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Your dog’s gut does a lot more than just digest food — it powers their immunity, mood and overall health. A healthy gut microbiome can lift energy levels, support better behaviour, and help prevent long-term issues.
From curious puppies to slower-moving seniors, every dog’s gut deserves support. Here’s how to keep it balanced — and why it matters.
Your dog’s gut microbiome: why it’s important to their whole health
Your dog’s gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes — this is their gut microbiome. These tiny helpers break down food, absorb nutrients, and act as a frontline defence against harmful pathogens.
Read more: Improve your dog’s gut health: a vet expert’s guide to the microbiome
What impacts your dog’s microbiome
When the microbiome is balanced, your dog’s digestive system works efficiently. But when it’s disrupted (dysbiosis), you may notice symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gassiness, or even skin and behaviour issues.
Several factors can affect the balance of gut bacteria:
Diet: The microorganisms in the gut use dietary fibre as food and benefit from a wide variety of ingredients. Low-quality ingredients and a limited variety in their diet can impact beneficial bacteria. If you’re changing your dog’s diet, always follow a transition plan to make it easier for their system to adjust to new ingredients.
Antibiotics and medications: While sometimes necessary, they can wipe out both bad and good bacteria. It can take a considerable time for the balance to return to normal.
Stress: Dogs feel anxious too — and stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can impact the gut
Environment: Exposure to new microbes through soil, water, or other pets can shift the microbiome balance.
Read more: Why real food could be your dog’s gut health hero
Read more: Lyka’s step-by-step feeding guide: how to switch your dog to real food
How to keep your dog’s microbiome healthy, balanced, and robust
Keep your dog’s digestive system functioning smoothly by supporting their gut microbiome.
Real food ingredients – minimally processed meals rich in dietary fibre from fresh vegetables provide nourishment for good bacteria. Quality animal protein is highly digestible and supports your dog’s metabolic function.
Probiotics – “good bacteria” supplements that can help restore the balance like Lyka’s Go-To gut helper.
Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT) – a vet-prescribed treatment that transfers healthy gut bacteria to unwell dogs. It’s not a standard treatment and would only be considered in certain cases.
Lyka meals are designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide optimal nutrition for your dog to support their health from inside out. Lyka meals include naturally occurring prebiotics from fibre‑rich ingredients, like psyllium husk and various fruits and vegetables, which support a healthy gut microbiome.
Read more: Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT) for your dog’s health
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The gut-brain axis
Did you know your dog’s gut and brain are constantly “talking” to each other? This communication happens through the gut-brain axis — a network of nerves and chemical signals linking their digestive system, immune system, and mental health.
When your dog’s gut is healthy, this communication helps regulate mood and stress. But when the gut is inflamed or imbalanced (a state called dysbiosis), it can contribute to anxiety-like behaviours or chronic conditions.
Nurturing and nourishing a diverse and balanced microbiome is key to a fully functioning gut-brain axis.
Read more: What is your dog's gut-brain axis?
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Common gut-related health issues
Gastrointestinal conditions are the second most common reason to visit the vet, according to Pet Sure’s Pet Health Monitor 2025 report. Many digestive upsets can be prevented or managed through nutrition.
Here are some issues you may encounter:
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon or large intestines, leading to soft stools containing blood or mucus. Common triggers include infections, dietary indiscretion, parasites, stress, food allergies or intolerances, and foreign bodies.
If you notice blood in your dog’s stools, make an appointment to speak with your vet.
Anal gland issues
Scooting along the ground, an itchy bottom, or infections. Dogs will normally express their anal glands with a regular bowel movement, but sometimes the duct can become infected or impacted.
Speak to your vet if you notice your dog scooting, licking, discomfort when trying to defecate, or a strong-smelling discharge.
Read more: Anal gland issues: how real nutrition can help
Food sensitivities
Reactions that cause itchy skin, loose stools, constipation, or gas. Food allergies or intolerances can cause digestive problems for your pup. A vet-directed elimination diet trial is usually the most effective way to establish the problematic ingredient. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is formulated with goat, a novel protein, and made without common allergens – ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
Read more: Dog food allergies vs intolerances: our experts explain the difference
Constipation
Difficulty passing stools due to dehydration or low-fibre diets.
Read more: Dog constipation relief: how to help and when to see the vet
Excessive gas
Flatulence is normal, but if your dog is excessively gassy it may be a sign of dysbiosis or another digestive disorder.
Read more: Is my dog's farting normal? Your gas questions answered
Chronic enteropathy
Long-term digestive disorders, often without a known cause and needing vet support.
Read more: Put your pup on a path towards long-term relief: how to resolve chronic gut issues
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Gut health for puppies
Puppies are born with a juvenile microbiome and immune system that develop in their first months of life. A diverse, balanced gut in the early years helps to build a strong and resilient immune system and is a great way to start them on a journey of preventative and holistic health.
Feeding puppies high-quality, minimally processed meals made from real food gives their gut bacteria the fuel needed to thrive.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Gut health for seniors
Older dogs experience changes in digestion and metabolism. Their microbiome may become less diverse, and inflammation can increase, affecting mobility and appetite.
When dogs reach their golden years, they can become less active or experience joint conditions impacting their mobility. Exercise stimulates their digestive system and helps with gut motility – when they’re less active, their digestion can be impacted too.
Feeding fresh, nutrient-rich food ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties (like omega-3s from fish, or fish oil) can help support:
Good digestion
Consistent energy levels
Healthy joints to keep them mobile, supporting gut motility
Read more: Super food ingredients you should be feeding your senior dog
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together.
Gut health plays a powerful role in your dog’s wellbeing — and it starts with what goes in the bowl.
Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, gently cooked ingredients to nourish the gut microbiome. Backed by science and tailored to your dog’s needs, they’re designed to support digestion, immunity, energy, and more.
Try Lyka and help your dog thrive from the inside out.
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