Last Updated: 29/01/2026
Signs of Digestive Issues in Dogs and Cats: When Nutrition Makes the Difference
Learn the signs of digestive problems in dogs and cats and how nutrition, fibre, and the gut microbiome support better digestive health.
Author: Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS in partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition .
How Do You Know If Your Dog Or Cat Has A Digestive Problem?
Digestive issues are one of the most common reasons dogs and cats visit the vet. Determining if your dog or cat is suffering from a digestive issue involves monitoring their daily habits including appetite and toileting behaviours. While some signs are obvious, others can be quite subtle. Common indicators of gastrointestinal problems include:
- Loose stools or diarrhoea: Including changes in consistency, colour, or the presence of mucus.
- Frequent gas and flatulence: May be accompanied by a "gurgling" stomach.
- Vomiting or regurgitation: This may occur after meals or outside of meal times.
- Changes in appetite: This might manifest as "fussy" eating or a complete refusal of food.
- Constipation or straining: Especially in cats. Difficulty passing stools or dry, hard stools is just as much a concern as diarrhoea or loose stools.
The Role of Nutrition and the Microbiome
Early recognition of digestive issues and appropriate nutrition can make a meaningful difference and rapidly improve digestive health. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem living in your pet’s digestive tract. This ecosystem is made up of tiny organisms or microbes that play an important role in digestion and immune health. Dietary fibre is essential in nourishing this delicate ecosystem and is especially important for managing many fibre-responsive gastrointestinal conditions in pets.
This is why Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome has been specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Digestion, a proprietary blend of prebiotic fibres shown to activate the gut microbiome to support digestive health and wellbeing and improve stool quality in as little as 24 hours.
Veterinary Gastrointestinal Diets for Pets
The Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome range is designed to support pets with both acute digestive upsets and chronic gastrointestinal conditions by focusing on improvingthe health of the microbiome through the power of prebiotic fibres.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome not only promotes regular, healthy stoolsas little as 24 hours it also helps to reduce the risk of recurrence of digestive upsets, providing quick relief for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
For our feline friends, the cat-specific recipes also include L-tryptophan and hydrolysed milk protein to help manage stress, which is frequently correlated with digestive flare-ups in cats. By addressing both stress and gut health, this food provides a comprehensive approach to improving digestive health.
The Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome Range
The Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome range offers several options for both dogs and cats to suit their preferences:
Consult Your Veterinarian
Therapeutic pet foods must be used under veterinary supervision to ensure they are appropriate for your pet's specific health needs. If your pet has struggles with digestive problems, chat to your vet about whether Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome is right for your pet.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu Jan 29 2025
Edited by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Veterinarian
Dr Olivia graduated from Murdoch University in 2015 and worked in Western Australia before moving to Sydney to work in specialist practice as an avian and exotics veterinarian. Olivia has thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of species and interesting cases in her time as an exotics veterinarian. She has a particular soft spot for rabbits and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of rabbit medicine and surgery. She also has many years of experience working with dogs and cats as well as an array of wildlife.
