Research into the gut microbiome of dogs and cats is revealing connections between diet, microbiome composition, and physical and mental health with emerging welfare implications.
The companion animal microbiome represents a frontier in welfare science where dietary choices intersect with physical and mental health in ways not yet fully understood. Emerging evidence that gut microbiome composition influences anxiety and behaviour in dogs creates new connections between nutrition welfare and psychological welfare that were not previously recognised. This science reinforces the importance of diet quality for companion animal welfare beyond simply meeting minimum nutritional requirements. The practical implications for welfare are still being established but the direction of evidence supports diverse, minimally processed diets as welfare-positive.