be happy to help you look at which options would work best for your pet. Because to us, a happy pet starts with a happy gut.