Is Your Dog’s Gut the Key to Their Happiness?

I had the opportunity to attend a symposium hosted by ALLTECH and Kinetic Dog Food, where top scientists, teachers, and nutritionists shared powerful insights on pet health. At Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles, we’re always learning how to give our dogs the best start in life, and this event was eye-opening.

One big takeaway? Your dog’s gut health is one of the most important keys to their overall well-being—and even their behavior.

What I Learned at the ALLTECH Symposium

Here are 5 simple but powerful truths I took away from the experts:

1. 70% of a dog’s immune system lives in the gut.

2. 90% of health issues can be linked to gut health and microbiome imbalance.

3. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are the “trio” that keep the gut strong and balanced.

(Keep your eye out—you’re going to start seeing postbiotics coming soon. ALLTECH is developing and learning a lot about postbiotics for animal health.)

4. Good bacteria in the gut can influence mood, focus, and even trainability.

5. Diet quality matters far more than trendy labels like “grain-free” or “all-natural.”

The Gut-Brain Connection (Without the Science Jargon)

Think of your dog’s gut like a second brain. Inside the belly, there’s a bustling city of good bacteria that keep things running smoothly. When these good bacteria are happy and balanced, your dog feels better—calmer, more focused, and full of energy. But when their gut is out of whack? Hello, upset tummy, low energy, and sometimes even bad behavior.

Why Diet Matters So Much

At Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles, we’ve seen first-hand how the right diet can completely change a dog’s health and behavior. Healthy ingredients like lean proteins, good fibers (from veggies or whole grains), and healthy fats act like “fuel” for good bacteria. On the flip side, poor-quality ingredients or too many processed treats can cause an imbalance—and that’s when problems like itchy skin, loose stools, or even anxiety can show up.

Breaking Down the Pet Food Myths

The symposium cleared up some major misconceptions about pet food:

- Fresh meat vs. meat meals: Meat meals are actually more concentrated in protein and nutrients than fresh meat because fresh meat is mostly water.

- By-products aren’t bad: Organ meats like liver and heart are rich in nutrients and mimic what dogs would eat in the wild.

- Grains are not the enemy: Dogs can digest grains like rice and oats just fine. Grains can provide healthy fiber and energy.

- The “filler” myth: Ingredients like beet pulp or oats aren’t junk—they offer nutrition and gut support.

- Yeast is good: It’s packed with B vitamins and acts as a postbiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut.

What Does Gut Health Affect?

- Mood: A happy gut can help reduce stress and anxiety.

- Focus: Healthy bacteria send “good signals” to the brain, which can even improve trainability.

- Energy Levels: A balanced gut absorbs nutrients better, so your dog gets more energy from their food.

- Overall Health: A strong gut supports the immune system, skin, coat, and even joint health.

How to Feed Your Dog’s Gut (and Brain!)

1. Look for Prebiotics and Probiotics: These help build and maintain good gut bacteria.

2. Don’t Fear Ingredients Like Rice or Oats: When done right, they provide energy and fiber.

3. Include Healthy Proteins: Chicken, beef, or fish meals (not just fresh meat) offer concentrated protein for growth and muscle.

4. Add Variety: Different proteins, vegetables, and natural ingredients can help create a healthy mix of gut bacteria.

5. Consider Postbiotics: These are newer but powerful—think of them as “gut helpers” that reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

The Bottom Line

At Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles, we believe a healthy gut equals a happier, calmer, and more energetic dog. Choosing the right diet isn’t about trendy marketing—it’s about real, functional ingredients that support gut health and keep that gut-brain connection running strong.

© 2025 Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles. All rights reserved.

This content is the intellectual property of Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without written permission.