The gut microbiome of companion animals significantly influences physical and psychological health, with diet and stress among the key determinants.
Companion animal gut health has emerged as a significant welfare consideration as research reveals the extensive influence of the microbiome on immunity, behavior, and overall health. Animals fed diverse, high-quality diets maintain more stable and diverse microbiomes associated with better health outcomes. Chronic stress alters microbiome composition through gut-brain axis signaling. Understanding and supporting gut health through diet, stress reduction, and judicious antibiotic use represents an integrated approach to companion animal welfare.