Wags & Wellness with Dr Carol Hughes

In this episode of Wags and Wellness, host Rachel Down sits down with world-renowned microbiome expert Dr Carol Hughes, founder of Biome4Pets and a researcher in canine gut health since 2014. Together, they explore the fascinating world of the canine microbiome — the thriving community of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms living inside your dog’s gut that holds the key to digestion, immunity, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. Dr Hughes explains what a healthy microbiome looks like and why so many dogs today are struggling with imbalances that can lead to inflammation, digestive issues, skin conditions, behavioural problems, and chronic disease. With nearly a decade of microbiome research under her belt — including collaborations with Aberystwyth University and projects targeting gastric inflammation and obesity in dogs and horses — Dr Hughes gives us cutting-edge insight into restoring balance from the inside out.The conversation also dives into the ground-breaking Biome Broth Study, a collaborative research project with Boil and Broth, Biome4Pets, and canine nutrition expert Anna Webb. They unpack what happens when bone broth is added to a dog’s diet for just four weeks — from significant increases in beneficial bacteria to reductions in harmful strains — and what these changes mean for gut health, immunity, inflammation, and long-term wellness. Rachel and Dr Hughes discuss why this study matters, how gut health influences behaviour, and practical ways dog owners can support their pets’ microbiomes naturally. Whether you’re curious about bone broth’s potential or want to understand your dog’s gut health better, this episode delivers science, stories, and actionable takeaways straight from an expert who’s devoted her career to pets’ internal ecosystems. Tune in to learn why nourishing your dog’s gut could be one of the most impactful things you do for their health — and how simple dietary shifts can create long-lasting, positive change.