Intestinal health plays a key role in the overall well-being of dogs and cats. Just like humans, their digestive systems can get out of sync—often evident by stool problems.

When the intestine gets out of balance

It's important to recognize such signs early and respond accordingly. Companies like HenArt offer support in this regard: The Dutch pet food manufacturer relies on plant-based ingredients and insect proteins and develops innovative approaches to promote intestinal health and effectively address digestive problems.

Understanding stool problems in pets

Digestive problems in pets can have many causes – from food intolerances to serious underlying illnesses. Recognizing the warning signs early allows you to react quickly and do much to improve your pet's well-being. Typical signs of stool problems include:

1. Irregular bowel movements

Toilet habits often provide the first clues to digestive health. Notable features include:

Diarrhea

Watery stools may indicate infections or inflammation

Constipation

Very hard or infrequent stools may indicate a lack of fiber or difficult-to-digest food

Changes in color

Red, black or very light stools can be an alarm signal – for example for bleeding or problems with the liver or gallbladder

2. Straining or difficulty defecating

A pet that noticeably struggles with bowel movements may have digestive problems. Symptoms include:

Prolonged squatting or strong pressing

Howling or other signs of discomfort

Restlessness such as constant pacing

3. Unusual substances in stool

Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool are serious signs of gastrointestinal problems. In such cases, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

4. Flatulence and odor

Excessive gas or unpleasant-smelling stools often indicate digestive problems or an imbalance in the intestinal flora. In these cases, it's worth taking a closer look at your current diet.

👉 The sooner such signs are recognized and discussed with a veterinarian, the better the animal's health can be supported.

Treatment options for stool problems

Stool problems should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. The veterinarian can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment—often including dietary adjustments. These strategies can help:

✓ Dietary modifications with HenArt

Feeds containing plant-based or insect-based protein, such as those developed by HenArt, can noticeably ease digestion. The products are easily digestible and support a healthy intestinal balance. Highly digestible proteins also help the body absorb nutrients better—an important foundation for regular bowel movements.

✓ Drink enough and get enough fiber

Water should always be freely available, as adequate hydration is essential for digestion. Fiber—for example, from vegetables or fruit—can also help regulate stool and improve consistency.

✓ Use probiotics and digestive enzymes

Probiotics can strengthen the balance of intestinal flora and noticeably improve digestion. Some products already contain natural, plant-based probiotics—HenArt also offers suitable options specifically tailored to intestinal health.

✓ Observe new feeding habits

Anyone changing food should keep an eye on their pet's reaction. A slow, gradual transition is important—this allows potential intolerances to be identified and avoided early.

Prevent intestinal problems – this is how everything stays in balance

Gut health is more than just a reaction to discomfort. Early intervention can prevent many problems from occurring in the first place. These measures support stable digestion.

Dos

✅ Regular check-ups at the vet

Routine examinations help detect potential abnormalities early—often before they cause symptoms. This helps keep the digestive system in balance over the long term.

✅ Exercise supports digestion

Active animals usually also have more active digestions. Regular exercise helps keep bowel movements regular and reduces the risk of problems.

✅ Feed nutrient-rich food

High-quality food provides the body with everything it needs – while also easing digestion. HenArt products rely on balanced, easily digestible recipes without unnecessary fillers and provide important nutrients for a healthy intestinal flora.

Don'ts

❌ Unnecessary additives in the feed

Artificial colors or flavors and low-quality ingredients can be detrimental to your gut health. Choosing carefully helps your digestive system stay balanced.

❌ Abrupt change in feed

New foods should be introduced gradually. This allows the digestive tract to adjust, and unpleasant side effects such as loose stools are usually avoided.

How nutrition influences gut health

Numerous studies repeatedly show that nutrition has a direct impact on the intestinal health of pets. A high-fiber diet can promote digestion, while certain proteins positively influence the balance of intestinal flora. Alternative protein sources such as insects and plants are particularly promising – an approach also pursued by HenArt. The manufacturer's products have been developed to be particularly digestible. This can not only affect stool consistency but also contribute to overall intestinal health.

Insects provide high-quality protein and valuable amino acids, which can be a targeted nutritional supplement. At the same time, they are easily digestible and therefore potentially helpful for stool problems caused by indigestible food. Plant proteins also offer fiber and prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria—an important factor for a balanced digestive system.

Act correctly after digestive problems

If digestive problems do occur, it is important to deal with them well:

✓ Monitor stool consistency

After a change in diet, it's worth paying close attention to the stool. An improvement indicates that digestion is stabilizing.

✓ Introduce new food slowly

With HenArt products, a gradual transition is ideal so that the digestive system can adapt well.

✓ Keep calm

If diarrhea or vomiting occurs, it is important to provide adequate fluids and support the animal. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion: Actively promote intestinal health

Stool problems in dogs and cats can quickly become a concern. However, by recognizing the warning signs early, taking targeted action, and focusing on a healthy diet, you can significantly improve your pet's digestion. Easily digestible proteins play an important role in this process—they lay the foundation for a healthy and happy digestive system.

HenArt's innovative products, which rely on plant and insect proteins, not only address acute digestive problems but also support long-term health. This holistically strengthens the well-being of your furry companions – for a life full of energy and free from annoying digestive disorders.