From Bowl to Belly: Transform Your Dog's Health With These 3 Gut-Friendly Superfoods

Your dog’s health starts in the gut! 

A balanced gut microbiome supports digestion, boosts immunity, and even impacts mood and behavior. If your pup’s gut is out of sync, you might notice issues like allergies, tummy troubles, or low energy.

The good news? You can start nourishing your dog’s gut with the right foods and turn it all around! 

Three powerful superfood groups promote a happy belly, better digestion, and overall well-being. Simple, natural, and easy to add to any diet—these gut-friendly foods will make your pup feel their best from the inside out!

Why Your Dog’s Gut Microbiome Holds the Key to Better Health

Inside your dog’s digestive system lives a vast community of tiny microbes known as the gut microbiome. These microscopic organisms help break down food, absorb nutrients, support the immune system, and even influence mood and behavior.

A well-balanced gut microbiome does more than just keep digestion running smoothly—it strengthens immunity, fights harmful bacteria, and helps produce essential vitamins and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. When your dog’s gut thrives, they have more energy, better digestion, and a stronger defense against illnesses.

The Microscopic Powerhouses in Your Dog’s Large Intestine

Most of your dog’s gut microbiome lives in their large intestine, working 24/7 to keep their body healthy. These microbes play a key role in fermenting fiber, which creates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help lower inflammation and protect against harmful bacteria.

Beyond digestion, these tiny organisms also boost immune function—in fact, 70-90% of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut! They produce essential vitamins like biotin and vitamin K, help regulate stress, and impact your dog's feelings and behavior.

The healthier and more diverse your dog’s gut microbiome is, the better their digestion, immunity, and energy levels will be!

How an Unbalanced Gut Can Lead to Big Health Problems

When the gut microbiome is out of balance, harmful bacteria can take over, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and even chronic diseases.

This imbalance, called dysbiosis, can be triggered by factors like:

• A highly processed diet (especially hydrolyzed kibble with too many starches)
  

• Overuse of antibiotics or parasite treatments
  

• Exposure to pesticides and chemicals (like glyphosates)

An unhealthy gut can contribute to chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, metabolic disorders, and even neurological issues. Plus, because the gut produces key neurotransmitters, an imbalanced microbiome may lead to mood swings and anxiety.

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Digestion Affects Your Dog’s Mood

The gut microbiome doesn’t just digest food; it communicates directly with the brain. This link is known as the gut-brain axis.

A balanced gut microbiome helps produce essential neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that regulate emotions, stress levels, and even sleep. 

When your dog’s gut is healthy, they’re more likely to feel calm, happy, and focused. But, if their gut is out of balance, it can lead to anxiety and irritability.

Can a Healthy Gut Make Your Dog Happier and Less Aggressive?

Yes! 

A well-balanced gut microbiome can help reduce stress, anxiety, and aggressive behavior in dogs. This is because the gut produces key mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, influencing how your dog feels and reacts to the world around them.

An unhealthy gut, on the other hand, can trigger chronic stress and mood imbalances. Harmful bacteria can lead to gut inflammation, which affects the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. Studies have even found that dogs with gut imbalances may show more signs of aggression or fear-based behavior.

The Gut’s Hidden Role in Producing Serotonin, Dopamine & GABA

Did you know that about 90% of your dog’s serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical—is made in the gut? And at least 50% of their dopamine—which controls motivation and mood—also comes from the digestive system?

Your dog’s gut microbiome is a chemical factory, producing neurotransmitters that regulate everything from happiness to relaxation. 

• Serotonin: Helps regulate mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being.
  

• Dopamine: Controls motor function, motivation, and reward-seeking behavior.
  

• GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid): Acts as a natural calming agent, reducing stress and promoting better sleep.

Your Dog’s Gut Controls More Than Just Digestion

Your dog’s gut doesn’t just process food—it affects energy levels, focus, and even stress management. A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate the production of:

• Norepinephrine: Boosts energy, focus, and alertness.
  

• Acetylcholine: Supports learning, memory, and nerve function.

When the gut microbiome is healthy and diverse, your dog is more likely to have consistent energy, mental clarity, and better stress resilience. But when the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, your pup might experience:

• Fatigue or sluggishness

• Hyperactivity or difficulty focusing

• Increased nervousness or anxiety

3 Superfoods That Supercharge Your Dog’s Gut

Fruit Frenzy: Antioxidants & Fiber for a Happy Tummy

Certain fruits contain soluble fiber, which helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and improve digestion. Plus, they’re loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation and keep cells healthy.

Some of the best gut-friendly fruits for dogs include:

• Apples: Rich in pectin, a prebiotic fiber that supports digestion.
  

• Bananas: A great source of prebiotics and potassium for gut health.
  

• Berries: Full of antioxidants to protect against free radicals and inflammation.

Including these fruits in moderation can support digestion, promote regularity, and give your pup a natural health boost!

Veggie Power: Nutrient-Packed Greens for Gut Strength

Vegetables contain a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and feeds good gut bacteria. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support overall well-being.

Some top gut-friendly veggies for dogs include:

• Asparagus: Loaded with prebiotic fiber to support gut bacteria.
  

• Dandelion Greens: A natural detoxifier that also acts as a prebiotic.
  

• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and fiber for digestive support.

Adding a variety of healthy vegetables to your dog’s diet can fill nutritional gaps, boost gut health, and improve digestion.

Fiber Fix: Why Insoluble Fiber is a Game-Changer for Digestion

Insoluble fiber is key to a happy, healthy gut. 

Unlike soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps move food through the digestive system efficiently.

Benefits of insoluble fiber for dogs include:

• Prevents constipation by promoting regular bowel movements.
  

• Supports a healthy gut microbiome by feeding good bacteria.
  

• Helps remove toxins from the digestive tract.

Great sources of insoluble fiber for dogs include:

• Leafy greens (like kale and spinach)
  

• Pumpkin (great for digestion!)
  

• Broccoli and cauliflower (adds fiber and nutrients)

Why Chicken and Rice Won’t Fix a Gut Imbalance

Many dog owners turn to chicken and rice, a carbohydrate-heavy meal, when their pup has tummy troubles. While this bland diet may seem like a safe choice, it doesn’t actually help heal the gut microbiome.

Rice feeds harmful bacteria. Many gut imbalances are caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, and starchy foods like rice fuel the problem. 

Furthermore, chicken and rice alone don’t provide the prebiotics, fiber, or probiotics needed to restore gut health.

Finally, chicken and rice are not long-term solutions. While they may temporarily soothe symptoms, they don’t address the root cause of digestive issues.

A temporary alternative to the chicken and rice diet would be the following steps:

1. Fast for one meal to allow the body to reset.
   

2. After 6 hours, feed bone broth if the puking and diarrhea have improved. A standard serving of bone broth for a dog is 1 ounce for every 10 lbs of body weight, given twice daily.
   

3. Use Slippery Elm, one of the safest and most effective herbs for gut rebalancing. Its mucilage coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract. Give ¼ tsp of slippery elm powder for every 10 lbs of body weight.
   

4. Feed bland foods such as bananas and lightly cooked turkey.
   

5. Use digestive enzymes to help your pup process their meals.

Instead of relying on outdated remedies, a well-balanced, species-appropriate diet is the best way to support gut healing. 

Volhard Dog Nutrition offers carefully crafted fresh diets designed to nourish the gut and bring your dog’s digestive system back into balance.

The Link Between Poor Gut Health and Vitamin Deficiencies

When your dog’s gut microbiome is imbalanced, it affects nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies that impact overall health.

• Vitamin D deficiency: Poor gut health can limit vitamin D absorption, affecting immune function, bone health, and energy levels.
  

• Vitamin B deficiencies: The gut helps produce biotin and vitamin K, both essential for skin, coat, and blood clotting.
  

• Amino acid imbalances: A struggling gut may not properly break down proteins, leading to issues with muscle development and hormone regulation.

A gut-supportive diet filled with prebiotics, probiotics, and high-quality proteins can help restore balance and improve nutrient absorption. Volhard Dog Nutrition’s supplements are specifically formulated to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals they need for optimal health. 

3 Medications That May Harm Your Dog’s Gut

While medications are sometimes necessary, certain drugs can disrupt your dog’s gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and even behavioral changes:

• Antibiotics: Kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to imbalances.
  

• Corticosteroids: Can reduce gut barrier function, making digestion less efficient.
  

• Antacids: Lower stomach acid, which is essential for breaking down food properly.

If your dog needs medication, supporting their gut health during and after treatment is important. Adding probiotics, prebiotic-rich foods, and gut-restoring supplements can help rebuild beneficial bacteria and prevent long-term digestive issues.

At Volhard Dog Nutrition, we offer gut-health-supporting supplements designed to restore balance and protect your dog’s digestive system—even after medication use. 

Give Your Dog the Gift of a Healthy Gut With Volhard Dog Nutrition!

Your dog’s health starts from the inside out, and a balanced gut is the key to better digestion, stronger immunity, and a happier, more energetic pup. Don’t wait until gut issues arise—feed gut-friendly superfoods, choose a nutrient-rich diet, and support their microbiome with high-quality supplements.

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches offer online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. 

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page! 

References

1. "Diets to Boost Immunity." Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/diets-boost-immunity. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

2. Kirchoff, Nicole S, et al. "The Gut Microbiome Correlates with Conspecific Aggression in a Small Population of Rescued Dogs." PeerJ, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Jan. 2019, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330041/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

3. Pilla, Rachel, and Jan S Suchodolski. "The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Health and Gastrointestinal Disease." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Jan. 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6971114/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
   

4. Xue, Rufeng, et al. "Peripheral Dopamine Controlled by Gut Microbes Inhibits Invariant Natural Killer T Cell-Mediated Hepatitis." Frontiers, Frontiers, 27 Sept. 2018, www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02398/full. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.