Top Ways to Support Microbiome Health in Your Animal Patients

Supporting microbiome health is the key to health and longevity in your canine and feline patients. Learn how functional treats, supplement powders, and microbiome testing kits can help.

The microbiome health of dogs and cats is critical to their overall well-being. It helps regulate the immune system, supports disease resistance, healthy digestion and metabolism, and reduces allergies and inflammation. The microbiome can also impact behavior via the gut-brain axis. In other words, supporting healthy guts can make your patients healthier and your clients happier. Here are the top ways to support microbiome health in your canine and feline patients.

RECOMMEND A COMPLETE AND BALANCED DIET

Complete and balanced diets for dogs and cats contain what they need for optimal health, including vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins, as well as fiber-rich ingredients that support the microbiome. Clients can supplement diets with fresh, whole foods for additional gut support.

AVOID UNNECESSARY ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, and can disrupt the balance of gut flora. It’s important to prescribe them only when necessary, and to recommend probiotics when you must use antibiotics.

PRESCRIBE REGULAR EXERCISE

Exercise supports cardiovascular and brain health, promotes good sleep, helps manage weight, and enhances overall health. What’s more, it may modify the microbiome by increasing the number of bacterial species and increasing diversity among microbiota.

PREVENT PARASITIC INFECTIONS

Many parasites, such as Giardia, can change and disrupt a dog or cat’s microbiome. Educate your clients about parasite prevention, including fleas, ticks, worms, and protozoa.

CONSIDER MICROBIOME TESTING

Gut microbiome testing for dogs and cats can provide insights into their digestive health, including whether or not their diet promotes the right microbes. Testing can help you understand the state of your patients’ gut health so you can take steps to improve it if necessary.

USE FUNCTIONAL TREATS AND POWDERS

Functional treats and powders are tasty snacks that also help support animal health. The trick is to find treats and supplement powders made with nutrient-dense, high quality ingredients, and microbiome-supporting probiotics.

SUPPORT MICROBIOME HEALTH WITH CAVE PETS PRODUCTS

Microbiome health is the foundation of all Cave Pets products, which include dog treats, Regenerative Organic Certified® mushroom and probiotic powders, multi-glandular powders, and microbiome testing kits. The formulas are crafted to nourish an animal’s body and foster a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

Visit Cave Pets to learn more about their microbiome-supporting products and test kits.

  • AW ACADEMY is a natural extension of our 25 years of experience publishing Animal Wellness, Equine Wellness and Innovative Veterinary Care Journal. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to care for animals to the best of their ability utilizing the most natural and minimally invasive means possible. We feel strongly that it’s better to promote a preventative healthy lifestyle for our pets instead of taking a wait-and-see approach. We also fiercely advocate for the quality of animals’ lives, supporting animal rescues and welfare organizations both financially and through our editorial.

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