Gussy’s Gut: Promoting Dog Gut Health with Fermented Foods and the Superfood Topper

November 16, 2022

This post is sponsored by Gussy’s Gut. We only recommend products we know and love, and all opinions expressed here are our own.

While interviewing Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the father of the raw dog food movement, we discovered he is the senior advisor to Gussy's Gut.  Dr. Billinghurst came out of retirement to create the dog supplement company which produces a fermented and probiotic rich dog superfood topper called “Daily”.  He’s called the product “the single most important upgrade to canine nutrition in over 25 years.”

They use the highest quality and most responsibly-sourced organic ingredients. The supplement is made from 19  superfoods that come from biodynamic, grass-fed, organic, and regenerative farms.

Unlike raw vegetables, fermented foods like Gussy's Gut are easier for dogs to digest and their nutrients are more accessible to them. Studies show that dogs regularly given fermented foods often have fewer allergies, better blood sugar levels, and healthier stools.

If you are considering adding a high-quality dog food topper to your pup's diet, or if you simply want to better understand the canine health benefits of fermented foods, this DJANGO Dog Blog article is for you. Here is our comprehensive overview of Gussy's Gut, the freeze-dried, probiotic rich dog food topper. 

WHAT ARE FERMENTED FOODS? 

Fermented foods are created from microbial growth—when bacteria and yeast turn sugars into alcohol, organic acids, or gases. Common fermented foods include kefir, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

Fermentation generates ‘friendly’, healthy bacteria (also known as probiotics) and crowds out pathogenic or bad bacteria. In fact, these fermented foods are safer to eat than a salad at your favorite restaurant due to their high acidity.

Fermented foods are commonly known to promote gastrointestinal health in humans and animals. As an example, L. bulgaricus is a probiotic strain commonly found in yogurt and is considered very beneficial for digestive health and irritable bowel prevention and relief.

Of course, not all fermented foods contain good bacteria. What's more, not all fermented foods are highly beneficial. Overly processed or pasteurized commercially-produced fermented foods often lose their probiotic benefits since the probiotics are destroyed during processing.

ARE FERMENTED FOODS GOOD FOR DOGS?

Scientific studies suggest that fermented foods have many health benefits for dogs. They include:

• Improves glucose tolerance 
• Prevents diarrhea 
• Increases immune system function
• Promotes good gut bacteria 
• Boosts melatonin to balance the sleep-wake cycle 
• Protects against malignant tumors and viruses 
• Improves canine cognition
• Breaks down complex carbohydrates and simple sugars
• Supports heart and colon health
• Treats canine allergies

Many consider fermented foods like Gussy's Gut to be the missing link in modern canine nutrition. Just look at our four-legged companions' ancestors as evidence. For millions of years, gray wolves buried their bones in the soil and let them ferment. Wolves devoured fermented vegetables from their prey’s guts, and gray wolf pups even ate their own poop to establish their gut microbiome. In other words, studying the dietary behavior of our dogs' ancestors points to the importance of fermented foods in the canine diet.

WHAT IS GUSSY'S GUT? 

Gussy’s Gut is a company dedicated to the microbiome of dogs.  They make a fermented dog food topper for adult dogs and puppies. It comes in a convenient powdered form that is easily added to fresh dog food, raw dog food, wet dog food, or dry dog kibble. Gussy's Gut is not a substitution for high-quality dog food but rather a low calorie and nutrient-packed topper for your dog's dinner bowl.

Gussy's Gut was created with Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an internationally-renowned veterinary surgeon that has 50+ years of experience and several best selling books on canine nutrition. Dr. Billinghurst's book “Give Your Dog a Bone” is given credit for sparking the worldwide raw pet food movement.  He is considered the “father of the raw food” movement (aka BARF diet). To learn more about raw food for dogs, read DJANGO's Beginner's Guide to Raw Dog Food.

Gussy's Gut contains 19 enzymatically activated human-grade ingredients still in their raw form (more on this below). The topper contains over 180 probiotics, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and flavonoids. It is also highly concentrated. Just one teaspoon of Gussy's Gut Daily equates to 2 ounces of raw superfoods for your dog.

Unlike many fermented human foods that are high in salt, Gussy's Gut is made to be extremely healthy and avoids such innutritious ingredients. Indeed, Gussy's Gut is made with ailing dogs in mind and claims to be beneficial for dogs with weight, kidney, liver, sodium, and phosphorus issues.

Each pouch of Gussy's Gut Daily is 7.5 oz, although 3.0 oz samples are also available. The company recommends 1 serving (1 teaspoon) per 10-20 lbs of your pup's body weight. There are 135 teaspoon servings per pouch.

GUSSY'S GUT DISCOUNT CODE

Take 10% off a 3 oz sample of Gussy's Gut Daily with the promo code DJANGO.

VISIT GUSSY'S GUT

WHAT IS IN GUSSY'S GUT DAILY?

Gussy's Gut Daily, the 7.5 ounce package, is made with organic superfoods which include, dark leafy greens,  vegetables, berries, and herbs as well as dairy products (raw kefir). In fact, aside from the raw grass-fed goat kefir, every ingredient in Gussy's Gut Daily is certified organic. (See a breakdown and description of all Gussy's Gut ingredients below.)

All Gussy's Gut plant-based ingredients are sourced from bio-dynamic and regenerative farms. All dairy products come from organic and/or grass-fed sheep farms.

Gussy's Gut uses their wild fermentation methodology to maximize the nutritional value of every teaspoon of topper. Ingredients are macerated into a paste and fermented for 2 weeks. They are then strained by hand into a cheesecloth and freeze-dried over 29 hours at no more than 60°F, so the product remains raw and the probiotic value is not degraded. The fermentation process used to make the topper ultimately creates nutrient-dense ingredients that mimic the gut contents of a rabbit, lizard, or bird for example.

Below is a list of the 19 active and 3 inactive ingredients in Gussy's Gut as well as a description of the potential canine health benefits of each. 

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Spinach. Spinach promotes vision and heart health. The leafy green vegetable is also known to strengthen bones and lower the risk of colon cancer.
• Kale. Kale helps to detoxify the liver, stave off infections, and fight canine cancer.  
• Parsley. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this eastern Mediterranean herb promotes liver health, vision, and immune health. Parsley may also help with the formation of blood clots.
• Cabbage. Cabbage promotes gut health and skin. The cruciferous veggie also helps fight canine rectal, colon, and mammary gland tumors.
• Cauliflower. Cauliflower contains glucosinolates which stop cancer cells from forming. This low-calorie, fiber-packed veggie also promotes digestive and bowel health. 
• Broccoli. Broccoli is a healthy source of calcium and promotes bone health. Studies have also shown that broccoli can be effective in suppressing tumor growth.
• Beets. Beets are excellent for dog digestion and the immune system. The root vegetables also promote healthy skin and coats.
• Cilantro. Cilantro may calm your canine’s upset tummy. The Mediterranean herb can slow down or kill 12 bacterial strains, including salmonella and E. coli.
• Dandelion. Dandelions have twice as much protein as spinach. This classic spring tonic herb can stimulate your dog’s appetite and improve his upset stomach. It may fight free radicals, increase liver circulation, and lower blood pressure.
• Grass-fed goat kefir. This yogurt-like drink is made by fermenting the lactose in goat’s milk. Kefir has more than 50 species of lactic acid bacteria and yeast which can help regulate your dog’s digestive tract. 
• Wild blueberries. Wild blueberries are an excellent source of fiber, phytochemicals, and Vitamin C. While your dog’s liver naturally produces vitamin C, this essential antioxidant may help fight malignant mammary tumors in dogs. It may also lower a type of bad cholesterol called “very low-density lipoprotein” by 44%. Wild blueberries may even reduce brain aging and inflammation.
• Milk thistle. A member of the ragweed family, milk thistle fights inflammation and cancer. The flowering herb is also used to treat Giardia in dogs with liver disease. 
• Rosemary. Rosemary can promote mood and memory health. Aside from being a natural flea repellent, the medicinal herb may also fight canine heart disease and cancer. 
• Turmeric. This brilliant yellow spice fights heart disease and diabetes in dogs. Italian researchers also found that turmeric can increase your senior dog's joint mobility.
• Artichokes. Artichokes act as an excellent prebiotic which can help your dog repopulate their gut naturally.  They can help boost metabolism and immune system health. These edible Mediterranean thistles might also prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, according to a 2017 study.
• Decaffeinated Green Tea. Caffeine-free green tea may improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic dogs. It may also help prevent mammary tumors in female dogs that are not fixed or were spayed after age 2. This is one of the top recommendations of Dr. Karen Becker in The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer.

• Alfalfa. Because Alfalfa is a natural inflammatory, it might relieve your pup’s joint pain. It may also lower his cholesterol and prevent urate bladder stones.  In addition, it provides incredible trace minerals that most dogs just do not receive in their diets.

• Kelp. Kelp supports your dog’s endocrine system (e.g., thyroid, GI tract, pancreas, liver, and ovaries or testes). It is also a great source of trace minerals.

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Redmond  Real Salt. This organic pink sea salt comes from an ancient seabed in Redmond, Utah. Unlike black and Himalayan salts, it is safe from pollution and microplastics.  It’s superior to cheaper table salts in the systems of our dogs.  It’s less reactive. The kosher sea salt has a subtly sweet flavor and 60+ trace minerals. They chose it for its nutrient benefits.

• Organic powdered milk with Organic Cheddar/Parmesan cheeses. Together these are low in fat but still add a bit of delight to the Gussy’s Gut Daily product for dogs' senses. 

HOW DO I FEED GUSSY'S GUT? 

Feed your dog Gussy's Gut once a day or every other day. Use 1-2 teaspoons per 20 pounds of body weight. For long-term benefits, be consistent. Want to make your budget stretch? Feed your dog raw veggies every other day. If you feed your dog kibble, mix in just enough water to rehydrate the freeze-dried ingredients. It should have a thick gravy or salsa consistency.

HOW MUCH DOES GUSSY'S GUT COST? 

GET GUSSY'S GUT

 

COOL FACTS ABOUT GUSSY'S GUT

• In 1999, Rob Ryan adopted his first black Lab named Buddy. The tiny puppy was covered in mites and scratching so much that his hair started to fall out. After dragging him to four traditional vets, Ryan began searching for alternative healing methods on Yahoo. He hired Dr. Marty Goldstein, an integrative veterinarian with more than 40 years of experience. Dr. Marty introduced Ryan to Dr. Ian Billinghurst to learn the raw dog food diet.  Rob hired Dr. Billinghurst back in 1999 to learn all about raw feeding.

• Gussy’s Gut was founded in January 2022. It is named after Ryan’s black Lab, Gusto, meaning "a zest for life" in Italian. He goes by “Gussy”.

• Gusto got into the garbage. The male Labrador puppy refused to eat for 8 days. After 3 days, he would not drink coconut water. "It is like candy to him," Rob says. "We knew there was some obstruction, but we could not find it on the sonogram." Gusto ended up passing the plastic lid of a half-and-half container, but his stool was slimy and runny. After putting him on veterinarian-approved probiotics, Ryan started making his own fermented dog food topper.  This was the beginning of Gussy’s Gut. 

• Gussy's Gut is currently developing a freeze-dried tripe dog treat, microbiome dog shampoo, and an enzymatic dog toothpaste made with organic Aloe Vera as its main base.

• In addition, Gussy's Gut works with pet food companies. They have just partnered with Steve Real Food. They are the featured ingredient in their Protein Bites product. Gussy's Gut will announce additional partnerships in 2023 with premium raw dog food brands.

GUSSY GUT FAQS

1. HAS GUSSY'S GUT EVER BEEN RECALLED?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never recalled Gussy’s Gut’s probiotic superfood powder.

2. WHERE IS GUSSY'S GUT DAILY MADE?

Gussy’s Gut Daily is made in a B-certified facility in the USA. The woman-owned manufacturing company pays its employees a living wage.  

3. IS GUSSY GUT'S ORGANIC?

Aside from the grass-fed goat kefir, every active ingredient in Gussy's Gut Daily is certified organic. 

4. IS GUSSY’S GUT PACKAGING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

Gussy's Gut is upgrading to 100% certified recyclable packaging in January 2023.

5. WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF GUSSY'S GUT?

Gussy's Gut has a 5-year shelf life. This freeze-dried dog topper has a pH of 4.5 and 12% or under moisture. "Pathogens can't live in that acidic environment," Rob says. "Gussy's Gut is safer than any food you can eat at a restaurant."

6. CAN I RETURN GUSSY'S GUT?

Gussy’s Gut will refund the purchase price (minus the shipping and handling fee each way). The Colorado-based pet health company suggests ordering a Daily 3 oz pack to see how much your pup loves the taste.

GUSSY'S GUT DISCOUNT CODE:

Use Gussy's Gut coupon code DJANGO for 10% OFF a 3 oz sample of Daily.

10% OFF GUSSY'S GUT

EXTRA RESOURCES

• INTERVIEW: DR. IAN BILLINGHURST, THE FATHER OF THE RAW DOG FOOD DIET

• BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO RAW DOG FOOD: WHAT IT IS, PROS AND CONS, AND IS IT SAFE?

• WE FEED RAW DOG FOOD REVIEW: OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MINIMALLY PROCESSED RAW PET FOOD SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

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