Dog Gut Health Supplement: Science-Backed Support

Dog Gut Health Supplement: Science-Backed Support

Discover the science behind the Marleybones Dog Gut Health Supplement in this vet-written article by Dr. Davide Stefanutti, DVM, PhD – Veterinary Nutritionist. Learn how 10 active ingredients work together in a synergistic formula to support digestion, balance the gut microbiome, improve stool quality, and strengthen your dog’s immune system.

A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy dog — and a happy owner. Yet digestive problems such as loose stools, constipation, excessive gas, and general discomfort are becoming increasingly common in dogs today. These issues don’t just affect your dog’s wellbeing; they can also impact day-to-day life at home.

The Marleybones Dog Gut Health Supplement addresses these concerns through a synergistic blend of scientifically backed ingredients. Each ingredient is carefully selected based on veterinary research to support gut function from multiple angles!

    1. Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS) – Prebiotic & Immune Support
    2. Dried Pumpkin - Natural Fibre for Stool Quality 
    3. Chicory Root Extract - Inulin for Healthy Gut Flora
    4. Dried Apple - Firmer & Less Smelly Stools!
    5. Linseed (Flaxseed) - Bowel Regularity
    6. Yucca Extract - Reduces Flatulence! 
    7. Yeast Extract – Immune Boosting
    8. Psyllium Husk - Anti-Diarrhea and Anti-Constipation
    9. Bentonite Clay – Natural Detox for the Gut
    10. Dandelion Leaf – Digestive Efficiency Support

10 Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

1. Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS) – Prebiotic & Immune Support

    • What it is: Special fibres from yeast cell walls that travel through the stomach and small intestine undigested.
    • How it helps: Once in the colon, they act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. At the same time, they help block harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. This supports a balanced gut flora and a stronger immune system!

2. Dried Pumpkin - Natural Fibre for Stool Quality 

    • What it is: A natural source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
    • How it helps:
      • Soluble fibre absorbs water in the gut, improving stool consistency.
      • Insoluble fibre adds bulk, supporting regular bowel movements.
      • This clever double action means pumpkin can help with both loose stools and constipation!

3. Chicory Root Extract - Inulin for Healthy Gut Flora 

    • What it is: A rich natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre.
    • How it helps: Inulin feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce compounds that lower the pH in the colon. This encourages nutrient absorption and improves digestion overall.

4. Dried Apple - Firmer & Less Smelly Stools!

    • What it is: A natural source of fermentable fibre, especially pectin.
    • How it helps: When fermented in the colon, pectin produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. Butyrate fuels the cells lining the gut, keeping them strong and healthy. Apple fibre also reduces ammonia and other irritating by-products. The overall result is that dogs can pass firmer and less smelly stools!

5. Linseed (Flaxseed) - Bowel Regularity

    • What it is: A seed packed with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
    • How it helps:
      • Soluble and insoluble fibre work together to improve stool quality and support regular bowel movements!
      • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3, reduces inflammation and supports long-term health. ALA is essential for puppies - but adult and senior dogs benefit too.

6. Yucca Extract - Reduces Flatulence! 

    • What it is: Extract from the Yucca schidigera plant, rich in natural saponins and polyphenols (which have a beneficial effect on nitrogen in the gut - aka flatulence)! 
    • How it helps: Studies in dogs show yucca extract lowers faecal ammonia and intestinal gas. This means less flatulence and less unpleasant stool odour!

7. Yeast Extract – Immune Boosting

    • What it is: A natural source of beta-glucans.
    • How it helps: Beta-glucans interact with immune cells in the gut, priming a stronger and more balanced immune response. This keeps dogs healthier and more resilient!

8. Psyllium Husk - Anti-Diarrhea and Anti-Constipation

    • What it is: Psyllium husk is one -if not - the best soluble fibre for stool control! In the intestine, it absorbs water and forms a gel, improving stools consistency. 
    • How it helps:
      • For loose stools, it absorbs excess water and firms them up!
      • For constipation, it adds moisture and makes stools easier to pass!
      • This makes psyllium one of the most effective fibres for maintaining regular digestion.

9. Bentonite Clay – Natural Detox for the Gut

    • What it is: A mineral-rich clay with natural binding properties.
    • How it helps: It attracts and binds to toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful compounds, safely carrying them out of the body. This detoxifying action supports overall gut health!

10. Dandelion Leaf – Digestive Efficiency Support

    • What it is: A fibre-rich herb with beneficial phytochemicals.
    • How it helps:
      • Stimulates bile flow, improving fat digestion.
      • Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds for gut comfort.
Why the Formula Works Best in Combination

These 10 ingredients are most effective when used together in a synergistic formulation strategy, like in the Marleybones Gut Health Supplement.

While each ingredient provides individual benefits, their combined action creates a comprehensive approach to supporting canine digestion and overall gut health.

All in the form of a convenient daily chew - no extra effort of hiding pills or powder at mealtimes. Win win.

Key benefits include:

    • Balancing gut bacteria with prebiotics and fermentable fibres
    • Supporting regular bowel movements through soluble and insoluble fibre
    • Improving stool quality and reducing odour with pumpkin, apple, psyllium, and yucca
    • Enhancing nutrient uptake by lowering gut pH and improving absorption
    • Boosting the immune system with yeast-derived beta-glucans
    • Providing detox and anti-inflammatory support with bentonite clay, linseed, and dandelion leaf

Because gut microbiota need time to adapt, improvements usually build gradually over a few weeks. With continued use, this synergistic formula helps maintain long-term digestive comfort and resilience.

About the author Dr. Davide Stefanutti, DVM, PhD - Veterinarian Nutritionist
Dr. Davide Stefanutti plays a key role at Marleybones. With a Veterinary degree and a PhD in Veterinary Nutrition, Davide specialises in preventive medicine and sustainable pet nutrition. Davide's evidence-based approach ensures the highest standards in our meal and supplement recipes, helping your pets thrive while combating misinformation in the field.

Treat your pup to the best.

Marleybones offers nutritious, fresh meals for your beloved friend.