Probiotics are bacteria that play an important role in gut health, that is, they are from the group of good bacteria that help to have a good functioning of the immune system, both in humans and in animals. There are many different types of microbes (bacteria and yeast) that live in the gastrointestinal systems of all animals, including dogs, so probiotics for dogs can maintain their gut microbial balance, just like in people.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s digestive health, perhaps because he has common problems like diarrhea or food allergies, or if you’re trying to prevent his long-term good health, consider giving your pet a probiotic supplement.
What are the best probiotics for dogs?
It’s a good idea to give your dog different types of probiotics, ideally along with prebiotics, as various strains live in different parts of the digestive tract and therefore have unique benefits. Some of the probiotic strains are enterococcus faecium, bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus acidophiluswhich have been shown to offer benefits such as protection against infections and parasites, among others.
What are probiotics for dogs?
Probiotics are defined as «live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.» Many intestinal benefits are attributed to the presence of probiotics, For example, there is evidence that some benefits for dogs include inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections, treating diarrhea, reducing intestinal permeability and inflammation, decreasing allergies, and helping with nutrient absorption.
Of course, you should focus on giving your pet a nutritious diet, and adding a probiotic that is added to a balanced diet to further improve health, mood and appearance. According to an article published in Whole Dog Journalprobiotic species known to benefit dogs include:
- enterococcus faecium (strain SF68)
- bacillus coagulans
- Bifidobacterium animalis (AHC7 strain)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Streptococcus
- Lactobacillus casei
- bifidobacterium breve
To date, more research has been done on the positive attributes of probiotics administered to humans. However, there is some evidence that specific probiotic strains appear to work best for improving microbial balance in canines. Four bacterial strains/products have been examined. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has studied their safety and efficacy as probiotics in dogs, including two strains of enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. animals.
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What signs may indicate that your dog may benefit from a probiotic supplement?
The American Kennel Club says that diarrhea, gas, colic, and bad breath tend to be some of the most obvious. Some of the more common triggers that can lead to these problems among dogs include:
- Infections, parasites or bacterial imbalances of the microbes in the intestine.
- Stress, just like with humans.
- Diet changes, especially if they happen suddenly.
- Eating spoiled food.
- Use of medications, such as antibiotics that can kill probiotic bacteria.
How to use probiotics for dogs
There are different types of probiotic supplements made for pets that you can find in powder form to add to food every day; also in commercial foods, capsules, liquids, candies, freeze-dried or chewable.
Are «human probiotics» safe for dogs?
In most cases, yes. Some people choose to give their dogs the same probiotic supplements they take themselves, although the dosage may need to be adjusted based on the size of the dog. It is generally safe to give human probiotics at a full dose to dogs weighing 40 pounds or more, but adjustment is needed for smaller dogs. One sign that your dog is taking too high a dose is if he begins to have diarrhea or loose stools. Some vets recommend that only probiotics specially designed for dogs be used, as these must contain the most effective strains and doses.
probiotics can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, although they may be more effective when taken without food, between meals. If you give your dog probiotics to solve digestive problems, they should be taken with food. If you give them between meals, try to get him to drink a little water. This can help dilute stomach acid, making it easier for the strains to survive as they make their way through the digestive tract.
Do dogs need probiotics every day?
Probiotics can be taken by dogs on a short- or long-term basis, depending on their health and reaction. It is best to follow the label suggestions for dosage and duration of use, as each product may work differently, so check with your vet as well.
other advice to increase the effectiveness of probiotics for dogs is also to give them a prebiotic supplement, which contains ingredients that essentially help «feed» probiotic bacteria so they can thrive in the gut. Prebiotics are selectively fermented in the gastrointestinal tract. This allows for targeted changes in the composition and activity of the healthy microbiota found in probiotic supplements. When probiotics and prebiotics are taken together, they are called «symbiotics,» suggesting a synergistic relationship between the two.
Finally, consider giving your dog probiotics in the natural form of fermented foods such as cultured vegetables, goat milk yogurt, or kefir, which are generally safe for dogs to eat.
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