Your dog's digestive system is more complex and important than you might think. Read on for some simple, science-backed ways you can support your pup's digestive tract health.
Key Takeaways
- Your dog's gut health is linked to many other bodily systems, including immune health, mood, skin health, and more.
- It's important to feed dogs a healthy diet rich in fiber and protein.
- High-quality supplements can also help support digestive tract health.
See More: 9 Reasons to Consider MCT Oil for Your Dog
Understanding Gut Health
Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:
"You can support your dog's gut health with a balanced diet and gut-supporting supplements, like colostrum and glutathione."
Dogs have a reputation for eating anything and everything they see. Many of us pet parents have had to stop our furry friends from chowing down on something they really shouldn't be eating.
Sometimes, it can really seem like our dogs have guts of steel.
However, the reality is often quite different. Digestive issues are more common in dogs than you might expect.
One massive study of more than 43,000 dogs found that about 30% experienced gut health issues at least once.¹ Another study found that 61% of dogs had health issues, of which 57% were related to poor gut health.²
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to support your dog's gut health naturally. In part, that involves feeding them a healthy, balanced diet. It also includes some potent natural supplements that can support digestive tract health.
Your Dog's Gut Microbiome
Gut health is important for its own sake. But it's also linked to other important bodily systems.
To understand that, we first need to explain what the gut is. Your dog's digestive system is actually far more complex than a simple organ. It contains an entire ecosystem of microorganisms.
This is your dog's gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome contains billions of beneficial gut bacteria. They influence your dog's health in many ways.
For example, your dog's immune system is closely linked to their gut health. Between 70% and 90% of your dog's immune system is located in their gut.³ An unhealthy gut can undermine immune function.
The same goes for mood. Like humans, dogs have what's called a gut-brain axis, which links gut health to mood and behavior.
Take serotonin, commonly called the "happiness hormone." About 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.⁴ Disruptions to your dog's gut health and gut microbiome can impact their Mood, energy levels, and focus.
In turn, external factors beyond diet can affect your dog's gut microbiome. For example, stress can disrupt your dog's gut balance.
That's why it's important to take a holistic approach to gut health, supporting a balanced gut microbiome, healthy digestion, and more.
Bonus: Why Does My Dog Bark When I Leave? 8 Things to Try
Good Bacteria
The beneficial bacteria living in your dog's gut do all kinds of things. They help with nutrient absorption, outcompete potentially harmful bacteria that might grow otherwise, support immune health, produce short-chain fatty acids that help nourish the gut lining, and much more.
Your Dog's Food
As you might imagine, your dog's diet is one of the most important factors in supporting gut health.
Dogs tend to thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. That's what their ancestors ate, and it's what their digestive systems evolved to process.
That said, fiber is particularly important for gut health. In part, that's because it can act as a prebiotic. The good gut bacteria in the canine gut microbiome feed on it.
Good options for fiber include pureed pumpkin and mashed sweet potatoes. Plain canned pumpkin is particularly rich in soluble fiber, which is great for bowel health.
Hydration is also essential. It's necessary for digestive and overall health. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water.
Bone broth can help with hydration and also contains collagen and amino acids that can support the gut lining.
Whole foods and fermented foods can also help dogs maintain proper gut flora and support digestive tract health.
Dogs also tend to thrive on regularity. Sudden diet changes can disrupt your dog's microbiome. That's especially true for senior dogs or pets already dealing with digestive issues.
If you do want to change your dog's diet, make sure to consult a vet first. Do so gradually, over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Signs of Digestive Issues
Speaking of digestive issues, how can you spot them?
Some signs are pretty obvious. Like humans, dogs with stomach troubles may experience diarrhea or loose stools. Or they might deal with constipation.
Gas, bloating, and vomiting are other signs. If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, they might struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
However, some signs are less intuitive. For example, itchy skin can be a sign of digestive issues. That's because digestive health is also connected to skin health.
Changes in mood and behavior are also sometimes linked to digestive issues.
If you aren't sure, consult with your veterinarian. They'll be able to help you get to the bottom of things.
5 Things to Add to Your Dog's Diet to Support Gut Health
Your dog's digestive system might be complex, but there are plenty of straightforward ways you can support it.
#1. Glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant. In fact, it's sometimes called the "master antioxidant."
As a powerful antioxidant, it can support gut health in many ways. For example, it can help protect your dog's gut lining from oxidative stress. That's important because the intestinal tract lining helps prevent toxins from entering your dog's bloodstream.
Research has shown that glutathione can support bowel health and proper digestion.⁵
Studies have also shown that glutathione can support a healthy immune response. One study concluded that glutathione helps "fine-tune the innate immune response."⁶ That's relevant here because the immune system and gut health are closely linked.
The only problem is delivering glutathione to your dog's insides, where it's actually needed. It can get damaged while passing through your pup's digestive tract.
Earth Buddy's Liposomal Glutathione is a first-of-its-kind product designed to counter this problem. It encases glutathione in lipid bubbles, which help protect it and ensure more of it is actually delivered where it's needed.
That glutathione is combined with other potent natural ingredients.
For example, Liposomal Glutathione also contains L-Glutamine. This amino acid is widely used in vet clinics to support gut health.⁷ In part, that's because it can help the body maintain glutathione levels.⁸
#2. Colostrum
Colostrum is the milk mammals produce right after giving birth. It's extremely nutrient-rich and is a Fantastic Supplement to Support Digestive Tract Health. While normal milk contains about 3% protein, bovine colostrum (i.e., from cows) contains about 15%.⁹
In part, that's because it often contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes can help your pup maintain proper gut flora, absorb nutrients, and more.¹⁰
One study looked at puppies given bovine colostrum. Researchers found that the fecal quality of puppies given bovine colostrum improved more than that of puppies not given bovine colostrum.¹¹
Earth Buddy's Gut Health Colostrum blends grass-fed bovine colostrum with whole plant extract and organic blueberry powder to support a healthy gut.
#3. CBD
As we mentioned, your dog's gut health and mood are closely linked. A 2026 study found that gut health issues can cause stress and even "disrupt behavioral changes."¹²
The connection goes the other way, too. A 2025 review noted that "stress levels critically influence microbial diversity and composition."¹³
This is especially important because many dogs get stressed. A 2026 study of tens of thousands of dogs found that over 84% of them showed signs of stress during everyday situations.¹⁴
Over time, this stress may impact the gut microbiota, which in turn could impact your dog's emotional state.
Research shows that CBD can help promote relaxation in dogs. For example, researchers in one Cornell study gave dogs CBD before a stressful event. 83% of the dogs demonstrated a reduction in stress-related behaviors.¹⁵
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. This complex system, in turn, interacts with other bodily systems, including the digestive system and mood.
Your dog makes molecules, called endocannabinoids, “that are essential for them balancing their lives” but “can be used up,” explains veterinarian Dr. Casara Andre in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. “The CBD molecule is really powerful at … slowing down the destruction of these endocannabinoids. That’s a really lovely way to support what the body’s already trying to do.”
There are plenty of ways to give your dog CBD. One great option is Calming Chews.
Earth Buddy's Calming Chews come in two delicious flavors: Duck & Apple, which each contain 5mg of CBD, and Beef & Pumpkin, which each contain 10mg of CBD. Remember, pumpkin is packed with healthy fiber to support digestive tract health.
Another option is CBD oil. Earth Buddy's CBD Oil is blended with organic MCT oil from coconuts.
#4. MCT Oil
MCT oil is a special kind of oil made up of medium-chain triglycerides. They are a kind of fatty acid. MCT oil is often rich in caprylic, capric, and lauric acid, which all have potential benefits for gut health.
One of the unique things about MCT oil is that it can be absorbed and digested more easily than other oils. That makes it easier on the digestive system.
Research has shown that MCTs can support digestive tract health. For example, studies suggest MCTs can support a normal inflammatory response in the intestines.¹⁶
#5. Probiotics
We already mentioned prebiotics, which are things the bacteria in your dog's gastrointestinal tract can eat. They can support a well-balanced gut microbiome.
Probiotics are the beneficial microorganisms in that microbiome. Some foods, like plain unsweetened yogurt, contain live cultures of potentially beneficial bacteria. Supplements can also contain probiotics.
Research suggests that probiotic supplements can help dogs maintain proper gut flora and support digestive tract health.¹⁷
One study gave dogs a supplement with both probiotics and prebiotics. These dogs were more likely to have solid poops. That's important because feces are a key sign of gut health.¹⁸
Make sure to use high-quality, pet-specific probiotic supplements that are designed to support your dog's gut flora. Probiotic supplements can be used alongside other gut health supplements, like colostrum and CBD.
Conclusion
Your dog's digestive system may be complex, but supporting it can be reasonably straightforward. Make sure to feed them a consistent, balanced diet. High-quality supplements can also help, both with digestive tract health and other aspects of health that may be linked to gut health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Can Help Dogs With Gut Health?
Examples of gut-friendly foods include pureed pumpkin, plain yogurt, and lean proteins like chicken or turkey. Make sure to pick options without added salt, sugars, seasonings, or additives that might be toxic to dogs.
What Is the 7-Day Gut Reset?
The 7-day gut reset is a diet guide designed to support gut health. It starts with a few days of plain, digestible foods, like boiled chicken and white rice. That's followed by a gradual reintroduction of your dog's regular food, plus gut-supporting supplements.
Make sure to check with your vet before changing your dog's diet.
What Is a Natural Probiotic for Dogs?
Two great natural probiotics for dogs are plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt and kefir.
Keep Reading: How to Keep Your Dog Calm This 4th of July
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Sources
- Cross-sectional survey of 43,517 dogs in the Dog Aging Project identifies owner-reported lifetime prevalence and characteristics of gastrointestinal disease - PMC
- Promoting Dog Gut Health: Probiotics, Diet, and More – Vetericyn
- Diets to boost immunity | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- The Relationship between Canine Behavioral Disorders and Gut Microbiome and Future Therapeutic Perspectives
- Effect of glutamine on glutathione kinetics in vivo in dogs
- Glutathione Fine-Tunes the Innate Immune Response toward Antiviral Pathways in a Macrophage Cell Line Independently of Its Antioxidant Properties
- Pharmacokinetic study of single and multiple oral administration of glutamine in healthy Beagles - PMC
- The Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and 9 After Exhaustive Exercise , Glutamine, as a Precursor of Glutathione, and Oxidative Stress - ScienceDirect
- Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Canine Immune Health
- The Science Behind Colostrum for Dogs: A Powerhouse for Pet Immunity
- Benefits of Bovine Colostrum on Fecal Quality in Recently Weaned Puppies - PMC
- Study finds links between gut health and emotional problems in dogs | American Veterinary Medical Association
- Understanding the diversity and roles of the canine gut microbiome - PMC
- Study finds more than 84% of dogs show signs of fear, anxiety
- CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- MCTS IN DOGS: BEYOND THE BRAIN (A REVIEW)
- Characterization and Functional Test of Canine Probiotics
- The microbiota of healthy dogs demonstrates individualized responses to synbiotic supplementation in a randomized controlled trial | Animal Microbiome
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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.
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