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Gut health is one of the most critical aspects of overall health. With over 70% of your pet’s immune system residing in their digestive tract, supporting the gut is one of the most impactful things you can do to help them thrive.
Why Gut Health Matters
The digestive system relies on a thriving community of microorganisms, called the microbiome. High quantities of friendly bacteria keep harmful bacteria in check, regulate inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and even influence hormone balance and nutrient absorption. When the gut is imbalanced, inflammation can run rampant, which has been linked to issues like allergies, obesity, thyroid imbalances, chronic pain, and weakened immunity.
That’s where natural probiotics for dogs come in.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria and yeasts) that help balance your pet’s gut microbiome. They support digestion, reduce inflammation, prevent diarrhea or constipation, regulate hormones, and boost immune function. Scientists continue to discover thousands of probiotic strains, linking them to improvements in conditions ranging from digestive disorders to allergies and even mental health.
Some excellent sources of natural probiotics for dogs include:
- Raw goat milk – A probiotic powerhouse, raw dairy products are also rich in digestive enzymes. Unpasteurized goat milk contains over 200 naturally occurring strains of probiotics, along with prebiotics.
- Fermented foods – Fermentation increases the probiotic content of foods. Ingredients like cultured vegetables or fermented supplements can be added to your pet’s bowl. Fore more details, read our blog on fermentation!
- Raw dog food – Fresh raw food like Steve’s Real Food that hasn’t been sterilized or processed with heat naturally contains probiotics.
What Are Prebiotics?
If probiotics are the beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are their fuel. Prebiotics are fibrous plant materials that pass undigested into the gut, where probiotics feed on them. Without prebiotics, probiotics cannot thrive.
Sources of prebiotics include:
- Inulin (chicory root)
- Apples
- Collard greens
- Flaxseed and kelp
- Dandelion greens and bananas
Steve’s Real Food incorporates many of these naturally prebiotic-rich foods into their recipes. Feeding a fresh diet high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and botanicals ensures your pet’s microbiome has what it needs to flourish.
What Are Postbiotics?
When probiotics consume prebiotics, they produce beneficial compounds called postbiotics. Many of the health benefits we attribute to probiotics actually come from postbiotics—things like short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid), vitamins B and K, and amino acids. These help regulate the immune system, improve nutrient absorption, and provide essential building blocks for overall health.
Inflammation, Diet, and Gut Health
High-carb, high-sugar, and heavily processed foods (for both pets and humans) often lead to chronic inflammation and weakened digestive systems. Over time, this cycle erodes the gut lining, allowing toxins and yeast to leak into the body. By feeding a whole-food, raw diet rich in natural probiotics for dogs and supportive prebiotic fibers, you can help restore balance, lower inflammation, and strengthen your pet’s immune defenses.
A Convenient Solution: Protein Bites
To make gut health simple and effective, Steve’s Real Food partnered with Gussy’s Gut and Dr. Ian Billinghurst (“Father of Raw Food”) to create Protein Bites—freeze-dried treats made with 20% wild-fermented superfoods. These treats use meat as the delivery system for prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Fermentation naturally boosts probiotic content, while the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and botanicals provide prebiotic fibers. The result is a convenient, shelf-stable treat that acts as a gut health powerhouse.
Bottom line
Gut health equals overall health. By incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics into your pet’s diet—especially through whole, raw foods and natural probiotics for dogs—you’re supporting their digestion, immunity, and long-term vitality.
