7 Pet Digestive Health Myths Debunked

Digestive issues are among the most common reasons for vet visits. Yet, many pet owners unknowingly worsen the problem by following outdated advice or falling for common myths. From feeding habits to supplements, misinformation can lead to unnecessary discomfort—or even serious health complications—for your furry companions.

To help you separate fact from fiction, we’re breaking down the most persistent pet digestive health myths and revealing what you really need to know to support your pet’s gut wellness.

Myth 1: “Human food is fine for pets, as long as it’s healthy.”

Not all "healthy" human food is safe for pets. While lean meats and some vegetables can be a part of a pet’s balanced diet, others like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and even fatty meats can be toxic or irritating to their digestive systems. Human food often contains salt, seasonings, and oils that are too rich for pets and can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, or long-term gastrointestinal distress.

Fact check: Always consult your vet before adding any home-cooked or raw ingredients to your pet’s diet. Digestive issues may not show immediately, but cumulative effects can be serious.

Myth 2: “Pets don’t need probiotics—those are for humans.”

The digestive system of cats and dogs houses trillions of microorganisms that help break down food, produce vitamins, and support immunity. When this gut microbiome is out of balance, either due to stress, illness, or antibiotics, it can lead to bloating, loose stool, or poor nutrient absorption.

Fact check: Pets can benefit from probiotics tailored specifically to their species. Many pet probiotics come in easy-to-administer forms like chews or powders. Investing in pet digestive health products online ensures you're getting vet-recommended formulations designed for dogs or cats.

Myth 3: “Fibre is only important if your pet is constipated.”

Fibre does more than help your pet “go.” It aids in maintaining a balanced microbiome, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can even support weight management. Low-fibre diets are often linked to chronic diarrhoea, bloating, or inconsistent stool quality.

Fact check: Choose food with appropriate fibre levels based on your pet’s needs. Digestive support formulas, including many available through pet digestive health products online, are crafted with prebiotics and balanced fibre content to promote overall gut wellness.

Myth 4: “Indoor pets don’t need parasite protection.”

Many pet owners believe that because their pets live indoors, they're safe from parasites like worms, fleas, and intestinal protozoa. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

Fact check: Parasites can hitch a ride into your home through shoes, clothing, other pets, or even contaminated food or water. Intestinal worms like roundworms and giardia can cause digestive distress, malnutrition, and diarrhea, even in pets who never set paw outside.

Myth 5: “Table scraps are harmless.”

Feeding pets bits of your dinner might seem like a harmless treat or a show of affection. But your digestive system is very different from your pet’s.

Fact check: Rich, spicy, or fatty foods—even in small amounts—can disrupt your pet’s gut, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Instead of scraps, consider high calorie cat treats or vet-formulated snacks that support your pet’s nutritional needs without upsetting their digestion.

Myth 6: “Digestive issues happen because of poor-quality food.”

While it's true that low-quality food can cause digestive problems, not all digestive issues stem from diet alone. Many premium foods still cause problems if they're not suited to your pet’s individual sensitivities.

Fact check: Digestive problems can also be triggered by stress, infections, food allergies, parasites, or underlying medical conditions. Even a sudden change in otherwise good food can cause GI upset. A vet diagnosis, paired with pet probiotics or a tailored digestive supplement, is often key to restoring gut health.

Myth 7: “A raw diet is healthier for pets.”

Raw feeding is often promoted as a more “natural” or “ancestral” way of feeding pets, and some owners claim benefits like shinier coats and better energy. But raw diets come with serious risks, especially to the digestive system.

Fact check: Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, which can cause severe digestive distress in pets—and also pose health risks to humans in the household. Bones in raw diets can also cause intestinal blockages or tears. If you’re interested in raw feeding, do so under the guidance of a vet or pet nutritionist. Alternatively, consider gently cooked diets or prescription pet food options that support digestion without the health hazards.