Did you know that a Dog’s Digestive system is very similar to a human’s digestive system? Just like humans, Dogs need a healthy gut (microbiome) to thrive, fight disease (immunity), aid digestion, support the brain and bones and so much more! In fact, a Dog’s (and your) gut has billions of these healthy probiotic bacteria naturally! However, there are factors which can “disrupt” the balance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria. In fact, Luna had severe, life-threatening gut issues before she was rescued – which keeps this topic current at the furSmiths! You may be wondering just like Mom, Are Probiotics for Dogs Necessary?
Signs of Digestive Issues of Dogs
First, if you suspect your Dog or pet may have digestive or any health issues please make an appointment with your veterinarian. Consider a holistic vet if there is one in your area for a first or second opinion. Multiple medical advice and information is priceless in Mom’s opinion. If your dog has stomach issues it’s important to get a medical diagnosis to be safe and informed! This article is designed to provide information to help you preventatively and / or periodically boost your Pup’s gut microbiome.
Signs that your Dog May Have Digestive Issues (or changes in their Microbiome) Include:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Cramping
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Bloating
- General poor health
- Upset stomach
- Bad breath
Are Prebiotics Better than Probiotics for Dogs?
Both prebiotics and probiotics are good for your dog’s gut, but they help in different ways. Prebiotics are special plant fibers that help healthy bacteria grow in the gut and many dogs (and humans) don’t eat enough in their daily diet! In fact, while researching the topic of gut health for dogs, Mom found one VERY important fact…Probiotics NEED a good platform of Prebiotics to thrive and fourish!
Prebiotics for Dogs
What ARE Prebiotics you ask? Prebiotics are carbs the gut can’t digest. They provide food for the healthy bacteria to grow in the lower digestive tract. After prebiotics ferment in the large intestine they become the main food source for probiotics!
Canine and Human digestive systems are very similar, the more probiotics we both have the healthier we are! Prebiotics for people and dogs have a variety of health benefits…they help the gut better absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, help intestinal disorders, improve bone strength and density and more!
Although Dog Prebiotics supplements are available, there are several healthy and delicious Prebiotic foods that you can easily add to your dog’s meal! Mom likes preparing a plain base batch for us to share! Simply rotate a small amount of the following foods into your pup’s food:
- Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal (plain)
- Sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled without peels)
- Organic Steamed Asparagus (raw asparagus may cause gas and diarrhea)
- Banana Slices (in small amounts, the greener the better)
- Organic Apple Slices (in moderation) note: us furSmiths have a tsp of organic plain (apples and water only) Applesauce daily!
- Non GMO, Organic Canned Pumpkin (stir into food to improve digestibility)
- Organic Barley (mix with food)
- Organic Flaxseed meal seeds (mix with food)
What Is a Probiotic?
Probiotic Definition: Probiotics are live yeasts aka “good” bacteria that help keep the gut healthy and are good for the digestive system. A healthy dog (and human) naturally has billions of probiotics in their guts but the balance can change easily with stress, a disagreeable or spoiled food, health issues, age, medication, etc.
Foods with Probiotics for Dogs
There are several foods, supplements, drinks and powders which can aid in improving gut health via probiotics for humans but most are not suitable for dogs. Finding a healthy food high in probiotics for dogs can become quite challenging!
If your dog is being treated by a veterinarian for gut health most likely they have already advised a supplement which is what we prefer at the furSmith’s. Mom chooses to add a Probiotic supplement to our meal once a day for preventative health as an extra “boost”.
Is Yogurt a Good Probiotic for Dogs?
Yogurt or kefir with live cultures can potentially be good food sources for probiotics for your pup if you read the labels carefully! It’s important to only give plain, low lactose (Greek) yogurt or kefir with no added sugar, no artificial sugar or any preservative or other ingredients. Lactose in general is irritating to a dog’s gut so we skip yogurt and kefir completely.
What are the Best Probiotics for Dogs?
There are many Probiotics for Dogs on the market and it’s important to do your research to make sure they are free from glutens and other potential irritants or allergens. The furSmiths have a long history using Ask Ariel Supplements (the founder was Sable’s dietician and is based in our home town). We trust Ask Ariel immensely. (In fact, Zachy is currently using an Ask Ariel renal supplement)! Us furSmith Pups take Ask Ariel Power Probiotic once a day. (Power Probiotic is great for both dogs and cats)!
Disclosure: Some of the following links are affiliate links which means we earn a little commission if you make a purchase using our links – at no additional cost to you. Other links are products and services we enjoy with zero commission and want you to be aware of as well! We only recommend products that we really WUV and hope you will too! THANK YOOOO for supporting our blog!
Powdered Probiotics for Dogs
Zachy and Lovey have enjoyed the Powdered Purina Fortiflora for Cats. Mom is not keen on changing something they actually like!
Purina also makes a Powdered Fortiflora Probiotic for Dogs which is often recommended by veterinarians. Personally, we have not tried the Dog version but we’ve been happy with Fortiflora for Cats!
Human Probiotics for Dogs – Are they Safe?
In general, human Probiotics are Safe for Dogs however they may not have the specific strains of bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium which your dog needs for optimal benefit. For this reason we recommend that you find an ideal probiotic specifically for dogs. Ask your veterinarian or give Ask Ariel Power Probiotic or Purina Fortiflora for Dogs a try!
Should I Give my Dog a Probiotic?
In Summary, adding Probiotics to your dog’s diet can be a preventative way of maintaining or boosting your pup’s health. It’s important to remember, however, that a healthy Prebiotic foundation is the first step so Probiotics can flourish!
Some of the benefits of Probiotics include but are not limited to:
- Boosting & Supporting Immunity
- Improving diarrhea and food allergies
- Reducing stress
- Managing yeast
- Preventing anxiety
- Improving mood and emotions
Is it OK to Give My Dog Probiotics Daily?
Please consult with your veterinarian but the furSmiths (and Mom) take Probiotics Daily for Gut and overall Preventative Health!
Looking for Other Ways to Improve or Boost Your Dog’s Health?
Check out our Blog and let us know your FAVOWITE article!
