Probiotics for dogs have similar benefits and drawbacks to probiotic supplements for people. Canine probiotics can promote better skin, coat, and energy in addition to regulating a dog’s intestinal and digestive health. Even some yeast infections and rashes the dog may get can be helped by probiotics.
A dog’s symptoms frequently worsen before they start to get better, and they might even start to appear if they weren’t there before they started taking the supplements. Despite the fact that probiotics are typically not prescribed, it is always advisable to speak with a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues before starting a probiotic regimen.
Probiotics for dogs have some advantages that are similar to those for humans, such as improved digestive and intestinal health. Probiotics can help regulate constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating. Other pros include healthier skin and coats and improved breath. Dog probiotics can also be beneficial for dogs who shed excessively or have low energy levels. If a dog has a problem with a yeast overgrowth or certain rashes, a vet may suggest probiotics.
Probiotic supplements are typically safe, despite the fact that they can occasionally cause side effects. Digestional discomforts like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas may be among these side effects. As the dog’s body adjusts to the probiotics, his initial symptoms may worsen. Additionally, administering the probiotics, particularly if they are in tablet form, may be challenging for the owner. Before finding the ideal probiotics for his dog and beginning to see results, the owner may initially experience a period of trial and error.
Probiotics supplements of any kind, including those for pets, typically don’t need a prescription. Dog owners can typically buy canine probiotics over the counter at any pet store, online, or through the company’s catalog if they want to try them out purely for the health benefits. However, the owner may wish to seek advice from a veterinarian before using probiotics for dogs to treat a specific health issue. For instance, canine probiotics can assist in treating a dog’s unhealthy digestive system, but only a veterinarian can determine whether or not a serious underlying medical condition is the root of the digestive issue. Before reaching for the probiotics, it is best for the dog if his owner first takes him to the doctor for a comprehensive examination.
It’s crucial that the owner treats the probiotics for dogs the same way he would any other supplement. For instance, following the instructions for using and storing the canine probiotics can help maximize their efficiency and safety. The owner should stop using the product if the symptoms don’t go away after the allotted amount of time. After stopping use, the owner should schedule an appointment with the dog’s veterinarian if the symptoms continue or worsen. The veterinarian can then determine the issue’s diagnosis, if he hasn’t done so already, and select an alternative course of action.
6 Best Probiotics for Dogs Reviewed by Us
Our dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family members. We watch out for their wellbeing, make sure they exercise enough, provide them with a balanced diet, etc. because of this. But your dog might be lacking something when it comes to their health: good bacteria.
The presence of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut aids digestion by breaking down food particles. However, if their gut becomes out of balance, harmful bacteria may take control and result in GI issues.
Dogs who take probiotics can improve the ratio of good bacteria in their gut. To come up with this list of the top five dog probiotics to think about for your pup, we looked at a ton of dog probiotics.
Origins Canine 5in1 is intended to supplement the nutrition that commercial dog food lacks. Supports canine hips, joints, skin & coat, allergies, and gut health with vitamins, minerals, fish oils, among other things. We are able to do this because, in order to earn your trust, we firmly believe that we can provide a genuine solution for all dog owners.
Since Origins Canine 5in1 is the top dog supplement currently available, we cordially invite you to give it a try. Our products have the first-ever 100% No Bull Sh*t Guarantee. The only danger is missing out on seeing your dog thrive to the fullest!
Since it meets the following criteria, this pre- and probiotic from Honest Paws is our top pick for dogs:
Five different strains of live cultures, spinach leaf extract, and inulin derived from chicory root are all part of the proprietary formula used by Honest Paws. This canine probiotic aids in preventing bacterial imbalances in their digestive tract as well as bad breath, skin conditions, food allergies, and compromised immune systems. A pre-measured sachet containing five billion CFUs is provided with each dose.
| Pros | Cons |
| No fillers, artificial additives, or common allergens | Contains rice extract blend and rice hull |
| Healthy blend of prebiotics and probiotics | |
| Natural roasted chicken flavor |
What Pet Owners Say:
With regular use, many dog owners who use Honest Paws probiotics have noticed an improvement in their pet’s GI tract problems. Dogs appear to enjoy the flavor as well, and since the powder dissolves quickly, it is simple to incorporate into their meals.
When looking for dog probiotics, Four Leaf Rover is a fantastic option; the company provides a variety of formulas for all dogs, regardless of their particular preferences and needs. Because they don’t contain live cultures, their Protect probiotics are distinct from conventional ones. However, this formulation includes nutrients that support gut health, such as chlorella, blueberry powder, bentonite clay, dandelion, and burdock root, along with soil-based probiotics. The probiotics from Four Leaf Rover may also help your dog’s immune system, body rid itself of heavy metals, and slow down mental aging.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique and all-natural ingredients | Does not use live cultures typically found in probiotics |
| Includes probiotic yeasts, including Saccharomyces boulardii | |
| Soil-based probiotics | |
| Supports brain health, GI tracts, and detoxification |
What Pet Owners Say:
The majority of dog owners genuinely enjoy the specially formulated and natural ingredients in Four Leaf Rover. They’ve had great success using these probiotics to treat digestive issues in their pets, and some users have noted improved stool quality and increased appetite. Additionally, after using these probiotics for a while, some pet owners noticed that their dogs had black stools, probably as a result of some of the added ingredients.
These probiotic chews from PetLab Co. are dog-friendly with their reportedly delicious pork flavor. The chews are safe for any puppy older than six months old and are soft and simple to digest for all dogs. The PetLab Co. Eight different strains of live, beneficial bacteria are present in probiotics, which also contain a lot of antioxidants. The chews also include additional health-improving components like salmon oil, agave, and honey. These probiotics support heart health, strengthen natural defenses, and may help with allergies in addition to assisting with digestion and enhancing gut health.
| Pros | Cons |
| Includes 8 strains of beneficial bacteria | More expensive than similar products |
| Rich in antioxidants | |
| Good flavor and easy to chew | |
| Added salmon oil, agave, and honey |
What Pet Owners Say:
Most dog owners who tried PetLab Co. ‘s probiotic chews (and their dogs, too!) are ecstatic with them. Although they can all agree that the product is of high quality, many people have issues with the probiotic chew’s high price.
One of the best probiotics for dog owners on a budget is NUSENTIA’s Miracle probiotics because they are of high quality and are reasonably priced. Six different live bacteria strains from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus families, as well as inulin prebiotics, are combined in these dog probiotics. It is a powder that aids in healthy digestion and gut function as well as treating skin conditions, yeast infections, poor coat quality, and bad breath. For pet owners who have several dogs in their homes, the NUSENTIA Miracle probiotic is a great, affordable option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Several probiotic strains combined with a prebiotic | Some dogs turn their nose up at the powder |
| No artificial sweeteners, wheat, or soy | |
| Veterinarian recommended brand | |
| Excellent price to value ratio |
What Pet Owners Say:
Happy customers of NUSENTIA have long used the company’s probiotics to treat their dogs’ GI tract problems and enhance their gut health. Dogs of any breed, size, or age can use the powder, and many users reported improvements in just a few days. Although it is not something the probiotics are advertised to do, some customers also reported that the powder appeared to help their dogs with ear infections.
Last but not least, there are Purina’s FortiFlora Probiotics, which are great for dogs who need assistance with their digestion. It has beneficial bacteria that aid in food processing and guarantee that their GI tracts are functioning normally. The Purina FortiFlora Probiotics were the most popular formula suggested by veterinarians in 2019. The combination of vitamins, minerals, and Enterococcus faecium in the formula is guaranteed. Dogs require one serving per day, so each box will last a month. Each serving is individually packaged into a sachet.
| Pros | Cons |
| Veterinarian recommended | Contains no prebiotics and only one probiotic strain |
| Quick and satisfactory results | More expensive than similar products |
| Liver flavor that most dogs love | |
| Microencapsulated formula |
What Pet Owners Say:
Many dog owners vouch for FortiFlora Probiotics by Purina and claim that even a single dose has relieved their dog’s GI issues like flatulence, loose stool, and diarrhea. They also adore how simple it is to use these probiotics, and they claim that even the pickiest dogs liked the taste.
5 Rules of Probiotic Inclusion- Focus on what “Probiotics Need”
1. pH The food eaten is the largest controlling factor here. For the intestinal tract, where probiotics live, pH is a crucial factor. In this situation, dry dog food is not your dog’s friend because it quickly shifts the pH of the entire gut environment towards a more basic pH.
2. Diet – A Dry dog food-only diet fails our dogs. Raw meats, bones, and organs create the ideal conditions for the gut environment, as do fermented foods (yogurt, apple cider vinegar, fermented turmeric & ginger).
3. Pre-biotic support – Microbes need to eat in order to remain present. The microbes are fed on prebiotic fibers and plant matter. Feed the bugs!.
4. Bacterial diversity, and more specifically the diversity of Lactobacillus strains, is essential for addressing the many health issues (skin and coat, allergies, metabolism, etc.) that affect dogs’ overall wellbeing. Certain sporulating strains play more significant roles as “directors” to other gut microbes.
5. Potency – To a certain extent, numbers matter, so total CFU should be used as a standard by which to evaluate a product. Total CFU counts are important because, given the aforementioned qualifier conditions, the amount required to be effective varies. Because of this, Origins 5in1 can change your health and performance while using less CFU. It’s the power of a systems approach!.
How Can I Add Prebiotics to My Dog’s Diet?
Prebiotics can be added to your dog’s diet in two different ways: supplements or natural food. The majority of supplements use common microorganisms, but you should do your research because supplement quality can vary. Depending on how much your dog enjoys the supplement, you can add it to his meal or give him a treat.
Natural foods you can add as part of their meal or as a snack. There are lots of natural foods that contain prebiotics that promote healthy digestion:
Bananas, onions, garlic, and cocoa are examples of natural foods that contain prebiotics, but your dog may be poisoned or have digestive issues from eating these things.
FAQ
How often should I give my dog probiotics?
Can a dog have too much probiotics?
It is nearly impossible to overdose your dog on probiotics. If you give your pet a dose that is too high, their body will only utilize what is necessary and excrete the extra. Your dog may experience side effects from taking too many probiotics, such as flatulence, bloating, and occasionally diarrhea.
Can dogs have probiotics long-term?
Dogs can consume human probiotics, and they won’t harm them. They do not, however, offer the same advantages as a supplement tailored to a particular species. The canine-specific bacteria may coexist with related bacterial strains found in supplements for humans.
What are the side effects of probiotics in dogs?
Probiotic supplements are typically safe, despite the possibility of some side effects. Digestional discomforts like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas may be among these side effects. Until the dog’s body adapts to the probiotics, his initial symptoms may worsen.