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 Gingerbread Biscuits for Dogs

Amy Gossling

December 9, 2024

Christmas is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s the perfect time to spoil our furry friends with something special. If you’re looking for a festive, homemade treat your dog will adore, look no further than dog-friendly gingerbread biscuits. These easy-to-make snacks are packed with flavour and wholesome ingredients, ensuring your pup enjoys a safe and nutritious holiday treat.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the simple recipe and share why homemade treats are a fantastic complement to the nutritious meals offered by Years.com.

Is Gingerbread Good for Dogs? Why Homemade Treats for Dogs? Dog-Friendly Gingerbread Biscuit Recipe Why These Ingredients? The Perfect Complement to Years.com Meals A Festive Treat to Make Memories

Why Make Homemade Treats for Dogs?

While a high-quality, balanced diet like Years.com Meals should always be the cornerstone of your dog’s nutrition, homemade treats are a great way to add variety and celebrate special occasions. Unlike many store-bought options, this recipe uses only natural ingredients, with no added sugars or harmful preservatives.

Is Gingerbread Good for Dogs?

While traditional gingerbread made for humans is not suitable for dogs—due to ingredients like nutmeg, sugar, and potentially harmful sweeteners – there’s good news! You can whip up dog-friendly gingerbread biscuits that are safe, nutritious, and perfect for treating your pup during the holidays.

These homemade gingerbread biscuits swap out risky ingredients for dog-safe alternatives like oats, banana, and peanut butter. Not only are they delicious and festive, but they’re also packed with natural goodness to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Dog-Friendly Gingerbread Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
1 egg
1 cup of oats
1 cup of plain flour
A dash of cinnamon and ginger

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C.
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until you achieve a dough-like consistency.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use Gingerbread Man cookie cutters (or any fun shapes) to cut out the biscuits.
Place the biscuits on a lined baking tray and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving them to your dog.

@yearsuk Let’s make some dog friendly gingerbread cookies 🍪🐶🎄 Comment "gingerbread" for the recipe card #dogmum #dogtreats #dogrecipes #dogtok #christmas ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

Why These Ingredients?

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to ensure it’s safe and nutritious for dogs:

• Banana: A natural source of potassium and fibre.
• Peanut Butter: Provides protein and healthy fats, but always choose xylitol-free varieties.
• Egg: Rich in protein and essential nutrients.
• Oats: A gentle grain that supports digestion.
• Flour: A base to bind the ingredients together.
• Cinnamon and Ginger: Adds festive flavour without compromising your dog’s health.

The Perfect Complement to Years.com Meals

While these biscuits are a delightful treat, they should always be enjoyed in moderation alongside a complete and balanced diet. Years.com Meals provide everything your dog needs to thrive—fresh, breed-specific recipes made from whole food ingredients. These meals are designed to support your dog’s long-term health, making them the perfect foundation for a happy, healthy life.

Adding festive treats like homemade gingerbread biscuits is a fun way to bond with your dog during the holidays, but always ensure their primary meals remain nutritionally balanced.

A Festive Treat to Make Memories

Baking these dog-friendly gingerbread biscuits is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit and show your dog how much you care. Pair these treats with the wholesome goodness of Years.com Meals, and you’ll have a tail-waggingly happy holiday companion.

Ready to spoil your pup? Try this recipe today and discover how simple it is to make your dog’s Christmas extra special!

Would you like more festive ideas for your furry friend? Explore our blog at Years.com for advice on keeping your dog healthy and happy all year round.

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