Why Gut Health Is Everything
, by Georgia Huyton, 4 min reading time
Why Gut Health Is Everything
The Root of Skin Issues, Allergies, and Even Behaviour Problems
When you think of gut health, you probably think of digestion. But in pets (just like in humans), the gut is so much more than a food processor. It’s directly linked to the immune system, the skin, the brain—and when it’s not working properly, you’ll often see issues far beyond the stomach.
If your dog has itchy skin, yeasty paws, ear infections, or random flare-ups… if your cat has loose poos, a dull coat, or even anxiety… there’s a good chance the root cause is in the gut.
🧠 The Gut Isn’t Just a Stomach — It’s a Second Brain
Around 70–80% of your pet’s immune system lives in the gut. It’s home to billions of microbes that influence how they digest food, absorb nutrients, regulate inflammation, and even how they behave. This is called the gut microbiome.
When the microbiome is balanced, pets thrive. When it’s out of balance (also known as dysbiosis), problems start to creep in—often in places you wouldn’t expect.
🚩 Signs of Poor Gut Health
Gut issues don’t always look like diarrhoea or vomiting. Some of the most common signs include:
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Itchy, red, or inflamed skin
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Constant licking or chewing paws
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Recurring ear infections
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Chronic wind or smelly poos
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Runny or inconsistent stools
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Anxiety or nervous behaviours
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Frequent flare-ups or "sensitive stomach"
If your pet has seen the vet over and over but you're only getting short-term relief with antibiotics, steroids, or special diets—there’s likely an underlying gut issue that’s not being addressed.
❌ What Damages the Gut?
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Highly processed diets (especially kibble full of fillers and additives)
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Overuse of antibiotics
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Poor quality proteins or artificial preservatives
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Long-term exposure to stress
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Lack of natural variety in the diet
Basically, anything that disrupts the natural balance of good bacteria can throw the whole system off.
✅ How to Support a Healthy Gut Naturally
1. Feed Better Food
The foundation of gut health is proper, biologically appropriate food. Choose:
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Raw or gently cooked food with high meat content
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Cold-pressed or high-meat wet foods if not feeding raw
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Avoid ultra-processed, grain-heavy kibble whenever possible
2. Add Natural Gut Support
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Goat’s milk – packed with probiotics, enzymes, and easy-to-digest nutrients
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Bone broth – gentle on the stomach, great for hydration, and supports gut lining
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Slippery elm – a natural mucilage that soothes inflamed digestive tracts
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Gut support powders – help feed and replenish the good gut bacteria
3. Feed Variety Over Time
Feeding the same thing every day limits the range of gut bacteria. Rotate proteins and brands gradually over time, once your pet is stable.
💡 Quick Tip: Ditch the “Sensitive Stomach” Gimmicks
Many “sensitive” or “hypoallergenic” diets are still made with low-grade ingredients and artificial additives. They might calm symptoms short-term, but they don’t fix the root cause.
Real gut healing takes time, quality food, and support from natural, gentle ingredients—not just a switch in brand.
Final Thought: Heal the Gut, and You’ll See It Everywhere
Gut health isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation of wellbeing. Fix the gut, and you’ll often see improvements in the skin, the coat, the mood, the poo, and even the energy levels.
If your pet seems to constantly be battling flare-ups, itching, or sensitivities, the answer isn’t more pills or prescription diets. The answer is often: start with the gut.
👉 Need help choosing gut-friendly food or supplements?
We’ll help you build a plan that supports long-term wellness from the inside out.
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