How to Choose the Right Probiotics for Dogs

You have come home after a long day. Your pups generally greet you with excitement and sloppy kisses. But it felt different today. They don’t have the same excitement like every day. Later, you discover that they have skipped meals. When you take them out for their night walk, you notice loose stools, and their energy also doesn’t feel the same. 

If this has been quite a common situation with your pet, it is not a good sign. You might think that they might have swallowed something in the park, or they might not be in the mood. But if you see this happening frequently, probably your dog’s gut is not happy. That’s when we need the right probiotics for dogs.

There must be a lot of questions on your mind. For example, are probiotics good for dogs? Or what is a good probiotic for dogs? In this blog, you will find your answers. Keep reading, and you will understand how to choose the right probiotics for dogs.

Let’s understand: What are probiotics for dogs?

Every pet parent wants their furry children to be happy, healthy and full of life. And, all these begin with a healthy gut. We all take good care of our dogs’ diet, nutrition, and well-being to keep their gut health happy. However, there are situations that cause gut problems due to allergies, digestive problems and stress. These dog probiotics support the overall wellness of your pet by balancing their digestive system. 

Probiotics for dogs are live, beneficial bacteria that support gut balance and improve digestion. These friendly microorganisms naturally live in your dog’s intestines, but stress, illness, antibiotics, or poor diet can disturb their balance.

When that happens, supplementing with dog probiotics helps in restoring balance in the gut, much like how probiotics work for humans.

Here are the common types of probiotics:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus – It helps in digestion and boosts nutrient absorption
• Bifidobacterium animalis – This supports immune health
• Enterococcus faecium – It promotes healthy stool and reduces diarrhea

Factors to consider while choosing the best probiotics for dogs

There are different types of probiotics. So we will tell you how to pick the best probiotics for dogs that will make a difference:

1. You should check the CFU count 

Please choose products that contain at least 1-5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) in every serving while you are choosing probiotics for gut health. Higher CFU count means a better quality supplement. 

2. Choose the Right Strains 

Each probiotic strain serves a unique purpose. You should pick a supplement with multiple strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus for complete gut health support.

3. Look for Quality Assurance 

You should always choose a brand that has veterinarian-approved supplements. Also, choose a brand that uses third-party testing for safety and potency. You should avoid products with artificial preservatives.

4. Pick the Right Form for your dog

Probiotics come in various forms such as:

• Powders (easy to mix with food): You should go for this form if your dog is a fussy eater. Goat milk powder is a trustworthy option, you can sprinkle it over your dog’s food. 
• Chews (treat-like and tasty): Treats are really easy to feed them, because they are more fun now. 
• Capsules (for precise dosage): If your dog needs a limited dosage, you can choose capsules.
• Probiotic dog food (ready-mixed for convenience): Again, you can directly serve the mix to your dog.

5. Please understand your dog’s specific needs

If your dog is allergic, pick grain-free or natural probiotics for dogs. And, for the dogs recovering from antibiotics, you, as a pet parent, should go for a higher CFU and multi-strain formula. However, before choosing any probiotics for dogs, you should always consult your vet to be stress-free.