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 Scrambled Egg Protein Bites for Your Dog:

Amy Gossling

November 10, 2024

Looking for an easy and healthy treat to make for your furry friend? These homemade scrambled egg protein bites are perfect for dogs and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Packed with protein and dog-friendly vegetables, this recipe is a great addition to your dog’s balanced diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

4 large eggs
1 large tomato
1 pepper (or any dog-friendly veggies of your choice)
Coconut oil for greasing the tin

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Scramble the Eggs: Begin by cracking and scrambling the eggs in a bowl.
Add the Vegetables: Dice the tomato and pepper (or your chosen dog-friendly vegetables) and mix them into the eggs.
Prepare the Muffin Tin: Line a mini muffin tin with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Pour and Bake: Pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the prepared muffin tin and bake at 180°C for approximately 15 minutes.

@yearsuk Such an easy, simple and affordable recipe you can make for your dogs using only a couple of ingredients! 🐶 #dogtok #dogsoftiktok #dogtreats ♬ original sound - Years.com

The Result:

Once baked, the protein bites will be fluffy and golden. Let them cool before serving to your dog. These treats are not only delicious but can also be stored in the fridge or frozen for future use.

Why Homemade Treats?

Making your own dog treats ensures you know exactly what goes into your dog’s diet, providing peace of mind and nutritional value. These protein bites are perfect as an occasional treat or to complement a well-rounded diet.

A Balanced Approach:

As always, it’s important to pair homemade treats with a high-quality, balanced diet. We recommend feeding your dog complete, nutritious meals that we at Years.com do offer.
Try this simple recipe and treat your furry friend to a homemade delight! Your dog will thank you, and who knows – you might be tempted to try one yourself.

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