By. Dr Laura Hady
While recovering from major abdominal surgery, I am reminded how the microbes in our pets’ gastrointestinal tracts play an important role in overall health. The microbiome consists of the colonized bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses on our skin and in our bodies that have an impact in day-to-day physical functions, such as brain, digestive and immune performance. The following are some explanations for how food, microbes, and diseases interact to affect health.
- Probiotics are simply the live cultures of bacteria and/or yeasts that we often associate with foods like yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut. Bacteria from the Lactobacillus (species plantarum and casei) as well as Bifidobacterium (species bifidum and longum) top the list to keep human gastrointestinal tracts healthy. While not every dog or cat will like or even benefit from probiotics, the products that I have successfully used in my animal patients during gastrointestinal upset include the Proviable pack from Nutramax, the Fortiflora products from Purina, and the Zesty Paws probiotic bites.
- Prebiotics include the foods that feed the bacteria and yeasts, regulate digestion time, and help maintain bacterial balance in our pets’ microbiomes. Foods such as apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beet pulp, oats, and peas are fermented by the microbiome and turned into short-chained fatty acids (SCFAs), which are a source of energy for the colon. SCFAs also help to maintain the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the immune system. If seeking to change ingredients in your pet’s diet, do so slowly, mixing new foods a small amount at a time so as to not upset their balance. Many pet food companies already add the proper ratios of prebiotics into their foods, but do not eliminate whole grains as they are still important nutrient sources for the microbiome.
- The gut-brain axis is the network of communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain that affects the emotional and cognitive thought processing status of our pets. Anxiety and inflammatory disorder in pets can involve release of the stress hormone cortisol. On the flip side, dopamine, which is the feel-good reward neurotransmitter in the brain, is produced and stored in the intestines. Fortunately, the bacteria in the microbiome help to control the release of dopamine and GABA (gabba amino butyric acid), which then helps to regulate stress and anxiety. The microbiome also plays a role in the absorption of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. These nutrients are critical for proper mood, bone health, and immune system function.
Please consult your veterinary staff if you have questions about the numerous supplements and pet foods aimed at microbiome health.
