Rethinking the Microbiome with FETCH
We’re often told that a healthy gut is the key to a healthy dog - but what if it’s not just about digestion? The microbiome is deeply connected to your dog’s immune system, behaviour, mood, and even how they respond to the world around them. At FETCH, we look beyond probiotics and feeding trends to explore how gut health is shaped by everything from food energetics to emotional stress. This blog unpacks the science behind the gut-brain-body connection - and shows how the FETCH framework offers a whole-dog, whole-person approach to rebalancing the microbiome from the inside out.
Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers which carry signals ‘messages’ from one neuron (nerve cell) to another receiving nerve cell, muscle cell or gland. They are classed as either excitatory, meaning they make or do something, or inhibitory, meaning they stop something from happening.
These signals are sent through the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and are involved in every process within the body and affect many functions such as emotions, thoughts, memories, movement and even sleep patterns. With this in mind, it’s clear that if these critical chemical messengers are not working effectively and sending and receiving information from all body sources, it can cause dysregulation within many systems.
The following neurotransmitters are of special interest in relation to dogs:
Serotonin
Serotonin plays an integral role in the following bodily functions, so it’s easy to see how important it is to maintain optimum serotonin levels:
- Regulation of energy balance
- Food intake & Appetite
- GI function
- Endocrine function
It also plays a key role in behavioural and neuropsychological processes:
- Mood
- Perception
- Reward
- Anger
- Aggression
- Memory
- Sexuality
- Attention
As clearly demonstrated, there are very few processes within the body that are not influenced by this important neurotransmitter and when it comes to dog’s and their behaviour, its importance becomes even more relevant. Studies have shown that dogs displaying aggressive behaviour have significantly lower levels of serotonin than dog’s that aren’t aggressive. Given that serotonin levels are linked to mood, it’s easy to understand why this may be happening, as dog aggression is largely rooted in fear and anxiety.
Approximately 95% of serotonin is made within the gut, so if there is dysbiosis within the gut, the likelihood is that serotonin levels could be compromised.
Dopamine
This is a both an excitatory and inhibitory type of neurotransmitter depending on the type of receptor that is receiving the ‘message’. In the case of dopamine, the ‘messages’ control voluntary movement and influence learning, attention and emotions. It is also commonly associated with reward mechanisms within the brain and plays a part in pleasure seeking.
Approximately 50% of dopamine is made within the gut, so again, if there is dysbiosis within the gut, the likelihood is that levels could be compromised.
G.A.B.A (γ-Aminobutyric acid)
This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in homeostatic mechanisms and its primary role is to inhibit neural activity to facilitate sleep, reduce mental and physical stress, lower anxiety and support a calm mood. It also plays a role in intestinal motility, gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion.
Glutamate
This has an excitatory effect on nerve cells and having too much can actually be harmful and potentially lead to migraines or seizures, a key factor in the release of too much glutamate is environmental stress.
GABA plays a key role in balancing glutamate, so if GABA production is reduced for any reason, it may lead to increased glutamate levels which could cause significant issues.
In a 2019 study ‘Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota’ the abstract explains:
“The gut microbiota – the trillions of bacteria that reside within the gastrointestinal tract – has been found to not only be an essential component immune and metabolic health, but also seems to influence development and diseases of the enteric and central nervous system, including motility disorders, behavioural disorders, neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and neuroimmune-mediated disorders. By leveraging animal models, several different pathways of communication have been identified along the “gut-brain-axis” including those driven by the immune system, the vagus nerve, or by modulation of neuroactive compounds by the microbiota.”
The study also collates a list of bacteria which have been reported to be able to produce a range of neurotransmitters. When looking at probiotics for our dogs, ones that include these strains may be beneficial in supporting GABA & serotonin production:
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis
- Bifidobacterium angulatum
- Bifidobacterium dentium
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus buchneri
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus. delbrueckiisubsp. bulgaricus
- Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris
- Streptococcus thermophilus
How the FETCH Framework Supports the Microbiome
F – Fresh Food
Nourishing the microbiome starts with what’s in the bowl. Processed foods and artificial additives can disrupt gut flora and neurotransmitter production. Fresh, species-appropriate foods - especially those rich in prebiotics, fermented ingredients, and supportive nutrients - feed the “good bugs” and lay the foundation for gut-brain balance.
E – Energetics
It’s not just what we feed, but how we match food to the individual dog. Using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (e.g., warming vs. cooling foods), we help balance internal systems - reducing inflammation and supporting the energetics of gut harmony, which can positively impact mood and behaviour.
T – Targeted Approaches
Sometimes the gut needs more than food. Thoughtful use of probiotics, herbal support, and gut-healing protocols can specifically target dysbiosis, neurotransmitter imbalances, and systemic inflammation. These interventions become more powerful when used intentionally and not reactively.
C – Curiosity
Instead of chasing symptoms (itching, aggression, anxiety), FETCH encourages guardians to ask deeper questions: What is this behaviour telling me about the internal landscape of my dog? Curiosity becomes a tool for insight - not panic. This mindset helps you interpret signs of imbalance more wisely.
H – Holistic Health
The microbiome doesn’t exist in isolation - it’s affected by stress, environment, relationships, and even your energy. Supporting your own regulation, your dog’s sense of safety, and reducing toxic load (including overuse of antibiotics or parasite treatments) all nurture the ecosystem within.
Your dog’s microbiome is not just about digestion - it’s the silent driver behind their emotions, immunity, and behaviour. With the FETCH framework, we move beyond symptom-chasing to system-supporting. We create a deeper connection, grounded in understanding - not overwhelm.
By Dr. Alexia Mellor & Stacey Renphrey, Co-Founders of Learn FETCH
Mystic Dog Mama Podcasts to consider watching to learn more about the microbiome: