Just as with people, your dog has a very intricate and complex network of body mechanics which must stay running in tip-top shape in order to be his best. Some of the barometers of good health are relatively easy to see: shiny hair and clear skin, bright eyes or good mobility around the house for example. But another very important barometer of good health, a healthy digestive system, is not readily seen, but is indeed critical to helping your dog live a long and healthy life.

In fact, a recent study showed that 92% of dog owners rank their dog's digestive health as a major area of concern. In addition, digestion problems are among the most common reasons for visits to the veterinarian. The high level of concern about digestive health has led nutritionists and veterinarians to look more closely into ways to better understand this complex system and to provide our canine companions the best possible in overall health.

The digestive tract (see digestive system photo) consists of a long, hollow tube that runs through the body, from beginning to end. The tube has several main components, including mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. This system is in constant motion, making sure your dog gets the nutrients from his diet that he needs to stay healthy and look his best. Also, since his digestive tract is the "gateway" to supplying essential nutrients to the rest of his body - in other words, the intestinal tract functions to allow important nutrients into the bloodstream and beyond - it's vital to keep this critical and out-of-sight part of his body in top condition.

Just as in humans, the digestive tract of dogs naturally contains bacteria. This should be of little surprise since all different types of bacteria share our world - even vitally important protective bacteria live on our skin! Many of these bacteria in and around our body work to keep things healthy in their own microscopic way - a formidable task we should never underestimate. So with scientific knowledge and new findings in human nutrition as it relates to intestinal health, studies are revealing new findings for our dogs' health. 

Investigations into the health of the digestive tract of dogs has led to the incorporation of ingredients in pet foods known as prebiotics. A prebiotic is a food ingredient that can beneficially affect the dog by encouraging or "nourishing" the activity of certain types of beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract. This nourishment promotes the type of bacteria that may improve a dog's health by providing a digestive tract that works at its best, helping to deliver essential nutrients to the dog's body. 

Whole natural chicory root is a proven prebiotic which promotes healthy digestion. When added to dog food, it serves as the "food" that the beneficial bacteria which are present in your dog's intestinal tract need to flourish and help keep your dog healthy. Research indicates that the benefits of feeding a dog food containing chicory root may include increased nutrient absorption, aid digestion, and support of the immune system. Chicory root, a natural fiber source from the plant which has been used in human foods as a salad ingredient and is known to also aid digestion in humans, is a safe and palatable ingredient for dogs. This particular prebiotic fiber source is harvested, washed, sliced, then added to the food. There are no added ingredients to the chicory or extensive processing - unlike other synthetic prebiotics.

It pays health dividends to look closely at your dog's food label, just as you should do for yourself. Ingredients which may otherwise be just a part of the list could potentially help bring your dog a lifetime of good health. Whole chicory root is a good example of just that - and I expect we can look for more to come in the future.