Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, refers to a change in the intestinal lining that allows substances to pass through the gut barrier more easily than they normally would. It is an area of growing interest in animal health and may be associated with digestive disturbances, inflammation and immune system responses.
A range of factors may contribute to impaired gut health in dogs and cats, including chronic inflammation, poor diet, certain medications, bacterial imbalances (dysbiosis), parasites, food sensitivities and underlying health conditions.
A holistic approach focuses on supporting the gut through appropriate nutrition, digestive support, stress management and targeted supplementation, while also addressing any underlying factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet is one of the foundations of a holistic approach to gut health. Providing a balanced, species-appropriate diet can help support digestion, nutrient absorption and the normal function of the intestinal lining.
For dogs, a suitable natural diet should provide high-quality animal proteins, appropriate fats, essential nutrients and suitable sources of fibre.
For cats, a species-appropriate diet based on animal proteins is particularly important. Cats have specific nutritional requirements, so their diet must provide the essential nutrients they need for long-term health.
Some animals may also benefit from reviewing their current food ingredients and feeding routine, particularly if digestive symptoms appear to worsen after eating certain foods. Any fresh-food diet should be nutritionally balanced for the individual animal.
Herbal Remedies
Several herbs have traditionally been used in naturopathic practice to soothe the digestive tract and support gastrointestinal health. These include herbs found in our Herbal GUT Tonic.
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Slippery elm: Traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract and support comfort when the gastrointestinal lining is irritated.
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Marshmallow root: Contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes.
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Licorice root: Traditionally used to support digestive comfort and help manage inflammation. Its suitability depends on the formulation, dose and individual animal.
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Chamomile: Known for its calming properties and traditionally used to support digestive comfort, particularly where stress may contribute to digestive upset.
Herbal support should be selected according to the animal's individual needs, taking into account its size, health, medications and other supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help support a healthy inflammatory response and are an important part of overall health.
Sources include fish oil, flaxseed oil and chia seeds.
Fish and krill oils provide the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Flaxseed and chia mainly provide ALA, which dogs and cats convert to EPA and DHA less efficiently. Choosing an appropriate source depends on the animal's diet and individual requirements.
Including suitable omega-3 sources in a balanced feeding plan may help support general health and normal inflammatory processes.
Stress Reduction
Stress can affect digestion and gut function in dogs and cats. Supporting emotional wellbeing is therefore an important part of a holistic approach to digestive health.
Provide your pet with a comfortable, secure environment, regular opportunities for exercise and play, and access to fresh air and natural light where appropriate. Predictable routines and positive interactions can also help reduce unnecessary stress.
For animals that are anxious, natural calming remedies may be worth considering as part of an individual support plan. Appropriate positive canine training techniques can also help address ongoing behavioural triggers.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissues and can provide collagen-derived proteins, gelatine and amino acids.
It can be a useful addition to a dog's or cat's diet, providing extra flavour and variety while contributing nutrients that support normal body functions. Bone broth may be particularly useful for encouraging animals with reduced appetites to take in additional fluids and food.
Although bone broth is not a treatment for intestinal permeability on its own, it can form part of a broader nutritional approach to supporting digestive health.
Probiotics, Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes
The gut microbiome plays an important role in digestion and overall health. Probiotics provide beneficial microorganisms, while prebiotics provide substrates that help support certain beneficial gut bacteria.
Appropriate prebiotic and probiotic supplements may help support a healthy microbial balance. Different strains and formulations have different functions, so choosing a product suited to the animal and its needs is important.
Some people also use fermented foods, such as small amounts of plain sauerkraut, as part of a natural feeding approach. If considering sauerkraut, it must be free from onion, garlic and other unsuitable ingredients, and should be introduced cautiously. Raw apple cider vinegar is another traditional addition to some feeding routines, but it is not a substitute for a probiotic supplement.
Digestive enzymes may be useful in selected circumstances to assist with the breakdown of food. They are not automatically necessary for every animal eating cooked or processed food, so consider the individual diet and digestive needs before supplementing.
Gut Health Support: Supplements to Consider
Alongside a balanced, species-appropriate diet, targeted supplements may help support digestive function, the gut microbiome and normal intestinal barrier function.
The following products offer different types of support, depending on your pet's individual needs.
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Greenpet Herbal GUT Tonic – A herbal blend designed to support digestive and gastrointestinal health.
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Greenpet Vitagest – A blend containing colostrum, slippery elm bark, seaweed, marshmallow, chamomile, rosehip, L-glutamine and MSM to support gut health.
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Natural Pet Supplements Gut Restore – A gut-support formula containing animal-specific prebiotics and probiotics, intended to support the intestinal lining and a healthy microbiome.
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Synbiotic 180-S – A combination of nine probiotic strains, the prebiotic inulin and digestive enzymes for dogs and cats.
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Greenpet Organic Bone Broth – Available in beef, chicken and lamb varieties as an addition to your pet's diet.
Not every animal needs all these supplements. Choosing products based on your pet's diet, symptoms and individual requirements is generally more useful than adding several products at once.
A Holistic Approach to Gut Health
Supporting gut health in dogs and cats involves looking at the whole animal, not just the digestive symptoms. Diet, the gut microbiome, stress, environmental influences and individual nutritional needs can all be important considerations.
A holistic plan may include reviewing the current diet, selecting appropriate herbal support, considering prebiotics and probiotics, and making changes to help reduce ongoing stress. The aim is to support normal digestive function and overall wellbeing while considering the factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in the stools, unexplained weight loss or a significant change in appetite should be investigated promptly, as these signs can indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
If you would like help choosing an approach suited to your pet, you can request an online naturopathic consultation.
For simpler questions, complete our complimentary Ask Our Naturopath questionnaire.