What probiotic can I give my dog daily
Probiotics for Dogs: Do They Work?
Were just beginning to understand the potential benefits of probiotics for dogs. Unfortunately, veterinary research into the effectiveness of probiotics for pets isnt all that common, and what studies do exist sometimes provide contradictory evidence.
But it does appear that, under certain circumstances, probiotics for dogs can:
Aid digestion
Modulate the immune system
Provide intestinal benefits by producing short-chain fatty acids, which fight harmful bacteria
Improve diarrhea, irritable bowels, and intestinal inflammation
Prevent urinary tract infections
Reduce allergic reactions by decreasing intestinal permeability and controlling inflammation
Help dogs remain calm
Heres a breakdown on probiotics for dogswhat they are, the types of probiotics, their benefits, and what they can be used for.
What Are Probiotics for Dogs?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Billions of these bacteria (and some yeast) live in the gastrointestinal system of many animals, including dogs. These healthy gut microbes balance the internal environment to prevent disease and promote health.
Gastrointestinal microorganisms perform tasks like:
Helping break down food
Making nutrients and vitamins
Fighting off potential pathogens
Strengthening immunity
Interacting with the gut-brain axis that plays an important role in mood
What Are Prebiotics?
You may have also heard of prebiotics. So, whats the difference between the two? Prebiotics are types of fiber that nourish and promote the growth of good bacteria already living in the colon. In other words, prebiotics feed probiotics. Prebiotics are usually found in high-fiber foods.
Do Dogs Need Probiotics?
Probiotics are prescribed for maintaining a desirable intestinal microbial balanceessentially, to keep a dogs gut health in balance.
A generally healthy dog should be able to maintain the balance of digestive microbes naturally. But during times of stress, illness, or malnutrition, an imbalance can occur.
Many dogs seem to respond well to probiotic supplements when their gut microbes have gotten out of whack.
Types of Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotics for dogs come in several forms. Some dog foods even include probiotics in the list of ingredients, such as Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials and Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly. If you look at the guaranteed analysis section on a package of dog food with probiotics, you will see thetype of bacteriaadded.
However, its usually better to use a dog probiotic supplement thats produced as a powder, capsule, or chew. With these types of products, its possible to provide your dog with higher numbers of beneficial live microorganisms. The probiotic will be labeled with recommendations on dosage and frequency of use.
Species-specific strains of probioticsinclude Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus coagulans. Other types that have helped dogs include Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
What Are the Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs?
Studies have shown that certain species of probiotics may have specific benefits for dogs. For example, certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help to:
Some Bacillus species can also support the immune response, and Enterococcus faecium has been shown to shorten the course of diarrhea in dogs.
Can You Use Probiotics for Dog Diarrhea?
Yes, probiotics can be used to improvedog diarrheacaused by:
Stress from boarding, moving, or any disruption in routine
Sudden changes to your dogs diet, like eating a new or unusual food
A bacterial imbalance from long-term antibiotic use
Diarrhea caused by infections that result in a bacterial overgrowth within the gut may improve with probiotic use as well.
Can Puppies Take Probiotics?
Yes, puppies can take dog-specific probiotics. This may help them develop a balance of intestinal bacteria to support a healthy immune system and reduce the incidence of diarrhea, constipation, and infections of the digestive tract.
Can Dogs Take Human Probiotics?
Yes, dogs can take human probiotics; they are not harmful to pets. However, they may not provide the same benefits as a species-specific supplement because dogs have a different gut microbiome than people. Probiotics designed specifically for dogs take this into account and have appropriate dosing instructions printed on their labels.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt and Other Foods With Probiotics?
Some human foods, such asyogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, have live cultures that may benefit some dogs. However, adding new foods to a dogs diet can lead to diarrhea and other health problems, so its often safer to use a probiotic supplement.
Be sure to read the labels of human foods carefully to select plain, unsweetened varieties that do not contain artificial sweeteners, especiallyxylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Limit quantities of probiotic foods for dogs to these ranges:
Do Probiotics Have Side Effects for Dogs?
Some dogs may experience side effects when starting probiotics, particularly at high doses, such as:
Digestive discomfort
Diarrhea
Bloating
Gas
Constipation
A digestive symptom may temporarily get worse before it improves. Changes in appetite may be an early indicator of an adverse reaction. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog does not respond well to probiotics or you have any concerns about their digestive health.
Featured Image: iStock.com/mladenbalinovac
WRITTEN BY
Teresa Manucy, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Teresa Manucy is a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small...
What Time Of Day Should I Give My Dog Probiotics? [Your Options]
If youve found yourself wondering about the ideal time to give your dog a probiotic supplement, youre not alone.
Many dog owners, including myself, grapple with such concerns, pondering whether the timing of the dose could impact its effectiveness.
Maybe youve been giving your dog probiotics consistently and are now second-guessing if that morning treat is truly beneficial.
Or perhaps youre on the brink of introducing these beneficial bacteria into their diet and are uncertain about when to make the first move.
Well, this article aims to address these anxieties and guide you through the best practices for administering their probiotic supplement.
What Time Of Day Should I Give My Dog Probiotics?
Administering probiotics to your dog during mealtime, preferably once in the morning and again in the evening, should ensure optimal absorption.
The timing and association with food play a crucial role for several reasons:
- Consistency: Dogs benefit from a consistent routine. Providing supplements at the same time daily ensures that you wont forget the dose and helps in monitoring any changes in your dogs health or behavior.
- Digestive Process: Feeding probiotics during mealtime promotes the survival of these beneficial bacteria. The food provides a buffer, protecting the probiotics from the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, allowing more bacteria to reach the intestines where they exert their beneficial effects.
- Metabolism Sync: Dogs typically have a metabolic high point in the morning. Their digestive systems are more active, which can lead to better absorption and utilization of the probiotics.
- Behavioral Comfort: Dogs are creatures of habit. When you introduce something new, like a supplement, doing it in conjunction with a familiar activity, such as eating, can make the process smoother and less stressful for your pet.
- Optimal Efficacy: Most probiotic strains are sensitive to various external factors. Administering them in the morning ensures they work throughout the day when your dogs digestive activity is at its peak.
Other Considerations When Timing Probiotic Administration
During Mealtime vs. Between Meals
- During Mealtime: Probiotics given with meals have the advantage of being protected from the stomachs acidity by the food. The food acts as a buffer, which can increase the number of bacteria that survive to reach the intestines. Its particularly advantageous if the meal contains some fat, as it slows stomach emptying and provides more time for the probiotics to move into the intestines.
- Between Meals: Administering probiotics on an empty stomach means they transit the stomach more quickly, encountering less acid. However, without the buffering effect of food, more probiotics might be destroyed by stomach acid before they reach the intestines.
Morning vs. Evening
- Morning: Dogs generally have a higher metabolic activity in the morning. As a result, their digestive systems are more active, potentially providing a more conducive environment for the probiotics.
- Evening: Some believe giving probiotics in the evening, closer to the dogs last meal, allows the bacteria to establish themselves overnight. However, this largely depends on the dogs routine and digestion speed.
Existing Research & Veterinarian Recommendations
Theres limited research specifically on the timing of probiotics for dogs. Most studies focus on the benefits of the probiotics themselves rather than when theyre administered.
Veterinarians often recommend giving probiotics during mealtime, leveraging the buffering effect of food. They emphasize that the most crucial aspect is consistency ensuring the dog receives the probiotic regularly.
Tips for Administering Probiotics
Probiotics, while beneficial, can sometimes be tricky to administer to dogs.
Here are some tips to ensure you provide the full dose, as well as advice on storage and choosing the right form.
Ensuring Full Ingestion
- Mixing with Food: This is one of the simplest methods. Sprinkle or mix the probiotic with your dogs regular food. If its a wet food, it can mask the taste or texture even better.
- Using Treats: Some dogs might be hesitant to take a new supplement. Embedding the probiotic in a treat or a soft food they love can be an effective trick.
- Probiotic-Infused Foods: Some dog foods come already fortified with probiotics. It can be an easy way to introduce these beneficial bacteria to your dogs diet.
Storage Tips for Potency
- Cool & Dry Place: Most probiotics should be kept in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain active. Avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures.
- Refrigeration: Some probiotics require refrigeration. Always check the label and store accordingly to maintain the bacterias viability.
- Tightly Sealed: Ensure the container is tightly sealed after use to prevent moisture from degrading the probiotics.
Different Types of Probiotics
- Powders: These can be easily mixed with food and are suitable for dogs that might be wary of new items in their diet. They allow for flexible dosing.
- Chews: Ideal for dogs that see them as treats. They can be a more enjoyable way for dogs to get their dose, especially if flavored.
- Capsules: These can be mixed into food once opened or given whole to dogs that are used to taking pills. Theyre often more concentrated and can be ideal for dogs needing a higher dose.
- Liquid: This form can be mixed into water or food. Its especially useful for dogs that might be on a fluid diet or have difficulty with solids.
In all scenarios, its essential to consider the dogs preferences and needs.
A fussy eater might prefer a chew over a powder, while a dog with dietary restrictions might benefit from a specific capsule.
Finally
The right timing and method of administering probiotics can make all the difference in their efficacy.
Whether you choose morning or evening, its essential to remain consistent and consult with a veterinarian for personalized guidance.
For those seeking reliable probiotic brands, I highly recommend Pawfy Probiotic Chews or Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites.
Not only are these products suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, but they are also formulated to be consumed daily whether that be in the morning or evening.
In fact, most dogs will consume at least two of these a day, making them ideal to offer during each time.
Their ease of administration, combined with their treat-like appeal, should ensure your dog eagerly anticipates their probiotic dose, making the journey to better gut health a much easier process and transition.
FAQs
Can you give dog probiotic in the morning?
You can give a dog probiotics in the morning. In fact, it is often preferred as their metabolic activity is higher.
Can you give dog probiotic in the evening?
You can give a dog probiotics in the evening. Administering them with their evening meal can help the bacteria establish overnight. However, there are also arguments for administering in the morning.
Can You Give A Dog A Probiotic On An Empty Stomach?
You can give a dog a probiotic on an empty stomach. However, administering it with food often improves survival of the bacteria through the acidic stomach environment, enhancing its efficacy.
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I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.
