A gut feeling: symptoms, solutions and how the right food makes a difference to your dog’s gut health
Let’s talk guts.
Glamorous? No.
Important? Absolutely.
Your dog’s gut is mission control. It handles digestion, supports immunity, influences skin and coat health and helps power those post-walk zoomies. UK veterinary organisations regularly point out that many common health complaints start in the gut - and more often than not, it comes down to what’s in the bowl.
The good news - once you know what to look out for (and what to feed), supporting gut health becomes surprisingly simple.
Symptoms of poor gut health in dogs
A dog’s digestive system is usually the first place things start to wobble. In fact, both the PDSA and The Kennel Club UK note that digestive issues are one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet.
Some tell-tale signs your dog’s gut might be crying out for a little TLC include:
- Loose stools, diarrhoea or mystery poo that never looks the same twice
- Excessive gas (you know the kind…) or bloating
- Vomiting or nausea
- Sudden picky eating or loss of appetite
- Dull coats, itchy skin or recurring ear issues
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Low energy, irritability or behaviour changes
Did you know that around 70% of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut? So when digestion is off, it can affect far more than just what you’re picking up on walks.
If symptoms stick around, vets always recommend ruling out medical causes - but diet is very often the first (and most effective) place to make a positive change.
Caboodle food is designed to support your dog’s gut health
When it comes to digestion, quality beats quantity every time. Veterinary nutrition guidance shows dogs digest food best when it’s balanced, easy to process and made with purpose - not packed with fillers.
That’s exactly how Caboodle can help!
Our recipes are crafted with gut health front of mind and include:
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Minimum 60% protein (choose from chicken, turkey, beef, pork and lamb)
easy to digest and packed with essential amino acids
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Vegetables and fruit like pumpkin, carrot, peas and blueberries
natural sources of fibre that help keep digestion ticking along nicely
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Digestible carbohydrates such as rice and sweet potato
often recommended by vets for dogs with sensitive tummies
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Salmon oil rich in omega-3s to support the gut lining and help manage inflammation
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Added vitamins, minerals and kelp
supporting balanced nutrition and overall gut function
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, moisture-rich foods like wet dog food can be easier to digest and help support hydration — particularly beneficial for dogs prone to digestive sensitivity.
It’s why so many owners choose Caboodle as their go-to wet dog food for sensitive stomachs (and why we see so many happy tummies).
How to treat poor gut health in dogs
Fixing it doesn’t require a crystal ball or a cupboard full of supplements. UK vets and canine nutrition experts generally recommend that you:
1. Review your dog’s diet
Sudden food switches, low-quality ingredients or overly processed foods can throw the gut microbiome completely off balance. A complete, balanced food designed for digestion is often step one.
2. Introduce changes slowly
The PDSA recommends transitioning new food gradually over 7–10 days to give gut bacteria time to adjust (and avoid any unwanted surprises).
3. Feed consistently
Regular mealtimes and appropriate portions help keep digestion calm and predictable.
4. Choose digestible ingredients
Fibre from vegetables, gentle carbs and quality protein all support better stool quality and nutrient absorption.
5. Avoid artificial treats.
Think before reaching for another gravy bone for your dog. Cheap treats are junk food for dogs and don’t add anything nutritious to their diet.
5. Monitor the poo (yes, really)
Healthy digestion usually shows up as:
- Firm, regular stools
- Improved appetite
- Better energy levels
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Healthier skin and coat
Want to know exactly what “good poo” looks like?
Have a read of our blog “The scoop on poop” it’s surprisingly enlightening.
Why gut health starts in the bowl
Your dog’s gut doesn’t reset overnight. It responds to what you feed them day in, day out. Choosing a high-quality dog food with high-quality, easy to process ingredients, natural fibre and essential nutrients can support digestion, immunity and overall wellbeing - now and long-term.
Whether you’re new to Caboodle or already part of the pack, our ranges of both wet and dry food are designed to make mealtimes:
✔ Delicious
✔ Gentle
✔ Gut-friendly
Because a happy tummy = a happy dog (and far fewer awkward moments on walks).
Explore Caboodle now and give your dog’s gut the glow-up it deserves.
Sources:
– PDSA – Probiotics & Digestive Health in Dogs
– Chalkland Vets – Understanding Your Pet’s Gut Health
– YuMOVE – Supporting Your Dog’s Digestive System
– VCA Animal Hospitals – Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines for Dogs
– Pooch & Mutt – Fibre and Gut Health in Dogs
– The Kennel Club UK – Feeding & Digestive Health
– The Kennel Club UK – Digestive Health in Dogs
– PDSA – Digestive Problems in Dogs
– VCA Animal Hospitals – Canine Nutrition & Digestion
