Probiotics help dogs feel better
We’re all about feeding our dogs the healthiest foods possible. And probiotics in dog food influence your dog’s health on many levels. Dogs normally have a balance of good and bad bacteria and yeast in their intestines. Sometimes the “bad” bugs overpower the good ones, but antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, too. Intestinal parasites, illness, or stress can also knock out the good bugs and lead to nasty side effects, from diarrhea and bad breath to allergies and obesity.
Probiotics (found in many natural dog foods) are friendly bacteria that help battle infections, strengthen the immune system, synthesize vitamins and nutrients, and assist in the digestion process. They reduce gut inflammation that leads to digestive upset, gas, and constipation. They can increase your dog’s energy levels and even improve bad breath. If your dog recently had a bout of diarrhea, took antibiotics, or just could use some energy and improved health, probiotics might be the solution.
What to look for when buying probiotic dog food
Not all dogs need probiotics, but they still may benefit from them. While you should always check with your vet for dog food and health advice, probiotics are considered safe. You can also safely add probiotics to your dog’s regular food as healthy treats. Foods like non-flavored plain yogurt, kefir, or raw organ meats contain healthy probiotics. Another option is to offer your dog commercial probiotic supplements, pills, or powders like Purina Fortiflora. But probiotic dog food is the easiest and most convenient way to help your dog feel better.
Look for these fancy Latin names of probiotics. Find them alone or in combination toward the end of the food ingredient list on the dog food label:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Enterococcus faecium
- Bifidobacterium lactis
To keep friendly bacteria healthy, foods also must contain plant fiber nutrients called prebiotics to feed the bacteria to help them grow. A probiotic dog food should also include prebiotics. Look for fruits, vegetables, or whole grains on the ingredient list. Most times, you won’t see “apple” or “dandelion greens” listed, though. Instead look for these prebiotic terms:
- Galactooligosaccharides
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Oligofructose
- Chicory fiber
- Inulin
Bacteria are sensitive to temperature, air, and moisture, so follow storage instructions. The quality of food and probiotics changes depending on the manufacturing process, how probiotics get added, and the type of food (wet, dry, freeze-dried).
Live probiotics work best, but you probably won’t find those in commercial dog foods, as they require refrigeration. Also check expiration dates on the food, as the effectiveness wanes after the use-by date expires. I always recommend you ask your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food.
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