In our previous blog, we explored the fascinating gut-brain axis and how your pet’s digestion and emotions are deeply connected. Rather than masking symptoms with a quick fix, the real solution lies in nurturing your pet’s gut from the inside out. Because the gut and brain are deeply connected, the foods your dog or cat eats don’t just affect digestion; they also influence mood, stress response, and behavior. A holistic, whole-food approach gives the body the building blocks it needs to heal, restore balance, and thrive emotionally as well as physically.
Let’s break down the food strategies that science supports:
1. Feed Fresh, Whole Foods
A fresh, species-appropriate diet is one of the most effective ways to restore gut balance. Research shows that whole-food diets can positively shift the gut microbiome, reduce oxidative stress, and support immune health in dogs and cats. Unlike heavily processed kibble, whole foods provide natural antioxidants, vitamins, and fibers that fuel healthy bacteria in the gut.
The Original CrockPet Diet™ is a home-cooked, whole-food recipe designed to deliver optimal nutrition in a gentle, digestible way. With ingredients like lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and gut-friendly fiber, it’s a perfect example of how fresh food can support both gut and brain health.
2. Supplement with Polyphenols, Prebiotics, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Scientists have studied how certain foods can actually help calm stress in dogs by supporting their gut health (Ephraim et al., 2022). In this study, senior dogs were given a diet with fish oil (rich in omega-3s) and a special blend of veggies and fruit skins. After just 30 days, the dogs had lower levels of a gut chemical called 4-EPS, which is linked to anxiety. They also showed more of the “good bacteria” in their gut that are often missing in anxious pets.
Simply put, the right foods can help your dog’s body produce fewer stress signals and more calming ones.
Here’s how you can bring those benefits to your pet’s bowl:
-
Polyphenols (found in colorful fruits and veggies like blueberries, spinach, and carrots) help fight inflammation and support a healthy gut environment.
-
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish like sardines or salmon, or high-quality fish oil) are known to reduce inflammation and support brain function. A great option for pets is our Omega Pawz, featuring EPA and DHA with a pet-friendly lemon flavor.
-
Prebiotics (like pumpkin, chicory root, or leafy greens) act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, helping them thrive and outcompete harmful microbes. You can also give your pet a boost with Adored Beast Prebiotics & Probiotics, designed to support a strong and balanced gut microbiome.
3. Probiotics for Gut and Brain Health in Dogs and Cats
Probiotics add beneficial bacteria back into the gut, which may help restore balance and reduce inflammation. They’ve been shown to lower stress markers like cortisol, improve digestion, and even influence the production of calming brain chemicals. For pets struggling with anxiety, probiotics can make a noticeable difference in mood and resilience.
Some of the most beneficial probiotic strains for pets include:
-
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – known for lowering stress hormones and supporting gut-brain communication.
-
Bifidobacterium longum – studied for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety-like behaviors.
-
Bacillus subtilis (HU58) – a hardy, spore-based probiotic that survives stomach acid and supports gut immune health.
-
Bacillus licheniformis (SL-307) – helps with digestion and promotes a healthy microbial balance.
-
Pediococcus acidilactici – supports nutrient absorption and helps regulate the gut environment under stress.
These can be given as high-quality pet probiotic supplements, or in some cases through fermented foods like kefir or plain, unsweetened yogurt (always check with your vet before adding new foods).
For a reliable option, you can try spore-based probiotics like FidoSpore® (pet-specific) or MegaSporeBiotic® (human-grade, but used with veterinary guidance) since they contain Bacillus strains that are especially resilient and effective.
4. Digestive Enzymes
Sometimes the gut needs a little help breaking food down. Digestive enzymes support nutrient absorption, reduce gas and bloating, and take the burden off the digestive system. When the gut is working efficiently, it can better communicate with the brain, helping your pet feel calmer and more comfortable.
Examples of helpful digestive enzymes for pets:
-
Protease – breaks down proteins for easier digestion.
-
Amylase – helps digest carbohydrates.
-
Lipase – supports the breakdown of fats.
-
Cellulase – helps digest plant fibers that pets may otherwise struggle with.
A blend like CellCore CT-Zyme provides key enzymes such as protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, and bromelain, helping pets digest food better, absorb nutrients, and stay more comfortable.
Natural food sources of digestive enzymes include pineapple (bromelain), papaya (papain), and fermented vegetables. Supplements are also available and often blended for pets with sensitive stomachs.
Conclusion
Your pet’s gut and brain are in constant conversation, and when one is out of balance, the other often suffers too. By understanding the gut-brain axis, you can see why tummy troubles and behavior changes are often linked—and why nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have to support both. From fresh, whole foods to probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3s, and digestive enzymes, every choice you make for your dog’s or cat’s bowl has the potential to influence not just their digestion, but also their mood, stress response, and overall happiness.
Supporting gut health means supporting emotional well-being. With the right diet and supplements, you can help your furry friend feel calmer, more resilient, and healthier from the inside out.
FAQs About the Gut-Brain Axis in Pets
1. Can antibiotics affect my pet’s gut-brain balance?
Yes. While antibiotics can be life-saving, they also wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut. This disruption can trigger digestive upset, lowered immunity, and even mood or behavior changes. If your pet needs antibiotics, supporting recovery with probiotics and gut-friendly foods can help restore balance.
2. How long does it take to see changes in my pet’s behavior after improving their gut health?
Every pet is different, but many owners notice small improvements (like calmer behavior or better stool quality) within 2–4 weeks of consistent dietary support. Bigger shifts, like reduced anxiety or skin improvement, may take 2–3 months as the microbiome rebuilds and stabilizes.
3. Are some breeds more prone to gut-brain issues?
Yes. Breeds with sensitive digestion (like German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, and Siamese cats) or those predisposed to anxiety (such as Border Collies or Chihuahuas) may show stronger gut-brain links. However, any dog or cat can be affected if their gut health is compromised.
4. Can I use human probiotics or supplements for my pet?
Yes, but only under the guidance of a veterinarian. While some human probiotic strains overlap with those that benefit pets, the dosage and formulation are different. Pets have unique gut environments, and certain additives in human supplements may be unsafe. For safety and effectiveness, always consult your vet before using human-grade probiotics or supplements with your dog or cat.
