Best Probiotic for Dogs: Top Picks for a Healthy Gut
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Time to read 10 min
You have probably seen the TV commercials encouraging people to take probiotics as a way to enhance their physical wellbeing and maintain a healthy digestive system..
But have you ever wondered if you can do the same for your dog?
Well, you may be surprised to discover that many vets actually suggest doing so under certain circumstances. Which begs the question of what are they and which is the best probiotic for dogs to take to keep them in tip-top condition.
In this post, weāll highlight what they are. Hopefully, they will not only save you a bit of money but also ensure your pooch is back to full health as quickly as possible.
Table of Content
What are dog probiotics? How do probiotics work? How can I tell if my dog needs probiotics? Should I take my dog to the vet? What are the benefits of probiotics for dogs? What are the Best Probiotics for Dogs to take? 1. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews Gut Flora & Digestive 2. VetriScienceĀ® Vetri Mega Probiotics Capsules 3. PurinaĀ® Pro PlanĀ® FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement Powder 4. NutramaxĀ® ProviableĀ® Chewable Tablets Digestive Health Supplement Are there any side effects in dogs taking probiotics? Conclusion FAQs about the best probiotic for dogs How do I know if my dog has an unhealthy gut? What is the best thing for a dogās gut health? Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
What are dog probiotics?
Dog probiotics take the form of dietary supplements that help to restore their gut microbiome to healthy levels through the beneficial bacteria they contain.
These types of beneficial bacteria perform the crucial roles of boosting your dogās immune system, enhancing their digestive health, and improving their overall sense of wellness.
The best probiotics for dogs can help to alleviate the symptoms indicative of certain digestive issues, including gas, diarrhea, and bloating, as well as manage certain allergies and skin conditions.
How do probiotics work?
In simple terms, probiotics are supplements that contain live organisms that supplement the bacteria naturally present in the gut.
Everyoneās gut, including dogs, comprises good and bad bacteria. Usually, if the presence of bad bacteria is greater than that of the good bacteria, you can succumb to illness or infection.
If this happens, it can be a good idea for you or your dog to take probiotics to address the imbalance.
How can I tell if my dog needs probiotics?
If your dog is suffering from an imbalance of their gut health that is too much in favor of bad bacteria then it could result in them exhibiting any one of several symptoms.
They include the following:
Allergies & sensitivities
Bloating
Diarrhea
Gas
Gurgling stomach
Low mood
Smelly breath
Tiredness
Weight gain
Sometimes, they could be prone to the occasional bout of vomiting, which may prevent them from receiving any nutritional benefit from their food.
Should I take my dog to the vet?
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, and particularly if they experience extreme discomfort or stress, you should make an appointment to see your vet.
In canines, upset stomachs can be caused by a range of different issues, so your vet will want to determine if the change in your four-legged friendās stomach health might be related to something like:
Change in diet
Eating bad food
Infection somewhere else in the body
Parasitic infection
Stress
There may even be other more serious illnesses at play, which is why it is important to clarify what exactly the cause of your dogās issue is.
What are the benefits of probiotics for dogs?
Depending on their diagnosis, a vet might prescribe probiotics as a course of treatment for your canineās ailment.
The best probiotics for dogs can provide them with several benefits, one of the main ones being that they can alleviate digestive issues.
In addition, improving their gastrointestinal health can also reduce the effects of food or skin allergies, support the immune system in combating infections, alleviate and combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), potentially support liver health, although the evidence for their effectiveness in liver disease is less clear.
What are the Best Probiotics for Dogs to take?
There is no one best probiotics for dogs, and as there are several brands available on the market, each vet will have a different opinion on which one to use in particular concerning the following:
1. Species-Specific Strains:
Look for probiotics that contain strains known to benefit dogs specifically, such as:
Enterococcus faecium
Bifidobacterium animalis
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Avoid generic human probiotics, as they may not survive in a dogās gastrointestinal system or provide the same benefits.
2. Number of Live Cultures (CFUs):
Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) indicate the number of live bacteria in the product. Look for a probiotic with at least 1ā10 billion CFUs per serving, depending on your dog's size and health needs.
3. Multiple Strains:
Probiotics with a variety of bacterial strains are often more effective, as different strains provide distinct benefits. A diverse blend supports overall gut health and targets multiple digestive issues.
4. Delivery Format:
Choose a format thatās easy to administer:
Powder: Mixes easily with food.
Chews or tablets: Convenient for picky eaters.
Capsules: Can be opened and sprinkled on food if necessary.
5. Prebiotics Included:
Many high-quality dog probiotics also contain prebiotics, which are fibers that feed the good bacteria and enhance their effectiveness. Ingredients like inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are common prebiotics.
6. Stability and Shelf Life:
Ensure the product is stable and that live cultures survive until consumption. Look for probiotics labeled as "shelf-stable" if refrigeration is inconvenient.
7. Safety and Quality:
Choose products from reputable brands that have undergone independent testing for safety and efficacy.Ā
However, outlined below are some of the most popular brands vets recommend,.(In no particular order).
1. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews Gut Flora & Digestive
You might be aware that pumpkin is considered to be good for dogs in moderation. Well, this brand has produced a dog chew that blends it with papaya and six different types of probiotics, with over 3 billion CFUs.
This makes it a very good probiotic chew for dogs that have allergies or food sensitivities to certain proteins. Additionally, as it is available in a special formulation for older does, it is appropriate for your aging pooch or picky eaters, too.
It is worth pointing out that flavorings like plum, flaxseed, and oregano might aggravate the digestive systems of some dogs.
2. VetriScienceĀ® Vetri Mega Probiotics Capsules
Some vets view this VetriScienceĀ® brand as being one of the best probiotics for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies on account of it containing eight probiotics with 5 billion CFUs and no additional flavorings, dairy or animal protein.
As the product only comes in the form of a capsule, taking it can be a challenge for some breeds of dogs. However, you can always break the capsule open and sprinkle its powder into their food.
While it supports a healthy immune system and promotes intestinal balance, it does lack added vitamins and fiber.
3. PurinaĀ® Pro PlanĀ® FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement Powder
If you are looking for something that comes in a pure powder form that is easy to use, then this PurinaĀ® brand is a good option.
It features a single probiotic, and as you simply mix the powder with your food, it is a good option for puppies and adult dogs, particularly those who are suffering from diarrhea.
The probiotic has been available since 2006 and is made by a company with a good reputation. It possesses 100 million CFUs of Enterococcus faecium, brewerās yeast, and added vitamins, and seems very palatable for dogs.
As it has been on the market for almost 20 years, there are significant bodies of research which prove its benefits.
4. NutramaxĀ® ProviableĀ® Chewable Tablets Digestive Health Supplement
This brand comes in the form of a capsule or tasty chew. The great thing about it is that both can easily be mixed with food for canines that are reluctant to take pills.
Possessing over five billion CFUs from seven probiotics, it offers an excellent blend of different microorganisms. Congruently, it also has a prebiotic, in addition to kaolin and pectin, that can help to firm up loose stools by soothing and coating the GI tract.
While this is widely considered a good product among vets, some might not perceive it as the best solution in the long term.
Are there any side effects in dogs taking probiotics?
Youāll be pleased to hear that probiotics are not considered dangerous in dogs. However, because they change your dogās gut flora, it can result in increased symptoms over a short-term period before you see signs of improvement.
This could cause your four-legged friend to become even more bloated or gassy. Additionally, they might experience diarrhea, requiring more frequent trips outside to go to the bathroom. Alternatively, the opposite could occur, and they might become constipated. In any case, it is important to consult a vet.
However, as probiotics are made from natural ingredients that boost your dogās digestive system, they should return to good health pretty quickly.
That said, if the symptoms hang around for a couple of days or seem to worsen, you should again seek advice from a vet immediately.
Conclusion
Gut and digestive issues are common among dogs, so if your canine is suffering, it is always good to check with your vet to see if it is appropriate to give them probiotics.
If they recommend you do, the best probiotics for dogs will usually alleviate their condition very quickly. So, itās good to be aware of the three brands weāve identified whenever your pooch needs them.
FAQs about the best probiotic for dogs
Here are some answers to questions frequently asked about the best probiotic for dogs.
How do I know if my dog has an unhealthy gut?
Some of the most common tell-tale signs that your canine is suffering from poor gut health are diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, excessive gas, mucus in the stools, weight loss, reduced appetite, and drooling.
However, it is important to note that these symptoms might also indicate that a more serious health condition is at play, so it is always worth taking them to a vet for proper diagnosis.
What is the best thing for a dogās gut health?
Probiotics are a terrific way to maintain good gut health in your dog because they help to keep the balance between 'goodā and ābadā bacteria within it.
For this reason, if stress, illness, or medication has created an imbalance within it, probiotics are a good way to restore the equilibrium.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
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How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Fureverā¢ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetiteāall indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are feltāa healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act āpuppy-likeā and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.
