In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of gut health not only for humans but also for our furry friends.
Dogs (& cats) can often suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) tract issues due to various factors like diet, stress, and environmental factors. However, with the right knowledge and approach, we can support their gut health and overall well-being.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of probiotics and gut health for dogs, exploring prebiotics and probiotics.
The Power of Prebiotics:
Prebiotics are soluble dietary fibers that resist digestion and reach the colon intact and play a crucial role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome in dogs. These fibers ferment in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria (i.e. probiotics). Prebiotics support the probiotics, so they are just as important!
By improving the gut flora composition, prebiotics reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and decrease the risk of disease.
Prebiotic Whole Foods
Some natural prebiotics for dogs include medicinal mushrooms, chicory root, garlic, Larch Arabinogalactan, burdock root, dandelion greens, and even apples, bananas and asparagus!
Many brands of probiotics include prebiotics in their formulas as well!
Harnessing the Benefits of Probiotics:
Probiotics, often referred to as "beneficial bacteria," are instrumental in restoring and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome in dogs.
These beneficial microorganisms aid in digestion, support the immune system, enhance nutrient absorption, and act as a protective barrier against harmful toxins.
The gut microbiome accounts for up to 70-90% of the immune system so by keeping the gut healthy you are keeping your pet healthy!
And not only is the gut microbiome linked strongly with physical health, it is also intricately linked to mental/emotional health as well.
Studies are finding that the bacteria found in the gut is responsible for sending chemical messages to the brain which in turn effect mood. Some bacteria in the gut promote calmness, while others can promote anxiety leading to depression, and even aggression.
When selecting probiotics for dogs, it's important to consider strains like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, and Akkermansia muciniphila, all of which have shown great benefits for gut health.
Finding the Right Balance:
While prebiotics and probiotics are essential components for a healthy gut, it's crucial to strike the right balance. Prebiotics serve as food for probiotic bacteria, enabling them to flourish and outnumber harmful bacteria. By providing prebiotics alongside probiotics, you create an environment where the beneficial bacteria can thrive and exert their positive effects on the gut.
In the next section I will share what I look for in a probiotic brand and some options that I recommend!
What to Look for in a Probiotic Product
Probiotic supplements are a convenient and effective way to provide your dog with probiotics. When selecting a probiotic supplement, consider the following:
Look for "Contains Prebiotics" or a list of prebiotic foods in the supplement's ingredients.
Prebiotics enhance the effectiveness of probiotics by providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria. Or you can add prebiotic whole foods to the food (see above).
Ensure the supplement provides an adequate number of CFUs.
Lactic acid bacteria are easily destroyed in the gut, so a supplement should contain at least 10 billion CFUs for a healthy dog. Dogs with digestive issues or immune disorders may benefit from higher CFU counts, ranging from 25 to 50 billion CFUs.
For specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii (5 billion CFUs) or Bacillus strains (1 billion CFUs), follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the supplement label.
Different strains offer distinct qualities and benefits.
Here are some probiotic strains to look for in a
probiotic product for your furry friend:
Saccharomyces boulardii: This probiotic yeast is effective in treating acute diarrhea and other digestive issues caused by chronic gut inflammation, including leaky gut. It is also resistant to antibiotics, making it suitable for use alongside antibiotic therapy.
Bacillus strains: Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans are spore-forming bacteria that can help overcome harmful bacteria in the gut. These strains have anti-inflammatory properties and are often used in cases of inflammatory digestive diseases.
Akkermansia muciniphila: This probiotic strain promotes a healthy gastrointestinal mucosal lining and supports GI tract motility, which can help prevent diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in dogs.
Selecting the Right Probiotic Supplement for Your Dog's Specific Needs
Knowing when to use specific probiotic strains can greatly benefit your dog's health. Here are some scenarios where these strains are particularly useful:
Probiotics for Dogs on Antibiotics: After antibiotic use, the microbiome may need support in recovery. In such cases, Saccharomyces boulardii and soil-based probiotics (such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans) can help protect the gut bacteria, prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea, and aid in restoring the microbiome.
Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, a high colony forming unit (CFU) lactic acid probiotic can be beneficial. Studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce the recovery time from diarrhea. For chronic diarrhea or digestive disorders, a multi-strain probiotic combined with gut-soothing herbs is recommended for long-term use.
Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies: Probiotics can aid in reducing inflammation and autoimmune responses associated with allergies. Soil-based probiotics, which are more resilient and survive the gut passage, are a suitable option. Look for products containing 1 to 5 billion CFU.
PRODUCT | WHEN TO USE IT | WHY I LIKE IT |
acute/chronic diarrhea, leaky gut, anal gland issues, gas/flatulence | Has probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and soil-based & spore-forming Bacilli strains | |
for a variety of inflammatory gut issues & digestive upset, & leaky gut | Has Bacilli strains & calming herbs, plus prebiotics | |
same as two above | Has Bacilli strains & probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, plus blueberries for brain health, & bentonite clay for detox and skin allergy relief support | |
For digestive upset and flatulence, enhances assimilation of nutrients in the diet, combats yeast infections, prevents bloat. Also, helpful for Pancreatitis and Colitis or Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel conditions. | Has Bacilli strains, pancreatin and other digestive enzymes | |
Helps with chronic inflammation, supports the gut after/during antibiotic use, acute/chronic diarrhea, and leaky gut healing. | Yeast based probiotic - resistant to antibiotics & drugs, and has a prebiotic strain |
Natural Probiotic Options
In addition to probiotic supplements, there are natural probiotic options you can consider incorporating into your dog's diet.
Here are a few options:
Green Tripe: Raw green tripe, the stomach lining of grazing animals, is an excellent source of probiotics and digestive enzymes for dogs. It contains living cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus and amino acids.
Kefir: Made from fermented milk, kefir contains various strains of lactic acid bacteria, vitamins, proteins, and yeast. It can be made with cow, goat, coconut, or rice milk, offering a non-dairy option.
Probiotic Yogurt: While yogurt can be a source of probiotics, it's important to note that many dogs are sensitive to dairy products, which can cause inflammation and immune issues. Additionally, most yogurt contains limited probiotics and is often high in sugar, which can disrupt the gut flora.
Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like Chaga, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. However, it's essential to use them in moderation, as some fermented foods may potentially feed harmful bacteria and yeast. Monitor your dog's response and adjust accordingly.
Tips to Improve Your Dog's Gut Health Naturally Alongside Probiotic Use
Incorporating a Balanced Diet Rich in Fiber & Whole Foods
Avoiding Common Triggers that may Upset Your Dog's Stomach
Maintaining a Regular Exercise Routine to Promote Digestion
Reducing Stress and Anxiety Levels in Your Canine Companion
Watch the LIVE replay of Episode 8 in the Pet Parent Roadmap all about this topic!
Looking for personalized assistance dealing with gut health or skin health issues for your furry companion?
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References
Davidson, Seana K. “Dog Anxiety & Aggression and Links to the Gut” DoggyBiome, 19 Sept. 2022, doggybiome.com/expert-advice/dog-anxiety-aggression-and-links-to-the-gut/.
Feed Real Institute. “Prebiotics And Probiotics Boost Your Dog’s Health.” Feedreal.Com, feedreal.com/articles/prebiotics-and-probiotics-boost-your-dogs-health. Accessed 18 July 2023. Scott, Dana. “Dog Probiotics: How to Waste Money.” Dogs Naturally, 5 June 2023, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/probiotics-how-to-waste-money-on-your-dog/.
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
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