Intestinal health plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall well-being. The intestinal flora, also known as the intestinal microbiome, not only influences digestion, but also has a major influence on the immune system, because the intestinal surface is the largest area for pathogens to enter. It also has an impact on the skin and, last but not least, on mental balance and the development of allergies and food intolerances. The quality and quantity of intestinal flora also influence the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases.
What exactly does intestinal flora mean and what influence does it have on the dog's digestion?
In addition to the intestinal cells and enzymes that support digestion and the defense against harmful substances, a large variety of microorganisms, including bacteria (especially enterococci, E. coli, lacto- and bifidobacilli), live in the mucus on the surface of the intestine. They play a key role in digestion and are referred to as the so-called intestinal flora or microbiome. A balanced intestinal microbiome supports the absorption of nutrients and contributes to healthy digestion. Imbalances in intestinal flora can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
Signs of intestinal problems
It's important to recognize the signs of intestinal problems in your dog. Here are some common symptoms:
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools can mean an acute or chronic digestive disorder.
- Vomiting: Repeated vomiting may indicate gastrointestinal problems.
- Bloating: Excessive gas can indicate a digestive disorder.
- Weight loss: If your dog is losing weight inexplicably, he may have problems with his digestive tract.
- Loss of appetite: A sudden lack of appetite can indicate intestinal problems.
What can cause a dog's healthy intestinal flora to become unbalanced?
Gastrointestinal infections
Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or parasites (worms and giardia) can suppress the healthy intestinal flora by colonizing the intestines. The better the original intestinal flora, the harder it is for pathogens to spread in the intestine.
Chronic digestive disorders and intestinal problems (diarrhea, foul-smelling feces and flatulence) are caused by feeding errors or unfavorable food, allergies and food intolerances, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as pancreatitis or IBD. Therapy with medication, possible changes in diet and support for the intestinal flora are important building blocks for recovery.
Antibiotics
The administration of antibiotics not only fights dangerous bacteria, but also reduces the diversity of the intestinal flora, which causes an imbalance in the microbiome. In the case of serious illnesses, it makes sense and is necessary to administer antibiotics. However, it is also important to support the intestinal flora in regeneration during and after the administration of antibiotics, for example with probiotics.
Defensive weakness
Nutritional deficiencies, stress (both psychological, physical or after a serious illness or operation), unnoticed chronic inflammatory processes in the body, caused by a poor ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids, which ideally should be 3:1 and often high to omega 6 Fatty acids, as well as a 'perforated intestinal barrier', the so-called leaky gut syndrome, have a negative impact on the microbiome.
A healthy intestinal flora strengthens the intestinal barrier and thereby supports the immune system by warding off pathogens that cause illness.
How can I build, support and nourish my dog's intestinal flora?
So-called probiotics and prebiotics are used here, some of which have already been added to the food or are added as supplementary food to the usual food.
Probiotics are microorganisms that positively support the intestinal flora, including the intestinal germs Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis, which support the growth of the important lactobacilli in the intestinal flora.
Prebiotics are the food that the probiotics need to grow. They are food components that are not completely digested by the animal, but the microbiome can metabolize them and convert them into energy. These include, for example, psyllium husks, which are already added to some feedstuffs.
In conclusion, it can be said that the intestine plays a key role in the health of all mammals and a balanced intestinal flora makes a decisive contribution to this.
Good food is the be-all and end-all for healthy intestinal flora. It is important that you pay attention to a high meat content and natural, high-quality ingredients. Dogs'n Tiger food does not contain any artificial flavors, grains or added sugar. Instead, we rely on a high meat content, monoprotein sources and species-appropriate recipes that are based on the needs of our four-legged friends. In addition to muscle meat, offal such as liver, lungs or heart are rich sources of protein and are ideal for dog food. Production runs according to food standards.
Depending on the variety, the food is also refined with nutrient-rich herbs or essential fatty acids. All of this affects the taste and the result is a tasty food that makes dogs satisfied and happy and has a positive effect on the intestinal flora.
For example, try our MAHLZEIT wet food with lots of protein-rich chicken, vitamin-rich carrots and the healthy herb package.
