Leaky Gut In Dogs
Leaky gut, also known as gut trauma or increased intestinal permeability, is a condition that affects the gut lining of dogs. The gut lining is a barrier that separates the inside of the gut from the rest of the body, and it is designed to allow essential nutrients to pass through while keeping harmful substances out. When this barrier becomes damaged, it can allow toxins, bacteria, and other particles of food that have not been digested properly to leak into the bloodstream, leading to a host of health problems.
Also See Dysbiosis In Dogs
Natural Remedies For Leaky Gut
Fresh Food Nutrition, Supplements, Homeopathy, and Essential oils can be the key to finding solutions to heal leaky gut.
Is your dog constantly itchy? Reacting to every food or environmental trigger? Struggling with chronic gut or skin issues?
You might be dealing with Leaky Gut Syndrome — and it’s more common than most people think.
What Is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, happens when the lining of your dog’s intestines becomes damaged. This lining normally acts like a barrier, allowing nutrients to pass through but keeping toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles out of the bloodstream.
When it becomes “leaky,” the immune system goes into overdrive — and that’s when things spiral into skin issues, allergies, digestive symptoms, and even behavior problems.
What Causes Leaky Gut in Dogs?
Leaky gut is usually the result of chronic inflammation — often from a combination of factors:
Long-term use of antibiotics or NSAIDs
Food intolerances and processed diets
Environmental toxins (flea meds, pesticides, lawn sprays, etc.)
Chronic stress
Overvaccination or immune system disruption
Gut infections (like giardia, parvo, or bacterial overgrowth)
Inherited or maternal factors
Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Symptoms can vary widely and often mimic other conditions:
Diarrhea or vomiting
Gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
Weight loss or failure to thrive
Constant itching, licking, or skin rashes
Recurring ear infections
Joint pain or stiffness
Anxiety, hyperactivity, brain fog, or other behavior shifts
Leaky Gut = Leaky Brain
Gut health directly influences brain function. Many dogs with gut issues also experience stress intolerance, reactivity, fear, and even cognitive decline.
How to Start Healing Leaky Gut in Dogs
Step 1: Identify and Eliminate Triggers
Remove processed food, high-starch kibble, and synthetic treats
Avoid grains, dairy, legumes, and overused proteins like chicken or beef
Transition to a fresh, whole food diet: gently cooked or raw, using novel proteins (e.g., rabbit, duck) and easy veggies (e.g., pumpkin, zucchini)
Eliminate chemical exposures (flea/tick meds, vaccines, lawn sprays)
Create a calm environment and reduce stress through exercise, enrichment, and bonding
👉 Yes, you have the right to delay vaccines and request waivers — especially in unwell dogs. Always detox after any vaccination you choose to give.
Step 2: Support Gut Healing
Foods and Supplements That Help:
Bone Broth: rich in gelatin and collagen — 1–2 Tbsp/day
L-glutamine: supports gut lining — dosage by weight, start low
Slippery elm & marshmallow root: coat and soothe inflamed tissue
Aloe vera (inner gel): reduce inflammation — 1 tsp/20 lbs, away from meals
Prebiotics & Probiotics:
Use cautiously if SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is suspected.
Probiotics: Choose species-specific strains with no FOS
Prebiotics: chicory root, dandelion greens, or asparagus (only once stable)
Step 3: Reduce Inflammation
Turmeric: Start with a pinch, increase slowly
Omega-3s: from high-quality fish oil or flaxseed oil
Essential oils: Ginger, peppermint, DiGize — dilute 1 drop per 10 ml carrier oil and apply to the abdomen or feet
Always use pure, high-quality oils like Young Living. Not all oils are safe for dogs.
Step 4: Strengthen the Gut Lining
L-glutamine and amino acid blends
Gut-repair formulas like Biotics IPS or Xymogen GlutAloeMine
Digestive enzymes for improved breakdown and absorption
Step 5: Comprehensive Support Protocols
You don’t have to do this alone — there are excellent formulas that combine many of the above steps. One example I like is:
Adored Beast Apothecary’s Yeasty Beast Protocol, which includes:
Liver Tonic
Gut Soothe
Digestive Enzymes
Rebalancer
Homeopathic Gut Seal
But this is just one option. I’ve created a full client-only protocol that walks you through everything, step by step.
Preventing Leaky Gut in the First Place
Feed a fresh, species-appropriate diet
Rotate proteins and avoid feeding the same thing long-term
Avoid unnecessary medications and chemical exposures
Support detox pathways seasonally
Use essential oils and natural remedies to support immunity and resilience
Healing leaky gut isn’t a quick fix — but it is possible. I’ve helped many dogs recover from chronic skin issues, behavioral changes, and digestive struggles by addressing the gut first.
You don’t need to do everything at once. You just need to start.
Next Steps
👉 Join my client forum for access to:
Leaky Gut & Dysbiosis Healing Guide
Testing and supplement suggestions
Dosage guidance based on weight
Detox strategies
Real help when you hit a roadblock
You’ll also get access to other protocols (like allergy relief, liver support, anxiety, and more).
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Want even more resources, Q&A, and discussions on nutrition? Join my community forum. Free and Subscription Content.
Bes sure to view my interview with holistic Veterinarian Dr. Barb Fox
Quality product recommendations are on my affiliates list. Please consider shopping with me.