Some animals may experience side effects after starting probiotics, such as digestive discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, or gas. They may also experience changes in appetite which can be an early indicator of an adverse reaction so as with every other dog food, ensure you monitor your dog for signs of discomfort when introducing probiotics to their diet.

Talk to your veterinarian if your dog does not respond well to probiotics or if you have any concerns about their digestive health.

Probiotics for dogs come in several forms, including dog foods, supplements, and probiotic chews. However, you can find some beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus in many dogs as they live naturally in their gastrointestinal system.

Other types of 'friendly' bacteria come as live cultures in food. Dog foods with probiotics may include species-specific strains of gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Bacillus coagulans. Probiotic supplements are available in powder, capsule, or chew form.

Yes, and no. Sure, they can consume human probiotics, however, those are not best suited for dogs as they may not provide the same benefits. Humans and dogs have different digestive systems, so the specific strain of friendly bacteria needed by humans will very likely differ from what your dog needs.

On the other hand, probiotics designed specifically for dogs take into account the differences in the gut microbiome between humans and dogs. Please avoid feeding human probiotics that are not vetted as safe for animal consumption to your dogs as they may even cause adverse reactions.

Many situations exist that could create an imbalance in your dog's stomach such as their ingesting spoiled food, a recent parasitic or bacterial infection, or following a long-term antibiotic prescription. These could cause symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, which show that your dog needs probiotics.

Puppies and senior dogs may be more susceptible to bacterial imbalances and benefit from probiotics. Dogs taking antibiotics will also benefit from probiotics to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Probiotic chews are a convenient and tasty way to administer probiotics to support your dog’s gut health. They are much easier to administer than powders or capsules. Plus, probiotic chews can be a good option for dogs that have trouble swallowing pills or capsules as they are soft chews – easy to eat and swallow.

As a pet owner who cares for the well-being of your dog's gut health, it is important to know what to look out for when deciding the best probiotics to feed your dog. The most obvious step to take is to ensure whatever product you buy is not past its expiration date.

Also, look for a product with a proprietary blend of probiotics and prebiotics as you want to both introduce the probiotic and facilitate its survival. Other factors to consider are your dog’s breed and size and if the options you've found are correct for them.

Always ensure you follow the directions for use based on your dog’s size and consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplement.

You can introduce probiotics to your dogs in different ways. Some are:

• Add probiotic-rich foods, such as plain yogurt or kefir, to your dog’s diet in moderation. We recommend plain, unsweetened varieties that do not contain artificial sweeteners.

• Probiotic supplements can be added to your dog’s food or given as a treat. A popular option is probiotic chews.

• You can also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best way to supplement your dog’s diet with probiotics.

Probiotic chews and other dog treats like CBD chews and  organ meat share similar benefits for raising a healthy dog.  CBD chews and probiotic chews for dogs offer anxiety relief to dogs that need it.

On the other hand, while organ meats do not contain probiotics, they are a great source of prebiotic fibers which provide support for the growth of probiotics. However, organ meat can potentially contain pathogens which is why we recommend well-sourced meat like  Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex if you're looking to mix up the equation.

These beneficial microorganisms, probiotics, can be a valuable addition to your dog’s diet, helping to relieve digestive issues and promote a strong immune system and overall health. You can introduce them to your dog in the form of probiotic-rich food like yogurt, or as chewy supplements which can be enjoyed as treats.

By choosing the right probiotics for your dog and following the recommended dosage, you can help promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Always remember to speak with a veterinarian to determine the best way to support your dog’s gut health with probiotics.