My colleagues at Fullscript, where I hold one of my online supplement stores, share many resources with me, about a wide range of health issues. Many are geared towards us humans, but a lot of the content applies to dogs as well! For example, today I share their handout entitled “4R Gut Healing Protocol.”
Many of the suggestions and findings in this handout also be applied to our dog friends. This protocol helps the body become stronger and get healthy again.
Some of the suggestions include doing the following with certain foods and other items:
- Removing
- Replacing
- Reinoculating
- Repairing
The handout notes:
“Maintaining digestive health is essential to ensure proper absorption of nutrients and support the function of other body systems, such as the immune system. The health of the gastrointestinal system, particularly the gut microbiota, even impacts mental health through its connection with the central nervous system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.”
Some of their specific suggestions include:
- Removing food additives (e.g., artificial colors, emulsifiers, salt, solvents), refined starches and sugar. Unfortunately, pet food is often full of at least some of the above.
- Address food sensitivities
- Replace undesirable foods with anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like turmeric, rosemary, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fiber rich fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, omega-3 fatty acids and more
- Reinoculate the gut with fermented foods like yogurt and probiotic supplements
- Repair with supplements as needed, including omega-3, marshmallow root, and polyphenols like quercetin, curcumin and others.
I hope you enjoy this free resource. If you are interested in applying some of the 4R Gut Healing Protocol to your dog’s life, please visit my Services page to so we can utilize the most appropriate items mentioned in the handout. Not all of them will apply, and every dog is different.
In fact, the handout specifically mentions that the recommendations and duration of the 4R protocol will vary, based on personal health status and goals. I always stress this to pet parents, as every dog is an individual. Like us, dogs have different needs, reactions and tolerances. There is no one solution or answer for everyone.
Here is a link to the full PDF handout, 4R Gut healing Protocol, courtesy of Fullscript, where you can order supplements from me at a discount.
Enjoy! ~Sarah