Gut & digestive problems

Soft stools, gas, bloating, a sensitive stomach: digestive trouble is one of the most common things pet parents deal with. A calm, well-fed gut is the foundation for everything else.

How common is it?

Around 1 in 10 dogs (9.4%) seen in general vet practice show signs of gastrointestinal disease, and for long-running gut problems, diet changes are one of the main ways vets manage them.¹

Signs to watch for

• Diarrhoea, soft or mucusy stools
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Gas, a gurgling tummy or a bloated belly
• Picky eating, poor appetite or weight loss
• Eating grass, or straining in the litter box or on walks

Blood in the stool, repeated vomiting or a pet that seems flat and unwell needs a vet promptly.

What causes it?

Sudden diet changes, food sensitivities, stress, parasites and infections are common triggers, and some pets have a long-term condition such as chronic enteropathy. Heavily processed foods with low-quality oils and additives can also leave a sensitive gut struggling.

What you can do at home

• Change foods slowly. Mix the new food in gradually over 7 to 10 days.
• Go small and frequent while the tummy settles, rather than one or two big meals.
• Watch for dehydration. Tacky gums or skin that's slow to spring back after a gentle pinch mean it's time to call your vet.
• Skip fatty table scraps. Rich, fatty foods are a common trigger for upset stomachs and pancreatitis.
• Keep deworming on schedule, and keep a simple stool log. It helps your vet enormously.

How Optimus Pet fits in

• Easy to digest. Single-cell microalgae is broken down quickly with very little effort from the gut, which makes it gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• Feeds the good bacteria. Natural prebiotic fibre nourishes the beneficial bacteria already living in your pet's gut, helping them thrive on their own.
• Complete nutrition in small amounts. Ideal when appetite is low: protein, vitamins, minerals and omega fats without a heavy meal.

Luna's bloating, Momo's poops and Domo's tummy troubles are three of the stories families have shared with us. Watch them below.

Good to know: darker green stools in the first days are normal. That's the natural fibre and colour of microalgae. Start small and increase gradually so the gut can adjust.

Which formula?

The Blue Series is our everyday digestive support. The 60 g powder mixes straight into meals, which is handy for fussy eaters. For chronic inflammation, The Gold Series adds organic turmeric.

Working with your vet

Optimus Pet is a whole food, so it sits alongside your vet's plan rather than replacing it. Keep your vet in the loop about everything your pet eats and takes, and book a check-up whenever symptoms are new, severe or getting worse. Our nutritionists can help you fit Optimus Pet around your pet's current care, free of charge.

Sources

1. Chronic enteropathy in dogs: prevalence, impact and management