Like dogs, even carnivores are dependent on a healthy intestinal flora. For sensitive herbivores such as horses, rabbits and guinea pigs, it has long been known how important the intestinal flora is to good overall health. In the same ways, people today realise that the intestinal flora keeps the immune system in order and therefore should be taken care of. But your dog, as a carnivore with a rather short digestive tract, is dependent on a healthy intestinal flora to permanently maintain an intact immune system to stay fit and healthy. And for that, you can help by choosing the correct dog food for your four-legged friend.
Even Dog Food can be Upgraded
You don’t have to change the entire diet of your dog to do something good for their intestinal flora. However, to keep the composition of intestinal bacteria in a healthy balance, it is sufficient to add some healthy things to the dog food. What they are and why they help your dog maintain a healthy intestinal flora, will be explained during this post.
Dogs love Fresh Rumen
Even though fresh rumen sometimes smells a bit strange to the nose of a human, dogs love it. In the fresh rumen of cattle, many good microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria are included, which are good for the dog’s gut.
Linseed Oil
Just how omega-3 fatty acids are important for the human immune system, your dog needs omega-3 fatty acids too! In cold-pressed linseed oil, there is plenty of it! It can also have an anti-inflammatory effect if you add it to the dog food on a regular basis. Alternatively, the use of fish oil also has similar benefits.
Oatmeal is Healthy
Even with oatmeal in dog food, you do something good for your four-legged friend. Oatmeal is healthy for dogs as it contains many important B vitamins, as well as healthy fibre in the form of oligofructose and inulin, which is good for your dog’s intestinal flora.
Chilled Potatoes
Potatoes are a good source of resistant starch which contributes to a healthy gut flora. However, the starch only forms during the cooling process of cooked potatoes. Since dogs rarely like to eat something hot anyway, that certainly doesn’t pose too much of a problem.
A little Kefir is also Important
Kefir contains many healthy lactic acid bacteria and should be added occasionally to the dog food so that the intestinal flora remains intact. But watch out for the amount, dogs are often lactose intolerant and often don’t tolerate large amounts of dairy.
Three Vegetables that contain a lot of Inulin
Inulin is a very good prebiotic for your dog as it nourishes the good intestinal bacteria in the colon. There are three types of vegetables that contain a lot of inulin, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and parsnip. If you mix these vegetables in with your dogs feed, you will be doing something good for your four-legged friend’s health!
Fermented Vegetables
Even more so, a portion of fermented vegetables is important for the healthy intestinal flora of your dog. In principle, all types of vegetables can be fermented. This is a process in which vegetables are brought to the fermentation by closing of the air. It then becomes acidic through the formation of many healthy lactic acid bacteria, which does good for your dog’s intestinal flora.
Tip: All you need is a jar, vegetables, some water and some salt. The jar must be closed well after filling and before the fermentation process begins. After about 5 days, the fermented vegetables are ready for your dog and can be mixed with their food.
Ways to Promote a Healthy Intestinal Flora
An unhealthy intestinal flora problem can be solved quickly. Both fresh meat and the ready-made food for your dog can easily be supplemented by the mentioned healthy supplements. In turn, these changes and additions will promote a healthy intestinal flora and the immune system of your dog. In no time they will start to feel better and be just as fit and vital as before!
Even if your pet is not suffering from any illness at this time, the tips stated above are good advice to keep your dog fit and healthy.
