Probiotics for Dogs and Cats

We all need to take care of our gut. For humans, it’s as easy as picking up a pack of Yakult in the weekly shop, but what are the options for pets? In this article, we’re going to delve into the world of pre- and probiotics for pets and how they can help improve your pet’s gut health. 

What Are Pet Probiotics?

Our guts are full of good bacteria, and it's the same for our pets. These different types of bacteria are called the gut microbiota, and they are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract where they work to break down the food your pet eats and any toxins, which is why it’s crucial to ensure your pet’s gastrointestinal health is always in working order. They can also help improve:

• Stool quality

• Immune system 

• Overall digestion 

• Skin and coat health

One way to ensure your pet’s gut is healthy is to provide your cat or dog with a complete pet food with ingredients rich in prebiotics and probiotics, or to introduce probiotic supplements to your pet. 

What's the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics? 

There can be some confusion when it comes to the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, but to put it simply:

• Probiotics are “good” live bacteria that are generally given as a supplement and increase the population of “good” bacteria in the gut, resulting in health benefits such as maintaining your pet’s gut health and immune system. There are billions of them living in your pet’s gut naturally.

• Prebiotics are a specific dietary fibre found in your pet’s food that your pet’s body can’t digest but that feeds and fuels the“good” bacteria living in the gut so they can do their job.

The delicate balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your pet’s gut must be maintained to maximise your pet's gastrointestinal health. Many animals can do this naturally if they consume food with enough prebiotics and probiotics-rich ingredients. Still, others may require extra help, which is where digestive supplements can help. 

Do Pet Foods Contain Probiotics? 

Many commercial pet foods already contain added probiotics and prebiotic-rich ingredients. To see what probiotics are included in your dog's food, check the ingredients list on the back and look for the following:

• Enterococcus faecium

• Bacillus coagulans 

• Bifidobacterium animalis

• Bifidobacterium longum

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Each of these is a kind of probiotic commonly added to pet food as standard. If your current pet food doesn't contain probiotics, you can supplement their diet yourself by adding a probiotic supplement, like the YuMOVE® Digestive Care PLUS.

Prebiotics, however,  as a dietary fibre, are typically added to your pet's food as prebiotic-rich ingredients. The most commonly found ingredients in pet foods include: 

• Pumpkin

• Sweet potato

• Carrots

• Peas

• Apples

• Bananas

• Chicory root

However, if you want to provide your dog with more prebiotics, you can feed them any of the fruits or vegetables listed. Just be aware that your pet's food has already been portioned to provide a complete and balanced meal, so feeding any fruits or veggies on the side can unbalance their diet if fed in excess. 

Probiotic Supplements for Pets

If your pet needs more probiotics in its diet but you don’t want to change its food, you can easily add a probiotic to its food instead. 

Probiotics for cats and dogs are available in a variety of different formulas, including: 

• Probiotic pastes for dogs and cats, like the Seraquin® Digest Digestive Health Paste for Dogs & Cats

• Probiotic powders, like the Purina Fortiflora for Dogs and Purina Fortiflora for Cats

• Probiotic capsules for dogs and cats like the Protexin Pro-Enzorb For Dogs & Cats

Each of these pet probiotic supplements is formulated to help maintain your pet’s sensitive gut microbiome. They are quick and easy to add to your pet's daily food, whether by sprinkling the powder on top or mixing the paste in with their wet food.

Different products might be more appropriate in different individual circumstances, so it could be helpful to seek advice from your vet about which is best for your pet.

When Might Pet's Need Probiotic Supplements?

There are multiple things that can unbalance your pet's microbiome, and not all of them are related to your pet's diet. The key times a pet can benefit from probiotics include: 

• While changing foods

• While experiencing stomach upset (such as diarrhoea or flatulence)

• While taking medications (antibiotics in particular can impact your pet's gut microbiome)

• During stressful situations (such as building works, visitors, or holidays)

There are other times pets can benefit from probiotics, such as if they suffer from allergies, but you should speak to your vet to find the best probiotic supplement for your pet's condition. 

Your pet’s health matters, and ensuring their bodies are working as they should is one of the primary responsibilities of pet ownership. We hope this guide to pet probiotics and prebiotics has given you a better understanding of your pet’s gut health and what they need.