The microbiome under the microscope
The microbiome under the microscope
The importance of microbe balance in relation to nutrition and health
The microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms that live in and on the body. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbes reside in the gastrointestinal tract where they play vital roles in digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
One of the most important roles of the microbiome is to aid in digestion. Many components of commercial and natural pet diets cannot be fully broken down by digestive enzymes alone and so gut bacteria step in. Bacteria help to ferment fibres and carbohydrates, producing beneficial products like short-chain fatty acids which nourish the intestinal walls and reduce inflammation. Bacteria also contribute to the creation of vitamins and supports the metabolism, boosting energy production.
A balanced microbiome reduces the risk of gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, bloating, and inflammatory bowel disease. The microbiome also influences nutrient absorption and metabolism. Beneficial bacteria can help breakdown nutrients and make them more available for the body, ensuring they absorb what the need from the food.
Conversely, an unhealthy microbiome can contribute to malnutrition or obesity by disrupting these normal metabolic processes. The microbiome is also closely tied to the immune system. In fact, nearly 70-80% of a pet’s immune system is controlled by the gut. The microorganisms present help to “train” the immune system to distinguish between harmful pathogens and substances and tell the body
to react appropriately.
This can help prevent infections and autoimmune disorders where the pet’s immune system may mistake its own bodily cells for harmful ones. However, pets with an imbalanced microbiome (a state called dysbiosis) are more likely to suffer from various diseases.
Dysbiosis has been linked to a wide range of additional health problems, including skin allergies, chronic inflammation, diabetes, kidney disease and other recurrent illnesses.
There is growing evidence of a strong gut-brain connection (known as the gut-brain axis). This suggests that microbes in the gut produce chemical signals like serotonin and dopamine which influence mood and behaviour.
Therefore, imbalances in the microbiome may be associated with anxiety, depression and behavioural issues in both cats and dogs, and supporting gut health through an appropriate diet may have both emotional and psychological benefits.
Supporting the microbiome through proper diet and care is a proactive way to reduce disease risk. However, the microbiome is sensitive and can be disrupted by a number of factors. Antibiotics, stress, poor quality diets and environmental toxins are to name but a few of the factors that can influence the microbiomes efficacy. If it is suspected that the microbiome is out of balance, there are a number of steps that can be taken to improve this, and therefore the pet’s overall quality of health and life.
To promote a healthy gut microbiome, pets should eat high quality, species appropriate diets that have been discussed in consideration with their lifestyle in mind. Probiotics and prebiotics can be considered in order to restore and maintain microbial balance. The microbiome is a cornerstone of feline and canine health. Supporting it through mindful nutrition and care not only enhances digestion and immunity but also overall vitality and wellbeing. I
f you have concerns about your pet’s health, please consult your veterinary practice. If you would like to discuss how to improve your pets quality of life through nutrition and support of the gut microbiome, please get in touch with me.
Bibliography
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Jewell, D. E., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2020). The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal
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