As pet owners, we're often highly attuned to our dogs' digestive health. We notice changes in appetite, energy levels, and digestion almost immediately. But while we spend time thinking about what's best for our dogs' gut health, many of us pay far less attention to our own.
Interestingly, emerging research suggests we may have more in common with our canine companions than we realise.
According to Dr. Bushra Schuitemaker, Head of Microbiology at Pooch & Mutt, dogs and humans share around 200 species of gut microbes. Many of these microorganisms rely on dietary fibre as their primary source of fuel, converting it into beneficial compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help support digestive health, immune function, and microbial resilience.
"Dogs and humans share more than a home; they share a surprisingly large number of gut microbes. Across both species, one principle remains consistent: greater fibre diversity helps support greater microbiome diversity."
— Dr. Bushra Schuitemaker
When most people think about fibre, they think about digestive regularity. But fibre's most important role happens behind the scenes. The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, many of which depend on dietary fibres for nourishment. Different fibres feed different bacterial species, helping create a more diverse and resilient microbial ecosystem.
Rather than focusing on a single "superfood", human health experts now encourage eating a wide variety of plant foods to support a broader range of beneficial gut bacteria. Variety ensures that different bacterial strains get the specific fuel they need to keep the gut lining strong.
One of the strongest indicators of a healthy gut microbiome is diversity. In their canine microbiome database, Pooch & Mutt monitors several fibre-associated bacterial groups, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Prevotella.
Their findings suggest that many dogs may lack some of these important fibre-associated microbes, highlighting the importance of dietary quality. While the exact species variations differ between dogs and humans, the overarching rule remains identical: a diverse microbiome requires diverse nourishment. For humans, this means regularly consuming a range of fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, and seeds.
Many of the daily habits that support canine gut health are surprisingly relevant to human wellbeing:
At Biomel, we believe supporting your gut health shouldn't be complicated. Implementing small, consistent habits can help nourish your microbiome and contribute to long-term digestive wellbeing.
When we feed the microbiome, we are not just feeding bacteria; we are supporting the wider ecosystem that keeps both dogs and humans healthy. Whether you're choosing the best nutrition for your pet or looking to support your own health, feeding the microbiome starts with feeding it the diversity it needs to thrive.
If you have a furry friend at home, make sure to check out Pooch & Mutt to explore their specialised canine gut-health range, including food, treats, and gut health tests.
