For dog owners, ensuring good gut health is often a key priority, and many of us are aware of the risks associated with dogs eating something they shouldn’t. A balanced gut microbiome ensures proper nutrient absorption and excretion of waste products, which is extremely important for a pup’s overall health. Dog owner concerns around gut health continue to grow, and online searches for terms such as “dog gut health” and “best food for dog health” have increased substantially in the past year.
The gut health industry is also growing, and a recent study also revealed that probiotics are among the most prominent dog product lines in 2025. They account for about 29% of UK pet supplement sales, due to owner concerns around their pooch’s stool quality, digestive issues, and food sensitivities.
How confident are people with their dog’s gut health in 2025?
The digestive system plays an essential role in overall health. This reaffirms the fact that keeping an eye on your dog’s gut health is essential. When it comes to being aware of our pups’ gut health, dog owners in the UK seem to be fairly clued up.
When we asked UK pet owners about their understanding of dogs’ gut health, 87% of pet owners answered that they know how to check their dog’s stool to check for gut health issues. 91% of respondents also answered that they feed their pooches gut-friendly dog food, and, reassuringly, 89% of dog owners answered that they feel confident identifying signs of poor gut health in their dog.
When it comes to talking to professionals about our pooch’s gut health, owners seem to be fully aware of the importance of bringing up this topic. 89% of dog owners answered that they had spoken about their dog’s gut issues with a vet.
Additionally, 82% of respondents also stated that they are aware of the long-term damage that gut issues can cause for dogs. Paying closer attention to the foods your dog eats and buying gut-friendly food for your pooch can help prevent them from developing health conditions. 92% of our respondents answered that they purchase gut-friendly food for their dog.
As well as being confident in how to identify dog gut issues, it is equally vital to frequently check your dog’s stool to identify any potential health problems. Reassuringly, 90% of dog owners told us that they make sure to regularly check their dog’s stool for signs of gut-related issues. So, how many of our pups have experienced gut health issues, and what types of issues are the most common?
The gut health symptoms dogs have experienced
Although unpleasant, gut health issues are one of the common causes of vet trips in the UK. So, what are the most common symptoms that owners have spotted in their dog?
Symptoms of gut health issues in dogs can show up as a change in appetite, poor stool quality, diarrhoea and vomiting, and other uncomfortable symptoms. When it comes to noticeable bloating or excessive gas, 9% of pet owners admitted their dog has experienced this.
Dogs, particularly puppies, are often driven by curiosity, boredom, or scavenging instincts that can cause them to sneak a bite or sip of something they shouldn’t. Leaving crumbs on the floor and not being careful about shutting a kitchen door when there is food accessible can also be common culprits for dogs eating something they shouldn’t.
It can be a frightening experience to realise your pooch has eaten something that is not good for them; however, rest assured that this isn’t a rare thing for dog owners to come across.
In our study, 20% of dog owners answered that their dog has experienced diarrhoea and loose stools, which proved to be the most common dog gut health issue that owners pick up on. Additionally, 10% of dog owners answered that their dog has had to go to the vets because of gut issues.
Official diagnoses of digestive disorders in dogs, however, appear to be less common. 5% of our respondents answered that their dog has been diagnosed with a specific digestive disorder by a vet.
While less common, it can also be scary when your dog suddenly loses their appetite and isn’t as eager to tuck into a tasty meal. We found that 9% of UK dog owners have experienced their dog having an inconsistent appetite or eating habits, a common symptom in dogs with an upset stomach or related gut issues.
What owners aren’t aware is bad for their dog
Although UK pet lovers seem to be conscious about their dog’s gut health and its importance, most dog owners are familiar with the experience of their pooch begging for food when the family dinner has just been served. As tempting as it can be to treat your dog to the odd tasty snack from your plate, it is important to be careful with what your dog munches. When we asked the public about their knowledge when it comes to what their dog is allowed to eat, the results were surprising.
Avocados came out on top as the food UK dog owners are the least clued up on when it comes to gut health risks for dogs. 73% of respondents answered that they aren’t aware of the risk of feeding avocados to a dog. Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can affect heart function, although, a more common concern with dogs is ingestion of an avocado stone that can cause an obstruction and result in the need for surgery. The high fat content of avocados also poses the risk of pancreatitis if consumed often.
In our study, we also found that 54% of dog owners aren’t aware that raisins are bad for their dogs. Similarly, 50% of dog owners answered that they were unaware that dogs shouldn’t eat grapes. Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, can cause kidney failure.
Other pesky ingredients that can be accidentally fed to dogs unknowingly and cause gut health issues include garlic, which is often found in sauces and isn’t always an obvious ingredient. Some dogs are more sensitive than others to certain compounds in garlic, such as thiosulfates. Sadly, these compounds can sometimes damage red blood cells and cause anaemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have the required number of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. Additionally, blue cheese should also be avoided, as the mould is a neurotoxin for dogs and can cause GI upsets, and in some cases, even seizures.
Surprisingly, pet owners were also unaware that caffeinated drinks are harmful to dogs. 65% of dog owners admitted they aren’t aware that tea is bad for dogs, and 55% of respondents answered that they aren’t mindful that coffee shouldn’t be drunk by dogs. Pooches are more sensitive than people to caffeine, and your pup sneaking a drink of tea or coffee that you left on the side may lead to increased heart rate, restlessness, and even vomiting. So, next time you have a mug of tea or coffee, you may want to consider leaving it in a spot that isn’t easily reachable for your pup.
What foods are safe to feed your dog?
Treating your dog every so often is perfectly fine, and it can be a great way to reward your pup and show them some love! However, this needs to be done with caution. If you’re unsure, it is best to choose treats specifically formulated for dogs.
As a rule, no more than 5-10% of your dog’s daily calories should be in the form of treats. Some human foods can provide healthy snacks for dogs in moderation, but every dog is different, so always check with your vet before feeding human food and invest in specific gut-friendly food for your dog if needed.
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