Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities are challenging to feed. When you switch to a limited-ingredient dog diet, you can help alleviate symptoms and support your pup in other ways!
Does your dog scratch constantly, get hot spots, or have digestive problems like diarrhea? Dogs with food allergies and sensitivities can experience a host of problems. In fact, it’s estimated that about 40% of dogs with dermatitis and itchy skin have food allergies. In other words, there’s a good chance diet could be contributing to your dog’s symptoms. When you switch to a limited ingredient dog food, it can benefit your pups’ sensitive stomachs and allergic reactions in many ways, including these seven!
1. Say Goodbye to Surprise Allergy Triggers
While it’s not always possible to pinpoint what your dog is allergic to, common ingredient list items include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and eggs. When you limit their diet, you reduce potential allergen exposure, making it easier to avoid triggers and reactions.
2. Improved Skin Symptoms
When your dog eats food that contains something they’re allergic to, it triggers an immune response that includes inflammation and a range of skin symptoms, including:
Itching
Redness
Hot spots
Paw chewing
Hair loss
Skin dryness
Rashes
Flaking
When you remove potential common allergens and irritants from their diet, it gives their immune system a chance to calm down, bringing relief from constant scratching and irritation.
3. No More Recurring Ear or Skin Infections
Food allergies cause itching and inflammation, so they can also cause recurring skin and ear infections. Inflammation can disrupt the skin barrier, so when your dog scratches, wounds form and bacteria enter, causing an infection.
4. Improved Skin and Coat Health
By stopping the allergy cycle, a limited-ingredient diet can give your dog’s skin and coat a chance to heal, especially if the diet contains quality protein sources, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Not only will symptoms cease, but they’ll also have healthier skin and a shinier, softer coat.
5. They’ll Have Better Digestion and Less Upset
Allergies and food sensitivities also cause gastrointestinal problems. Limited-ingredient dog diets usually focus on simple, highly digestible ingredients. This supports better nutrient absorption, less strain on the gut, and improved overall digestive health. What’s more, they’ll have better stool quality and fewer GI symptoms, such as:
Gas
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Bloating
Constipation
6. Overall Health Can Improve
Companies that make limited-ingredient diets typically prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients and complete, balanced diets that promote stronger energy levels and better long-term wellness. Furthermore, a limited-ingredient dog food diet supports a calmer, more balanced immune response, enabling their body to focus on maintaining total body health.
7. Their Appetite Could Return
Dogs often avoid eating when food causes stomach pain, itching, or discomfort. By contrast, when their body feels good after eating, they’ll naturally develop a stronger, healthier appetite. Therefore, one of the benefits of limited-ingredient pet food is that it eliminates triggers and can help make mealtime enjoyable again.
A Limited-Ingredient Dog Diet with Everything You Want, Nothing You Don’t
Venture recipes from Earthborn Holistic are an ideal solution for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. They feature carefully selected proteins, omega fatty acids, antioxidant-rich vegetables, probiotics, amino acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. What they don’t contain is common triggers for allergies or sensitivities, such as:
Grains
Gluten
Egg
Peas
Legumes
Lentils
Chicken
Colorants
Fillers
By-products
Artificial preservatives
Crafted in the USA using premium ingredients, Earthborn Holistic comes from a long-standing, family-owned company established in 1926. For generations, they’ve focused on nourishing food for dogs and cats with quality nutrition, protecting the environment through sustainability efforts, and giving back to communities through meaningful charitable programs.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Before we dive into a host of gut-supporting tips from functional medicine doctor Mary Pardee, N.D., let’s make one thing clear: Those with IBS, celiac disease, ulcers, or any other serious gut health concern should probably skip the general health advice and follow a more nuanced plan from their doctor.
We all know that certain foods can cause bloat, but many people don’t realize that muscle dysfunction can also contribute to bloating. Research shows that patients with bloating have diaphragm muscles1 that often tighten instead of relaxing to accommodate stomach filling. Additionally, tight pelvic floor muscles can hinder defecation, causing an uncomfortable backup.
Too often in our fast-paced culture, we are tempted to grab the pain relievers for our headaches, the heating pad for our period cramps, or the caffeine for our zapped energy, without ever stepping back and asking the million-dollar question: What is my body trying to tell me?
Consuming plenty of fiber is one of the best ways to increase the good bacteria in your gut. Certain fiber-rich foods like bananas, apples, artichokes, garlic, onions, white peaches, chickpeas, watermelon, and leeks are packed with prebiotic fiber, known to feed the good bacteria in your gut. Increasing fiber from fruits, vegetables, starches, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds is associated with an increase in good gut bacteria, can regulate blood sugar levels, and even can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases1. Pretty compelling right?
I consider myself a lowkey biohacker; I religiously track my steps, my sleep, my menstrual cycle, you name it. I’m constantly checking my heart rate and HRV, and I’m always looking for proactive ways to optimize all aspects of my health and longevity. And yet, my vaginal health is something I really only get a glimpse into at bi-annual trips to the gynecologist.
A smoothie a day is arguably one of the easiest ways to pack in loads of nutrients—many of which you can customize tailored to your health goals. Want more protein? Toss some powder in your smoothie. Looking for immune support? Load up your blend with citrus.
While Lactobacillus species often dominate a healthy vaginal microbiome, women’s exact microbial makeup seems to depend on 6factors such as age, motherhood, hormonal levels, and menstrual stage. In addition, menstrual products, contraceptives, sexual activity, partnership choices, and diet also seem to modulate the vaginal microbiome in fascinating ways.
Practice meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation and proper tone in the vagus nerve, which helps us stay relaxed10. Engage in yoga, tai chi, or qigong to combine physical activity with stress reduction. Along those lines, prioritize getting adequate, quality sleep to allow for rest and restoration of the gut-brain axis.
I’ve been on a savory breakfast kick for some years now, usually starting my day off with eggs. As the executive editor at mindbodygreen, I’ve heard many nutrition experts tout savory breakfasts for increased satiety1 and blood sugar balance. But sometimes, you need to switch things up.
Your health and well-being are constantly evolving, so the right eating pattern for you may very well change over time. One mental and physical shift you might be ready for is adding meat back into your diet. While some opt to stay vegan or vegetarian forever, others find it challenging to obtain certain nutrients on a plant-based diet, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Boost your cat’s digestive health with probiotics and prebiotics. Learn how these supplements can restore balance and improve overall well-being.
Your cat’s digestive health impacts every area of her well-being. If things are off in her gut, then she’ll likely not be feeling her best and may develop problems ranging from diarrhea to poor immune function to behavioral issues. Along with a nutritious, species-specific diet and regular veterinary care, supplementing her with probiotics and prebiotics can help support her digestive health.
Understanding probiotics and prebiotics
According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. The microorganisms include Lactobacillus acidophilus and other Lactobacillus species, and certain strains of Bacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococcus, all of which are commonly found in over-the-counter probiotic supplements.
Prebiotics, meanwhile, are typically found in high-fiber foods such as whole grains, bananas, soybeans and artichokes. They act as food for the gut microflora, and aid in digestion. They also help maintain immunity and healthy body weight, and reduce inflammation. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these particular microorganisms, which include Fructooligosaccharides (the most common type of prebiotic), Oligosaccharides, arabinogalactans and lactulose.
Fast fact: All these microorganisms are part of what’s called the gut microbiome. Found primarily in the large and small intestine, the microbiome can be thought of as another organ and consists of trillions of microorganisms co-existing peacefully within the body.
“Intestinal bacteria aid in digesting certain nutrients by providing enzymes that the body does not make on its own,” says retired veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve of LittleBigCat.com. “These organisms manufacture several B vitamins and help maintain an acidic pH in the gut. They also prevent colonization of the digestive tract by pathological (disease-causing) organisms such as Salmonella and Candida.”
When things get out of balance
Cats have notoriously sensitive digestive tracts. The bacteria in a cat’s gut microbiome have a direct effect on overall health, influencing not only digestion, but also immune system function and nutritional metabolism, as well as moods and mental health.
Fast fact: “Gut dysbiosis” describes an imbalance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria.
In addition to causing commonly-recognized cat digestive health issues such as diarrhea or vomiting, gut dysbiosis is the source of many additional illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, heart problems, pancreatitis, and even cancer.
Giving probiotics and prebiotics to your cat
It should go without saying that if your cat seems unwell, you need to take her to the vet for a checkup before giving her any supplements, including cat probiotics and prebiotics. You need to know the cause of her symptoms before trying to treat them. If your cat’s health issues turn out to be caused by gut dysbiosis, then you and your vet can take steps to correct the problem.
Veterinarian Dr. Scott Gavalet recommends the use of probiotics under two circumstances. “[They are the] first line in treating diarrhea, and to replace the good bacteria when we prescribe antibiotics,” he says. So if your cat has been on antibiotics, and/or is prone to vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or bloating in the absence of other pathologies, a probiotic can help boost her levels of good bacteria.
How to choose the cat probiotics and prebiotic supplements
The marketplace is full of digestive aids for cats, ranging from powders and capsules to treats. Most are easily added to your cat’s food without affecting the taste. Some cat food companies also include these nutrients in their recipes. When choosing probiotics and prebiotics for your own cat, it’s imperative to look for high quality products made by a reputable company.
Fast fact: The digestive systems of cats and humans are quite different, so it’s important to use a supplement specifically formulated for cats, or better still, your individual feline.
Talk to an integrative or holistic veterinarian about which products would be best for your own cat’s needs. In the meantime, here are two important points to keep in mind:
Because cats are carnivores and depend on a protein-rich diet, it’s crucial to select supplements tailored to their nutritional needs. For instance, Enterococcusand Bifidobacteriumare beneficial for cats. Enterococcus generally lives in the colon and aids in the formation of normal feces and maintaining colon health. Bifidobacterium is found in the small intestine and is responsible for improved digestion.
Prebiotics are often used in conjunction with probiotics to facilitate digestion and balance gut health. Herbalist Greg Tilford recommends herbal prebiotics because of their low risk of side effects. He notes that prebiotics can fill in the gaps by providing beneficial plant-based nutrients that cats might not be getting in their food.
Correcting and supporting your cat’s GI health will have a positive effect on her overall health and happiness. Introducing the right probiotics and prebiotics to her diet, under the guidance of your veterinarian, can balance your cat’s gut microbiome and help her feel better.
Probiotics from yogurt
Adding a probiotic to your cat’s diet can also include putting a teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt in her food each day. Yogurt contains L acidophilus, the first bacterial strain to be identified and isolated, according to Dr. Hofve. L acidophilus was initially used in the 1920s and ‘30s to treat constipation and diarrhea in human patients. It has also long been given to patients after a course of antibiotics as a way to restore normal gut flora.
Sally E. Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and behavior. She has offered her services as a feline behavior and care consultant and gives classes on cat care. Sally is the resident cat behavior expert on Tracie Hotchner’s Cat Chat radio program, and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Jenny is a San Francisco-based mbg contributor, content designer, and climate & sustainability communications specialist. She is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara. An avid open-water swimmer, Jenny has worked for healthy living and nutrition brands like Sun Basket, Gather Around Nutrition, and Territory Foods.
When I began my career in culinary nutrition, homemade sauerkraut was a dying art. Over the years while I was teaching in-person classes, I made it my mission to bring it back to my community and typically had a sauerkraut demo on the docket. Thankfully, fermented foods like sauerkraut are experiencing a popular resurgence and plenty of people are now trying it at home. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and incredibly nutritious – so there’s really no reason not to do it.
What Is Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that is combined with a brine or massaged to create its own brine, and sometimes herbs and spices. It’s generally used as a condiment on things like burgers, tacos, salads and sandwiches.
What’s The Difference Between Fermented Sauerkraut and Vinegar Sauerkraut?
The only type of sauerkraut I eat is the kind that has gone through a lactic acid fermentation process – basically fermented in naturally derived salt brine. During the fermentation process, various bacteria work on the cabbage to produce lactic acid. No special cultures, preservatives or chemicals need to be added.
Non-fermented sauerkraut is usually coated in a heated vinegar-salt brine and then canned. Often, food producers will use extra preservatives to keep it more shelf-stable and to ensure that the colours stay bright and vibrant. Most of what you’ll find in your supermarket has been pasteurized, which means all of the good bacteria have been killed. We want the good bacteria!
Canned sauerkraut has a very different taste from naturally fermented sauerkraut – the former is quite vinegary, while the latter is tangy and delightfully sour.
Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
Fermented foods like homemade sauerkraut are rich in probiotics. The word ‘probiotic’ means ‘promoting life’. Probiotics are the good guys; the beneficial bacteria we need in our gut that help keep us healthy. They support healthy digestion, immunity and our brains.
Key Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
How to Incorporate Sauerkraut in Your Diet
I like to have a little bit of fermented foods, like sauerkraut, every single day. I also give it to my son Finn, as it’s one of his favourite foods. You don’t need a ton of it – a small amount, 1 or 2 tablespoons only, will do. If you eat too much (and aren’t used to eating kraut), you may end up with diarrhea.
Serve it over avocado toast, poached eggs or omelettes
Mash it into guacamole or salsa
Don’t forget about the brine – save it to use in salad dressings or any other recipe where you’d use vinegar
Sauerkraut Troubleshooting
The recipe I’ve included in this post is very easy to make. However, I know that fermenting can be scary if you haven’t done it before! Fermentation can sometimes be a science experiment, where you don’t always know the results.
Some things to keep in mind:
The sauerkraut must be submerged in brine to prevent mold. To keep it submerged, use a rolled cabbage leaf or a fermentation puck on top.
Depending on where you live and the season (summer vs winter), fermentation can take different amounts of time. In a cold climate, it can take several weeks to ferment.
Always taste test with a clean spoon.
Don’t double-dip into your kraut. I like to make a big jar (my ‘main jar’), and then transfer to a small jar as I use it. That way, the main jar has less exposure to air or other bacteria, so it lasts longer.
Sauerkraut will change colour as it ferments.
If you get tired of massaging your kraut, leave the salt on it for about an hour before you begin massaging or pounding it. This will help naturally release the juices, cutting down on massage time.
If I see mold, I throw my kraut out. Some people like to live on the edge and just scrape it off, but if there is mold on top, there is likely mold throughout that you can’t see.
Your nose will likely tell you if sauerkraut has gone off. But when it doubt, throw it out. You can always start a new batch tomorrow.
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Texas Christian University and a master’s in nutrition interventions, communication, and behavior change from Tufts University. She lives in Newport Beach, California, and enjoys connecting people to the food they eat and how it influences health and wellbeing.
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
In
case you don’t know yet, your weight loss efforts are significantly improved
when your digestive system is healthy.
A healthy digestive system can increase the body’s metabolism and energy, which, in turn, helps us make the most of the food that we eat and the physical exercises that we do.
So,
the question is, how do you keep your digestive system healthy?
The
answer’s simple: probiotics. It’s good bacteria that are naturally present in
our bodies.
To
help with your efforts, I’m going to share with you the best probiotic for
weight loss, their pros and cons, how to choose the right supplement, and more.
A
quick disclaimer, though. There’s no way for me to know your specific health
condition and needs.
That’s
why it’s always best to consult your doctor first before taking any of the
supplements I will share below.
Don’t have the time to go through my article right now?
No
problem.
Here’s a table of my recommendations for your quick reference:
Best Probiotic for Weight Loss:
Brief Reviews
1. 60 Billion Probiotic with Prebiotic Fiber Blend by Physician’s Choice: Most Powerful Probiotic Supplement
The
first thing that you need to know about probiotics is that their potency is usually
measured through their CFUs (or colony-forming units).
Don’t
worry; I’m going to talk more about this later on in my quick buyer’s guide.
However,
for now, just keep in mind that of all the probiotic supplements that we are
going to feature today, this product by Physician’s Choice has the biggest
number of CFUs.
Unfortunately,
there’s very limited information about the company online.
In
their website’s About page, the only info that was offered was about the
quality of their product and the values of the company.
There
was no mention as to when they started and who the founders were.
As for
their product, it has 60 billion CFUs. This is the maximum strength that I have
found in the market so far.
I also
like the fact that this product is made using 10 different probiotic strains
and premium ingredients.
For
those who are wondering, this product is allergen-free. This means that no soy,
gluten, peanuts, and other components that commonly cause allergies were used.
While
the facility that this product was made from is FDA-certified, the information
that they have provided in their product pages have not been FDA-evaluated.
They
also offer no product guarantee.
PROS
Maximum CFUs per tablet
No refrigeration required
10 strains included
One month supply (30 capsules)
Hypoallergenic
CONS
Limited manufacturer information
No guarantee included
2. Probiotic Digestive Health Support Formula by Nutrition Essentials: Best-Selling Probiotic Supplement
Unlike
Physician’s Choice, Nutrition Essentials offers more information about their
company.
Apparently,
they were founded back in 2013 and have since developed their line of different
vitamins and health supplements.
Starting
with the CFU, this product contains 30 billion per capsule, which is just half
of the amount of the previous product.
Because of this, the average probiotic dose would be twice a day.
This
also explains why each bottle contains 60 tablets instead of the usual 30.
As for
allergens, it’s stated that this product contains no gluten and dairy. There
was no mention of other allergic components.
Like
the previous product, though, this supplement was also manufactured in an
FDA-certified laboratory with a blend that contains two main components.
What I
particularly like about this product is the fact that it comes with a
no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
PROS
Established brand
No refrigeration required
Gluten and dairy-free
One month supply (60 tablets)
Money-back guarantee included
CONS
Limited probiotic strains
3. Dr. Formulated Probiotics by Garden of Life: Best Probiotic Supplement for Women
Unfortunately,
there’s not a lot of information available about the company.
The
only thing that I’m sure about them is that their products are only available
within the country for now.
Also,
you won’t find BioSchwartz products in stores, as they are only available
online so as to take control of their product’s consistent quality and
distribution.
That’s
already impressive as it is, but what I like best about this is that it is the
most affordable option out there.
It’s
perfect for those who want to enjoy better digestive health but are on a tight
budget.
This
supplement contains 40 billion CFUs and four different probiotic strains.
It is
not really labeled as hypoallergenic, but this product is gluten- and
dairy-free.
Another
thing that I also appreciate about this supplement is that it uses MAKTrek
technology.
MAKTrek
tech is a delivery system that allows control over the release of the nutrients
included in the tablet.
This
means that the probiotic strains offered by this supplement will survive the
long (and acidic) journey from your mouth straight to your long intestines.
Probiotic
supplements are not focused on our gut’s health alone.
According to an article published by the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, it also improves one’s immune system, vaginal health, oral health, lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more.
Disadvantage of Taking Probiotic
Supplements
It can cause mild gas and bloat.
This
is the most common side effect of taking probiotic supplements, especially if
you don’t follow the proper dosage.
As
mentioned above, though, people have different medical conditions.
Thus,
in order to make sure that you won’t suffer from a more serious side effect,
please consult your doctor before taking it.
Final Thoughts on the Best Probiotics for Weight Loss
It is
the most potent of all the probiotic supplements that I have tried, and it only
requires taking a single tablet each day.
Aside
from that, it also has five different probiotic strains and is completely
hypoallergenic.
If I
really have to choose another one, though, that would be the Probiotic
Digestive Health Support Formula by Nutrition Essentials.
It’s a
great product to get started on probiotics with because if it doesn’t work for
you, then you’ll be pleased to learn that it comes with a money-back guarantee!
The
bottom line is, it would still boil down to your specific health needs.
Just do a quick research about the benefits of the specific strains in your chosen supplement, consult your doctor before taking it, and you’ll be fine.
And if you want more resources about weight loss, be sure to check out these blog posts:
