Canine gut health is a crucial aspect of a pup’s overall well-being. A healthy digestive system ensures proper nutrient absorption and contributes to general vitality.
Two key components that play a significant role in maintaining canine gut health are probiotics and prebiotics. In this comprehensive article by Sploot, we cover the role of prebiotics and probiotics in supporting canine health — and the best probiotic chews for dogs!
I. The Role of Probiotics (and Prebiotics) in Canine Health
What Are Probiotics?
In order to understand the role of probiotic chews for dogs, we must first talk about good bacteria. Good bacteria are part of (or can be incorporated into) the gut microbiome. When in optimal balance, these beneficial bacteria help in…
- Maintaining healthy digestion;
- Promoting proper nutrient absorption; and
- Strengthening the dog’s immune system (i.e. preventing bad bacteria from colonizing).
Probiotic supplements or probiotic chews for dogs are like a top-up of good bacteria for the dog’s gut. Probiotic supplements for dogs contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the population of beneficial or “good” bacteria in the dog’s digestive system.
Note: Probiotics often contain a top-up of good bacteria. However, it’s also possible to have other microorganisms (e.g. a beneficial yeast) as the strain used for probiotics.
Examples of Beneficial Microorganisms in Probiotic Chews for Dogs
Common probiotic strains used in canine supplements include the following:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (a beneficial bacteria, naturally present)
- Lactobacillus plantarum (a beneficial bacteria)
- Streptococcus thermophilus (a beneficial bacteria)
- Enterococcus faecium ((a beneficial bacteria)
- Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial type of yeast; not a bacteria)
Note: the species of good bacteria or microorganisms are commonly listed on the labels of probiotic chews for dogs. They are typically expressed along with their respective CFUs (colony-forming units), a unit that estimates the number of viable bacterial cells (or yeast cells) in a product.
What About Prebiotics?
In many cases, probiotic supplements also contain ‘prebiotics’. Prebiotics are food sources for beneficial or good bacteria. By giving good bacteria prebiotics, they are more likely to maintain their numbers and carry out their functions (i.e. assisting digestion and helping keep bad bacteria from colonizing and causing disease).
II. Signs That Your Pet Can Benefit from Probiotic Chews for Dogs
We highly recommend that pet parents consult a veterinarian before giving probiotic supplements or probiotic chews for dogs. However, certain clues can signal that it’s time to discuss canine probiotic supplements with a trusted vet.
If one or more of the following apply to your pup, they might benefit from probiotics:
- A recent use of antibiotics
- Accidental ingestion of garbage or spoiled food
- A recent bacterial infection affecting the digestive system
- A recent parasitic infection (i.e. worms in dogs, Giardia in dogs)
- Recurrent instances of stress diarrhea
III. Vet-Preferred Probiotics for Dogs
A. Probiotic Chews for Dogs
The following lists the best probiotic chews for dogs, commonly recommended by veterinarians. Please be reminded that probiotic supplements need to be dosed according to the size of your dog. In addition, if a supplement is suitable for both dogs and cats, dosages also vary for cats vs dogs:
1. Vetri Probiotic BD Chewable Tablet for Dogs
- Product overview: probiotic chews for dogs, prebiotics for dogs, chicken liver-flavored
- Probiotics for dogs information: Probiotic blend containing Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces boulardii
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Vetri Probiotic BD Chewable Tablet for Dogs contains four strains of good bacteria in their very own probiotic blend (including Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, etc)
The chicken liver-flavored probiotic chews for dogs is not just a prebiotic + probiotic supplement; it’s also formulated with digestive enzymes (pepsin, amylase, bromelain, lipase, and papain) that support the digestive tract and help relieve digestive problems. In addition, these supplements contain ginger, a helpful natural ingredient for soothing a dog’s irritated stomach.
2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Canine Chewable Tablets
- Product overview: probiotic chews for dogs, liver-flavored
- Probiotics for dogs information: dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Canine Chewable Tablets contain a processed form of the beneficial bacterium Enterococcus faecium. This strain of good bacteria promotes a good balance of microflora in the intestines.
Aside from being a probiotic supplement for dogs, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Canine Chewable Tablets also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote optimal health. These include vitamin E, vitamin C, iodine, beta-carotene, and more.
3. GI Balance Pro Chews for Cats & Dogs
- Product overview: probiotic chews for dogs and cats, duck-flavored
- Probiotics for dogs information: GanedenBC30® (Bacillus coagulans)
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
GI Balance Pro Chews for Cats & Dogs is a vet-preferred type of probiotic chews for dogs with its own patented highly-stable probiotic strain of Bacillus coagulans (GanedenBC30®), known for its ability to survive stomach acid and support digestive and immune health in dogs.
These chews are duck-flavored, making them easy to feed to both dogs and cats.
4. Proviable-Forte Chewable Tablets for Dogs
- Product overview: probiotic chews for dogs, prebiotics for dogs, natural flavor
- Probiotics for dogs information: dried fermentation products of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Proviable®-Forte Chewable Tablets for Dogs contains 7 strains of good bacteria (including Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, etc.). These supplements help re-establish a good balance and diversity of a dog’s intestinal microflora. These are typically recommended after antibiotic use, immune-system-related gastrointestinal issues, and more.
Aside from probiotics, this supplement also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant — as well as prebiotics like gum arabic and maltodextrins, which both promote the growth of good bacteria.
B. Probiotics for Dogs [Capsules, Tablets, Sprinkles]
Though probiotic chews for dogs are gaining popularity, there are other ways to administer probiotics for dogs. These include capsules, tablets, and sprinkles; any of these can be more convenient options depending on your pup’s needs and preferences.
5. Visibiome Vet Probiotic Capsules for Cats & Dogs
- Product overview: probiotic capsules for dogs and cats, unflavored
- Probiotics for dogs information: Proprietary blend containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Visbiome® Vet Capsules for Cats & Dogs is a highly potent probiotic capsule for pets, containing 8 strains of good bacteria (including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, etc.) This probiotic for dogs and cats helps promote overall digestive health and helps regulate inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Pro-Pectalin Tablets for Cats & Dogs
- Product overview: probiotic tablets for dogs and cats, prebiotics for dogs and cats, beef-flavored
- Probiotics for dogs information: Enterococcus faecium
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Pro-Pectalin™ Tablets for Dogs & Cats are formulated to boost digestive health and help balance the gut’s microflora. These tablets contain Enterococcus faecium, a type of good bacteria that helps prevent the colonization of bad bacteria.
Aside from being a probiotic supplement, Pro-Pectalin™ Tablets for Dogs & Cats also contain kaolin and pectin, ingredients that are known to help in treating diarrhea. For this reason, these supplements are indicated to be used for loose stools, stress diarrhea, after antibiotic usage, and so on. However, as with any supplement, we recommend speaking to a veterinarian before use.
7. Mycequin® Targeted Probiotic Sprinkle
- Product overview: probiotic sprinkles for dogs and cats, prebiotics for dogs and cats, Probiotics for dogs information: Proprietary blend containing Saccharomyces boulardii
- Available on SplootRX pet online store & pharmacy
Mycequin® Targeted Probiotic Sprinkle is a specialized probiotic supplement that includes NMXAAD®, which is a proprietary mixture containing Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast).
Note: While most probiotics in this article contain good bacteria as probiotics, this supplement contains a strain of yeast (fungi) that also helps balance the gut microflora. For this reason, this supplement can be given alongside antibiotic treatment (which targets pathogenic bacteria and good bacteria).
Aside from being a probiotic for dogs and cats, these supplements also contain beta-glucan, a prebiotic that helps promote the growth of good bacteria while also providing immune support.
Final Thoughts on Prebiotics and Probiotic Chews for Dogs
This wraps up our comprehensive article on prebiotics and probiotic chews for dogs. To check out more vet-preferred supplements and pet care supplies, head over to SplootRX, your convenient online pet store and pharmacy for vet-preferred options!
As a final reminder, please make sure to consult a veterinarian before using supplements for your pet. A trusted vet will recommend the best probiotic supplement for your pet’s individual needs and give personalized instructions on dosages and effective use.
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To Vet for Preventative Care & Beyond
If you have any questions or concerns about probiotic chews for dogs and other aspects of your furry friend’s health, Sploot Vets is here to help! We offer preventative care services, urgent vet care, and emergency vet services. Our vet clinics are open 365 days a year, for extended hours.
Schedule a vet appointment through our online platform or via the handy Sploot Vets pet care app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
