Whats The Best Probiotic For Dogs

What To Look For

Each dogs health needs are different, so you want to look for a probiotic formula that contains bacterial strains that address those individual needs, e.g., intestinal infections, diarrhea, etc. For that reason, weve listed the probiotic blends in each product we review.

Products youre considering should list the specific bacterial species and strains, such as Bifidobacterium animalis. The best formulas include several strains to simultaneously help multiple aspects of their digestive and immune systems.

Weve included a summary of the best bacterial strains for dogs and their specific benefits. to jump to that section.

Best For Dogs With Gas: Wholistic Pet Organics Digest

The enzymes from pineapples and papaya are commonly used in human digestive enzyme supplements because they work. These natural, tropical fruits have the ability to help a digestive system break down food, and it works for dogs too!

Wholistic Pet Organics combines a potent probiotic formula with pineapple and papaya enzymes. The enzymes help your dog better absorb nutrients and improve his digestion. This may be particularly helpful for dogs with flatulence because the enzymes will help break down the food that is causing the stink bombs.

This supplement is made in the USA and is free from fillers, synthetic ingredients, GMOs, or artificial flavorings. It is made into a powder that you can add to your dogs food.

Pawfy Probiotic For Dogs

| Probiotic for Dogs.

Pawfy Probiotic is a great way to help your furry friend have healthy bowels! This supplement contains pumpkin and enzymes along with six billion colony forming units of probiotics per serving. Theyre also delicious, made with a natural duck flavor that your pet will love.

You can feed your dog the same ingredients found in many commercial foods, but you must use a different recipe for these six vegetables. The combination of these substances will aid with regular digestion and prevent constipation, gas, diarrhea, and an upset stomach by replenishing good bacteria in your pups gut.

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What Causes Diarrhea In Dogs

• Dietary changes, such as switching to another brand of dog food, overfeeding, underfeeding and giving the dog too much people food or canned food.
• Ingesting spoiled food, outside debris, toxic substances or foreign objects
• Viral, fungal or bacterial infections
• Food allergies to fillers and by-products found in some commercial dog food
• Parasitic infestations of the intestines
• Inflammatory bowel disease caused by a constant and excessive influx of white blood cells entering the colon and/or intestines.
• Liver or kidney disease
• Digestive tract tumors
• Inflammation of the colon , an often chronic condition produced when the colon is irritated by parasites, infections, stress, IBD or ingestion of contaminated food.
• Canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis , a serious illness characterized by bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Weakened Immune System In Dogs

Research into lactobacillus included in probiotic supplements has found that L. bacillus may thrive too much in a dogs immune system weakened by disease, malnutrition or even old age. Although a rare occurrence, overgrowth of lactobacillus may allow bacteria to spill over into the dogs bloodstream and produce a systemic infection or inflammation.

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Natural Ways To Source Probiotics For Dogs

If youre not keen on giving your dog commercial supplements, then simply adapting their diet to include natural ways of boosting their good bacteria can be an excellent option.

Feeding your dog sugar-free yogurt or kefir can help if they contain live cultures. You should always choose plain yogurt, with no added sweeteners. Always avoid Xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

Miso soup and even fermented cabbages like kimchi and sauerkraut are rich sources of probiotics, but its less likely your dog will enjoy these! You never know some dogs love vegetables, but youre more likely to find they lap up plain yogurt before crunching on fermented cabbage. Even Korean dogs.

When Should You Give Your Dog Probiotics

You can give probiotics to dogs when there is an ongoing imbalance in the gut microbiome or preventively before the imbalance occurs. In other terms, you should give your dog probiotics in the scenarios listed below:

• There are gastrointestinal issues that can benefit from good bacteria
• If your pup has diarrhea or you suspect it will develop it soon
• In the case of allergy-triggered skin issues and ear infections
• When the dogs immune system needs a healthy and natural boost
• During long-term use of antibiotics.

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Dog Probiotics For Diarrhea

Even the healthiest dogs will experience diarrhea at some point in their lives. With a gastrointestinal system similar to humans, dogs experience many of the same kind of health problems humans do, from stomach aches and flatulence to nausea and, unfortunately, diarrhea. While some incidences of diarrhea in dogs clear up on their own within a day or two, other cases will require additional treatment, such as probiotics for dogs and puppies with diarrhea symptoms, a safe and natural way to restore intestinal health, prevent dehydration and improve overall well-being of dogs.

Some things to keep in mind when treating dogs with diarrhea include:

• Onset of diarrheawas it sudden or gradual?
• Has diarrhea persisted for several days?
• Has there been a change in diet for the dog? More wet food, too many table scraps?
• Has the dog been given veterinary-prescribed medication for the diarrhea and continues to suffer from loose stools?
• Have you considered using probiotics for dogs with diarrhea?

Possible Side Effects Of Probiotics For Dogs

Probiotics are very rarely dangerous, but they work by changing the flora of your dogs gut which can show initial increased symptoms in the early stages prior to any improvements.

So, you could find your dog is even gassier than normal or more bloated. They may have diarrhea and need to be let out to go to the bathroom more often, or they could even have the opposite issue with some constipation.

Thankfully these should be short-lived symptoms, and because probiotics contain natural ingredients and serve to only boost whats already in your dogs digestive system, these should return to normal in no time.

However, if the symptoms worsen and your dog becomes unwell, then dont hesitate to take them to the vet for further advice.

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Probiotic Miracle: The #4 Selling Pet Probiotic Disappoints

Probiotic Miracle markets itself as the number one selling canine probiotic. Our research indicates it is more likely the number four selling product on the market and well behind Purina, Pet Ultimate, and VetriScience products. Consumers of this probiotic tout it for clearing up eye, skin, and yeast conditions in addition to joint inflammation issues. A majority of users gave this product high ratings, although a small percentage reported a reduction in gas but ineffectiveness for other symptoms. Given that a small percentage of users had poor or mixed reviews, we would give it a C+,” however, the money-back guarantee bumps this product up to a B-.”

Ingredients: 2 billion CFU per serving, six strains of bacteria: L. acidophilus, B. animalis, L. rhamnosus, L. salivarius, L. fermentum, L. reuteri. Also contains pre-biotics. 100% natural, vegetarian, no gluten, no dairy, no soy, no fillers, no flavorings.

Probiotic Miracle does offer a 100% money-back guarantee, with guaranteed results against diarrhea, loose stool, and yeast overgrowth. However, this product requires time to build up in the system and the guarantee expires 60 days from product shipment.

People with multiple dogs with gluten allergies and issues with loose stool and yeast-related problems may want to try this product before trying one of the more expensive ones. Keep an eye on the calendar if you want to take advantage of the money-back guarantee.

Good For All The Family

Once you see how well probiotics for dogs have worked, youll wonder whether you could have such good results if you took probiotics, too!

There are some excellent probiotics on the market for humans, so theres no need to steal your dogs stash!

Keep it in mind perhaps the whole family could benefit from the inherent improvements of probiotics for overall health!

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Probiotics Vs Prebiotics For Dogs

The first question that leaves dog owners scratching is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics.

The general public has long understood probiotic supplements as providing beneficial bacteria that improve the dog’s health in several ways.

This has been scientifically confirmed and the supplements are now often recommended by veterinarians.

Prebiotics for dogs are much less known, and the term’s similarity doesn’t help.

Here’s the difference in short.

• Probiotics live microorganisms are bacteria, the good/beneficial ones.
• Prebiotics fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.

Essentially, probiotics introduce good bacteria into the dog’s gut, and prebiotics act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria that’s already there.

As you can see, the two are closely related but are separate things and have entirely different purposes.

Because of what they are and how easy it is to include them in the diet, prebiotics has been used in pet foods for decades, intentionally or not.

Probiotics, on the other hand, aren’t that easy to include in the diet, mainly because it’s live bacteria and needs cold temperatures to survive.

In fact, while some pet food labels claim to contain probiotics, it’s unlikely they have any effect .

How Do I Choose The Best Probiotic For My Dog

There are many factors to consider when choosing a probiotic for your dog. The first is to consult with your veterinarian to see if probiotics are right for your dog. Next, consider the following criteria before buying the best dog probiotics for 2022:

Ingredients: Look for a probiotic that contains live and active cultures.

Number of CFUs: The number of Colony Forming Units will determine the potency of the probiotic. A higher number of CFUs is generally better.

Price: Probiotics can range in price from $15 to $50. Choose the best probiotic for your dog based on their needs and your budget.

Reviews: Look for positive reviews from other dog owners before purchasing a probiotic.

With so many different types of probiotics available, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your dog. However, by considering the factors above, you can narrow down the options and find the best dog probiotic for your furry friend.

Now that we shared more details about the best dog probiotics for 2022, let’s elaborate further on our top 20 picks:

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Greatpet Care Great Poop

Image courtesy GreatPet

The Great Poop supplement from Pitbull Pets Care is the ultimate weapon, brimming with high-fiber probiotics, to battle any gut-related issues your dog could be suffering from. These chews are chicken flavored and have 2 billion CFUs in each chew, making them far more effective than other supplements.

All of the important components found in these chews, such as amylase, cellulase, lactase, lipase, bromelain, and protease enzymes, help to enhance a dog’s digestive enzyme activity.

The Types Of Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics for dogs come in many forms, and they do not all contain the same probiotics. Some of the forms in which probiotic supplements come include pills, powders, pastes, capsules, chews, and solutions. There are also some manufactured dog foods that claim on their labeling that the food contains added probiotics.

Dog supplements can contain one or more types of bacteria depending on their intended function. For example, some are specifically designed to reduce the duration of diarrhea in dogs when they have a stomach upset, while others are for more generalized gut health.

It is also important to note that some formulations are for humans, some are for dogs only, and some are advertised for use with various animals, as a pet owner you must do good research when it comes to your dog health.

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Probiotics For Dogs: Best Probiotics To Improve Digestion

If your dog has an upset stomach rather frequently, or is often prone to diarrhea, this guide may be able to help. Probiotic supplements for dogs are a great way to improve their digestive system and relieve sensitivities.

In this article, well discuss everything you need to know about probiotics for dogs, the importance of gut bacteria in your pets health, the different types of strains you can try, and more.

Pro Tip: Gastrointestinal issues are among the most common pet insurance claims for dogs and cats. These issues can be expensive, with the cost for diagnosis and treatment at times ranging from $200 to $8,000. If your dog has health insurance, you could be reimbursed for up to 100% of that cost, depending on your pet insurance plan.

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These Are The Best Probiotics For Dogs In 2022

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Probiotics are friendly bacteria. Your dog has billions of them in her intestines and stomach to aid digestion, make the immune system stronger, help fight infections, and manufacture vitamins and nutrients. This is called the microbiome, and a healthy microbiome keeps your dog energetic, healthy, and happy.

Signs of an unhealthy microbiome include symptoms such as:

Your dogs gut health impacts overall health, and probiotics can help restore a positive balance in your dogs digestive system. However, its not as simple as using any probiotic product because these powerful little microorganisms have to take up residency, thrive, and divide in order to actually impact your dogs well-being. Some products will pass right through without benefitting your pet.

Antibiotics are known to kill some of the good gut bacteria while it eliminates the bad bacteria causing infections. Even if your pet has no obvious digestive troubles, giving them probiotics after a round of antibiotics helps restore a healthy balance.

We updated our 2022 reviews to include high-quality probiotics for dogs that are most likely to stick around and benefit your pet.

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How Many Strains Of Bacteria Should A Probiotic For Dogs Have

This is a difficult question to answer and authorities disagree about the best approach. Some believe that probiotics with a litany of bacterial strains are the most useful, while others feel that multiple probiotic bacteria strains may compete with each other, reducing their overall efficacy. Just speak to your vet about the issue to decide which approach is right for your dog.

Popular Products We Dont Recommend

This popular probiotic is found all over the internet and has been recommended by others out there. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include it on our list. Heres why.

Dr. Irish DOES NOT want to recommend the Amazing Probiotics for Dogs product due to the fact that she wasnt familiar with some of the ingredients listed on the packaging. While the joint supplement aspect of this product could be beneficial for older dogs, she didnt feel comfortable giving this option her stamp of approval.

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Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement For Dogs Lamb

• Natural Ingredients – These chewables contain Colostrum, a pre milk that helps with allergies, immune function, and digestion, plus Apple Cider Vinegar and Organic Licorice Root for additional care.
• Enhanced with Epicor â At 80 mg per chew, Epicor contains vitamins, protein, fiber, and antioxidants that are clinically proven to support the body’s natural immune defenses to keep your dog healthy.
• Boost the immune system â Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites are grain free soft chews that support immune, histamine, and digestive health for dogs with skin, seasonal, and environmental allergy issues.
• Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil – Each chew contains Salmon Fish Oil to provide Omega 3 fatty acids epa & dha that provide skin and immune support for dogs with allergies that cause itching and hot spots.
• Prebiotic & Probiotic Complex â These supplements feature a powerful Prebiotic and five strains of Probiotics for 250 million cfu of healthy bacteria that supports pet digestion and immune health.

Other Ways Probiotics For Dogs Can Help

It always helps a dogs system to boost their good bacteria, so theres every reason to administer probiotics for dogs even before they begin to show signs of digestive issues.

Probiotics can fight liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome and can make your dog feel so much better in themselves that they become more playful and sleep less during the day.

This is great news for your dog, but it will mean more playtime and longer walks for you!

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What Are The Side Effects Of Probiotics For Dogs

According to a 2010 study, Safety and Tolerance of Dietary Supplementation With a Canine-Derived Probiotic Fed to Growing Dogs, probiotics for dogs are well tolerated with no safety concerns.

However, same as any other supplement, they can cause side effects in overly sensitive pets. Luckily, the side effects are mild and transient and usually revolve around GI tract upsets loose stool or constipation, bloating, and gassiness.

The chances of developing side effects are higher when introducing new strains or switching probiotic brands. Side effects are also more likely to occur if the supplementation includes high doses, sudden implementation, and low-quality probiotics for dogs.