Probiotics are functional foods rich in live microorganisms, especially bacteria. We can find probiotic supplements for dogs, probiotics for dog skin allergies, and they can be budget-friendly pet probiotics.
We will mention dog probiotics on several occasions as a compliment and as a support in the transition, but today we are going to delve a little more into this topic that is, in our opinion, interesting and important.
The intestinal microbiota is the set of living microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc.) that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract physiologically. These microorganisms have several important functions:
- They participate in the breakdown of nutrients and obtaining energy through their digestion, absorption, and metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract.
- They modulate the immune system.
- They act as a natural defence barrier against overgrowth or the presence of pathogens in the intestine.
- They contribute to the maintenance of the structure of the intestinal mucosa (the cells of the intestine).
When we include them in the diet, they reinforce the quality of the intestinal bacterial flora, so that it can cope with the possible proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. In other words, we provide “good bacteria” to prevent the overgrowth of other “bad” ones. We also modify the intestinal pH, acidifying it, avoiding the growth of some undesirable microorganisms.
Some bacteria are normally present in the intestine, which is called opportunistic, which when the beneficial bacteria diminish or are weakened, take advantage to proliferate and become harmful.
For this reason, to reinforce or regenerate the flora, it is so important to provide probiotics for pets at certain moments susceptible to imbalance such as:
- A food transition.
- An antibiotic treatment (in which the “bad” bacteria die, but also the good ones)
- A digestive pathology (diarrhoea), in which the intestine may be inflamed, and this inflammation affects the physiological intestinal microbiota.
Although we must not only focus on giving them when there is a problem, it can be part of the usual diet of our dogs to, as we said at the beginning, prevent intestinal pathologies and maintain a balanced gastrointestinal ecosystem.
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What is a good probiotic for dogs?
The most common natural human probiotics in dogs, good probiotics and recommended probiotics are fermented milk, products obtained from lactic fermentation such as:
- NATURAL YOGURT with the presence of Lactobacillus bulgaricusand Streptococcus thermophilus
- KÉFIR that in addition to different species of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, and Streproccocus thermophiles suchas yoghurt, also includes others such as Leuconostoc, Lactococci, and yeasts (fungi) such as Saccharomyces kefir or Candida kluyveromyces. So it is more complete than yoghurt.
In both cases, if they are made from goat’s milk, much better, since the fat globules of goat’s milk are smaller and more digestible for dogs, this characteristic can be interesting in case of dogs that are sensitive to the intestinal level or with some pathology.
Another good probiotic option:
- CHUCRUT is based on fermented cabbage and other vegetables. Less known, but with similar good probiotic properties also rich in lactic acid bacteria.
And now the million-dollar question, can dogs, being lactose intolerant, eat yoghurt and kefir? And the answer is YES.
This is explained by understanding the process of making them. As pointed out at the beginning, these two products fall within the group of fermented milk. In the preparation of both, the milk is acidified and fermented due to the presence of the culture of microorganisms that are added to it, which feed on the lactose in the milk, converting it into lactic acid.
So, these dairy derivatives may have a very small part of lactose that has not yet been converted into lactic acid by microorganisms, which is so small that it can be perfectly tolerated by a dog unless it was VERY sensitive to lactose and it will give you some diarrhoea, in which case there is the option of sauerkraut or commercial probiotic supplements for dogs. We can give these good probiotics, and enzymes for dogs regularly with food or separately, in an approximate dose of 1 tablespoon per 10 kg of weight daily or every 2 days, always starting with a small amount to see how you feel. If we observe any change (diarrhoea), it is better to stop giving it.
In case of administering it while the puppy is on antibiotic treatment, remember to wait at least 2 hours to give the puppy probiotic after administering the antibiotic, so that it maintains its benefits.
What are the best probiotics for dogs?
Now let’s talk about some of the most budget-friendly pet probiotics, and recommended probiotics that are important for your pet- friend:
- Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement Box
- Best overall supplement product for dogs
- Probiotic supplement for dogs in pre-measured packets so that your dog can get a daily dose of probiotics
- With the use of this dog supplement, problems such as doggy diarrhoea, tear stains, or gas are greatly improved
- Probiotic powder
- Great taste
- Budget-friendly probiotic powder for its benefits
- NUSENTIA Probiotic Miracle Supplement
- Budget-friendly pet probiotic
- Affordable probiotic for dogs and for canines
- A probiotic powder formula that is safe for both dogs and cats
- 6 strains of probiotics in the formula
- Each container holds up to 360 servings on the size of your pet
- Tummy troubles relief, gas relief, and digestive distress
- An affordable probiotic for pets
- Could be use as probiotics for dog skin allergies
- PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzymes
- One of the best probiotic chews
- Duck-flavoured soft chew
- Over 20 active ingredients including a green superfood formula (it’s green)
- More effective than any other natural or medicinal probiotic
- Natural digestive enzymes for dogs
