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Finding the Best Probiotics for Dogs — Buying Guide

Dog probiotics are a relatively new supplement category. As a result, many owners don‘t know what to look for when searching for the right one. With that in mind, we created this concise but comprehensive guide. Read on and find out how to choose the highest-quality probiotics.

CFU (Colony Forming Unit)

You should make sure your dog gets enough probiotic bacteria in each serving. For the best results, the recommended CFU number is anywhere between 1 and 10 billion. But, the exact number will depend on your dog‘s size and weight. Some more potent products can also be helpful but aren‘t necessary. 

Prebiotics

You should always look for products that also contain prebiotics. Prebiotics are fibers that are additional help for your dog‘s digestive system. They increase immunity response and help with digestion. Inulin is the most common prebiotic you‘ll see in ingredient lists.

Prebiotics are an addition but aren‘t necessary. If a product has excellent ingredients but no prebiotics, that‘s not a reason not to buy it. 

Ingredient Quality

Most probiotic products, especially chews, often contain other ingredients besides probiotics and prebiotics. It‘s important that these ingredients are natural and that the product has no potentially harmful added chemicals.

Form

Probiotics for dogs come in different forms (capsule, tablet, powder) and aren‘t equally easy to administer. For example, regular capsules and tablets are more challenging, as dogs tend to notice them even when completely covered by food and often won‘t take them.

That‘s why powder and chews are likely the best choices. You can mix the powder with your dog’s favorite food, and it probably won‘t even notice it. And with delicious chews, your pets will even enjoy taking their probiotics.

Price

Price is one of the essential factors in choosing probiotics for pets. Although you might be inclined to save on pet products, you shouldn‘t do so with probiotics. To get the safest, most efficient, top-quality products containing the best ingredients devoid of harmful chemicals, expect to pay anywhere between $11 and $40 per package.

FAQ

Should dogs take probiotics?

You should definitely give your dog probiotics. Like humans, dogs need good bacteria for balance and first-aid help when infections start. If you notice that your dog is eating grass or has problems eating food, probiotics will help.

Do probiotics for dogs produce side effects?

Probiotics for dogs generally don‘t produce any severe side effects. But, some bloating, gas, and diarrhea could occur in the beginning for some dogs. In addition, if your dog has some immunity issues, it might experience side effects from using probiotics.

Is taking human probiotics harmful to dogs?

Dogs can take human probiotics, as they aren‘t harmful to them. However, human probiotics generally don‘t contain dog-specific bacteria necessary for canines‘ optimal gut health. So, a high-quality product specifically designed for dogs will always be better.

Can a dog overdose on probiotics?

The short answer is no. While exceeding the recommended dose may lead to stomach issues (e.g., stomach discomfort, nausea, gas, diarrhea), it generally doesn‘t lead to a fatal outcome. This is because dogs‘ bodies typically absorb the amount of probiotics they need and then eliminate the rest.

Can dogs with allergies use probiotics?

Dogs with allergies can use probiotics. Some studies have proven that probiotics can help reduce skin allergies in dogs, so they‘re actually helpful. 

While they don‘t directly stop your dog from scratching, they regulate bacteria levels in your pet‘s GI system, improving the immune system. This, in turn, drastically reduces the severity of skin allergies. However, if your dog is allergic to particular bacteria present in the probiotics, they should avoid taking them.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right canine probiotic doesn‘t have to be a challenge — you only have to pay attention to a few essential elements. That being said, we hope our guide helped you learn more about what you need to look for when buying probiotics. All you have to do is look at our list of best probiotics for dogs and choose the right one for your pet.