Microbiome: Why It Matters and How Testing Can Help

RFFDMSUK
Feb 3
4 min read

Updated: May 4

Just like humans, dogs have a complex network of microorganisms living in their digestive systems, known as the microbiome. This microscopic ecosystem plays a vital role in digestion, immune function, behavior, and overall health.

🐶 A well-balanced microbiome promotes optimal health, while an imbalance can lead to:

Digestive issues
Allergies & infections
Behavioural changes

What Affects a Dog’s Microbiome?

Several factors influence microbiome health, including:

✔️ Diet & nutrition

✔️ Environment & lifestyle

✔️ Age & genetics

✔️ Medications (including antibiotics & over-vaccination)

✔️ Stress levels

📌 If disrupted, microbiome imbalances can cause chronic health problems, requiring targeted intervention.

Why Consider Microbiome Testing?

📌 Dogs with chronic itching, yeast infections, gut problems, anxiety, or behavioural issues often undergo ineffective allergy tests.

🚨 These tests don’t actually detect true allergies—rather, they highlight intolerances or sensitivities.

💡 Raw food allergies are extremely rare—many symptoms stem from microbiome imbalances.

🐾 Instead of allergy testing, microbiome testing can uncover the true cause behind persistent health issues.

How Gut Health Impacts the Body

Think of the gut as a roundabout, with multiple exits leading to different areas of the body. These pathways are called axes, linking the gut to various systems:

🟢 Gut-Skin Axis – Links the gut to the skin.

Poor gut health can trigger skin conditions.
External toxins (detergents, flea treatments) damage the gut microbiome via this axis.

🟢 Gut-Joint Axis – Connects the gut to the musculoskeletal system.

Gut imbalances increase inflammation, leading to joint pain & arthritis.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to joint health deterioration.

🟢 Gut-Brain Axis – Links the brain and gut.

Vagus Nerve sends signals between gut & brain.
Neurotransmitters & hormones produced in the gut affect mood, stress response, and behavior.

🟢 Gut-Immune System Connection

Did you know 70-80% of the immune system is located in the gut? A balanced microbiome ensures strong immunity & overall wellness.

🐾 Keeping your dog’s gut healthy means supporting every part of their body!

What Happens When the Gut Microbiome is Unhealthy?

When the microbiome is unbalanced, Gut Dysbiosis occurs—this means the "bad microbes" outweigh the "good microbes," leading to various health concerns.

🔴 Health Issues Linked to Gut Dysbiosis

Food Sensitivities – Gut permeability (Leaky Gut) triggers immune reactions to food.
Yeast Overgrowth – Unchecked Candida can cause itching, cheesy-smelling paws, and rust-coloured fur stains.
Digestive Upset – Diarrhoea, vomiting, & Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) are common.
Bad Breath – Not always dental-related! Gut bacteria imbalances produce sulphur compounds leading to foul breath.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – A major condition linked to gut inflammation.
Arthritis & Joint Pain – Gut issues trigger systemic inflammation affecting mobility.
Behavioural Issues (Anxiety & Aggression) – The gut-brain axis is key to emotional health. Poor gut health can worsen stress responses & aggression.

🐾 Maintaining gut health is essential for longevity and quality of life!

Boosting Your Dog’s Microbiome Naturally

Certain foods & lifestyle factors positively influence gut health:

🟢 Foods That Support Gut Health

Mushrooms 🍄 – Immune-boosting properties.
Dandelions 🌿 – Rich in prebiotic fiber, cleansing for liver & gut.
Eggs 🥚 – Packed with essential nutrients.
Sardines 🐟 – Full of Omega-3s for inflammation control.
Berries 🍓 – Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant-rich.
Fermented Veggies 🥬 – Probiotics for digestion.
Jerusalem Artichoke – Contains inulin, a powerful prebiotic.
Pomegranates 🍎 – Protect heart health & gut balance.

📌 Feeding Guidelines (Dandelion Greens):

✔️ Small dogs (up to 10kg): 1 tsp per day.

✔️ Medium dogs (10–25kg): 1 tbsp per day.

✔️ Large dogs (25kg+): 2 tbsp per day.

📌 Fermented veggies:

✔️ ½ teaspoon per 10kg body weight (once daily, mixed in food).

📌 Pomegranates:

✔️ 1–2 teaspoons per 10kg body weight, mixed with food.

Practical Steps for a Healthier Gut

🐾 Optimize your dog’s microbiome with these lifestyle choices!

✅ Feed fresh, species-appropriate food – Raw or lightly cooked diets maintain microbial diversity.

✅ Use gut health supplements – Mucilage herbs & probiotics restore balance.

✅ Switch to natural pest control – Avoid excessive flea/tick medications & antibiotics.

✅ Minimise environmental toxin exposure – Use natural cleaning products & wipe paws after walks.

✅ Avoid over-vaccination – Titre test before booster vaccines.

✅ Choose ethical breeders – Puppy microbiome starts with the mother’s gut health.

✅ Reduce behavioural stressors – Support with force-free training & calming supplements.

🐾 A healthy gut microbiome = a healthier, happier dog!

The gut microbiome is at the heart of your dog’s health. From digestion & immunity to behavior & joint function, supporting gut balance leads to better quality of life.

By making small, strategic changes—feeding an appropriate diet, minimizing toxins, and reducing stress—you can transform your dog’s well-being.

🐾 Happy gut = happy dog! 🐶💚