{"id":9384,"date":"2022-02-02T13:50:58","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T13:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=9384"},"modified":"2024-02-18T14:18:34","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T14:18:34","slug":"best-probiotics-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/best-probiotics-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Best Probiotics for Dogs in 2024 (Reviews & Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Finding the Best Probiotics for Dogs \u2014 Buying Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

CFU (Colony Forming Unit)<\/span><\/h3>\n

You should make sure your dog gets enough probiotic bacteria in each serving. For the best results, <\/span>the recommended CFU number is anywhere between 1 and 10 billion<\/span><\/a>. But, the exact number will depend on your dog<\/span>‘<\/span>s size and weight. <\/span>Some more potent products can also be helpful but aren<\/span>‘<\/span>t necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prebiotics<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

Prebiotics are an addition but aren<\/span>‘<\/span>t necessary. If a product has excellent ingredients but no prebiotics, that<\/span>‘<\/span>s not a reason not to buy it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ingredient Quality<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

Form<\/span><\/h3>\n

Probiotics for dogs come in different forms (capsule, tablet, powder) and aren<\/span>‘<\/span>t equally easy to administer.\u00a0<\/span>For example, regular capsules and tablets are more challenging, as dogs tend to notice them even when completely covered by food and often won<\/span>‘<\/span>t take them. <\/span><\/p>\n

That<\/span>‘<\/span>s why powder and chews are likely the best choices.\u00a0<\/span>You can mix the powder with <\/span>your dog’s favorite food<\/span><\/a>, and it probably won<\/span>‘<\/span>t even notice it<\/span>. And with delicious chews, your pets will even enjoy taking their probiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price<\/span><\/h3>\n

Price is one of the essential factors in choosing probiotics for pets. Although you might be inclined to save on pet products, you shouldn<\/span>‘<\/span>t do so with probiotics. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n

Should dogs take probiotics?<\/span><\/h3>\n

You should definitely give your dog probiotics. Like humans, dogs need good bacteria for balance and first-aid help when infections start.\u00a0<\/span>If you notice that your dog is eating grass or has problems eating food, probiotics will help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do probiotics for dogs produce side effects?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Probiotics for dogs generally don<\/span>‘<\/span>t produce any severe side effects. But, some <\/span>bloating, gas, and diarrhea could occur in the beginning<\/span><\/a> for some dogs. In addition, if<\/span>\u00a0your dog has some immunity issues, it might experience side effects from using probiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is taking human probiotics harmful to dogs?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dogs can take human probiotics, as they aren<\/span>‘<\/span>t harmful to them.\u00a0<\/span>However, human probiotics generally don<\/span>‘<\/span>t contain dog-specific bacteria necessary for canines<\/span>‘<\/span> optimal gut health. So, a high-quality product specifically designed for dogs will always be better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can a dog overdose on probiotics?<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/span>‘<\/span>t lead to a fatal outcome.\u00a0<\/span>This is because dogs<\/span>‘<\/span> bodies typically absorb the amount of probiotics they need and then eliminate the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can dogs with allergies use probiotics?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dogs with allergies can use probiotics. Some studies have proven that <\/span>probiotics can help reduce skin allergies in dogs<\/span><\/a>, so they<\/span>‘<\/span>re actually helpful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While they don<\/span>‘<\/span>t directly stop your dog from scratching, they regulate bacteria levels in your pet<\/span>‘<\/span>s GI system, improving the immune system. This, in turn, drastically reduces the severity of skin allergies.\u00a0<\/span>However, if your dog is allergic to particular bacteria present in the probiotics, they should avoid taking them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Finding the right canine probiotic doesn<\/span>‘<\/span>t have to be a challenge \u2014 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. <\/span>All you have to do is look at our list of <\/span>best probiotics for dogs<\/span> and choose the right one for your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n