The Benefits Of Probiotics For Your Cat
Like us humans, your cats digestive tract contains millions of microorganisms. Probiotics are considered the good bacteria in the gut. They service the body by fighting off the bad or harmful bacteria.
These good bacteria exist naturally in your cats digestive system. Still, various reasons can cause the good bacteria to lose out to the harmful bacteria and put your cat at risk of becoming ill.
- Have recently been on antibiotics
- Suffering from stomach upset
- Not eating the correct diet
- Suffering from internal parasites
All the above conditions can throw out the natural and delicate bacteria balance in your cats gut. The result can be seen as a stomach upset, food intolerances, and diarrhea, to name a few. Additionally, an unbalanced gut can put your cat at higher risk of contracting illnesses or infections. The gut microbiota plays a very important role in your cats immunity, and the colonization of beneficial bacteria competes against many opportunistic bacteria that given the chance could turn into pathogens causing infection. In simple words, they do not allow the bad guys to take over and reproduce.
Are Prebiotics Good For Dogs And Cats An Animal Gut Health Expert Explains
Pet dogs and cats are cherished companions. In developed countries, many households with pets treat them like family members. Similarly to humans, a high level of nutrition and veterinary care promotes health and longevity. As people become more aware of what they feed themselves and their human family, they make the same considerations for their canine and feline companions. Pet food trends have closely followed those of the human food industry over the last couple decades, with high-quality natural and organic foods gaining popularity.
One way pet food companies have enhanced their products is by incorporating functional ingredients into their formulas. Functional ingredients provide benefits beyond that of their nutrient content. One of the most popular target areas for functional ingredients is pet gastrointestinal health, with structure/function claims of supporting digestive health, or something similar, being quite common. Loose stools, constipation, and various gastrointestinal disorders and diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome are common in pets. The task of poop scooping after the dog in the park or cleaning out the cats litterbox provides owners with an opportunity for daily assessment of stool quality and serves as a reminder of how important diet is to gut health.
Benefits of prebiotics for pets
Types of pet-friendly prebiotics
Which pets benefit most?
Potential Side Effects Of Probiotics For Cats
But while too much of the “good stuff” won’t hurt your kitty, there are some important tips to keep in mind before feeding your cat a probiotic. Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM, owner and chief veterinarian of Applebrook Animal Hospital, heeds an important warning when it comes to side effects of broad-spectrum probiotics. “Because probiotics contain live bacterial cultures, there is a risk of infection or even a risk that the live cultures could manufacture harmful substances. Because probiotics are not always regulated by the FDA, they could even contain substances other than the intended ingredients.”
When you’re choosing a probiotic for your feline friend, it’s best to ask your vet which products they trust. Below is a list of options you might consider when shopping for a cat probiotic.
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Best For Older Dogs: Amazing Nutritionals Probiotic Joint Chewable Tablets
Amazon
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Designed specifically for joint health
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Appealing liver plus bacon flavor
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Tablet less chewy and appealing than many other chews
As your dog ages, new problems may begin to pop up. Tackle any developing digestive dilemmas and ease joint pain with a probiotic for senior dogs, like Amazing Nutritionals Probiotics Joint Formula.
This supplement is for dogs who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, and stiffness. It omits many of the most common allergens for dogs, including wheat, corn, soy, egg, gluten, and more but includes 7 billion CFU of beneficial bacteria. In addition, your dog will get a dose of MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine to ease any arthritis and support joint and cartilage health. It’s also supplemented with stomach enzymes to bolster digestion.
Amazing Nutritionals Probiotics Joint Formula is made in the United States in a GMP organic-certified facility.
Formulation: Chewable tablet | Quantity: 120 count | CFUs: 7.5 billion Lactobacillus acidophilus per chew | Ingredients: Amylase, lipase, protease , glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, MSM methylsulfonylmethane, dicalcium phosphate, liver, stearic acid, whey, bacon flavor, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide
Precautions When Giving Cats Probiotics
As with many things that we give our pets, probiotics wont work their magic overnight. Plan for your cat to get accustomed to their probiotics after two to several weeks to see any results. Results will also largely depend on the problem youre treating if one exists.
Some probiotics may also come with side effects, like gas or upset stomach. If your probiotic is making problems worse or creating new problems, definitely halt and reassess by talking to your vet.
Plus, this goes for all products that aim to solve a problem in your feline friend. Probiotics are not suitable for every cat issue youre having. While probiotics offer many benefits, you should always consult with your veterinarian to assess your cats digestive issues and beyond to understand the best treatment possible. For instance, if your cat is being treated for other ailments, their GI tract may be compromised and probiotics may not help at all.
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Usda Organic Probiotics With Prebiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help control the balance of the digestive system, which is essential for improving digestion and enhancing overall health. With 5 billion CFUs per scoop and 12 live powerful strains of living GOOD bacteria, this flavorless powder easily mixes into your pet’s food with the included scoop your dog or cat won’t even know it’s there!
Our veterinarian-formulated probiotics include organic prebiotics that support normal microbial balance and the growth of beneficial bacteria in your pet’s intestines.
Why does my pet need probiotics?
- Helps maintain a healthy intestinal tract and supports proper digestion
- Aids in reducing loose stool due to environmental stress and/or changes in the diet
- Helps maintain proper gut flora by providing a source of beneficial intestinal bacteria
- Helps maintain proper gut pH and supports normal digestive function
- Supports skin health and may reduce severity of scratching, itching, hot spots from allergies
- Helps support the immune system and immune response
USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC, 100% VEGAN, GRAIN-FREE, NO SOY, CORN or DAIRY! NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS, DYES or PRESERVATIVES.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS per 1.2g scoop
Organic Prebiotic: FOS , Organic Inulin derived from Agave, Organic Acacia
Do Cats Need Probiotics
Probiotics can benefit cats, but is there a historical or evolutionary precedent for feline probiotic consumption?
Like all animals, your cats natural prey has their own microbiome, which is the population of microorganisms that live inside the body and on the skin. So, that tasty meal consisting of a fresh mouse or bird comes with a variety of both good and bad bacteria. Whats more, a bite-size pocket of fermenting plant matter and microorganisms is built into every meal.
Externally, prey animals have feathers, hair, teeth, claws, and other indigestible animal tissue. For a carnivore, this may serve a purpose similar to plant fiber. Fiber is a prebiotic, helping to promote probiotic activity in the gut and move food through the gut.
Just as humans have been eating probiotic-rich fermented foods for thousands of years, so have cats historically consumed probiotic material. This suggests that a modern-day diet lacks the beneficial organisms found in a cats natural prey. Unfortunately, a modern-day diet lacks the beneficial organisms found in a cats natural prey.
Also Check: What Is The Best Organic Probiotic
Mb: Probiotics Are A Popular Dietary Supplement At The Moment So Why Dont You Include Probiotics In Your Products
RR: Probiotics are actual beneficial bacteria strains. However, these are not bacteria that would normally be in your dog or cats gut. In many cases, theyre not even native to any dog or cat. Typically, probiotics available for purchase are a dairy strain thats native to a goat or cow. Sometimes, the commercial probiotic strains used in products are found in the earth. Ive noticed that some recent commercial strains are derived from baby poop. If these foreign bacteria do make it to the gut and colonize, they are pushing out healthy native strains.
Best For Kittens: Petag Bene
Amazon
Delivery Method: Gel in syringe | Life Stage: All ages, including newborns | NASC Seal: No
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Syringe delivery method for quick, consistent dose
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Seven strains of live bacteria
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Suitable for newborns
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Contains artificial color
Kittens are generally born without gut bacteria. They develop a healthy gut from the bacteria they receive while nursing and while exploring their environment. But kittens separated from their mother too early, those fed poor diets, and those experiencing trauma may struggle to establish a healthy gut community.
PetAg Bene-Bac Plus Gel Digestive Supplement is an excellent solution because this combination pro- and prebiotic comes in a syringe for easy measuring and dispensing. Each dose can be given by weight with each gram containing 20 million CFU of seven strains of live healthy gut bacteria. PetAg also recommends this probiotic gel for traveling, post birth, after worming, at weaning, while boarding, post surgery, when dietary changes occur, post-antibiotic therapy and as indicated by your pet’s veterinarian.
Kittens will love the sweet flavor of the FOS prebiotic and sunflower oil in each dose. The syringe helps with precise measurement and can be stored at room temperature.
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Best For Constipation: Petultimates Probiotics For Cats
Amazon
Delivery Method: Powder | Life Stage: All | NASC Seal: Yes
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Twenty strains of live healthy gut bacteria
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No unnecessary ingredients that could cause sensitivity
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90-day money-back guarantee
Constipation can be caused by a number of conditions. If this is an issue for your cat it’s important to consult with your vet, and you might consider adding Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats to your pet’s diet.
Each scoop of this no-nonsense supplement contains 5 billion CFU of 20 strains of live healthy gut bacteria plus a source of fiberbeta glucanand alpha-galactocidase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down natural sugars so that they are easier to digest. Thats it.
Manufactured in the U.S. in a Food and Drug Administration registered Good Manufacturing Practices -compliant facility, this supplement claims to reduce litter box odors and help your cat make firmer stools.
Are Prebiotics Safe For Cats
Yes, when used in adequate amounts and accordance with the manufacturers guidelines and the veterinarians approval, probiotics are perfectly safe for cats. In fact, they are more than safe prebiotics offer several health benefits for pets from a healthy GI tract to improved immune system function.
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Do Cats Need Vitamins And Supplements
Sherry Sanderson, DVM, PhD, of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, says that there are some circumstances where a cat has an underlying condition that may warrant a supplement, adding that supplements may not help at all due to a lack of testing or proven efficacy. Sanderson says that many supplements are untested and unproven in veterinary medicine.
Vitamins supplementation may be necessary for cats with certain conditions.
Some diseases inhibit nutrient absorption, which necessitates vitamin supplementation. Cats with allergies or pregnant cats may benefit from other supplements.
Ultimately, the requirement for cat vitamins and supplements is one that you can only determine on an individual basis. Consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to find the right supplement for your cat.
What Is A Prebiotic
A prebiotic is anything that aids gut bacteria with the intent for improved digestion. Digestion relies on a complex process and symbiotic relationship with various bacteria. The digestive tract is littered with an array of different bacteria species that help break down the food your cat eats and helps ingest nutrients. Bacteria is a defense mechanism of the body, that fights off foreign bacteria during the digestive process as well.
While these bacteria are not technically a part of the body, cats would not be able to survive without them. Each species has a different digestive microbiome that relies on a delicate interplay between their cells and various bacterial species.
These bacteria require their own food or fuel to grow and reproduce. They arent supported by everything that your cat eats and require specific nutrients to stay healthy and flourishing. Certain nutrients or foods will promote a healthy gut microbiome, while other substances such as chemical additives may harm or deplete these bacteria. A prebiotic is optimized food specifically for these bacteria so that they stay healthy and can continue to aid in the digestive process. Without them, digestive complications can arise such as gas, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and poor nutrient absorption.
Recommended Reading: L Plantarum Best Probiotic For Inflammation
What Is The Best Probiotic For Cats With Ibd
- Inulin chicory naturally contains inulin that is converted into short-chain fatty acids. They nourish cells, help with digestive health and provide various other health benefits.
- Solarplast® also known as spinach leaf extract, provides a host of benefits for healthy aging, optimizing the bodys processes through cellular restoration and repair.
- DE111® DE111® is a clinically studied strain of Bacillus subtilis that delivers digest and immune health benefits and helps maintain healthy gut flora.
- Bacillus coagulans helps support proper digestion and bowel health by modulating the mucosal bacteria. It protects the intestinal lining from infections and inflammations .
- Bifidobacterium animalis lactis supports healthy digestion. It also helps cats recover from illness and prolonged uses of antibiotics and other medications. This bacterium has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- Bifidobacterium longum helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and helps keep the gut microbiome in balance.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus assists intestinal health and immune function. It has the ability to soothe the GI tract, increase the absorption of nutrients, and support vitamin B synthesis. It can also provide relief for skin issues.
- Lactobacillus plantarum a very resistant strain that supports normal digestive health and improves the function of the gastrointestinal system. This bacterium enhances liver health and is efficient in managing diarrhea.
What Are The Best Cat Probiotics On The Market
This is a question that we get asked a lot here at The Cat Clinic, and its one that were happy to answer! There are a few different brands of cat probiotics on the market, and they all have their own unique benefits.
The first brand of cat probiotic that we recommend is Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora. This probiotic is specifically designed for cats, and it contains live microorganisms that can help to promote a healthy digestive system. Its also very easy to administer, as you simply add it to your cats food.
Another great option for a cat probiotic is NaturVet Digestive Enzymes. This product contains a blend of enzymes and probiotics that can help to break down food and promote a healthy digestive system. Its also very easy to administer, as you simply add it to your cats food.
Finally, we also recommend Dr. Elseys Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter. This litter is made with a probiotic that can help to reduce odor and promote a healthy digestive system. Its also very easy to use, as you simply add it to your cats litter box.
If youre looking for a probiotic that can help to promote a healthy digestive system in your cat, then we highly recommend any of the products that weve mentioned above.
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Probiotics For Ibs Ibd And General Gi Problems
Because probiotics both promote a healthy community of microorganisms and stabilize barriers in the digestive tract, they can protect the body from inflammatory substances, help the microbiota to flourish after antibiotic therapy, and aid in recovery after digestive disturbances.
According to several controlled trials, probiotic supplementation can reduce foods transit time through the GI tract, improve stool consistency, and increase stool frequency. This means that in addition to reducing diarrhea, probiotics can treat constipation.
Milk Oligosaccharide Research & Cats
Oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrate supplements that behave as prebiotics, augmenting good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Use in human health led to interest in the potential benefits of oligosaccharides for pets.
In late 2020, The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences published research about the potential benefits of milk oligosaccharides for dogs and cats. Prior to this study, little was known about the structure, function, availability, and effects of milk oligosaccharides on pets. Three predominant milk oligosaccharides were identified in dog milk and 15 in cat milk. One oligosaccharide, GNU100, was shown to have beneficial effects when supplemented on foods, including enhanced palatability of supplemented foods and improved quality of GI flora. Expect to see this supplement promoted alongside prebiotics and probiotics in the near future.
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How To Market Synbiotics
Adding a winning combination of probiotics and prebiotics to pet food diets is not only advantageous for good gut health and an optimal pet immune system but could also be profitable for businesses.
With pet parents always looking for an edge for their pets, adding a custom combination product that fits your brands needs is crucial for brand awareness and recognition. In a crowded marketplace, the smallest ingredients in the bag are often the biggest market differentiators.
Additionally, in the human nutrition marketplace, the idea of synbiotics is becoming more and more mainstream, which means that people will soon be looking for this word on pet food packaging.
When marketing synbiotics to consumers, here a few tips:
In the end, our mission is healthy pets and healthy partnerships.
