What is the gut microbiome?

All animals, including dogs and people, have millions of bacteria in their guts. These ‘friendly’ gut bacteria help your dog to digest food as well as provide natural defences against the invasion of potentially harmful microbes. The bacteria inhabiting the intestines are referred to as the gut microbiome. We are learning more and more about the benefits of a healthy microbiome, but we do know that it has a huge impact on the overall well-being of our dogs.

What are probiotics for dogs?

Probiotics can be used to top up the levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria and improve the gut microbiome. This can be particularly helpful if your dog suffers from a digestive disorder, or their gut flora has been disturbed by medication. Probiotics are live microorganisms often given to dogs as a supplement. They may come in powder, paste or tablet form with bacteria specific to improve the gut health of dogs. However, some high-quality diets have probiotics included in their recipes, which can save owners from having to administer any separate treatments, depending on their dog’s needs.

What are prebiotics for dogs?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre sources that can increase the number of specific bacteria populations. As these bacteria metabolise prebiotics, the by-products made can have local anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining and produce energy for your dog. Dietary fibres can also help improve stool consistency, improve the mucus lining of the digestive tract as well as helping improve the health of cells in the intestines. Simply put, prebiotics help good gut bacteria to grow and multiply. Prebiotics are therefore often given at the same time as probiotics.

Are pre and probiotics good for dogs?

Yes! Pre and probiotics for dogs can be excellent at improving digestive health. They are often used to: Help treat sudden onset, uncomplicated diarrhoea cases Prevent stress-induced diarrhoea Manage chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) alongside medication and dietary changes Increase levels of gut bacteria following courses of antibiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are considered very safe for dogs. Their proven benefits mean that even healthy dogs could show an improvement in gut health, with decreased flatulence and improved stool consistency.

Go back to main page

3 Dog Treats You Should Avoid at All Costs

Amy Gossling

January 8, 2025

When it comes to treating our furry friends, not all snacks are created equal. While the pet store aisles may be brimming with options, many popular dog treats can actually do more harm than good. As loving pet parents, it's essential to know what to avoid and why. Here are three dog treats you should steer clear of, plus some tips on choosing healthier alternatives to keep your pup happy and thriving.

1. Dental-Style Treats 2. Rawhide 3. Treats with Artificial Food Colourings Why a Healthy Diet Matters The Bottom Line

1. Dental-Style Treats

At first glance, dental treats may seem like an easy way to promote oral hygiene, but they often fall short. Ingredient Issues: Many dental treats are made with vague, low-quality ingredients that can trigger allergies or sensitivities in dogs.
Limited Effectiveness: Their softness makes them far less effective at cleaning teeth than harder chews or natural alternatives, such as carrots or Years Taste+ Seasoning sprinkled on raw veg.

Instead, opt for chews or foods that provide genuine dental benefits, like natural bones (always size-appropriate) or vet-recommended dental chews with simple, transparent ingredients.

2. Rawhide

Rawhide is a popular choice for keeping dogs entertained, but it poses serious risks:

Digestive Dangers: Rawhide is a byproduct of leather production, making it incredibly difficult for dogs to digest. It can cause blockages in the esophagus or intestines, which could require emergency veterinary care.
Chemical Processing: Rawhide is often treated with harmful chemicals during manufacturing.
Zero Nutritional Value: Beyond the risks, rawhide offers no real benefits to your dog’s diet.

If you're looking for a safer alternative, consider air-dried chews, bully sticks, or natural treats designed with your dog’s health in mind.

3. Treats with Artificial Food Colourings

Artificial food colourings in dog treats might make them look appealing to us, but they can wreak havoc on your dog’s health:

Behavioural and Health Concerns: Certain colourings have been linked to behavioural issues and more serious health problems in dogs.
Unnecessary Additives: These colours add no value to your pet’s diet and are purely cosmetic.

The solution? Always read ingredient labels and choose treats made from 100% natural ingredients with no hidden nasties.

Why a Healthy Diet Matters

Treats are just a small part of your dog’s overall diet, but they shouldn’t compromise their health. Feeding your dog high-quality, nutrient-rich meals is the foundation of their wellbeing. That’s why at Years, we believe in creating fresh, breed-specific dog food tailored to your pet's unique needs. Our recipes are made with whole-food ingredients, designed to support your dog’s long-term health, happiness, and energy.

Pairing Years meals with natural, healthy treats ensures your dog gets the best of both worlds. By choosing food that prioritises quality over convenience, you’re setting your furry friend up for a longer, healthier life.

The Bottom Line

Your dog depends on you to make informed choices about their health.

By avoiding dental-style treats, rawhide, and artificially coloured snacks, and opting for natural alternatives alongside a wholesome diet like Years, you’re giving them the best chance at a happy, healthy life.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our Years Taste+ Seasoning and breed-specific meals, perfect for dogs who deserve nothing but the best!

@yearsuk Be treat savy with your dogs! Here's 3 treats we steer clear of 🐶❌ #dogsoftiktok #dogtreats #dogtok ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

←