Probiotics for dogs and why they need them
If your diet consists of a healthy supply of yogurt, kefir, tempeh, pickles, miso and cheeses like Gouda, mozzarella, cheddar and cottage, you are no alien to probiotics.
There are 2 types of bacteria – good and bad. Bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, listeria etc make up the list of bad and harmful bacteria that can lead to serious health issues in dogs like inflammation, immune system reactions and digestive issues.
On the other hand, there are friendly bacteria that help keep your dog’s microbiome healthy and well balanced. These good bacteria are what probiotics are all about.
Few of the many benefits of probiotics
The beneficial live microorganisms in probiotics, when consumed, have several powerful benefits for your dog’s body and brain, including but not limited to –
- Improved gut health
- Good heart health
- Improved emotional and mental health
- Boosted immunity
- Ward off harmful pathogens
They also have healing properties and aid in –
- Treating diarrhea
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Easing digestion
- Easing allergies and reactions
How much probiotics should I give my dog?
Ensure to feed your dog the right amount of probiotic along with a nutritious meal.
- 1 teaspoon a day for small dogs.
- 2 teaspoons a day for medium-sized dogs.
- 3 teaspoons a day for large dogs or giant-breed dogs.
You can feed them to your dog as –
- A food topper
- A treat
- A frozen snack
- Pills
- Powders
- Paste
Homemade and other natural probiotics for dogs
Some human foods have live cultures that are equally beneficial for dogs and can be administered in limited quantities. These foods include –
1. Kefir
Kefir is beneficial in relieving digestive issues and easing allergies. Yeast-containing kefir can also reduce and potentially prevent chronic health conditions.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is produced out of the milk that has been fermented by probiotics, primarily lactic acid and bifidobacterial. Yogurt is known to improve bone health and act as a good source of protein.
3. Goat milk
Goat milk contains oligosaccharides, a kind of prebiotic. Prebiotics are substances that fuel and sustain the probiotics. It’s advisable to pair goat milk with another source of probiotic while feeding your dog.
4. Vegetables like Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), sweet potato and broccoli
Besides being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these vegetables act as excellent dietary fibers and sources of probiotics, especially for lactose intolerant dogs.
Important things to remember
Some dogs may demand a concentrated supply of probiotics to stay healthy and probably poop better. The Bacteria in probiotics are sensitive to air, temperature and moisture levels. Make sure to read about how the probiotic is made and added to the specific food so as to give your dog the very best quality.
If your dog has digestive issues, talk to your vet about what kind of bacteria-dominated probiotic should be given to your dog. The 5 major types of good bacteria are –
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (helps in improving immune system)
- Lactobacillus casei (helps protect the digestive tract lining)
- Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium lactis (reduce diarrhea and improve stool quality)
- Enterococcus faecium (aids digestion)
Probiotics for dogs – Just a click away!
Check out a list of some highly recommended dog probiotics on Amazon;;
