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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Homemade Dog-Friendly Apple Pretzels: A Simple Recipe Your Pup Will Love

Amy Gossling

November 7, 2024

If you’re looking for an easy and enjoyable way to make your dog feel extra special, these homemade apple pretzels are a must-try. With only four simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bake a delicious, dog-friendly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make them and why your furry friend will adore this tasty snack.

What You’ll Need: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pretzels: Storing Your Homemade Treats: No Time to Bake? Here’s an Alternative: Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats:

What You’ll Need:

To make these dog-friendly apple pretzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:
🥚 1 egg
🍎 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
🫙 2 cups wholemeal flour
🥣 3/4 cups of oats

These natural components ensure your dog gets a healthy treat without unnecessary additives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pretzels:

@yearsuk Let's make some dog friendly oat and apple pretzels for my dog 🐶🥨 #dogsoftiktok #recipe #dog #treat #autumn #pretzels ♬ original sound - Years.com

1. Mix the Ingredients: Start by mixing your chosen ingredients in a bowl until you achieve a dough-like consistency. For a fun moment, you might notice your dog sniffing around — just like Otis, who couldn’t resist the aroma of apple sauce!
2. Shape the Dough: Roll out sections of dough into long tubes and shape them into a U. Twist the ends and pinch them to form a secure pretzel shape. This adds a touch of fun and creativity to the baking process.
3. Brush with Egg Mixture: To give your pretzels that beautiful golden, crispy texture, brush the top of each pretzel with an egg wash. This not only enhances the look but adds a satisfying crunch for your dog.
4. Bake: Place the shaped pretzels onto a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes or until golden. The aroma will have your pup waiting eagerly for a taste!

Storing Your Homemade Treats:

Once baked, let the pretzels cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks. This makes it easy to have treats on hand whenever your dog deserves a reward.

No Time to Bake? Here’s an Alternative:

If baking isn’t on your agenda, don’t worry. Years offers a variety of meal s and treats that your dog will love. With their selection of nutritious options, you can still pamper your pup without the kitchen time.

Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats:

These apple pretzels are not just a fun baking project; they’re also packed with natural goodness. The combination of apple and other dog-safe ingredients ensures a tasty and healthy snack that aligns with your dog’s nutritional needs.
Try out this simple recipe and watch your dog enjoy every bite. For more natural dog treat ideas or ready-made options, explore what Years has to offer. Your pup deserves the best, and whether it’s homemade or store-bought, tasty, healthy treats are always a win!

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