All the buzz with pet health right now is gut health. We can all relate to that because for the past several years we have been hearing how important gut health is to humans. It’s only natural that the subject would now gravitate toward our pets.
Some common symptoms of poor gut health in dogs include Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or constipation, fatigue and/or lethargy, frequent licking of the paws, limbs, or other areas of the body.
For cats vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea (also with blood), loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy are the most common signs. Constipation, straining to defecate, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and abdominal infection associated with the rupture of the affected bowel have also been reported.
I’m happy to report that I’ve had very few instances of either diarrhea or vomiting in the past 15 years with my dogs. Each of those episodes can be attributed to something they ate that they shouldn’t have.
Almost every pet company advertisement I see on my various social media platforms is selling a “gut health” supplement or chew. Is that happening to you also? Because this health issue was foreign to me I had to do the research to find out why gut health is so prevalent in the pet wellness business and why it’s never been an issue with me in the past 15 years.
I thought I understood all the benefits of New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil, but until I specifically researched gut health I had no idea how beneficial this product is for the gut. According to studies, green lipped mussel acts as a nutrient for beneficial gut bacteria, which when consumed, encourages these healthy bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), substances which
exert numerous beneficial effects throughout the body. This improved state helps the body achieve balance, or homeostasis, allowing the body to function at optimal levels and reduce systemic inflammation.
Not only does our Essential OMEGAS support a healthy gut, but Cellular BOOST promotes red blood cell activity which aids in better absorption of nutrients in their food while oxygenating their blood at a cellular level.
In addition to giving my pets Essential OMEGAS and Cellular BOOST, I give them pumpkin every morning in their food bowl. Yes, pumpkin. I have been giving my dogs pumpkin every morning in their kibble for years. Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber, it helps settle down an upset stomach , improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, prevent hairball build up and help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea.
How much pumpkin should you give your pets? I always recommend you ask your veterinarian what they recommend. For my dogs, I give them 1-2 heaping tablespoons every morning and mix it thoroughly into their food.
Why do Vet’s recommend Pumpkin?
Pumpkin can ease digestion in several ways. The soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lowers the pH level of the large intestines.
What kind of pumpkin should you use? I only use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mixture. I recommend Libby’; it’s 100% pure pumpkin. It is all natural and has no preservatives. Like Green Lipped Mussel, it is SUPERFOOD and is an excellent source of Vitamin A.
