Signs Your Dog Needs a Gut Health Boost

Kristina Voltin
May 13
7 min read

Updated: May 13

Your dog's gut health affects more than digestion - it influences their energy, behavior, immune system, and even skin condition. Here’s how to spot issues and take action:

Key Signs of Poor Gut Health:

Digestive Issues: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or foul-smelling stool.
Behavior Changes: Low energy, mood shifts, irritability, or loss of appetite.
Coat and Skin Problems: Dull coat, excessive shedding, itching, or recurring infections.
Weight Fluctuations: Unexplained weight gain or loss despite a consistent diet.

What Causes Gut Problems?

Poor-quality diets, stress, antibiotics, or environmental toxins can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Quick Fix: Freeze-Dried Food

Switching to freeze-dried dog food can improve gut health by:

Preserving nutrients and enzymes.
Supporting digestion with prebiotics and natural fibers like pumpkin.
Avoiding common irritants like wheat, corn, and soy.

Transition gradually over 7 days to prevent digestive upset. Watch for improvements in digestion, energy, and coat condition within 2-3 weeks. If issues persist, consult your vet.

A healthy gut means a happier, healthier dog.

Common Signs of Poor Dog Gut Health

Stomach and Bowel Issues

When a dog's gut health is off, the first signs often show up in their digestive system. Keep an eye out for persistent diarrhea or constipation lasting more than 24 hours. Spotting undigested food in their stool or noticing a change in stool texture could also hint at underlying digestive troubles. If your dog's stool has an unusually foul odor, it might be a sign of gut inflammation. Additionally, vomiting after meals is another red flag that something might not be right.

These digestive issues don’t just stop at the stomach - they can influence your dog’s overall behavior and physical health.

Body and Behavior Changes

Gut problems can ripple through the body, affecting energy levels, mood, and more. Be on the lookout for:

Frequent gas and bloating: While occasional gas is normal, excessive or particularly smelly gas may signal an imbalance in the gut.
Unexplained weight changes: Sudden weight gain or loss, even with a consistent diet, might mean your dog isn’t absorbing nutrients properly.
Loss of appetite: A reduced interest in food or outright refusal to eat is a warning sign.
Low energy levels: If your dog seems unusually tired or less playful, it could be linked to gut health.
Mood shifts: Watch for irritability or signs of discomfort, which may stem from digestive issues.

If you notice persistent symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, or significant behavioral changes for more than 24 hours, it’s time to contact your vet. Severe symptoms such as rapid weight loss, extreme lethargy, or visible discomfort should be addressed immediately.

Coat and Skin Issues

Your dog’s coat and skin can often mirror what’s happening internally. Certain changes might point to gut health problems:

Skin/Coat Sign	Possible Cause
Dull, dry coat	Poor nutrient absorption
Excessive shedding	Potential food sensitivities
Persistent scratching	Possible gut inflammation
Recurring skin infections	Immune system imbalance

These outward signs are just as important as behavioral or digestive symptoms, so don’t overlook them when assessing your dog’s overall health.

Freeze-Dried Food Benefits for Dog Gut Health

How Freeze-Drying Preserves Nutrients

Freeze-dried dog food stands out for its ability to preserve nutrients, offering a significant advantage over traditional kibble. Unlike kibble, which is processed at temperatures over 300°F, freeze-drying retains up to 98% of the nutrients. This method ensures that vital enzymes and nutrients remain intact, making it easier for dogs - especially those with sensitive stomachs - to digest their food efficiently.

Natural Ingredients That Aid Digestion

Premium freeze-dried diets boast a protein bioavailability of over 90%, compared to the 60–70% found in standard dog foods. This higher level of absorption helps address common digestive issues like gas and bloating by minimizing undigested food in the gut.

Digestive Benefit	Impact on Gut Health
Higher protein bioavailability	Improved nutrient absorption
Minimal processing	Retention of natural enzymes
No artificial additives	Lower risk of gut inflammation
Limited ingredients	Easier identification of sensitivities

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often benefit from these diets, as they exclude common irritants like corn, wheat gluten, and soy. Many pet owners notice improvements in their dog's digestion within two to three weeks of switching to an additive-free, freeze-dried diet.

Prebiotics and Enzymes: Key Players in Gut Health

High-quality freeze-dried diets often include prebiotics like FOS, inulin, and MOS, which encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which strengthen the gut barrier and help keep harmful bacteria in check. Clinical observations suggest that 70–80% of dogs with chronic digestive issues show marked improvement - symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting often subside within a few weeks of making the switch [1].

Additionally, natural sources of soluble fiber, such as pumpkin and sweet potato, play an essential role in regulating digestion and supporting the growth of good bacteria. Considering that 70% of a dog's immune system is based in the gut, maintaining digestive health is critical for overall well-being.

Loyal Saints offers freeze-dried raw dog food made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients, designed to support gut health and make the transition to a healthier diet simple and effective.

How to Switch to Freeze-Dried Dog Food

7-Day Food Transition Guide

Switching your dog to freeze-dried food needs to be done gradually to keep their tummy happy and avoid digestive issues. A slow, structured 7-day transition gives their digestive system time to adjust to the new food's nutritional makeup while maintaining gut health.

Here’s a simple daily mixing guide to follow:

Days	Current Food	Freeze-Dried Food
1-2	75%	25%
3-4	50%	50%
5-6	25%	75%
7+	0%	100%

Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive upset, like a reduced appetite, gas, or changes in stool. If you notice these, stick with the current ratio for an extra day before moving forward. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, you can stretch the transition to 14 days, making smaller adjustments to the ratios.

Once you’ve transitioned the food, it’s time to focus on proper hydration and portioning - both are key to keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Water and Portion Size Guidelines

After completing the transition, follow these tips for rehydrating the freeze-dried food and determining the right portion sizes:

Rehydration: Mix the freeze-dried food with an equal amount of warm water (not hot). Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to fully rehydrate before serving. This step is essential to ensure your dog gets enough moisture with their meal.

Portion sizes depend on your dog’s weight and activity level:

Dog Size	Daily Portion (Rehydrated)	Activity Level Adjustment
Small (<20 lbs)	¼ - ½ cup per 10 lbs	Active: +20%
Medium (20-50 lbs)	½ - ¾ cup per 20 lbs	Very Active: +30%
Large (>50 lbs)	¾ - 1 cup per 30 lbs	Senior/Less Active: -20%

During the first 2-4 weeks, keep an eye on your dog’s weight and body condition. A healthy dog should have a visible waistline, and you should be able to feel their ribs without seeing them. If you notice weight changes, adjust the portion sizes as needed.

For better digestion and steady energy, divide the daily portion into at least two meals. This approach helps maintain a balanced energy level throughout the day.

Identify poor gut health in your dog

Conclusion: Better Gut Health Through Diet

The signs of an unbalanced gut - such as changes in digestion, behavior, or coat condition - highlight the need for quick dietary adjustments. Freeze-dried raw food offers a way to maintain essential nutrients and enzymes that promote proper digestion.

Loyal Saints' recipes focus on high-quality, easily digestible proteins, natural fibers to support regular bowel movements, and prebiotics, all without artificial additives. For dogs with sensitive digestive systems, transitioning to freeze-dried food can help minimize gas, improve stool quality, and even freshen breath. Keep an eye on your dog's progress, and if issues persist, consult your veterinarian.

A well-balanced gut isn't just about digestion - it leads to a happier, more energetic dog. By choosing nutrient-packed freeze-dried food and sticking to feeding recommendations, you're setting the stage for long-term health.

FAQs

What are the signs that my dog might have gut health issues?

Changes in your dog’s behavior or health can sometimes signal issues with their gut. Here are some common signs to keep an eye on:

Digestive troubles like diarrhea, constipation, or frequent vomiting
Shifts in appetite or unexplained weight loss
Low energy or noticeable lethargy
Skin issues such as itching, redness, or a dull coat
Excessive gas or bloating

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, addressing their gut health might help improve their well-being. A freeze-dried raw diet, like the one offered by Loyal Saints, could be a game-changer. Made with natural, human-grade ingredients, their recipes are crafted to provide balanced nutrition and promote healthy digestion. Plus, these veterinarian-approved meals are suitable for dogs of all ages. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.

How can switching to freeze-dried food improve my dog's gut health?

Switching to freeze-dried food can be a game-changer for your dog’s gut health, boosting digestion and helping them absorb nutrients more effectively. These diets are crafted with natural, minimally processed ingredients, which means they retain the nutrients and enzymes that keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly.

Another plus? Freeze-dried food skips the fillers and additives that often upset gut balance, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A healthier gut doesn’t just stop there - it can also mean more energy, a shinier coat, and an overall boost to your dog’s well-being.

How soon can I expect to see changes in my dog's health after switching to freeze-dried food?

The time it takes for your dog to show improvements after switching to freeze-dried food can differ based on their specific needs and current health. Typically, you might notice benefits like increased energy, a shinier coat, and improved digestion within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some dogs may take a little longer as their bodies adjust to the new diet.

To make the transition easier, gradually introduce the freeze-dried food by mixing it with their existing diet over a period of 7 to 10 days. This gradual shift helps reduce the chances of digestive upset and makes the change more comfortable for your dog. Staying consistent and offering a high-quality, balanced diet like freeze-dried raw food can play a big role in supporting your dog’s health and well-being over time.