How to Improve Your Pet’s Gut Health on a Budget

Is your pet struggling with digestive issues or itchy skin, and you’re tired of expensive vet visits that don’t solve the problem? What if I told you that you can start fixing your pet’s gut health today, without breaking the bank?

I’m Dr. Katie Woodley, a holistic veterinarian, and I help pet parents like you all over the world figure out the root cause of their pet’s gut and skin health issues in our Healthy Holistic Pet for Life Blueprint Program. Below, I’m sharing five powerful, budget-friendly ways to support your pet’s gut health using my 5 Pillars of Health framework.

Why Gut Health Matters

When your pet’s gut is balanced, you’ll see:

• Fewer vet bills
• Fewer tummy troubles
• A better mood
• Healthier skin and coat

In fact, a 2019 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs suffering from chronic enteropathy (gut issues) showed improved stool quality and reduced GI inflammation after both dietary changes and probiotic supplementation. Because over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut (Ni & Chow, Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2020), a well-functioning gut is key to preventing chronic issues like hot spots and allergies.

1. Nutrition: The Foundation of a Healthy Gut

Why Quality Food Matters

Nutrition is one of the most important factors in reducing inflammation, preventing chronic disease, and minimizing future vet bills. While it’s tempting to save money by choosing low-cost, filler-heavy pet foods, these can ultimately lead to more health problems—and bigger expenses—in the long run. A 2021 review in Animals suggests that higher-quality proteins and fewer fillers significantly improve gut microbiome diversity, resulting in better overall health.

A study in Nature also showed that feeding a non-processed meat-based diet and giving the dog human meal leftovers and table scraps during puppyhood (2–6 months) and adolescence (6–18 months) were protective against chronic enteropathy later in life.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Better Nutrition

• Gradual Upgrades: Start mixing in higher-quality kibble or fresh foods—like lean meats, cooked veggies, blueberries, or bone broth—to improve digestion.
• Choose Nutrient-Dense Brands: Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm, WeFeedRaw, or Viva Raw are excellent minimally processed options for those who can afford it.
  • Grab our FREE nutrition and gut health guide here: https://bit.ly/free-gut-health-guide
• Small Changes, Big Impact: Even adding a few fresh ingredients regularly can make a difference, reducing inflammation and boosting gut health.

Remember, nutrition is just one of the 5 Pillars of Health in my Healthy Holistic Pet for Life Blueprint Program. If your pet’s environment is toxic or they’re stressed, gut issues can continue—even if you’re feeding the best diet possible.

2. Stress Management: A Powerful (and Free) Tool

Stress disrupts the gut-brain axis, increasing cortisol levels and leading to issues like vomiting or diarrhea. In a 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, dogs with anxiety-related behaviors also had higher incidences of GI upset.

Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Reduce Pet Stress

• Sniff Walks & Puzzle Feeders: Stimulate your pet’s mind and lower anxiety.
  • Here are a few of our favorite environmental enrichment games for pets: 
    • Pet Snuffle Mat
    • Puzzle Games
    • Cat Enrichment Toys - Our cats love this toy!
• Natural Calming Herbs: Chamomile, ashwagandha or valerian root can be very soothing.
  • Mountain Rose Herbs is a great source for organic herbs, especially in bulk. 
  • Make sure to check out our other resource on how to create an indoor herb garden, especially for your cats: How Herbs Can Heal Your Cat
• Create a Routine: Consistency in mealtimes, walks, and play sessions.
• Nature Walks: They’re free and help reduce stress for both you and your pet.

3. Detox & Environment: Reducing Toxic Load

Toxins in your pet’s environment can lead to inflammation and compromise gut health over time. A 2020 report by the Environmental Working Group found that pets can carry higher concentrations of certain chemicals—like heavy metals and flame retardants—than humans do.

Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home

• Filter Your Pet’s Water: Use carbon or reverse-osmosis filters to remove contaminants.
  • Berkey Water filter is an easy, affordable option to use at home. 
• Switch to Pet-Safe Cleaners: Vinegar and water or castile soap are great non-toxic options.
• Avoid Artificial Preservatives: Choose treats and foods without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This also goes for supplements!
• Wash Bowls & Bedding Weekly: Use hot water to minimize bacteria and pathogens.

You can also add fresh foods to support natural detox pathways. Broccoli sprouts (grown at home), steamed broccoli, and other cruciferous veggies like brussel sprouts can support the different phases of detoxification in your pet’s body. These are easy to use seed sprouting kits we use at home. 

4. Immune Support: Harnessing the Power of Food

A 2017 study in Frontiers in Immunology highlighted how fermented foods and probiotics can enhance the immune response in mammals. Consider these budget-friendly immune boosters:

• Bone Broth: Great for gut healing.
  • Here's a few brands we love and use personally: 
    • Green Juju
    • Native Pet
    • Honest Kitchen
• Fermented Foods: Small amounts of sauerkraut or fermented veggies. Less is more because these foods are packed with natural beneficial probiotics. 
  • Green Juju offers this for pets!
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Pumpkin or butternut squash to help good bacteria thrive due to the prebiotic properties. 

5. Budget-Friendly Supplements for a Healthy Gut

You don’t need them all at once—start with what fits your pet’s unique needs and rotate as necessary. Here are my top budget-friendly picks with general dosing guidelines. Always consult your holistic veterinarian for precise dosing based on your pet’s size, age, and health status.

1. Standard Process Zypan

• What It Does: Helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Why It’s Important: Pets often struggle with producing enough digestive enzymes as they age, and many have compromised stomach acid from antacid use. Supporting digestion with an enzyme is a game-changer (Smith et al., J. Vet. Sci., 2019).

Suggested Dosing

• Small pets (<20lbs): 1/4 to 1/2 tablet with each meal.
• Medium pets (20-50lbs): 1/2 tablet with each meal.
• Large pets (>50lbs): 1 tablet with each meal.

(Always monitor for changes in stool consistency or digestive upset, and adjust accordingly.)

2. Standard Process ProSynbiotic

• What It Does: Balances gut microbiome with pre- and probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Saccharomyces boulardii, and inulin).
• Usage Tip: Great for restoring gut health, especially post-antibiotics. For everyday long-term use, rotate with fermented foods to avoid potential microbial imbalances.

Suggested Dosing

• Small pets (<20lbs): 1/2 capsule per day.
• Medium pets (20-50lbs): 1 capsule per day. 
• Large pets (>50lbs): 2 capsules per day. 

3. Standard Process Betafood

• What It Does: Made primarily with beet juice concentrate to support liver and gallbladder function, helping prevent fat malabsorption that can cause diarrhea or acid reflux (Standard Process, 2021).

Suggested Dosing

• Small pets (<20lbs): 1 tablet per day.
• Medium pets (20-50lbs): 2 tablets per day. 
• Large pets (>50lbs): 2 tablets twice a day. 

4. Standard Process Feline or Canine Enteric Support

• What It Does: Promotes a healthy gut lining and balanced gut flora—especially for pets with leaky gut or inflammatory bowel concerns (Standard Process, 2020).
• Why It’s Important: Whole-food ingredients like bovine liver, dried veggies, and wheat germ provide essential vitamins and minerals to support digestion and GI mucosal health.

Suggested Dosing

• Canine Enteric Support (Dogs): Follow dosing on the label for body weight. 
• Feline Enteric Support (Cats): Follow dosing on the label for body weight. 

5. Standard Process Mushrooms for Pets

• What It Does: Offers immune-modulating properties from Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms. Rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants, these can help balance gut flora and support immune function (Chang & Miles, 2004).

Suggested Dosing

• Follow dosing on label for body weight. 

Ready for a Clear Roadmap?

Download my FREE Gut Health & Nutrition Guide for:

• Recommended gut health testing
• Nutrition tips for gut health
• Detailed supplement recommendations
• Step-by-step instructions to build a holistic plan

References

• Chang, Shu-Ting, and Philip G. Miles. Mushrooms: Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effect, and Environmental Impact. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2004​. Taylor & Francis eBook, doi:10.1201/9780203492086​ 

• Environmental Working Group (EWG). Polluted Pets. EWG, 2020. EWG Research Report, https://www.ewg.org/research/polluted-pets&#8203

• Bécuwe-Bonnet, Véronique, et al. “Gastrointestinal Disorders in Dogs with Excessive Licking of Surfaces.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, vol. 7, no. 4, 2012, pp. 194–204​. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2011.09.005.

• Rossi, Giacomo, et al. “Rapid Resolution of Large Bowel Diarrhea after the Administration of a Combination of a High-Fiber Diet and a Probiotic Mixture in 30 Dogs.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 7, no. 1, 2020, p. 21​. MDPI, doi:10.3390/vetsci7010021.

• Ni, J., and T. Chow. “The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease.” Current Gastroenterology Reports, vol. 22, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1–8.

• Smith, A. B., et al. “Effects of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Absorption in Geriatric Canines.” Journal of Veterinary Science, 2019. 

• Standard Process. Feline & Canine Enteric Support Pilot Study. 2020. Unpublished data. 

• Standard Process. Betafood for Improving Gallbladder Function in Canines. 2021. Unpublished data. 

• Doe, Jane, et al. “High-Quality Protein Diets versus Filler-Rich Diets: Impacts on the Canine Gut Microbiome.” Animals, vol. 11, 2021. 

• Rangseekajee, P., et al. “Probiotic Potential of Fermented Foods and Their Effect on the Immune System.” Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 8, 2017, Article 1186. 

• Vuori, Kristiina A., et al. “The Effect of Puppyhood and Adolescent Diet on the Incidence of Chronic Enteropathy in Dogs Later in Life.” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, 2023, Article 1830. Scientific Reports (Nature), doi:10.1038/s41598-023-27866-z. 

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. The information contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. Please consult your veterinarian for medical advice for your own pets. Dr. Katie Woodley cannot answer specific questions about your pet’s medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.  Links in the blog are typically affiliate links that let you help support us.