Why Your Pet's Digestive Health Matters
Does your furry friend often have loose stools, frequent diarrhea, or a sensitive stomach? Have you already tried over ten different types of pet food, yet your pet still experiences diarrhea, soft stools, and digestive discomfort?
Common Causes of Digestive Problems
Chronic digestive issues in pets are often linked to factors such as poor diet compatibility, food allergies, bacterial imbalance, or underlying health conditions. Changing food brands repeatedly may not solve the root cause and can, in some cases, worsen the problem.
How to Support a Sensitive Stomach
- Choose high-quality, easily digestible food with limited ingredients.
- Introduce dietary changes gradually over 7–10 days to avoid stress on the digestive system.
- Incorporate probiotics or fiber supplements if recommended by a veterinarian.
- Maintain consistent feeding times and avoid table scraps or sudden treats.
When to Call the Vet
If your pet's symptoms persist for more than a week or if you notice blood in the stool, dehydration, or lethargy, consult your veterinarian promptly. Chronic digestive issues can signal deeper health problems that require professional care.
With the right approach and patience, your furry friend can regain a healthy, happy tummy and better overall well-being.
Why Does My Pet Have Frequent Diarrhea?
Sometimes, the problem isn't the food itself — it's an imbalance in the gut microbiome. When the community of intestinal bacteria is disrupted, your pet's digestive system can struggle to stay healthy.
If you notice that your furry friend often has soft or watery stools, tends to have a sensitive stomach, or stays slim no matter how much they eat, your veterinarian might recommend switching to Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome.
What Exactly Is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms — including bacteria and yeast — that live inside the digestive tract. These tiny residents play a major role in nutrient absorption, immune defense, and regular bowel movements. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to digestive troubles such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, or loss of appetite.
What Makes Hill's GI Biome Special?
Hill's GI Biome is specially formulated to support a healthy bacterial balance in your pet's gut. It contains an exclusive blend of active fibers that nourish beneficial microbes, promoting regularity and firmer stools. With consistent feeding, many pets show noticeable improvement in just a few days.
By restoring the gut's natural equilibrium, this diet can help your pet feel more comfortable, digest food more efficiently, and maintain a healthier body weight.
Digestive issues in pets are often a sign of an imbalanced microbiome rather than a simple food intolerance. Addressing gut health through a targeted diet like Hill's GI Biome can make a world of difference for your pet's long-term well-being.
Understanding Gut Microecology in Pets
Gut microecology refers to the delicate balance between the "good" and "bad" bacteria living in your pet's intestines. These microorganisms play an essential role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
When this balance is disrupted—due to poor diet, seasonal changes, stress, or certain medications like antibiotics— it can lead to a range of digestive issues. Common symptoms include frequent intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, irregular stool quality, or difficulty absorbing nutrients, which may cause weight loss even when your pet eats normally.
Maintaining a healthy gut microecology is therefore crucial. By providing a balanced diet, reducing stress, and using probiotics when necessary, you can help your furry friend maintain optimal digestive health.
Which Pets Need Hill's GI Biome Prescription Diet?
Hill's GI Biome is a high-fibre veterinary prescription diet designed to improve the gut microbiome and quickly firm up soft stool or diarrhea in pets. It is mainly suitable for cats and dogs with chronic digestive issues, fibre-responsive gastrointestinal problems, or imbalanced gut bacteria, and it can also be considered when other digestive formulas like i/d have not given ideal stool quality.
What Is Hill's GI Biome?
Hill's GI Biome (Biome = gut microbiome) is formulated to support the intestinal microbial ecosystem using a high-fibre recipe that helps normalize bowel movements. The diet is intended for use under veterinary supervision in cats and dogs with ongoing or recurrent digestive upset.
1. Pets With Chronic Soft Stool or Recurrent Diarrhea
Cats and dogs that often experience chronic soft stool or repeated diarrhea, whether due to long-term intestinal inflammation, sensitive intestines, or unstable bowel habits, are key candidates for Hill's GI Biome. The formula aims to noticeably improve stool quality within about 24 hours by supporting more normal digestion and bowel movement.
2. Fibre-Responsive Gastrointestinal Problems
Some gastrointestinal issues are directly related to a lack of fibre or an imbalance in dietary fibre, commonly referred to as fibre-responsive GI problems. Hill's GI Biome provides a carefully balanced blend of fibres to help regulate gut motility, support stool formation, and improve overall digestive comfort.
3. Pets With Gut Microbiome Imbalance
Pets whose gut bacteria are out of balance may show signs such as fluctuating stool consistency, gas, or mild chronic digestive discomfort. Hill's GI Biome uses ActivBiome+ technology, a blend of prebiotic fibres designed to nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria and promote a healthier, more stable gut microbiome.
4. Pets Not Fully Helped by Hill's i/d
Some cats and dogs may have used Hill's i/d prescription food but still do not have ideal stool quality. In these cases, switching to Hill's GI Biome can be considered so that the diet more specifically targets the gut microbiome and fibre-related factors, providing an additional option for better stool quality and digestive stability.
Important Note
Hill's GI Biome is a prescription diet and should be used only under the recommendation and guidance of a veterinarian. Always consult your vet before changing your pet's diet, especially when digestive problems are present.
Traditional High-Fiber Prescription Diet vs Hill's GI Biome Formula: What's the Difference?
When it comes to supporting digestive health in pets, not all prescription diets work in the same way. Below is a detailed comparison between traditional high-fiber formulas and Hill's GI Biome diet, which uses advanced microbiome science to address gastrointestinal issues at their root.
Core Principle
- Traditional High-Fiber Diet: Works by increasing intestinal water content and stimulating bowel movement to help form solid stools.
- Hill's GI Biome Formula: Uses ActivBiome+ technology to activate beneficial gut bacteria and restore microbiome balance.
Primary Focus
- Traditional Formula: Addresses surface-level symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.
- Hill's GI Biome: Targets the root cause by improving gut microbiota balance, helping to resolve chronic or recurring digestive problems.
Treatment Approach
- Traditional Formula: Focuses more on physical bowel regulation, such as increasing fiber content.
- Hill's GI Biome: A science-driven approach centered on microbial and nutritional management.
Effectiveness Speed
- Traditional Formula: Results vary depending on individual constitution and tend to take longer to show effect.
- Hill's GI Biome: Clinically proven to improve stool quality within 24 hours.
Impact on Gut Microbiota
- Traditional Formula: ❌ Not specifically designed to support gut bacteria.
- Hill's GI Biome: ✅ Contains a proprietary prebiotic blend that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Best Suited For
- Traditional Formula: Mild constipation or diarrhea; short-term adjustments.
- Hill's GI Biome: Chronic digestive sensitivity, recurring soft stools or diarrhea, and microbiome imbalance.
In short, the traditional high-fiber diet mainly relieves surface-level symptoms, while Hill's GI Biome prescription diet takes a microbiome-centered approach to support long-term digestive health. It's especially suitable for pets that often experience gastrointestinal sensitivity or recurrent diarrhea, helping them regain comfort and balance from the inside out.
Why Hill's GI Biome Is So Effective for Soft Stool Management
Hill's GI Biome is specially formulated to effectively improve soft stool issues in cats and dogs. Designed for pets suffering from chronic digestive sensitivities, soft stools, or fiber-responsive enteritis, it provides a comprehensive, long-term management approach starting from the level of the gut microbiome.
Innovative Science Behind the Formula
The Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome range focuses on promoting a healthy gut microbiome. By enhancing the balance of beneficial intestinal bacteria, it helps address digestive problems from within.
1. ActivBiome+ Ingredient Technology
This proprietary prebiotic blend rapidly activates beneficial gut bacteria and supports microbiome balance. Clinical studies show that stool quality improves within 24 hours, and recurrence risks are significantly reduced.
2. High-Fiber Formula
Containing up to 7.4% crude fiber, the diet helps stool formation and supports normal intestinal motility. It is ideal for pets with fiber-responsive gastrointestinal conditions.
3. Enriched with Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce intestinal inflammation, supporting overall digestive comfort.
4. Balanced Mineral Content
A carefully optimized mineral ratio helps reduce the risk of urinary stones, including struvite and calcium oxalate types, while supporting the health of both the urinary and digestive systems.
5. Premium Protein and Prebiotic Sources
Made with high-quality ingredients such as chicken, brewers rice, flaxseed, beet pulp, and citrus pulp, this formula provides easily digestible proteins and natural plant-based fibers for optimal gut health.
Through its scientifically backed formulation, Hill's GI Biome offers a holistic solution for managing digestive sensitivities and maintaining long-term gastrointestinal balance in pets.
Scientific Validation: ActivBiome+™ Technology Significantly Improves Gut Health
The Hill's research team has conducted a series of clinical studies on ActivBiome+™ Technology, confirming that this proprietary prebiotic blend provides significant benefits for improving intestinal health in both dogs and cats.
Research on Dogs
The dog study involved 16 healthy dogs and 16 dogs suffering from chronic gastrointestinal inflammation or recurring digestive discomfort. These dogs were fed two different food formulas containing ActivBiome+™ Technology for a total of 56 days.
Results showed a remarkable improvement in stool quality among all dogs. In particular, dogs with gastrointestinal issues showed stool consistency similar to that of healthy dogs within four weeks. More importantly, ActivBiome+™ was found to effectively modulate the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospira, while suppressing harmful bacteria, such as Desulfovibrio.
These microbial changes were also linked to an increase in beneficial metabolites known as postbiotics, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs help nourish intestinal cells, lower gut pH levels, and create a more favorable environment for beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, undesirable metabolites associated with intestinal inflammation—such as putrescine and spermidine—significantly decreased.
Research on Cats
In a separate study of 28 healthy cats, Hill's researchers also found that ActivBiome+™ increased the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria. It enhanced the production of SCFAs, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, derived from fiber fermentation, while reducing undesirable fatty acids produced by protein breakdown, such as isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, and isovaleric acid.
Additionally, cats experienced increased stool moisture without compromising stool quality. Their fecal pH levels also declined, helping establish a more balanced gut environment that supports beneficial microbial growth.
Overall, these studies provide strong scientific evidence that ActivBiome+™ Technology not only improves stool quality but also optimizes the gut micro-ecosystem at its core. This innovation offers clear benefits for managing chronic digestive issues and supports both healthy pets and those with sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
24-Hour Results: Hill's GI Biome Dog Food Clinically Proven to Improve Chronic Digestive Issues
Hill's has conducted a clinical study on dogs suffering from chronic colonic diarrhea, demonstrating that its Prescription Diet® Gastrointestinal Biome dog food can deliver visible improvements in as little as 24 hours.
In this study, 31 dogs with persistent diarrhea were switched immediately to the Biome formula. Within a day, the texture of their stool improved—from watery and loose to more formed and solid. Instances of blood or mucus in the feces were also significantly reduced.
Over a 56-day period, all participating dogs experienced a reduction in diarrhea recurrence. Specifically, 68% showed better stool quality, and 59% no longer had visible blood or mucus in their bowel movements. These promising results highlight Hill's GI Biome as an effective solution for managing chronic digestive problems in dogs.
Hill's GI Biome vs i/d vs i/d Low Fat: Which Is Best for Your Pet?
Hill's GI Biome, i/d, and i/d Low Fat are different gastrointestinal prescription diets designed for different digestive issues in dogs and cats.
Why These Diets Are Confusing
The names Hill's GI Biome, i/d, and i/d Low Fat sound very similar, so many pet parents find them hard to tell apart. In reality, each one targets different digestive problems and has different functions, so the "best" choice depends on your individual dog or cat's condition.
Overview Of Each Formula
- Hill's GI Biome: Focuses on stabilizing the gut microbiome and relieving chronic soft stool or diarrhea through high fibre and gut-supporting technology.
- Hill's i/d (regular): A standard digestive care diet aimed at short‑term support during acute digestive upsets such as sudden diarrhea or vomiting.
- Hill's i/d Low Fat: Designed for pets with digestive issues related to fat, such as pancreatitis, poor fat absorption, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | GI Biome | i/d (Regular) | i/d Low Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Improve chronic soft stools/diarrhea and help rebalance gut bacteria | Support acute digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting) and recovery | Support digestive issues plus pancreatitis or poor fat absorption |
| Core technology | ActivBiome+ prebiotic fibre technology | ActivBiome+ with highly digestible proteins | ActivBiome+ with an ultra low‑fat design |
| Fat content | Moderate (around 12.6%) | Moderate to moderately low | Very low (around 7.5%) |
| Fibre level | High‑fibre formula (around 7.4%) | Moderate fibre | Moderate fibre |
| Best suited for | Pets with recurring digestive sensitivity, unstable stools, or chronic enteritis | Pets in an acute flare‑up or in the recovery phase | Pets with pancreatic enzyme deficiency, pancreatitis, or poor fat absorption |
| Flavour options | Chicken flavour (dry food) | Chicken flavour (dry and wet) | Chicken flavour (dry food) |
| Suitable for long‑term use? | Yes – recommended for long‑term gut management | Usually short‑ to mid‑term only, depending on the condition | Yes – can be used long term in some cases, under veterinary guidance |
| Age suitability | Adults only (not suitable for young animals) | Adults | Adults only (not suitable for young or pregnant animals) |
Simple Takeaway
- GI Biome: Best for pets that need long‑term stabilization of their gut microbiome, especially those with ongoing mild diarrhea, soft stools, or sensitive intestines.
- i/d: Best for short‑term use during acute digestive upsets such as gastroenteritis, sudden diarrhea, or after illness or surgery while the gut recovers.
- i/d Low Fat: Best for pets with fat‑related digestive problems, such as pancreatitis, fat maldigestion, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
How To Choose For Your Dog Or Cat
If you are asking "With so many GI formulas, which one is right for my dog or cat?", the key is to match the diet to the type of problem: chronic versus acute, and whether fat digestion is an issue. Because these are prescription diets, always confirm your choice with your veterinarian, especially if your pet has pancreatitis, EPI, or any long‑term digestive disease.
Key Things to Know Before Using Hill's Biome Prescription Diet
Before starting your pet on Hill's Biome Prescription Diet, it's important to understand a few essential points to ensure safe and effective use.
1. Veterinary Prescription Required
Hill's GI Biome Digestive Care formula is a prescription diet. A veterinarian must assess your pet's gastrointestinal condition before recommending its use.
2. Suitable for Long-Term Management
Unlike the i/d formula, GI Biome is specifically designed for maintaining long-term digestive health. It not only helps manage acute issues but also supports ongoing gut balance and well-being.
3. Transition Period Required
To prevent digestive upset, it's recommended to transition your pet's food gradually over at least seven days. Slowly mix increasing amounts of Hill's GI Biome with the current diet until the switch is complete.
Choosing the Right Prescription Diet to Solve Digestive Problems
Picking the right prescription diet is the first step to truly resolving your pet's digestive issues. Every pet has a unique digestive system, so their needs will vary depending on their condition.
Whether the problem is acute gastroenteritis, chronic soft stools, or difficulty absorbing fat, the food should always be chosen according to your pet's actual health status. A targeted diet can help calm the digestive tract, improve nutrient absorption, and support long‑term gut balance.
Different Pets, Different Digestive Needs
No two pets share exactly the same digestive sensitivity. Some may occasionally have loose stools after a sudden change of food, while others struggle with long‑term diarrhea, soft stools, or weight loss due to poor absorption.
Because of this, a "one‑diet‑fits‑all" approach usually does not work. A carefully selected prescription formula tailored to your pet's symptoms can make bowel movements more regular and comfortable, and help them feel more energetic overall.
How Hill's Prescription Diets Can Help
Hill's offers several digestive‑care formulas, including the GI Biome, i/d, and i/d Low Fat lines, each designed with a different focus. These recipes use highly digestible ingredients and specific fiber blends to support the gastrointestinal tract.
Among them, GI Biome is especially suitable for pets with long‑term digestive sensitivity and recurring diarrhea. It works from the level of the gut microbiome, helping rebalance beneficial bacteria so that digestive health is improved from the inside out rather than only masking symptoms.
When GI Biome Is a Good Choice
GI Biome is particularly helpful for pets that often have soft or watery stools, an easily upset stomach, or recurring digestive flare‑ups. By supporting a healthier microbial environment in the intestines, it can promote more formed stools and more predictable bowel movements.
For pets that seem to "have a sensitive tummy" no matter how their diet is adjusted, a microbiome‑focused formula like this can be an effective long‑term option recommended by many veterinarians.
The Role of i/d and i/d Low Fat
Hill's i/d formulas are designed for pets with general digestive upset, helping soothe the gut with easily digestible nutrients. They are often used in cases of acute digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or after certain gastrointestinal illnesses.
i/d Low Fat is specifically intended for pets that have trouble digesting or absorbing fat, or that are prone to conditions like pancreatitis. By lowering dietary fat while keeping nutrients highly digestible, it reduces the digestive burden while still providing balanced nutrition.
Work With Your Veterinarian
If you are unsure which formula is best for your pet, always talk to your veterinarian first. They can evaluate your pet's medical history, current symptoms, and test results to recommend the most appropriate prescription diet.
After getting professional advice, you can then refer to comparison charts or product information to feel more confident in your choice. This way, you can help your pet eat more healthily, enjoy smoother and more regular bowel movements, and grow up happy and comfortable.
Final Reminder: Caring for Your Pet's Digestive Health
Every furry friend deserves optimal care, especially when it comes to their digestive system. Occasional stomach upsets can happen, but persistent discomfort shouldn't be ignored. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or loss of appetite may signal a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Final reminder: If your pet experiences ongoing digestive discomfort, do not purchase food on your own. Consult a veterinarian immediately for an accurate diagnosis and dietary advice.
Veterinarians can assess your pet's condition using clinical examinations and recommend specific nutritional solutions suited to their needs. Self-medicating with over-the-counter pet food may worsen the condition, delay recovery, or lead to imbalanced nutrition.
Taking prompt action not only helps your companion recover faster but also ensures long-term well-being through a proper, science-based diet plan.
