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Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Prebiotic/Probiotic Supplement
Wiz Basics Prebiotic & Probiotic Powder Supplement for Dogs
Are you concerned about your dog’s digestive health, immune system, liver function, or skin allergies? Or perhaps your pup has recently been on antibiotics and feels somewhat sluggish. You might consider adding a prebiotic and probiotic supplement to their diet.
Like humans, dogs have countless microorganisms, or bacteria, living inside their bodies. Certain bacteria, like those found in unsanitary conditions, can cause illnesses. However, numerous healthy bacteria also live inside your dog’s body, mainly in the digestive tract. Maintaining the balance of healthy and disease-causing bacteria is vital to your dog’s health and daily activities.
What are Prebiotics and Probiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria that naturally live in the body’s digestive tract. A healthy digestive tract, called the gut, contains billions of beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics help the probiotics to grow by acting as food for them.
Prebiotics are primarily found in plant fibers and complex carbohydrates that the body cannot digest. Because they cannot be digested, prebiotics are broken down in the small intestine by the healthy bacteria that need them to grow and thrive. Simply put prebiotics act as food for healthy bacteria.
What do Prebiotics and Probiotics Do?
Some research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics offer several health benefits to people and pets, such as:
- Boosting immune health
- Helping with gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotic treatment
- Assisting with kidney and liver function
- Aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption
- Improving some digestive diseases in dogs
Immune health
Your dog’s immune system includes cells, antibodies, organs, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and glands. All parts work together as a network to trap and attack foreign substances or abnormal cells that get into the body. The immune system is almost like an invisible armor around your furry friend, protecting them from all the chemicals, allergens, and viruses they are exposed to daily.
Since probiotics are beneficial bacteria naturally living in your dog’s gut, they assist in fighting off foreign substances, also called antigens. Some studies indicate that certain bacteria in canine probiotics prevent disease-causing bacteria.
The digestive process
Prebiotics and probiotics help dogs with digestion. Supplements made for dogs specifically contain bacteria commonly found in the canine digestive tract. Probiotics have been known to help with the occasional upset stomach. People have also reported success after giving prebiotic and probiotic supplements to dogs with chronic stomach issues, such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Absorption of nutrients
Nutrients are absorbed in the digestive system, so your dog must maintain a healthy digestive tract. Like humans, factors like stress, change, diet, and illness can all cause upset stomach in dogs. A few causes of digestive upset are:
- Sudden changes in diet
- Antibiotics
- Medications
- Older age
- Long-term steroid use
- Emotional stress
- New environment
- Loss of a loved human or animal companion
- Illness
When tummy troubles strike, the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted. If your dog is experiencing any of these changes or has diarrhea, gas, and cramping, consider adding a prebiotic/probiotic supplement to keep them feeling their best.
How Can I Give Prebiotic/Probiotic Supplements to My Dog?
Canine supplements come in many formulas. Gone are the days when pet parents had to force fussy furry friends to take pills while holding their heads and blowing on whiskered snouts until they swallowed. Today’s supplements include pills, treats, chews, and powders. Some supplements are also found as ingredients in dog food formulas, treats, or easy-to-swallow capsules.
Many people don’t like hiding pills in pill hiders or adding a taste to dog food. In this case, powder supplements are the least complicated option since they can be mixed directly with your pup’s food without color or taste. Follow the dosing directions on the label. Additionally, give your dog a prebiotic/probiotic supplement manufactured for dogs, as the bacteria in the canine gut differ from those in the human gut.
Never give your canine companion human supplements. Human foods often contain ingredients and flavors that can be toxic to dogs. If you have questions about giving supplements to your pet, always ask your veterinarian for advice.
Pets are family. We love them and want the very best for them. Investing in their health is as essential as investing in our human family members’ health. One easy way to keep your dog healthy and happy is to add a quality prebiotic/probiotic supplement.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/prebiotics-and-ibs-1944748
https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/probiotics-use-in-cats-and-dogs-fact-sheet/
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/immune-disorders-of-dogs/the-immune-system-of-dogs
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/probiotics-for-dogs/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20037966/
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/poisoning/food-hazards