The Best Probiotics for Dogs: A Guide to Supporting Your Dog’s Gut Health

The Best Probiotics for Dogs: A Guide to Supporting Your Dog’s Gut Health

Published on November 22 by Julia

A well-balanced gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. If your dog suffers from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, or frequent bloating, probiotics may be an excellent addition to their diet.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of probiotics for dogs, what to look for when choosing a probiotic supplement, and some of the top-rated probiotics on the market.

Why Should You Give Your Dog Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help maintain a balanced gut flora. A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, strengthens the immune system, and can even improve skin health. For dogs, the benefits of probiotics are numerous:

Improved Digestion: Probiotics help break down food, absorb nutrients, and promote regular bowel movements. They are especially useful for dogs with digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
Boosted Immune System: A large portion of your dog’s immune system is located in the gut. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, which can improve overall immune function and reduce the risk of infections.
Reduction of Inflammation: Probiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can be helpful for dogs with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or allergies.
Relief from Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Probiotics can help replenish the good bacteria after your dog has finished an antibiotic course.
Better Coat and Skin Health: A healthy gut can contribute to better skin and coat health, as digestive issues can sometimes manifest in the form of allergies or dull, flaky skin.

What to Look for in Probiotics for Dogs

When choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Strain Variety: Not all probiotic strains are created equal. Look for products that contain a variety of strains, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus, as these are the most common and beneficial strains for dogs.
CFU Count: The colony-forming unit (CFU) count refers to the number of viable bacteria in a supplement. Look for probiotics that contain at least 1 billion CFUs per dose to ensure that your dog is getting a sufficient amount of beneficial bacteria.
Shelf-Stability: Some probiotics require refrigeration to maintain their potency, while others are shelf-stable. Make sure to follow storage instructions carefully to ensure the probiotics remain effective.
Allergy Considerations: If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, make sure to choose a product that’s free of common allergens such as wheat, corn, soy, or artificial additives.
Taste and Form: Probiotics come in various forms—chews, powders, capsules, and liquids. Choose one that’s easy to administer and that your dog will enjoy. Chewable treats and powder supplements are often the most popular and easiest to give.

Top Probiotics for Dogs

Here are some of the best-rated probiotic supplements for dogs, chosen based on their quality, effectiveness, and safety:

1. Probiotic Miracle by Nutra Thrive

Best For: Overall gut health and immune support.

Why It’s Great: Nutra Thrive offers a comprehensive probiotic supplement that combines high-quality probiotics with digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. It contains over 5 billion CFUs per scoop and includes a variety of probiotic strains, making it an excellent all-around supplement for supporting your dog’s digestive health.
Key Features:
- Over 5 billion CFUs per serving.
- Contains 8 beneficial probiotic strains.
- Includes digestive enzymes and vitamins for overall health.
- Supports immune system function.
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes.

2. VetriScience Probiotic Everyday

Best For: Dogs with occasional digestive issues.

Why It’s Great: VetriScience Probiotic Everyday is an easy-to-use chewable supplement designed for daily use. It contains 1 billion CFUs of Bacillus coagulans, a highly effective strain for supporting digestive health. These tasty chews are ideal for dogs that experience occasional upset stomachs, gas, or diarrhea.
Key Features:
- 1 billion CFUs of Bacillus coagulans per chew.
- Supports gastrointestinal health and digestion.
- Tasty chewable form that dogs love.
- Helps with occasional diarrhea and bloating.

3. Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs

Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or occasional digestive issues.

Why It’s Great: Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs is a popular choice for dog owners who want to improve their pet's gut health. The formula includes Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis, two highly effective probiotic strains, along with prebiotics for enhanced digestion and immune support. The chews are soft and easy for dogs to eat.
Key Features:
- Contains 1 billion CFUs per chew.
- Includes prebiotics to support gut health.
- Soft chews that are easy to administer.
- Supports immune function and overall health.

4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement

Best For: Dogs recovering from illness or with more serious digestive problems.

Why It’s Great: Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora is a veterinarian-recommended probiotic powder that contains enterococcus faecium, a strain proven to help with digestive health and immune system support. It’s often used for dogs recovering from gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or after taking antibiotics.
Key Features:
- Contains enterococcus faecium, a highly effective strain for digestive support.
- A veterinarian-recommended brand.
- Available in convenient single-dose packets.
- Helps restore normal bowel function and health.

5. Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs

Best For: Dogs with chronic digestive issues.

Why It’s Great: Pet Ultimates offers a high-potency probiotic supplement with 10 billion CFUs per serving. It includes 14 different probiotic strains to support a healthy microbiome, as well as prebiotics to enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. This supplement is great for dogs with ongoing digestive problems or those prone to frequent gastrointestinal upset.
Key Features:
- 10 billion CFUs per serving.
- 14 different probiotic strains.
- Includes prebiotics for enhanced effectiveness.
- Supports long-term digestive health.

6. Bayer Animal Health Probiotic Soft Chews

Best For: Easy-to-administer chews for picky dogs.

Why It’s Great: Bayer Animal Health offers a tasty, soft chew supplement that combines probiotics with natural digestive aids like pumpkin and papaya. With Bacillus coagulans and Bifidobacterium, it provides strong gastrointestinal support. These chews are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those that need an easy, palatable option.
Key Features:
- Delicious soft chews that dogs love.
- Contains Bacillus coagulans and Bifidobacterium.
- Supports digestive health and reduces bloating.
- Safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

How to Give Your Dog Probiotics

Probiotics come in several forms—chews, powders, and capsules—so choose the one that works best for you and your dog. If your dog is picky or has trouble swallowing pills, chewable probiotics are an excellent option. Powdered probiotics can easily be mixed with your dog’s food.

It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage on the product label, as giving too many probiotics at once can cause digestive upset. If you’re unsure about the right dose or if your dog has a specific health condition, consult your veterinarian before starting a probiotic regimen.

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