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Expert Backed Reviews on The 8 Best Probiotics For Dogs

best probiotics for dogs

The Purpose of Canine Probiotics

If you own a dog, you know how important it is to maintain its health. Giving them the best probiotics for dogs is one easy approach. But the big question is, what are the best probiotics for dogs?

Dog probiotics have gained massive popularity in the recent past, making it somehow challenging to settle on the best. This article reviews the top eight canine probiotics to help keep your pet healthy and active. 

Can You Give Human Probiotics to Dogs?

Among the many questions that confuse most dog owners is, can dogs take human probiotics? Technically, yes! Although human probiotics do not endanger dogs, it is not recommendable to use this approach. 

Most human probiotics do not appear to survive through the digestive system of dogs. Therefore, while using human probiotics is unlikely to be harmful, it is also highly unlikely to be beneficial. When using a probiotic, consider using a veterinary-specific probiotic.

What Do Probiotics Do for Dogs?

Dog Probiotics Can Aid in the Relief of Digestive Problems Brought on by Stress or Disease

The harmony between healthy and disease-causing microbes in your pet’s intestines might cause an upset when she is ill or under stress (for instance, when she gets bored at a kennel or moved to a new house). 

Issues including diarrhea, gas, cramps, and poor breath might result from this. Probiotics can shorten diarrhea in dogs from seven to four days.

Dog Probiotics Lessen Antibiotic Adverse Effects

Good and harmful bacteria are both killed by antibiotics. Additionally, while antibiotics successfully treat infections, your dog may experience gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea.

Suppose you know in advance that your faithful friend will be receiving antibiotics. In that case, you might be able to prevent unpleasant side effects by starting your dog on probiotics a few days before the start of antibiotic treatment and continuing them after.

Pets With Chronic Gastrointestinal Distress Will Thank You

Give your dog a high-quality probiotic supplement daily if your pet has persistent intestinal distress to improve her gut’s population of good bacteria. She may feel better due to this exercise, which can encourage a healthy inflammatory response in her GI system.

Healthy Gut Bacteria May Positively Impact Behavior

A behavior change is one of the first indications that your pet isn’t feeling well. Dogs with poor gut flora and digestion disorders may also struggle with mental problems, much like people.

These could involve repetitive licking or other obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Probiotics may therefore enhance your dog’s temperament while maintaining digestive health.

Ageless Paws single-ingredient freeze-dried nutritious pet snacks are suitable for cats and dogs.

Senior Dogs Need Extra TLC to Keep Them Healthy and Feeling Good

Older canines are far more prone to immune system weakness. Additionally, since about 70% of immune cells are present in the gut, it makes sense to encourage the growth of healthy, or “good,” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to strengthen immunity.

The health and happiness of your dog as a whole depend greatly on her gut flora, which may also be the secret to a long and fulfilling existence.

Dog Probiotics May Aid in Avoiding Problems Caused by an Improper Bacterial Balance

Both people and dogs hate having constipation. If addressed, uncomfortable gas, bloating, and cramps can cause vomiting, passive states, and appetite loss. Exercise, clean water, and dog probiotics all work to maintain a healthy gut environment, preventing unpleasant conditions caused by unfavorable gut flora in your pet.

Dog Probiotics Might Lessen Stomach Distress Brought on by a Change in Diet

Your pet will experience gastrointestinal distress if you switch the food they have been eating for a while. Before switching to a new food, prepare your dog’s gut with probiotics to level the playing field against the “good” and “bad” bacteria.

Dog Probiotics May Lessen the Signs of Skin Allergies

Both in humans and pets, allergies—basically erroneous immune responses—are rising. Researchers have partly linked this to an unbalanced bacterial population in the gut.

Giving your dog probiotics may help your dog’s symptoms of skin allergies because gut and immunological health are so closely related. This notion gets support from numerous research showing that dog probiotics may be useful in treating allergies.

Who Wouldn’t Desire Whiter Teeth?

According to a preliminary study, giving your dog probiotics may also benefit her oral health. That should make you both grin!

A Healthier Gut Can Mean Better Skin, Coat, and Breath

Enhancing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria can have various positive benefits on the body, improving how they feel and look. You’ll probably notice the benefits of giving your dog a daily probiotic on the outside of its body as it starts to feel better internally.

Different Types of Probiotics for Dogs

Not all probiotics are the same. Probiotic products exist in a variety of formats. You need to consider your pet’s demands and choose the best option (don’t worry, if your first one doesn’t work, you can always try another one in the future).

None of them is necessarily more powerful than the others. Among the most popular probiotics for dogs are:

Probiotic Powders

They are a fantastic choice for pet parents who want complete control over the daily dose of bacteria. They are easily soluble in your dog’s favorite meal. Despite their occasionally poor flavor, powders blend easily with wet foods and dog food toppings.

Probiotic Treats 

These are exactly what they sound like: delectable small sweets enhanced with one or more bacteria strains. They are in the form of probiotic chews. These are typically the greatest choice for dogs who aren’t picky eaters, even though they come in a delectable natural taste.

Probiotic Capsules 

They are an additional choice, but they can be challenging to take. Probiotic capsules are ingestible like pills. Pet owners will often find it simpler to give them to their pets in a pill pocket or another small, pleasant treat (such as a bit of cheese).

Probiotic Liquids

These are normally the simplest probiotic supplements to administer (aside from snacks, which are very simple to feed to enthusiastic eaters). Liquid probiotic supplements may also have natural flavors, but the amounts are often rather tiny. They are relatively simple to dose for dogs as a result.

Our Top Dog Probiotic Pick

From the many options of dog probiotics, Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs scooped the title of the best overall probiotics. This powder formula is suitable for all breeds of dogs in all age ranges. It is perfect for boosting a healthy immune system and digestive flora for your dog.

Our Favorite Picks at a Glance

  1. Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs: Best overall
  2. NaturVet – Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes - Plus Vet Strength PB6 Probiotic: Best enzyme-based probiotic
  3. FERA Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: Best vegan probiotic
  4. Amazing Nutritionals Probiotics for Dogs: Best chewable probiotic
  5. Zesty Paws Probiotics for Dogs: Best multi-flavor probiotic
  6. Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Dehydrated Instant Goat's Milk with Probiotics for Dogs & Cats: Best puppy probiotic
  7. Florazil + MultiProbiotic Food Spray for Dogs: Best spray probiotic
  8. Nutramax Proviable Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs: Best proviable probiotic
Product name
Fera Pets Organic Probiotics for Dogs & Cats – Cat & Dog Probiotic Supplement with 12 Strains & Prebiotics for Your Pet’s Digestion – 60 Scoops​
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement, Canine Nutritional Supplement – 30 Ct. Box
Florazil + MultiProbiotic Food Spray for Dogs (6 oz)
Price
$28.95
$30.99
Price not available
Product name
Fera Pets Organic Probiotics for Dogs & Cats – Cat & Dog Probiotic Supplement with 12 Strains & Prebiotics for Your Pet’s Digestion – 60 Scoops​
Price
$28.95
Buy Now
Product name
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement, Canine Nutritional Supplement – 30 Ct. Box
Price
$30.99
Buy Now
Product name
Florazil + MultiProbiotic Food Spray for Dogs (6 oz)
Price
Price not available
Buy Now

Reviewing the Best Probiotics for Dogs

Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs: Best Overall

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Probiotic Supplements by Purina Pro Plan

Brand: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets

Flavor: Liver

Item Form: Powder

Breed recommendation: All breed sizes

Age range: All dogs

Quantity: 1.06 ounces (30.05 grams)

Target Species: Dogs

Probiotic strains: Enterococcus faecium SF68

About This Item

Active Ingredients

8 CFU/g (enterococcus faecium), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin c),

animal digest, sodium selenite. a-2516, vitamin e supplement, enterococcus faecium, brewers dried yeast, beta-carotene, salt, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, and calcium iodate.

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NaturVet – Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes - Plus Vet Strength PB6 Probiotic: Best Enzyme-based Probiotic

Amazon’s Choice for “Pre and Probiotics for Dogs”

Brand: NaturVet

Flavor: Liver  

Item Form: Soft Chews

Breed recommendation: Small

Age range: 6 Weeks

Quantity: 4 ounces (113.39 grams)

Target Species: Dog

Probiotic strains: Bacillus Coagulans

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Brewers dried yeast, glycerin, dried potato product, flaxseed, lecithin, canola oil, calcium sulfate, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried aspergillus niger fermentation solubles, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation product, papaya, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, fructooligosaccharides, natural flavoring, water, maltodextrin, tapioca starch, sorbic acid (a preservative), dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), vegetable oil.

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FERA Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: Best Vegan Probiotic

Brand: FERA PET ORGANICS

Flavor: Flavorless

Item Form: Powder

Breed recommendation: All breed sizes

Age range: Adult, puppy, kitten, senior 

Quantity: 2.56 ounces (72.57 grams) 

Target Species: Dogs, cats

Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus plantarum, bifidobacterium bifidum, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus rhamnosus, saccharomyces boulardii, bifidobacterium infantis, streptococcus thermophilus 

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Fructooligosaccharides, lactobacillus acidophilus, organic acacia, lactobacillus casei, organic inulin.

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Amazing Nutritionals Probiotics for Dogs: Best Chewable Probiotic

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Probiotic Supplements by Amazing Nutritionals

Brand: Amazing Nutritionals

Flavor: Bacon

Item Form: Tablet 

Breed recommendation: All

Age range: All

Quantity: 6 ounces (56.69 grams)

Target Species: Dog

Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, lactobacillus acidophilus, enterococcus thermophilus, bifidobacterium longum

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Lactobacillus acidophilus, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane, calcium (as dicalcium phosphate), stearic acid, liver (desiccated beef, undefeated), magnesium stearate, whey, bacon flavor, and silicon dioxide.

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Zesty Paws Probiotics for Dogs: Best Multi-flavor Probiotics

Brand: Zesty Paws

Flavor: Pumpkin, bison, chicken, advanced chicken

Item Form: Soft Chews

Breed recommendation: Small, medium, large

Age range: All

Quantity: 90-count, 250-count

Target Species: Dogs

Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, bacillus subtilis de111, lactococcus lactis, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus brevis, lactobacillus fermentum

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Six-strain probiotic blend (lactobacillus acidophilus, bacillus subtilis de111, lactobacillus brevis, lactobacillus plantarum, lactococcus lactis, and lactobacillus fermentum) 3 billion CFU. inactive ingredients: garbanzo flour, mixed tocopherols, coconut glycerin, flaxseed, natural vegetable flavoring, natural flavors (from flaxseed, oregano, and plums), palm, papaya, fruit oil, rosemary extract , pea flour, pumpkin, tapioca flour, sunflower lecithin.

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Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Dehydrated Instant Goat's Milk with Probiotics for Dogs & Cats: Best Puppy Probiotic

Brand: Honest Kitchen

Flavor: Milk   

Item Form: Instant 

Breed recommendation: Small, medium, large breeds

Age range: Baby 

Quantity: 6 ounces (170.09 grams)

Target Species: Dogs, cats

Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bulgaricus, bifidobacterium longum, enterococcus thermophilus

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dehydrated goat’s milk, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus rhamnosus fermentation product, dried pineapple fermentation product, dried aspergillus niger product.

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Floral + MultiProbiotic Food Spray for Dogs: Best Spray Probiotic

Amazon’s Choice for “Florazil Multi-probiotic for Dogs”

Brand: Floral

Flavor: Flavorless     

Item Form: Spray

Breed recommendation: All breeds

Age range: All

Quantity: 8 ounces (226.79 grams)

Target Species: Dogs

Probiotic strains:  Lactobacillus plantarum, enterococcus thermophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus casei, bacillus subtilis, lactobacillus bulgaricus, bifidobacterium animalis

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Water, liquid enterococcus thermophilus fermentation product, liquid lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, liquid bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, liquid lactobacillus casei fermentation product, liquid bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, salt, liquid bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, active dry yeast, liquid bacillus subtilis fermentation product, liquid lactobacillus bulgaricus fermentation product, cane molasses, natural flavor.

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Nutramax Proviable Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs: Best Proviable Probiotic

Amazon’s Choice for “Proviable” Health Supplement by Nutramax

Brand: Nutramax Laboratories

Flavor: Flavorless

Item Form: Capsule/ pellets 

Breed recommendation: All breeds

Age range: All 

Quantity: 30-count, 60-count, 80-count, 160-count

Target Species: Dog, Cat

Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus casei, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus plantarum, enterococcus thermophilus, lactobacillus bulgaricus

About This Item

Active Ingredients

Fructooligosaccharide, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, gum arabic, dried bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, and maltodextrin.

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Your Canine Probiotic Shopping Guide

You may be quite familiar with your dog’s tastes and preferences depending on how long they have been a household member. You can choose the best probiotic to provide them if you know their preferences.

For instance, you would know that a probiotic capsule is probably out of the question if your dog won’t eat medications. Here are some things to remember when shopping for your dog’s probiotic:

Ease of Use

Many probiotic formulations are available, including dog probiotic powder, capsules, tablets, chewable, and even sprays. One formulation may be more well-tolerated by a particular dog, such as a powder added to the diet.

Although not all dogs may like the taste of every chewable probiotic, this can nonetheless be useful. You do not require measuring spoons because some supercharged dog probiotics come in pre-measured quantities.

Species-specific

Always buy probiotics designed exclusively for dogs to guarantee the product has the right strains of beneficial bacteria. Pick a probiotic supplement with a guaranteed quantity of active bacteria. Stick with the products that have undergone more testing, typically those from reputable veterinary producers.

Expiry Date

You should properly store probiotics for dogs to preserve healthy bacteria, including living organisms. Observe all directions provided on the product label. It is best to keep probiotics cool, dry, and away from hot temperatures.

Refrigeration is essential for some probiotics. Always pay attention to the package’s use-by date. Like human pills, probiotics for dogs should have a clear expiration date. Since the bacteria that make up probiotics are alive, it’s crucial to ensure they’re still healthy.

FAQs on Dog Probiotics

Can You Give a Dog Probiotics to Help With Diarrhea?

Dogs that experience diarrhea, particularly diarrhea brought on by a sudden change in diet, diarrhea brought on by stress or anxiety, or diarrhea following antibiotics, may benefit from probiotics.

However, it’s crucial to visit a vet to identify the source of your dog’s diarrhea since probiotics alone cannot always stop it. Your dog may require additional diagnostic procedures or medical attention. Before beginning any product, including probiotics, consult your veterinarian.

Is yogurt a good probiotic for dogs?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that small portions of plain, unsweetened yogurt may give dogs some beneficial bacteria that may aid digestion and intestinal health.

Give your pet not more than 1 to 3 teaspoons of yogurt daily, depending on how big or little your dog is, as much dairy, especially yogurt, can upset a dog’s stomach.

When Should I Give My Dog Probiotics?

Probiotics may benefit dogs under certain conditions. Giving your pet probiotics during stressful periods, for instance, can assist in lessening stomach problems if they frequently experience them when they are anxious. These situations might be stressful when your dog needs boarding, attends daycare, or a vet visit is approaching.

If your dog’s diet has just changed and they appear to be having trouble adjusting to it, you may also want to give them probiotics. Pet owners sometimes administer probiotics to dogs along with antibiotics or other drugs.

What are the Benefits of Dog Probiotics?

Probiotics can be quite beneficial for your canine companion. The vitamins can ease the symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation if your dog has irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics for dogs can relieve Fido’s symptoms and enhance digestion if they have an upset stomach.

Additionally, it can treat allergies and stomach flu and prevent urinary tract infections. Probiotics can strengthen the immune system of your dog, and they can also control your dog’s attitude and behavior as well as their appetite and weight.

Probiotics with the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains benefit your dog by

How Long Should My Dog Be On Probiotics?

You can administer probiotics to dogs on most days if you’re doing it as part of a preventative health plan. Since they are less likely to result in SIBO, soil-based probiotics are often a preferable option for daily probiotics.

A high CFU lactic acid probiotic should improve your dog’s diarrhea within a few days. According to several studies, probiotics can roughly decrease the recuperation time by half. For the best chance of resolving the underlying gut troubles, it is preferable to keep taking the probiotics for a few weeks.

A good multi-strain probiotic with herbs that soothe the gut is a fantastic option if your dog suffers from persistent diarrhea or a digestive condition. In this situation, you should continue giving your dog probiotics for a long time or until diarrhea stops entirely.

Why Trust Us?

Veterinary enthusiasts made this website for the animal-loving community. The purpose of this website is to provide assistance, connect vet enthusiasts globally, and allow users to exchange helpful knowledge. We aim to positively influence animal veterinary care and support its expansion and advancement.

Final Thoughts

Although numerous probiotics are available on the market, only a few will yield positive results. Look no further if you are wondering what to give a dog for upset stomach and vomiting. Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs is the best option. It Promotes a healthy immune system and keeps your dog’s intestinal balance upright.

It’s critical to keep in mind that dog probiotics are live organisms. They may die if kept in a box or jar in your cabinet. You must maintain the probiotics’ viability if you want your dog to reap their benefits. Since the environment in your dog’s intestines is anaerobic—or oxygen-free—oxygen will destroy the germs there. 

Some manufacturers protect their probiotics from our oxygen-rich environment by encasing them in a shell. These shells can also aid in shielding the bacteria from your pet’s stomach’s corrosive acids, allowing them to survive and remain whole until they reach the intestines, where they generally establish themselves.

The bacteria may also die quickly as a result of high temperatures. Always make an effort to maintain the probiotics for your pet in a cool, dry place because anything beyond roughly 212° Fahrenheit  (100° celsius) can lead to problems. We did not include any of the products you should refrigerate on our list.

Additionally, you should read the product label, which should contain details on the number of bacteria present in the product (typically expressed in CFU or colony-forming units). This is useful, but be aware that a sizable sample will eventually perish. As a result, noting the guaranteed quantity of CFU present at the expiration date is more beneficial.

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