Similar to us, pets can have bowel problems. They might get restless & uncomfortable due to food sensitivity, gas, loose stool, or upset stomach. The best probiotics for dogs with digestive issues are one of the most effective methods to maintain your furry friend's gut balance on a daily basis.
However, not all are made equal. In this guide, we’ll break down what these are, how they help your furry friend with digestive issues, and, most importantly - highlight the best ones that are truly worth trying.
What Are Probiotics for Dogs?
These are live, healthy bacteria that reside in their gut. These "good live organisms" assist in digestion, nutrient absorption & maintaining control over bad ones.
When the digestive system is not in balance - may be due to stress, antibiotics, a bad diet, or allergies - symptoms like diarrhea, gas, bloating & vomiting can occur. This helps to restore the natural balance and support a healthy system.
Signs Your Pet Might Need
Here are some common symptoms your dog may benefit from the best probiotics for dogs with digestive issues:
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Frequent diarrhea or soft stool
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Vomiting without another cause
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Bad breath
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Gurgling or noisy stomach
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Gas or bloating
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Itchy skin or allergies
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Changes in appetite
If you notice any of these indications, talk to your vet to know of any serious issues and ask if these could help.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic
Before you buy a probiotic, keep a few things in mind:
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Choose Dog-Specific Products: Human probiotics don’t always work the same in dogs. Look for products made especially for dogs.
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Check the CFUs: CFU stands for "colony forming units." It tells you how much live bacteria is in each dose. Aim for at least 1 to 5 billion CFUs per serving for daily support.
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Look for Multiple Strains: A mix of strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, & Enterococcus can help more than just one.
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Check for Added Prebiotics: Some probiotics also include this - a fiber that feeds the good bacteria. This can make it work better.
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Pick the Right Format: Some dogs prefer chews, while others do better with powders or capsules. Choose what your dog will take easily.
Best Probiotics for Dogs with Digestive Issues
1. Purina FortiFlora
Best for: Pets with sudden diarrhea or upset tummy
This is highly recommended by veterinarians. It's a powder supplement that's packaged in little sachets - just sprinkle it on your dog's food. This Purina Fortiflora has one strain (Enterococcus faecium), which has been found to have good success in the cure of diarrhea. It also consists of additional vitamins and liver flavor that most dogs enjoy.
2. Nutramax Proviable-DC
Best for: Daily support and recovery after antibiotics
Proviable-DC comes in capsule form. You can give it whole or open it and mix the powder with food. It has seven different strains plus prebiotics, which help healthy bacteria grow.
It’s a solid all-around probiotic for dogs with frequent or ongoing digestive issues.
3. Visbiome Vet
Best for: Pet with chronic digestive problems or IBD
This one is serious stuff. Visbiome Vet is a high-potency probiotic with over 200 billion CFUs per packet. This best probiotics for dogs gut health is used for dogs with long-term guts issues and is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with IBD or chronic diarrhea. It does require refrigeration and is a bit pricey, but it delivers results for severe cases.
4. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites
Best for: Picky eaters who prefer a tasty treat
These pumpkin-flavored soft chews are both a treat and a probiotic. They're simple to feed and contain six strains, as well as fiber from papaya, pumpkin & flaxseed. This Zesty Paws Probiotics Bites gentle on the tummy and help with mild to moderate issues like gas or soft stools.
5. VetriScience Probiotic Everyday
Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
The best probiotics for dogs with allergies are chewable and dairy- and filler-free. It's formulated to benefit not only digestion but also skin and immune systems. Both food-related concerns often benefit from this dual support.
6. Fera Pets Organic Probiotic Powder
Best for: Clean, natural ingredient lovers
Developed by veterinarians, this powder is USDA organic and contains 12 probiotic strains along with organic. It's unflavored and mixes well with food. It's a fantastic choice for owners seeking something clean, gentle, and effective.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Best probiotics for dogs with digestive issues are usually safe for your pet. Sometimes, you will see mild gas or loose stools the first few days as your dog's body gets used to it. This usually subsides quickly.Before trying out something new, it's best to talk with your veteran if they show symptoms or have continuing problems.
Conclusion
Your pet's digestive issues have an impact on their general health. Including the best probiotics for dogs with digestive issues in their regular routine will assist them to stay healthy, minimize stomach aches & feel better. And if you also need grooming supplies or training assistance, My Pet Command has you covered. We offer a wide range of top-quality pet care products - from training collars & grooming sets to outdoor equipment - all aimed at making it easy and confident for you to care for your beloved pup.
