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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Why You Should Ditch Store-Bought Training Treats and Make Your Own

Amy Gossling

November 12, 2024

When it comes to rewarding your dog during training, the type of treat you choose can make a world of difference. While store-bought training treats may seem like an easy solution, there are several reasons why homemade options are worth considering. Here, we explore the benefits of making your own dog treats and provide tips on how to get started.

The Hidden Ingredients in Shop-Bought Treats Benefits of Homemade Training Treats Get Inspired to Make Your Own Treats No Time? No Problem! Final Thoughts

The Hidden Ingredients in Shop-Bought Treats

Commercial training treats often come packed with preservatives, colourants, and antioxidants. These additives may help extend shelf life and make treats visually appealing, but they might not be the best for your dog’s overall health. If you’re aiming to provide your furry friend with wholesome nutrition, these synthetic ingredients can be a drawback.

@yearsuk Shop bought treats? I think not. If you want to join us in making your own homemade treats, be sure to check out our previous videos for some easy inspo 🐶 #dogtok #dogsoftiktok #dogtreats #homemadedogtreats ♬ original sound - Years.com

Benefits of Homemade Training Treats

Making your own dog treats is easier than you might think, and the advantages are significant:

Healthier Ingredients: When you make treats at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring your dog gets only natural and nutritious options.
Cost-Effective: Homemade treats are often cheaper than premium store-bought versions, allowing you to save money while still prioritising your dog's health.
Dog-Approved: Most dogs love homemade treats and are more than willing to indulge in them during training sessions. In fact, they rarely turn down a treat made with care and quality ingredients.

Get Inspired to Make Your Own Treats

Not sure where to start? Social media platforms like TikTok offer a treasure trove of dog-friendly treat recipes and ideas. With just a bit of time and effort, you’ll find that making your own training treats becomes a rewarding routine.

No Time? No Problem!

If you’re too busy to make your own treats, don’t worry. It’s still important to choose natural, high-quality options for your dog.
Years offer an impressive range of healthy, natural treats that cater to various tastes and preferences. With such a selection, you’re bound to find something your dog will love.

Final Thoughts

Switching to homemade training treats can improve your dog’s diet and save you money. However, if making treats isn’t feasible, opting for natural, preservative-free alternatives from trusted sources like Years.com is a great way to ensure your pet’s health and happiness. Start exploring homemade recipes or browse healthy options today—your dog will thank you!

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