Gut Health Formula supports the health of the whole GI tract in dogs, cats, and horses who suffer from poor digestion from food intolerance, indiscreet eating, poor quality pet foods, antibiotics, and stress. Learn more by reading the Gut Health Formula Article by Keith Weingardt, DVM, CVA.

Intolerance to various foods is common among dogs, cats, and horses. In some instances, the intolerance can be caused by problem foods, indiscreet eating (like from a garbage can), treatment with antibiotics, and stress. In other instances, however, the intolerance can result from a systemic issue the animal is having, in which case treating the cause of the intolerance is essential. An increase in the permeability of the animal’s gut that results in the absorption of larger protein fragments is often at the root of the problem. By decreasing gut permeability, which improves the overall integrity of the gut, the animal’s intolerance to foods can be greatly reduced. ThorneVET’s Gut Health Formula (formerly Gastriplex®) is an innovative and comprehensive intestinal support product that does two things: first, it combines amino acids and botanicals that provide mucosal support and gut integrity, and second, it combines probiotics and other nutrients that support the GI tract’s normal inflammatory response.

The amino acid L-glutamine plays a key role in maintaining mucosal cell integrity and gut barrier function. L-Glutamine also enhances the gut’s immune function, in part by increasing the production of secretory immunoglobulin A, an antibody that promotes immune function. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), helps maintain normal intestinal permeability because it enhances mucus production and is involved in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, the building blocks of the gut’s connective tissue. Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that helps to decrease intestinal permeability. Like L-glutamine, this beneficial yeast exerts its protective effect on the GI tract by increasing the production of secretory immunoglobulin A. Bacillus coagulans is a safe and effective probiotic that survives in stomach acid and produces lactic acid in the intestine. The probiotics in Gut Health Formula (formerly Gastriplex®) can be very effective in helping to maintain a healthy GI tract in an animal. The botanical, slippery elm, which has demulcent and emollient properties, provides soothing protection for the mucus membranes of the intestinal tract, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice supports a healthy intestinal lining by increasing blood flow and maintaining normal muscle relaxation. Quercetin is a potent flavonoid that has significant positive action in the intestinal tract. Gut Health Formula (formerly Gastriplex®) contains ThorneVET’s exclusive, well-absorbed form of quercetin: quercetin phytosome.