Key Takeaways:
- Vets always recommend a retest afte having done a Gut Health Test for your dog. This is so, after actioning their adapted diet and supplement plan, you can efficiently track improvement.
- A retest is recommended 6 months after the first one was conducted, and when they're nearing the end of their Gut Health Supplement Plan. This way, we can see improvement or see what next steps still need to be taken to improve the gut health.
- After 6 months of an adapted diet and supplements that specifically target gut health, the hope is that balance has been restored, there's now a rich microbial diversity, and pesky symptoms have been alleviated.
The health and resilience of our dog’s gut will affect a wide range of areas in their life; from how they digest food and absorb nutrients, to things like their mood, mobility and even their immunity. The more research that is being done, the more we discover just how vital a healthy gut is.
The advent of dog Gut Health Tests has been one of the most exciting and promising developments within veterinary medicine in recent years. Having access to this new tool will inevitably change the way I both diagnose and treat a large number of my patients. My hope is that it will allow me to care for them in a more holistic and effective manner.
Canine Gut Health Tests identify any issues within the gut, enabling us to provide our patients with a food and supplement plan they can follow from home. After six months, we then retest the dogs to check how effective this has been, and to identify the best long-term plan for them.
Why is retesting the natural next step?
After being on an adapted diet and a course of gut health supplements, you’ll want to know how much progress has been made and if your dog is on the right path. Change won’t happen overnight, so waiting for several months is important.
When starting your dog’s gut health journey with Pooch & Mutt, a retest is always recommended. Taking place six months after the first one (nearing the end of the gut supplement plan), it would show the potential improvements or other areas that need to be targeted. The hope is that balance has been restored, there is now a rich microbial diversity, and any pesky symptoms have been alleviated!
Going forward, the aim would be to maintain this thriving, healthy gut. This will allow for efficient nutrition, a strong immune system and overall improved health.
What changes can I expect in my dog?
For owners who adhere to the plan, the hope is that they notice improvements in many areas of their dog’s life. These changes can take weeks or even months to come to fruition, so patience is important.
Where we see improvement will depend on how your dog’s dysbiosis has been affecting them. For example, a dog with chronic gastrointestinal disturbances may stop having episodes of loose poo, pass less wind and experience less bloating. Or, a dog with chronic anxiety may have a newfound confidence and be less reactive in general.
For senior pug Benson, testing his gut health and taking his recommended supplements meant one year seizure free!
After doing his retest, it was found that his gut was a lot more equipped to support his health, including his neurological health. More specifically, his skin & coat score had increased by +49, his immunological function had increased by +57, and his score linked to neurological behaviour support had increased +36 - just to showcase a few.
Read all about Benson's Gut Health journey, his test results, and what his retest was able to show in his full case study.
What is the canine microbiome?
The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microscopic bacteria and other microorganisms, like viruses and fungi. We can test to see which microbes are present, to help us predict future problems, and to identify any current imbalances.
Many factors influence the microbiome, including overall health status, medication, diet, supplements, exercise, and a dog’s age and breed.
As microbiome testing becomes more widely available for our canine friends, more and more owners will have the option to improve and refine their dogs’ gut health, in ways that are backed by scientific evidence.
How can a canine Gut Health Test help your dog?
A canine Gut Health Test at Pooch can identify when dysbiosis is occurring and should highlight the areas where your dog needs support. With a Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test, they provide everything you need to collect your dog’s stool sample. This will then be sent off to their lab, where their results will be collated into a handy Gut Health Test Report, suggesting the best next steps.
Gut Health Test
Get your results in 4 weeks, with our quick and easy, at-home Gut Health Test for dogs. One simple poo sample, analysed by our microbiologists, and you’ll get personalised recommendations to help your dog thrive.
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91% of customers saw improved gut health
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Science backed gut health insights
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Online report including key health indicators
Current price: £48.99
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Gut Health Test
What happens after a test?
After you’ve received your dog’s Gut Health Test Report, the next six months will see your dog following the recommended, tailored diet and Gut Health Supplement Plan.
A 3-phase plan, this will focus on rebalancing their gut and encouraging good bacteria to flourish in the correct proportions. The diet plan will contain the right pre, pro and postbiotics, vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help get things back on track.
There is a focus on establishing microbial diversity and in creating a ‘resilient’ gut. A resilient gut can bounce back from illness and maintain balance, even as the microbiome changes.
Gut Health 
What do vets think about Gut Health Tests for dogs?
As a vet, I’m often asked how to improve gut health naturally, and I genuinely believe that this test is the key. Prior to having access to the canine gut health test, we could only guess at the best dog gut health supplements and food. Now, we are in a much better place to make specific recommendations, rather than implementing a blanket approach and having every single patient on the same diet or probiotics.
I’m a big fan of ‘real data’ and of having analytics that I can use for comparison. When it comes to gut health, having a ‘before and after’ picture is extremely valuable. After retesting the patient, we’re able to assess the progress we’ve made and determine the next best step for them.
FAQs
What is the best dog food for gut health?
While there is not one specific food that can be recommended to every dog, Pooch & Mutt manufactures a whole host of gut-healthy diets. Some great options include their Health & Digestion, Sensitivity, and Gastrointestinal Foods. If you’re looking for a treat, the fish probiotic treats are a lovely option. Plus, lots of fruits and veggies out there act as natural, gut-supporting superfoods.
How do I make sure my dog has a healthy gut?
An excellent first step is to carry out a canine Gut Health Test. With a Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test, you’ll be provided with everything you need to collect your dog’s poop sample, and the results can provide a plan of action for the next six months, which will include dietary advice and a supplement programme. After six months, your dog can be retested to see which areas have improved and if any further intervention is needed.
This post was originally published in August 2025, but has been updated for comprehensiveness.
