That’s not just gas — That’s a gut problem
If your dog struggles with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, inconsistent poops, anxiety, or food sensitivities, the root cause might not be what you're expecting. Many of these symptoms are tied to one thing: gut dysbiosis.
Gut health is foundational to your dog’s overall wellbeing. From digestion and immunity to mood and skin health, it all begins in the gut. Understanding what gut dysbiosis is — and how to heal it — is one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog.
What Is Gut Dysbiosis?
Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of microorganisms in the digestive tract. A healthy gut is home to billions of beneficial bacteria that help digest food, regulate the immune system, and prevent the overgrowth of harmful pathogens. When this balance is disrupted, it leads to inflammation, leaky gut, poor nutrient absorption, and widespread symptoms.
Why Dogs Are So Vulnerable
Dogs have very different digestive systems than humans. Their stomachs are highly acidic (pH 1-2) and designed to break down raw meat, bone, and fat efficiently. Their digestion is short and fast, meaning food moves through quickly.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t produce salivary amylase. Instead, amylase is secreted by the pancreas. They also can't break down cellulose unless it’s fermented or cooked, making raw starchy veggies poorly digestible.
The main problem? Kibble and other processed foods aren't biologically appropriate. They're made with high-heat extrusion, starchy fillers, and synthetic additives that:
Disrupt the gut microbiome
Feed yeast and harmful bacteria
Increase inflammation
Create immune dysregulation
Other contributors to gut dysbiosis:
Overuse of antibiotics
Vaccines and medications
Flea/tick preventatives
Poor quality water
Environmental toxins
Common Signs of Gut Dysbiosis in Dogs
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Mucousy or inconsistent stools
Gas, gurgling, or smelly breath
Itchy skin, hot spots, and allergies
Anxiety, restlessness, or aggression
Frequent infections (ears, urinary, etc.)
Low energy or poor recovery
These symptoms often get treated as isolated issues, but they usually stem from the same root problem: an imbalanced gut.
How to Rebuild the Gut Microbiome (Step-by-Step)
1. Remove the Offenders
Eliminate ultra-processed kibble (especially with corn, wheat, soy, by-products, synthetic preservatives)
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics and medications
Replace synthetic flea/tick treatments with natural options
Use filtered water
Get an air purifier
Go low-tox or no-tox with cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, shampoos, etc.
2. Calm the Inflammation: Before rebuilding, calm the gut with gentle, anti-inflammatory foods and herbs:
Bone broth (rich in glycine and gelatin)
Slippery elm bark
Marshmallow root
Chamomile or licorice (in small, dog-safe amounts)
3. Add Digestive Support: Support healthy digestion to prevent undigested proteins and carbs from irritating the gut:
Digestive enzymes (especially with cooked food)
Apple cider vinegar (in small amounts, for dogs who tolerate it)
Bitters or warming herbs (ginger, fennel, dill)
4. Reintroduce Beneficial Microbes
Probiotics (strain-specific, soil-based or canine-formulated)
Fermented foods: raw goat’s milk, kefir
Prebiotics: dandelion greens, asparagus, mushrooms, chicory root
5. Nourish the Terrain
Rotate animal proteins (turkey, beef, duck, venison)
Add fiber-rich veggies (zucchini, broccoli, green beans)
Include functional foods: sardines, organ meats, seaweed
6. Monitor and Adjust Healing isn’t linear. Watch your dog’s poop, energy, mood, and skin. Detox is common (mucus, shedding, behavior changes) as the body recalibrates.
Final Thoughts
Gut dysbiosis isn’t just a gut problem. It’s a whole-body issue with whole-body solutions. When you stop masking symptoms and start supporting the terrain, the changes are incredible.
Healing starts in the gut (for humans too!). And real food is the first step.
Explore more gut health resources at thenaturopaw.com
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