Best probiotics for dogs to help support their microbiome - according to pet experts
It may surprise some, but dogs can benefit from probiotic supplements in their diet, just like their humans owners.
Probiotics are bacteria that support gut function and ensure overall healthy digestion; they live in your dog’s colon and have far-reaching effects on many bodily processes and systems, even enhancing the immune system.
“Research shows that the balance of bacteria in the digestive system is linked to overall health and disease,” explains Pooch & Mutt veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon. “Probiotics are known as the good bacteria in the gut, which help to maintain a healthy balance in the body, this not only supports the breakdown of food, but also immune function and potentially even heart health.”
Does my dog need probiotics?
Whether you have a puppy, adult or elderly pooch, dogs will benefit from added probiotics in their diet. Supplementing with probiotics helps renew good bacteria that may have become compromised from taking antibiotics, helping to restore your dog’s microbiome to optimum levels.
Dr Libby Sheridan, Purina Scientific Affairs Manager for the UK & Ireland, confirms: “Probiotics can be beneficial during and after antibiotics, as they can help replenish and restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping reduce the risk of loose stools and supporting overall gut health.”
Long-term, probiotics can help keep the digestive system in good working order, help maintain healthy bowel movements and boost their immunity. If your dog has a habit of eating grass then they could help stop this too. “Probiotics are commonly used in dogs to help manage digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or. “In addition to this, they can enhance nutrient absorption by improving the breakdown and utilisation of food and strengthen the immune system.”
