Dog & Cat Stomach Problems? 5 Easy Natural Remedies That Work

By Dr. Andrew Jones March 15, 2026 0 Comment

5 Easy Natural Remedies That Can Help Soothe Your Pet’s Gut

Digestive problems are very common in our animals. I see them in dogs and cats all the time.

Vomiting. Diarrhea. Constipation. Acid reflux. Chronic stomach upset.

Many of these problems come down to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, sometimes referred to as leaky gut.

Today I want to walk you through several natural remedies that can help soothe and repair the digestive tract.

And to help demonstrate a few of these, I have Angus here with me. Angus is a Labrador, and like many labs he tends to eat just about anything he finds. That alone can lead to intestinal upset.

Good boy, Angus.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Probiotic Formula for Dogs and Cats

This unique, premium blend of powerful probiotics is formulated to support digestive health, boost the immune system, promote a balanced gut flora, and promote regular, healthy bowel movements. Perfect for pets of all ages, Dr. Jones’ formula helps alleviate common issues like diarrhea, gas, and bloating, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy.

Why Digestive Problems Are So Common in Dogs and Cats

There are many conditions that can affect the intestinal tract in pets.

Some of the more common ones include:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Chronic diarrhea
Constipation
Colitis
Acid reflux
Pancreatitis

High fat meals can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Cats can also develop chronic pancreatitis.

Certain medications can also damage the gut. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs, are one example.

These drugs can reduce blood flow to parts of the intestinal tract and lead to irritation or injury.

All of this inflammation can damage the lining of the gut and lead to recurring symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.

Fortunately there are several natural supplements that can help support healing.

1. Prebiotics: Flaxseed or Psyllium Husk

Prebiotics help feed the beneficial bacteria living in the gut.

You may already be familiar with probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria themselves. But probiotics also need nutrients to grow. That is where prebiotics come in.

Two excellent prebiotics are:

Ground flaxseed
Psyllium husk

Both provide soluble fiber. When mixed with water they form a gel like substance that coats the digestive tract.

This helps:

Reduce inflammation
Improve digestion
Promote regular bowel movements
Feed beneficial gut bacteria

They can also help dogs with anal gland problems by increasing fiber in the diet.

Suggested dose:

About 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight daily

Simply sprinkle the ground flaxseed or psyllium husk onto your pet’s food. Make sure your pet is getting adequate water when using these fibers.

Flaxseed also contains omega 3 fatty acids and compounds called lignans that provide additional health benefits.

2. Colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after birth.

It contains powerful immune supporting compounds and growth factors.

Research has shown that colostrum can:

Reduce gut inflammation
Support immune function
Help repair damaged intestinal lining

It may also help protect the intestinal tract from damage caused by NSAID medications.

Because of these benefits, I often recommend colostrum for pets with chronic digestive issues.

Suggested dose:

About 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily

3. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is one of my favorite herbs for digestive problems.

It comes from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree and has been widely used for gastrointestinal conditions.

When mixed with water it forms a soothing gel that coats the digestive tract.

This can help:

Reduce inflammation
Calm acid reflux
Soothe vomiting and diarrhea
Support healing of irritated tissues

It is very safe and well tolerated by both dogs and cats.

Suggested dose:

One 400 mg capsule per 20 pounds of body weight once or twice daily

The capsules can be given whole or opened and sprinkled onto food.

4. Collagen

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body.

It plays a major role in the structure of many tissues, including the intestinal lining.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements provide amino acids that support tissue repair. Two important ones are glycine and glutamine, both of which help support intestinal health.

Collagen may help:

Strengthen the intestinal lining
Support gut healing
Provide nutrients for beneficial bacteria

Suggested starting dose:

About 1,000 mg per 30 pounds of body weight daily

Mix the powder into your dog or cat’s food.

5. L Glutamine

L glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in intestinal repair.

It is considered conditionally essential, meaning the body can produce it but sometimes not in sufficient amounts during illness.

Glutamine helps:

Repair damaged intestinal tissue
Support immune health
Improve muscle maintenance

It is frequently used for conditions such as:

Inflammatory bowel disease
Leaky gut
Recovery from viral infections
Digestive inflammation

Suggested starting dose:

About 500 mg per 30 pounds of body weight daily

Capsules can be opened and mixed with food. Smaller animals such as cats may receive half a capsule daily.

Supporting Your Pet’s Gut Health

If your dog or cat struggles with digestive issues, these natural remedies can provide meaningful support.

You might start with something simple such as ground flaxseed, then add additional options such as colostrum or slippery elm if symptoms continue.

For pets dealing with more chronic conditions like IBD, L glutamine may also be worth considering.