Do Cats Need Probiotics In Their Diet To Be Healthy
Ideally, your kitty should get all the nutrition she needs from a well-rounded, high-quality cat food dietbut sometimes she might need a boost. According to Stephanie Kadasi, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Feline Fine Cat Clinic, this boost might be most beneficial when your cat is on antibiotics. Antibiotics and other meds may be essential to treat an infection or other condition, but they can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad. As always, use the antibiotics as directed by your vet, but ask if including probiotics along with them could help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Probiotics are also a safe way to provide your kitty with digestive relief if she’s prone to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal ailments, like inflammatory bowel disease. There are many possible causes of your kitty’s diarrhea, but it might be worth asking your vet if too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria could be to blame.
According to Kadasi, introducing cat-appropriate probiotics to your kitty’s mealtime doesn’t have many drawbacks. If it’s the right probiotic for cats, Kadasi says you can’t really over do it with the good bacteria.
RELATED: The 9 Best Vitamins for CatsPlus Expert Advice for Supplementing Your Kitty’s Diet
We Looked For Foods That Emphasized High
Cats have some of the highest protein requirements of any species on Earth. Indeed, cats need about 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.
Anything less leads to reduced lean muscle mass and, potentially, weight loss. Cats should eat high-protein foods composed of at least 50% protein on a dry matter basis.
But remember that not all protein is equal. It comes in many forms. Some are readily available to your cats body. Others arent. For example, both leather and eggs are high in protein, but the eggs biological value is a bit higher.
We dont know exactly which protein sources are most digestible for cats, but we do know that as obligate carnivores, cats seem to get the most out of animal-sourced protein.
We also know that muscle meat and organs are rich in beneficial protein, while other animal parts are less biologically available.
For those reasons, we looked for foods that prioritized animal-sourced protein from clearly-named sources like chicken, turkey liver, eggs, and other high-value animal parts.
While some plant proteins are virtually unavoidable in the dry food space, we gave lower grades to products that contain large amounts of protein from peas, soy, corn gluten meal, and other plant sources.
Because excessive carbohydrates can spike your cats blood sugar and increase his risk of developing diabetes, we looked for low-carb recipes.
What Are The Best Probiotics For Cats
Cat probiotics come in a variety of forms including supplement powders, pills and even coated on the outside of kibble. When looking for the best probiotics for your cat, it is important to seek an option that not only suits your cats taste preferences but one that contains the highest CFU amount and contains varied strains of probiotic bacteria. A diverse array of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus help optimize digestive health more than just a single strain. Each type of probiotic works in different parts of the digestive tract.
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What Should I Know About Probiotics For Cats
1.) Maintain Quality Control: Previous studies found many commercial probiotics had labeling errors and forgot to list specific microorganisms. There were misspellings, and specific numbers of bacteria were not listed. Also, further comparison test report some probiotics didnt meet viable organism claims. They contain organisms without a probiotic effect or even included potentially pathogenic microorganisms. It is extremely important to discuss dietary supplement, including probiotics, with your veterinarian prior to selecting a product.
2.) Avoid Probiotic Use in Immunocompromised Patients: When considering probiotics in cats that are immune-compromised such as intestinal mucosa, proceed with caution, and consult a veterinarian.
3.) Select a Highly Regarded Probiotic Strain: Select a recognizable strain designation which is reputable in studies.
4.) Susceptible or Resistant to Antibiotics: Probiotics, like other bacteria, are sensitive or resistant to administered antibiotics. Talk with your veterinarian if the probiotic youve selected has been studied with the antibiotic your veterinarian recommends.
What Are The Best Probiotics For Feline
The following factors must influence your buying decision:
Most importantly, a probiotic must have live and healthy bacterial strains to pass on all their health benefits to your cat. On the other hand, there are dead bacteria too which can affect your cats digestion. However, the impact of the dead bacteria cannot be greater than that of live bacteria. Probiotics have live bacteria certification. Their lifespan is what one has to look for. In packaged form, live bacterial strains can survive for a limited period of time.
2. Pure Microbial Strains
There are probiotics that only carry live bacteria. They can be sold blended with digestive enzymes and even prebiotics. This combination is technically okay because both the latter ingredients complement the functioning of the live bacteria to help improve digestion. According to experts, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus species are good for improving digestive health and colonic health, respectively.
3. With added ingredients
Some probiotics contain added digestive enzymes and prebiotics and such combinations do work well. However, products such as artificial preservatives and other ingredients could be added too. Some contain flavoring agents as well. It depends on the cat owners whether they would prefer such additional ingredients added to probiotics.
Also Check: When Is The Best Time To Drink Probiotics
Lists Of Best Probiotics Cat Foods Top Wet & Dry Brands
The 10 Best Probiotics Supplement For Cats Reviews & Top Picks
Looking for the best probiotics for cats to restore the balance of bacteria in your cats digestive system? Check out the reviews of top 10 Cat Probiotics Supplements recommended by vets. Team CatLovesBest
Probiotics are of utmost importance not only in humans but in all living beings. How can our pets be any different? Do not take the risk of ignoring the digestive system of your kitty because her health and well-being are dependent on it.
The digestive system goes haywire only when the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the gut is tipped in favor of the latter. Probiotics can help to repopulate the good bacteria back in the intestines to overcome the ill-effects of the bad bacteria so that the digestive system starts functioning normally.
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Pet Ultimates Probiotics For Cats
Pet Ultimates powdered probiotic supplement is made in the United States under rigorous quality control measures, and each dose contains 20 probiotic strains to optimize digestion. Results will start showing in just two weeks from the day you start administering the product.
The serving size for this powdered supplement is just half a teaspoonful, which means the jar that arrives will last for at least one month even when used daily. Its a fine powder, which can be mixed with both wet or dry food, without changing the texture of the food.
The product does not contain any cheap fillers and that is what makes it a healthier alternative. There is a money-back guarantee on the product that allows you to return the product and get a full refund if you dont see results.
This product has 20 different probiotic strains that can prove healthy for the cats system. However, it did have a strong smell when the jar was opened the first few times.
Pros:
Cons:
- Strong odor when opened for the first time.
- May take a bit longer to show results.
Best For Digestion And Immune Health
Description
This probiotic is excellent for cats with sensitive tummies and those prone to allergies. This daily supplement contains no artificial ingredients, corn or wheat, and is presented in a tantalizing duck flavored chewy treat that even the fussiest felines will enjoy!
The highly palatable chew is suitable for both dogs and cats and can even be used as a calming treat too in stressful and anxiety-inducing situations.
Nutritional Information
Dogs: Give 1 chew daily for every 25 pounds.
Cats: Give 1 chew per day.
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Can Probiotics Help Your Feline
Probiotics are very effective in curing digestive problems like decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or stool changes and related diseases in Cats. But these are not the only benefits of giving your Cat a Probiotic, as it also helps in promoting the immune system health as well.
Immunity is closely linked to the health of the digestive tract and when your cat has an abnormal digestive tract, then her immunity may suffer. Disorders that can cause an improper digestive tract include diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Digestive Tract Infection. The GI Tract may also get affected if your cat ingests something that is indigestible.
There is also a possibility that the cats grooming themselves excessively and ingesting too much hair may lead to an upset digestive tract. So Probiotics can help with a variety of conditions, and on the other side, it will also promote their immune system.
Besides this, even though the Probiotics can prevent and cure any digestive tract related diseases, it is always advised to take proper attention to their regular diet. It is also important to monitor and improve the cats daily stool habits that will subsequently prevent any digestive tract related problems.
What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics For Cats
From improved digestion to a more potent immune system probiotics for cats have several health benefits. Lets take a closer look at what probiotics for cats can do:
- Balanced GI Tract. The most obvious and direct benefit of probiotics is keeping the cats gut microorganisms balanced and maintaining a healthy GI tract.
- Improved Digestion. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Potent Immunity. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity.
- Fresh Breath. Beneficial bacteria from probiotics for cats help balance the microbiome in the cats mouth, thus preventing bad breath or halitosis.
- Better Mood. There is an established link between the brain and the gut . In these terms, gut health results in a better mood and decreased anxiety.
- Different probiotic bacteria strains are available for various health benefits in cats
- Probiotics support a cats gut health and digestion
- Boost the immune system and help cats with certain skin conditions
- Promote overall physical health and emotional wellbeing for cats
- Safe and efficient to use in cats of different breeds and ages
- Honest Paws Probiotics include prebiotics are in convenient pre-portioned single-dose sachets
- Clumping is possible in cases of inadequate storing
- The scent can be off-putting for some owners
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Cat Probiotics Vs Dog Probiotics: Whats The Difference
Cats and dogs have very different digestive systems. For instance, a cats small intestine is shorter than that of a canines, which results in a quicker transit time for digesting food. The WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition also notes that a cat has a much smaller cecum than a dogs and the gastric mucosa differs between the two species.
Mahaney notes that cats are carnivorous in nature, whereas dogs are omnivores. Cats are meant to survive off of protein and fat, where dogs are meant to eat more of a variety including meat and protein and vegetables and fruits, he explains. Digestion starts in the mouth and if you look at the teeth of dogs and cats, the dentition of the dog includes molars meant for chopping up plant material, whereas cats lack these types of teeth. These differences in anatomy, physiology and diet are why some veterinarians believe that cats may benefit from probiotics even more than dogs.
What Are The Side Effects Of Probiotics For Cats
The most common side effect of probiotics for cats is digestive problems. However, this is only possible if the probiotics are misused.
Here are the potential side effects of probiotics in cats:
- Digestive Issues. Some cats may experience diarrhea, nausea, gassiness, and bloating after using probiotics. Like with new cat foods, the cats digestive system needs time to adjust to the probiotic supplement.
- Intolerance. Some cats are not able to tolerate certain probiotic brands . Therefore, we recommend talking to a vet before giving your cat any probiotic supplement.
Based on a study understanding the efficacy of probiotics, all cats were found to be healthy during the study, with no side effects.
This is because probiotics contain strains that are normal inhabitants of the cats microbiota. As a result, probiotics are considered relatively safe to use.
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Best For Kidney Disease: Healthy Kidney Inc Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs
Amazon
Delivery Method: Powder | Life Stage: Adult | NASC Seal: No
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Seven strains of gut bacteria
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Balances five different factors related to kidney health
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Money back guarantee
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Some cats wont eat it
Kidney disease in cats can sneak up on pet parents. Cats are often quiet about their symptoms so we dont often realize theyre struggling until kidney problems have advanced. It is most common in older cats, especially those over ten years old, and you should consult with your vet about the best course of treatment.
Healthy Kidneys Kidney Restore was formulated by naturopath Robert Galarowicz. Their recipe focuses on balancing five critical aspects of kidney health to reduce renal stress. The formula claims to balance phosphorus, potassium, acid build up, and supports elimination of toxins. One scoop contains 50 billion CFU of seven strains of good bacteria. FOS and camu camu powder are included as prebiotics. It also contains sodium bicarbonate that neutralizes acids, niacinamide to lower harmful phosphorus levels, and vitamin C as an antioxidant.
Organic, GMO-free, and manufactured and tested in an FDA registered GMP-compliant facility in the Unites States, its easy for your pets to take mixed in with food. Some cat owners report that their cat wouldnt eat it, but many others saw noticeable improvements in their cat within a couple of weeks or less.
Best For Kittens: Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food
Amazon
Weight: 11.9 pounds| Form: Dry | Flavor: Cat & Kitchen | Life Stage: All
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85 to 90 percent animal-derived ingredients
If you’ve got a kitten at home, we recommend Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food . It’s formulated with fresh, whole ingredients like free-range chicken, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish, providing your developing kitten with the nutrients they need to grow. Also, you won’t find any grains in the ingredients list, which some owners prefer to avoid. All components of the recipe are selected with your feline’s biological needs in mind.
Read Also: What Are Probiotic Drops Used For
Get Naked Furball Relief Soft Treats For Cats
Natural dietary fiber, flaxseed, Probiotics for cats, and probiotics in Get Naked Digestive Health are beneficial food for cats and promote a healthy digestive tract. Natural ingredients and human-grade nutraceuticals are used in Get Naked resources to help good health in cats.
These heart-shaped soft treats contain Gained BC30 to promote digestion and organic vegetable oils to assist fur balls in traveling through the digestive system.
Our cat snacks are high in protein since they are made from genuine chicken. Not only will your cat enjoy the delectable chicken flavor, but youll like the fact that every grain-free food contains fewer than 3 calories. Your cat will enjoy Get Naked Digestive Health while maintaining a healthy weight. Get Naked Cat Treats are available in four different recipes, addressing a unique feline requirement.
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Best For Cats With Ibd Fera Probiotics Max
These probiotics by FERA contain a USDA organic certified formula that delivers 5 billion CFUs per scoop. Developed by veterinarian Dr. Dulake, this powder probiotic contains 12 hand-selected strains with organic prebiotics to create the perfect formula for cats with IBD. When you incorporate this supplement into your cats routine, youll find it boosts his immunity, helps him maintain a healthy weight, relieves diarrhea, gas, and bad breath, and improves energy by increasing gut flora.
Simple to use, this formula can be scooped in and mixed with your cats regular food. Free from additives, fillers, and preservatives, this probiotic plus prebiotic formula also supports skin health. When cats are uncomfortable, they may exhibit excessive grooming, which could hurt their skin. This formula improves your cats whole body health, from the inside out. In testing, we found that this product improved bad breath, vomiting, and lessened an elderly cats body odor. Its unflavored and was well-received by the cats we tested it on.
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Look For Several Different Bacterial Strains On The Ingredient List
Another essential tip to consider is the variety of strains on the ingredient list. Ingredient list plays a vital role in the health of live beings. Apart from being anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, it might be an anti-cancer. Besides that, several strains of bacteria will help your car in reducing infections.
