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.

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A Festive Christmas Dinner Recipe for Your Dog

Amy Gossling

December 24, 2024

Christmas is the time for family, friends, and of course, food! As you prepare your festive feast, why not treat your furry family member to their very own Christmas dinner? With this super-easy recipe, you can whip up a safe, dog-friendly meal that will make their tails wag with delight.

The Recipe: A Festive Treat for Your Pup What to Avoid: A Balanced Diet Matters – Every Day of the Year A Christmas to Remember

The Recipe: A Festive Treat for Your Pup

This Christmas dinner for dogs is made from wholesome, dog-safe ingredients that celebrate the season without compromising your pet’s health.

Ingredients:

- Vegetables: Sprouts, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and parsnip.
- Meat: Chicken (or turkey, if you prefer to keep things traditional).
- Festive Treat: Half a low-fat sausage per dog.
- Optional Garnish: A sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Preparation Instructions:

1. Boil the Vegetables: Cook all the vegetables until they are soft. This makes them easier to digest and more enjoyable for your pup.
2. Cook the Meat: Prepare chicken or turkey without any seasoning, oils, or butter to ensure it remains dog-friendly.
3. Assemble the Plate: Serve the vegetables and meat together, adding a small piece of low-fat sausage as a festive treat.
4. Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary for a delightful presentation (though not necessary if your dog isn’t into aesthetics!).

What to Avoid:

- Gravy: Contains ingredients like onions and salt, which can be harmful to dogs.
- Bacon: High in fat and salt, making it a no-go for your pet.

A Balanced Diet Matters – Every Day of the Year

This festive dinner is a wonderful way to include your dog in the Christmas celebrations while keeping their health and safety in mind. By sticking to dog-friendly ingredients, you can treat your furry companion without worry.

So, this Christmas, let your dog join in the festive feast with their own special meal. And when the holidays are over, keep their tail wagging with a nutritious, tailored diet from Years. After all, every day is worth celebrating when your dog is happy and healthy.

@yearsuk We're back with another really simple, affordable dog food recipe but this time it's CHRISTMAS THEMED! 🐶🎄 You can swap the veggies for any other dog friendly vegetables and the meat can be switched up too. Remember, its important to always introduce new ingredients into your dogs diet slowly #homemadedogfood #diydogfood #dogfoodrecipe #dogchristmasdinner ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

A Christmas to Remember

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A Festive Christmas Dinner Recipe for Your Dog

Table of contents

The Recipe: A Festive Treat for Your Pup

A Balanced Diet Matters – Every Day of the Year

A Christmas to Remember