The Gut Microbiome

Your dog's gut microbiome consists of trillions of tiny organisms that live in their gastrointestinal tracts. The microbiota of your dog is extremely flexible because of age, environment, and heredity. Dietary modifications have a major effect on the gut microbiome's makeup and how it absorbs fat, protein, and carbs, which in turn has an impact on the body's overall health and biological processes. 

The ratio of macronutrients in the food and the body's ability to digest those nutrients determine the composition of the microbiota. To allow the intestinal flora in your dog's stomach to adjust to the shift, it is imperative that you gradually modify its diet. Your dog's gut bacteria may have trouble digesting raw food (heavy in protein and fat) if you go from a kibble-rich, carbohydrate-rich diet to one that is entirely raw, which could cause diarrhea or other GI tract issues.

An imbalance in gut flora is the source of the condition known as dysbiosis. Unbalances in the gut flora directly impact the operation of the immune system. Antibiotic use drastically reduces the diversity and richness of the gut flora, which is a major cause of dysbiosis. Dog dysbiosis has been connected to neurological conditions, cancer, GI tract issues, obesity, and metabolic problems.

Since the gut microbiota comprises 70–90% of the body's immune system, it plays a major role in immune system support. The mucosa of the GI tract contains gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), which is a source of immune system cells such as lymphocytes, T-cells, and B cells. The GALT controls the local synthesis of antibodies as they are released into the intestinal lumen and subsequently into the circulation.

Allergies stem from immune system functions. A large number of "food allergies" are actually dysbiosis-related food intolerances.  Undigested macronutrients, particularly proteins, can cause inflammatory responses in the skin, sinuses, and gastrointestinal tract because the immune system will perceive them as allergens.

The type of diet your dog is eating—raw versus commercial kibble, for example—has a big impact on the composition of the gut microbiota. When dogs are fed raw, more natural food, their microbial composition is far more varied and abundant than when dogs are fed kibble. When bacteria in their communities grow more regularly on raw foods, your dog's body produces more neurotransmitters and other important chemicals that are essential to his health and well-being! 

Faith Samford Rogers           

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