15 Kitchen Staples That Can Improve Your Dog’s Digestion And Gut Health

When your dog’s stomach acts up, it’s stressful to watch. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to soothe their tummy and help them feel better. Choose these everyday foods to offer comfort when your pup needs it most.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin’s a gut-friendly powerhouse. Its soluble fiber smooths digestion and keeps things moving. Plus, beta-carotene and potassium give the gut a healthy boost. Most pups handle it like champs. But, to ensure that, use plain, canned pumpkin with no added sugar or spices. A spoonful can settle upset stomachs while keeping hydration levels stable.

Elm

Sounds weird, right? Slippery elm is a bark—literally! But it’s kind of magical for dogs with sour stomachs. Once you turn it into a powdery mush, it coats the stomach lining like a cozy sweater. Dogs love the taste, but dosage matters. Too much of it can affect meds or cause diarrhea.

Peppermint Tea

Mild peppermint tea can ease gas, bloating, and cramping in dogs. Safe in small amounts, it works as a muscle relaxant in the digestive tract. Cool it down and serve it plain. Avoid anything labeled “extra strength” or containing xylitol. The natural form is the most gentle.

Bone Broth

Yes, it’s another foodie trend, except this one actually helps. Bone broth isn’t just Instagram-worthy; it’s liquid gold for sick pups. It hydrates, nourishes, and soothes sore guts. And guess what? Dogs don’t care how long it simmered. They just want belly relief.

Boiled Rice And Chicken

An oldie, but a goodie. Boil rice, toss in some plain chicken, and feed small bites—no oil, no salt. It gives their digestion a break. Super easy to make, and you’d be hard-pressed to mess it up. Dogs love it, and their bellies settle down.

Honey

Remember when your grandma gave you honey for a sore throat? It turns out that pups benefit from it, too. A small lick of raw honey coats their stomach and soothes inflammation. However, avoid giving it to diabetic dogs or puppies under one year. Additionally, botulism risk is real, so use only tiny amounts.

Water

You’ll spot dehydration right away—sunken eyes, dry gums, and fatigue. Dehydration doesn’t knock; it barges in. When your dog’s gut is upset, water makes all the difference. Electrolyte-infused ice cubes or water even help keep them strong while they heal.

Chamomile

Chamomile isn’t just a human remedy—it’s great for dogs, too. When tummy troubles strike, chamomile can soothe cramps and ease nausea. Just a spoonful of cooled tea will make your pup feel more settled. It’s the kind of calm that starts in the belly and spreads.

Greek Yogurt

A small serving of plain Greek yogurt is an excellent way to improve your dog’s digestive health. Live probiotics aid in maintaining healthy gut flora. Always keep the serving size small to avoid potential issues with lactose intolerance.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel contains natural compounds that help relax the digestive tract and reduce bloating. It can be added to your dog’s food to ease discomfort. Just be cautious if your pooch has hormonal conditions or is pregnant. Fennel may not be suitable in such conditions.

Activated Charcoal

Why give your dog charcoal? Because it can absorb toxins fast, sometimes better than anything else. But it should only be administered under veterinary supervision, as improper use can mask serious issues or cause constipation. When timed right, this powder can be a lifesaver.

Licorice Root

Think of licorice root as a shield that guards the stomach lining. It calms irritation and adds a layer of protection. However, not every store-bought product is suitable. So, be sure to consult with your vet. Use only DGL licorice, which is deglycyrrhizinated and pet-safe.

Ginger

Ginger’s the spicy hero you didn’t know your dog needed. Just a tiny bit, crushed or steeped, fights nausea and gas. It’s like the canine version of your mom’s ginger ale cure but without the fizz. Who knew tummy health came in such a sassy root?

Digestive Enzyme Powder

As dogs age, they sometimes lose digestive oomph. Treats turn tricky, and that’s where digestive enzyme powders step in. Sprinkle on food, and you might notice fewer burps and less bloat. Be sure to use a formula specifically designed for dogs, not one formulated for humans.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar pulls double duty—balancing pH and aiding digestion. A tiny splash in your pup’s water can ease tummy troubles, especially after greasy treats. Start with a half teaspoon for small dogs. While it works wonders for some, it’s not for every dog. A vet’s intervention is required here as well.