Does Your Dog Need Probiotics and Prebiotics

Do you know the difference between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Does your dog need them both? Yes, actually you do.

Prebiotics are what the probiotics eat, in order to be “active” do their job in the gut. We all need them even your dog. (Read More about Prebiotics)

Your dog’s digestive tract is really the largest immune organ in their body and it’s full of bacteria. The question is, is it good bacteria that can help support your dog’s immune system when we have

• diets that are not optimal for the species or are highly processed diets

• following vaccinations (or even prior to)

• stress is present — chaos in the the house, transitions, loss, etc

• eating things they shouldn’t

• contaminated water

• dietary transitions

• GI issues

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Others that may see a big benefit from adding a good probiotic to their diet include those who have :

• Recently Been on Antibiotics: it takes our pets up to 18 months to have their gut health return to balance after a round of antibiotics. That’s assuming we’re giving it good fresh whole-food balanced diets.

And from Reference Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola:

• Diarrhea — Several studies have shown that probiotics may be useful for managing the symptoms and decreasing the duration of diarrhea in dogs. It may also help lower the incidence of acute and diet-related canine diarrhea.1,2,3

• Allergies — Probiotics are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate the symptoms of skin allergies in dogs. A study published in the journal Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology also suggests that exposure to probiotics early in life may help lower a dog’s risk of atopic dermatitis

• High cholesterol levels — A study published in the journal Folia Microbiologica shows that oral administration of probiotics may help reduce high levels of serum cholesterol in healthy dogs as well as dogs with gastrointestinal issues.

Additionally, probiotics may help reduce levels of fecal bacteria, improve vaccine response and promote growth rate in puppies.  It may also help protect your pet against leaky gut syndrome, a condition that increases the permeability of their intestinal wall, making the GI tract incapable of keeping nutrients and good bacteria in and harmful bacteria out (Reference Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola)

What Do Probiotics Do

• support the immune system

• support gut health

• produce enzymes

• support food digestion

• produce Vitamins

• produce serotonin & may improve behavior (anxiety, depression, aggression)

• reduce gut pH, reduce acids

• produce fatty acids that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria

• strengthen healthy gut bacteria (microbiome, flora) reducing unhealthy bacteria

So yea, you probably need to supplement your dog’s diet with good quality ones since there’s not much “fresh” in the kibble bowl that will support their immune system and gut health.

You should look at Kefir and fermented veggies for excellent sources of probiotics. Sauerkraut is awesome! You’ll also find a few probiotics in: Apple Cider Vinegar, Broccoli, Cauliflower, leafy greens, berries and avocado, nut not nearly as much as you may need for healing the gut. Some yogurt products offer a small amount of probiotic support as well — not as much as most people (or marketing) would have you believe.

Rotating Your Probiotic sources is recommended.

Feeding Probiotics with meals is not recommended. Consider offering 1-2 hours prior to meals.

(See Post on Prebiotics)


In order to offer your dog’s gut a variety of probiotic strains and challenges — consider rotating your probiotic selection periodically and ensure you have sufficient CFUs for the condition you’re trying to manage.

Order Your Probiotics from my linktree
Brands I recommend include Megasportor Fidosport (available from Dr. Ruth or Fullscript)
Adored Beast Apothecary available in the Volhrd Store