The gut microbiome and health of companion animals: Insights into physiology, dysbiosis and disease association

Gut health is vital for pets. It is a complex system that constantly interacts with ingesta, environmental pathogens, and pollutants, while maintaining symbiosis with the local microbiome. This system is supported by other physiological systems, such as the hepatobiliary tract. It is necessary to understand how this system fundamentally operates, the importance of quality gut, how various disease processes and other factors affect it. The aim of this review article is to provide insights into gut health and its microbiome, highlight recent studies and scientific contributions, present updates provided by various professionals and to explore in detail about complex interactions with a specific focus on their implications for the health of domestic pets particularly cats and dogs by integrating insights from both veterinary science and relevant human data.