Poor gut health is one of the biggest drivers of disease in humans, so it shouldn’t be surprising that dogs have gut issues, too. Think about the conventional kibble diet—mystery “meat” by-products, artificial chemicals, empty fillers, and harmful additives. It’s no wonder millions of dogs suffer from digestive problems, skin issues, and overall poor health. As Hippocrates wisely stated over 2000 years ago, “All disease begins in the gut.”
While switching to a real, whole-food diet is the best first step, there’s another way to help heal your dog’s gut: probiotics.
Probiotics for pets have become increasingly popular recently, with thousands of veterinarians now recommending these dietary supplements for their canine patients. Here’s everything you need to know about the best probiotics to give your dog and why you should.
Benefits of probiotics
Dogs, like humans, have billions of diverse bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These helpful bacteria supply essential nutrients, aid in digestion, regulate the immune system, and protect against harmful pathogens.
Diet, stress, medications, or environmental changes can all cause these bacteria to become imbalanced. This imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria can lead to a host of health problems, such as inflammation, digestive issues, and weakened immune function.
Enter probiotics.
Probiotics are live microbes containing billions of beneficial bacteria (and yeast) like those found in your dog’s digestive tract. They work by colonizing the gut with good bacteria, killing harmful bacteria, and helping to restore balance in the microbiome. They also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which can lower the pH in the colon and create an environment conducive to beneficial bacteria.
Though studies on the effects of probiotics in dogs are still being conducted, recent research supports canine probiotics as a viable tool to improve pet gut health and support overall well-being.
Here are some other benefits of giving probiotics to your dog:
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce diarrhea, constipation, and gas
- Improve allergies, including skin conditions
- Boost kidney and liver function
- Improve anxiety
- Reduce bad breath
- Support coat and fur health
- Reduce urinary tract infections
- Aid in weight management
How to know if your dog needs probiotics
Many pet owners give probiotics preventatively (a great idea), but they are especially helpful if your dog is stressed, sick, or has a compromised immune system from taking an antibiotic.
Are probiotics safe?
Probiotics are generally recognized as safe and have limited side effects or risks to healthy dogs.
Some pet owners have reported digestive issues like gas or bloating, but these responses are rare and usually only occur when you first give your dog a probiotic.
If you are concerned about potential side effects or your dog has an underlying health condition, speak with your veterinarian before giving them probiotics.
Best probiotics to give your dog
Choosing the best probiotics to give your dog can be tricky, as pet supplements don’t have the same oversight and regulations as human supplements.
Do your research and look for the following when shopping for probiotics:
CFUs: Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFUs), which is the number of bacteria in the product. Experts recommend giving your dog 1-10 billion CFUs per daily serving.
Expiration date: Any supplement (including those for pets) without an expiration date is a huge red flag. Probiotics are live bacteria with a limited shelf life, so paying attention to this detail will help you source safe and effective probiotics.
Formulated for dogs: Though humans and dogs are both omnivores, we have vastly different digestive systems and need species-specific bacterial strains. Plus, some human probiotics contain ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to your furry friend. Look for a probiotic specially formulated for dogs.
List of ingredients and bacterial strains: Probiotics aren’t all the same. Different products have bacterial strains with varying health benefits to support your dog’s health needs. Look for a product that lists the strains on the bottle.
Beneficial bacterial strains for dogs include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Enterococcus faecium
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Lactobacillus case
Note: Pay attention to the storage requirements of whatever probiotic you buy. Some probiotics are shelf-stable, while others need to be refrigerated.
How to give your dog probiotics
Look for high-quality probiotic chews, like Mokai Vital Probiotic, that make it easy to give your dog their daily supplements. Gone are the days of dealing with messy powders or concealing capsules in food—simply offer the chew as you would any other treat. Dogs love the flavor and will look forward to their daily dose.
Mokai Vital Probiotic is specially formulated with the top two probiotic strains for canines to ensure the best results for your pup.
Refer to the information on the package to determine the appropriate probiotic dosage. If you have any further questions regarding probiotic dosing or other supplements, contact your veterinarian.
When should you see results?
Probiotics start working in your dog’s gut immediately, but you’ll likely see improvements in their symptoms within one to two weeks. If you don’t notice changes right away, stick with it, as some probiotics take a few months to reach their full effect.
Health starts in the gut
Supporting your dog’s health with high-quality probiotics is an easy way to help balance their microbiome, improve their overall health, and reduce those stinky and unpleasant digestive issues. When it comes to investing in your furry best friend, gut health should be at the top of the list. By incorporating probiotics and improving your dog’s diet, you can help them live their happiest, healthiest life.
