The Power of Probiotics: The Key to a Healthy & Happy Pup

As dog owners, we strive to keep our furry companions healthy and happy. One crucial but often overlooked aspect of canine health is gut health. Just like humans, dogs have a delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in their digestive systems.  When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity and even behavioural changes.  That's where probiotics can help.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that support a healthy digestive system. They help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion, nutrient absorption and boosting the immune system. 

Why should my dog take them?

Living inside the digestive tract they are good gut-dwelling bacteria, that aid in the digestion of food, fight off potential germs, make nutrients and vitamins, improve their skin and coat, and strengthen the immune system. 

Giving your dog a probiotic supplement, enables you to increase the amount of probiotics in the gut, which can in turn reduce the amount of harmful bacteria.

What conditions should they be used for?

Sometimes, due to stress and anxiety (such as boarding, moving, travelling or loss), malnutrition, medications, eating something they shouldn't abrupt changes in diet, parasites, infections or disease, the good bacteria can be damaged or destroyed and that can lead to stomach upset and a decline in your pets’ health.

They can be great for senior dogs; those dogs with allergies and may help those dogs with behavioural issues too.

Prebiotics vs. probiotics

Pre & probiotics are an essential part of a healthy supplement regimen. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, helping to crowd out harmful, disease causing bacteria. And prebiotics feed probiotics, allowing them to thrive! To keep your dog healthy, you want to help to rebalance the gut microbiome to support the proper motility function of the digestive tract - and pre and probiotics do just that!

Types of probiotics for dogs

Probiotic supplements can come in several forms and include different types of probiotic strains.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Enterococcus faecium
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactobacillus casei
• Bifidobacterium breve

You should speak with your vet to find out which strain will be the most beneficial for your dog depending on their condition.

Does your dog food contain pre or probiotics?

All of our Woof branded dry dog food contains MOS & FOS prebiotics as standard to help support digestive health and immune function in dogs.

MOS and FOS are two major classes of prebiotics commonly used in dog food for their functional benefits. They are non-digestible carbohydrates that can help to stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, as well as support immune function and poo (faecal) quality and odour.

FRUCTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (FOS)

FOS can be found naturally in fruit and vegetable extracts such as chicory, and can help to promote gastrointestinal health. 

MANNAN-OLIGOSACCHARIDE (MOS)

MOS is derived from yeast cell walls and can help to promote gastrointestinal health. MOS passes through the digestive tract the same way as FOS and is metabolised by the friendly gut bacteria once it reaches the large intestine. 

What next?

Probiotics are a simple yet powerful way to support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. Whether your pup struggles with tummy troubles or you simply want to boost their gut health, incorporating probiotics into their diet can be a game-changer.

Have you tried probiotics for your dog? Share your experiences in the comments below!

What brands do you stock?

On recommendation from a canine nutritionist we stock the brands Karnlea & Ria flex; including goats milk, yeast based probiotic, pumpkin powder and milk thistle