From Treats to Tummies: Why Gut Health Might Be the Key to Your Dog’s Happiness

What's Really Going On in Your Dog's Gut – And How to Feed It for Health and Happiness

You've probably heard by now that the gut is the body's "second brain." But did you know this applies to dogs, too?

Just like us, our pups have a complex dog's microbiome, and it plays a huge role in everything from digestive health and immunity to mood and behaviour. The gut bacteria in your dog work around the clock to keep them healthy and happy.

Yet, in a market flooded with ultra-processed dog treats packed with additives, fillers, and artificial flavourings, our dogs' gut health is under more strain than ever. Poor choices in your dog's diet can throw their entire system out of whack.

So, let's break it down, what's really happening in your dog's intestinal system, how can poor nutrition affect their well-being, and what can you do (easily!) to support healthy gut flora and a happy dog?

How Does the Canine Gut-Brain Connection Actually Work?

Just like in humans, a dog's gut contains trillions of bacteria – both good bacteria and bad bacteria – that influence everything from their immune cell response to their mood. This fascinating network is known as the gut-brain axis.

"A healthy gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation, reduces anxiety, and supports the immune system. When it's out of balance, we often see itchy skin, allergies, loose stools, and even behavioural changes," says Dr. Ciara Clarke, Canine nutrition specialist.

The keyword here? Balance. When good bacteria outweigh the bad, your dog's digestive health thrives. But when harmful bacteria take over, problems start to emerge.

Why Are Ultra-Processed Dog Treats Damaging Your Dog's Gut?

Walk into any supermarket and you'll see a wall of dog treats and snacks — often full of cheap meat by-products, sugar, artificial colours and preservatives, and vague ingredients like "animal derivatives".

Various studies have found that dogs fed highly processed treats had significantly less microbial diversity in their gut compared to dogs on wholefood-based diets. This lack of diversity affects your dog's intestinal health in the long term.

And less microbial diversity = increased risk of allergies, digestive upset, and even chronic inflammation.

What are Meat & Animal Derivatives?

Why G&W never use them, and you should avoid them too!

The use of "animal derivatives" is usually tucked away in the fine print — the small text on the back that many of us never read. Legally, that's all manufacturers are required to disclose.

Some brands go as far as claiming things like "Only two ingredients!" on the front of the pack, when on the back of the packet, in reality, those two ingredients might each be made up of multiple types of meat from unknown sources.

So not only are you being kept in the dark about what's really in these treats — you're being actively misled.

At Green and Wild's, we keep our ingredients clean, and our ingredient lists clear and easy to understand.

Different Batch = Different Animals: What Does This Actually Mean for Your Dog?

Some pet treat manufacturers try to reassure us (if we even manage to find the ingredients list buried on the back of the pack) by saying their treats contain "animal derivatives with a minimum of 70% beef."

Sounds comforting — but what does that really mean?

It means 70% of the meat content comes from beef by-products — the scraps left over after the prime cuts are removed. But here's the catch: the remaining 30%? That can be made up of whatever meat leftovers were cheapest or most available on the day that batch was made. That could be anything, such as pork, chicken, goat, or even shellfish.

So, every time you buy the same treat, you could be feeding your pet a completely different mix of animal sources. Crazy, we know!

This inconsistency could have wider implications if your pup has intolerances or allergies to certain protein sources and could cause them unnecessary gut problems and inflammation.

How Can You Support Your Dog's Gut Health? (Without Being a Vet or Scientist)

Keeping your dog's gut happy doesn't require a biology degree — just a bit of awareness and a return to natural, nutrient-rich ingredients.

Here's what actually helps build a thriving gut flora:

• Choose air-dried, single-ingredient treats – these retain more nutrients, are easy to digest, and don't disrupt the balance of bacteria in your dog's system. We strive to keep our treats and chews simple, honest, and healthy. That's why many of them have our "100% ONE Ingredient Gold Award". That means the chew, treat, or supplement is simply 100% what it says it is. No E numbers, No preservatives, No fillers, No bulkers, No chemicals, No cheap ingredients - No nasties at all!
  
  
• Add gut-loving extras like seaweed, turmeric, and chamomile, which support digestion and reduce inflammation. These natural ingredients work like a gentle probiotic for dogs.
  
  
• Avoid artificial ingredients – if you wouldn't eat it, why should they? Your dog's diet should be as clean as possible for optimal digestive health.
  
  
• Rotate proteins for better gut diversity – variety supports microbial diversity and prevents your pup from developing sensitivities. Choose novel, hypoallergenic protein sources like venison, pheasant, goose, duck, turkey, or wild boar. Many of these work brilliantly as grain free options too.
  
  
• Watch for warning signs – soft poos, itchy skin, wind, or sudden mood changes can all link back to gut imbalance. Your dog's intestinal health effects everything else.
  

What We Recommend at Green & Wild’s for gut health?

We’re obsessed with dogs’ well-being — and that means gut health, too. All our treats are 100% natural, the majority are simply air-dried, and most importantly, are made without any nasties.

Here are a few gut-friendly favourites that support your dogs microbiome:

• Super Salmon Oil  Rich in omega-3s and easy on tummies. These essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve digestion naturally.
• Fish Deli Cubes  Great for training or sensitive bellies. A high-protein, low-fat treat with no additives, preservatives, or nasties that won't upset delicate gut flora.  
•  Wild Garden Herbal Bakes  Packed with vitamins, minerals, and herbs that work in the long term to support digestive health. Gentle on digestion and calming, too.
•  Goosey Lucy's Glorious Goose Chews  A nutrient-dense, highly palatable, novel protein source that's also very tasty! Perfect for dogs who need grain free alternatives.
• Sweet Potato Treats  A true superfood that's highly digestible and works like a natural prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your dog's gut. It's also a safe alternative to heavily processed and chemically treated rawhide chews.

View all our gut-friendly favourites here

Want to Learn More about Canine Digestive Health?

1. AnimalBiome – The Gut Microbiome and Your Dog's Health. Explains how gut health influences mood, digestion, and immunity.
2. Dogs Naturally Magazine – The Gut-Brain Axis in Dogs. User-friendly article connecting gut health to behaviour in dogs.
3. Frontiers in Veterinary Science – Gut microbiome of dogs: A review. Peer-reviewed, science-backed overview of the canine microbiome and diet influences.

The Final Bark 

Our dogs trust us to feed them well. Choosing gut-supportive, natural foods is one of the easiest ways to help them live longer, feel better, and wag harder.

Your dog's diet doesn't just fill their belly – it shapes their entire wellbeing. From supporting healthy gut bacteria to providing essential fatty acids, every choice matters in the long term.

Let's ditch the junk, nourish the gut, and raise a generation of healthier, happier hounds, together. 💚