About this Episode
This is the third episode of the Wholistic Approach to Pet Care: Part II. Dr. Donna Raditic joins us to talk about the brain-gut-microbiome connection in animals. Dr. Raditic has a great deal of experience with veterinary nutrition consulting, and in this episode, she describes the vital role of nutrition in digestive health, especially considering the link between the digestive tract, which houses the gut microbiome, and the brain.
In addition to the well-known health problems associated with digestive dysfunction, behavior problems may also be connected to gut health and vice versa. This is due to the “brain-gut-microbiome” connection in both animals and humans. Because of this complex systematic relationship, Dr. Raditic emphasizes the important of a multifaceted approach to care.
Among the nutritional support Dr. Raditic describes for gut health, she highlights:
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Adaptogenic herbs
- Endocannabinoid system support
- B vitamins
- Minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium
About Our Guest
Donna M. Raditic, DCM, DACVN, CVA, is a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and was a professor for both the Nutrition and the Integrative Medicine Services at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently she is a member of East Coast Think Tank established by Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, Inc. which offers independent information and consulting about companion animal nutrition and pet supplements. With a career that includes being a general practitioner, veterinary nutritionist, academician, and consultant, she offers unique perspectives on the role of nutrition, supplements, and integrative veterinary care for companion animals.
