Prebiotics For Dogs
What are prebiotics for dogs and how do you get them?
They are actually a good thing for your dog’s digestive health and microbiome.
You hear a lot about probiotics, and more and more you may hear about prebiotics. Probiotics are live active cultures, bacteria, in your dog’s intestinal tract.
Prebiotics are the food for the probiotics. It’s what probiotics eat.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients in the form of complex sugars.
Prebiotics include:
Fructooligosaccharides: Aids immunity, bone health and the growth and balance of important bacteria in the digestive track
Produced from natural fermentation of sugar cane
Inulin: Aids in digestive health and mineral absorption (especially calcium) found naturally in chicory root and garlic. You’ll find them in onions too — but we know pets can’t eat onions.
Oligofructose: Aids in absorption of minerals. It’s a breakdown product of inulin
When bacteria ferment prebiotic fibers in the large intestine, short-chain fatty acids are produced and can contribute to supporting the good bacteria, preventing disease, improving digestion and nutrient absorption (especially minerals), and enhancing the immune system.
Our pets benefit from whole foods containing prebiotic fibers when offered as part of a nutritionally balanced, evolutionary appropriate diet.
Chose also from these whole food sources in moderation for sources of prebiotic fibers for your dog:
Asparagus - sources of vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C and E
Apples - antioxidants and vitamin C
Cashews - share yours from time to time as a snack
Raw garlic - in small portions periodically as it may cause changes in blood parameters when overfed. It also loses its efficacy within 15-20 minutes of chopping.
Bananas - a few slices in moderation. Summertime treat — try freezing a banana. (Don’t feed the peel)
Beet Pulp: fiber that adds bulk to the dog's stool. Beet pulp is also a good source of energy that promotes colon health.
Some consider oats a bit of prebiotic:
Oats: digestible and high source protein and fat. Also provides a good balance of amino acids
Remember to lightly blanch & chop your veggies and feed your fruits as snacks.
Also take a look at the new Golden Turmeric as a great source of prebiotics & support for the natural inflammatory response.