Understanding The Gut Microbiome

Daily Longevity Tip: Understanding The Gut Microbiome

Tip Summary: The microbiome plays a huge role in our dog’s health, which is primarily influenced by diet and environment.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! We’ve all heard about the gut microbiome and that it’s important, but what exactly does that mean? Recent studies have highlighted that it’s actually a critically important aspect of our dog’s health, so let’s cover the reasons why, and what that means for us dog parents:

1. Gut Microbiome's Role in Health: The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microbes in the gut that influence overall health. The microbiome in dogs functions like an organ, essential for immune function, vitamin synthesis, and protection against pathogens.

2. Diet Influences Microbiome: A dog’s diet shapes its gut bacteria, affecting the production of vital compounds like butyrate, crucial for maintaining gut health.

3. Similarities to Human Microbiome: Dogs have a microbiome more similar to humans than that of mice or pigs, likely due to shared environments and diets over millennia.

4. Behavior and Gut Bacteria: Studies suggest a correlation between the gut microbiome and behavioral traits in dogs, indicating a possible influence on temperament.

5. Microbial Sharing with Owners: Dogs often share skin microbes with their owners, with implications for immune system development and allergy reduction in humans.

Key Takeaways for Dog Parents:

• Balanced Diet Matters: Include high-quality proteins and plant-based fibers in your dog's diet to support a healthy gut microbiome. Consider gut support supplementation.

• Observe Behavioral Changes: Changes in behavior or digestion can signal shifts in the gut microbiome.

• Veterinary Consultation: Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially when considering a raw diet.

Source: The Dog Microbiome: What You Should Know.

Announcement: We’ll be doing a (free) weekly Facebook Live longevity discussion + Q&A with Dr. Helen Stortz, DVM, on Friday, 1 December at 8PM EST. This will be held in the Dog Longevity Facebook community. The link to join the community is below: