More and more studies show the benefits of probiotic foods in dogs.
As a consequence of this, more and more brands are launching to market prebiotic and probiotic food for dogs.
However, there are still many people who have a furry in the family and do not know what probiotics for dogs are.
If this is your case and you want to know not only what they are, but also what probiotics for dogs are for, keep reading.
What are probiotics for dogs?
Probiotics are foods that contain millions of microorganisms that are responsible for feeding and stimulating the growth of good bacteria that inhabit the small intestine and colon of furry dogs.
Prebiotics are, instead, foods that stimulate the growth and activity of probiotics. Hence, the joint consumption of these two types of food is recommended.
What are probiotics for dogs?
The function of probiotic foods is mainly to balance the intestinal flora of dogs .
As various investigations point out, the intake of probiotic foods not only strengthens the digestive system, but also helps strengthen the immune system by building a wall against all kinds of viruses and infections.
In addition, as has recently been demonstrated, its regular consumption also helps prevent the appearance of allergies and food intolerances , which translates into a notable improvement in the quality of life of our four-legged friends.
Given its digestive properties, many veterinarians tend to prescribe the consumption of probiotics during diarrheal processes in dogs, since its intake helps both to shorten its duration and to rebuild the intestinal flora once this intestinal alteration is overcome.
Probiotic Puppy Food
Probiotic foods can be of great help to puppies by facilitating the absorption of all nutrients .
Also when it comes to preventing them from contracting viruses during their first months of life, since, as we have just seen, probiotics play a fundamental role in strengthening the immune system.
Natural Probiotics for Dogs
For those who opt for a more natural diet such as the BARF diet , there are natural probiotics. Of all of them, the most popular is, without a doubt, natural yogurt .
A tremendously nutritious food due to its high calcium content, an essential element for the growth and strengthening of bones and teeth, and because it contains large doses of vitamin B12, a key substance when it comes to preventing the onset of heart disease in dogs.
In addition to all this, natural yogurt is full of bacteria that favor the creation, development and balance of the intestinal flora and that facilitate digestion , which is why it is of great help to take care of the health of your best friend’s digestive system. .
Keep in mind that not all yoghurts work and that, just as it happens to us, it may be that it did not say lactose correctly. They must be unflavored and unsweetened since sugars are on the list of prohibited foods for dogs .
Other natural dog probiotics that exist and can be offered to dogs are kefir, fermented milk, tempeh, and breads made with sourdough or natural yeast .
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs
An excellent alternative to natural yogurt and other foods are probiotic supplements for dogs.
Some products made specifically for pets and that help promote the growth of all the specific bacteria that are part of the canine intestinal flora.
In powder, in capsules, in solid pieces of food, in food paste… the formats in which probiotic supplements for dogs are offered are many.
What they all have in common is that they contain between 1 and 10 different types of probiotics, these being the most important:
- Bifidobacteria animalis : strengthens the immune system, facilitates digestion and fights against bacteria generated by contaminated food.
- Bifidobacteria bifidum : facilitates the digestion of dairy products.
- Bifidobacteria breve : fights against bacterial and fungal infections.
- Bifidobacteria longum : eradicates toxins present in the body.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus : facilitates the absorption of nutrients and contributes to the fight against infections.
- Lactobacillus reuteri – Fights Helicobacter pylori infection .
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus : helps to stop diarrheal processes and combat acne, eczema and candida.
- Lactobacillus fermentum : eradicates toxins released during digestion and encourages the growth of intestinal flora.
- Saccharomyces boulardii : helps to stop diarrheal processes and fight infections in the digestive system.
That said, and as we always remind you in My New Best Friend , before offering any new food or food product to your dog, check with your veterinarian.
In the event that he recommends you include probiotic foods or supplements in your best friend’s diet, ask him which are the most recommended for him and in what dose he should consume them . As with people, each dog is different and has different needs and characteristics.
Did you know all the benefits of probiotic foods?