If your dog suffers from stomach issues (like inflammatory bowel disease, for example), you might be wondering if giving them probiotic chews would be helpful. If so, you’re in the right place!
At Under the Weather, we understand how hard it is to watch our beloved pets go through pain and illness. Incorporating probiotic chews into your dog’s diet could be a great way to combat their upset stomach symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in your dog’s gut and contribute to a healthy gastrointestinal system. Just like humans, dogs have a diverse microbiome comprising bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and even viruses.
By giving probiotic supplements to your dog, you’ll be able to introduce high levels of these “good bacteria” and help your fur baby maintain a balanced gut. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of probiotic chews for dogs and review our favorite probiotic chews from Under the Weather. Let’s get started!
What Are Probiotics for Dogs?
Probiotics are live microorganisms — often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria — that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system. In dogs, probiotic supplements can support digestive health, strengthen the immune system, and even address issues like bad breath.
The main goal of probiotics is to make sure that beneficial bacteria outnumber harmful bacteria in your dog’s gut. It’s also important that you’re able to differentiate probiotics from prebiotics and postbiotics:
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as nourishment for probiotics (again, the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut). Prebiotics essentially help probiotics grow and thrive — they enable them to do their job effectively.
These fibers aren’t broken down by your dog’s digestive enzymes, so they make their way to the intestines intact, where they become a food source for the probiotics. Common prebiotics include ingredients like inulin, chicory root, and certain types of oligosaccharides.
When included in your dog’s diet, prebiotics create an environment where healthy bacteria can flourish. This helps to promote better digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and build a stronger immune response.
Essentially, prebiotics and probiotics work hand-in-hand to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which, needless to say, is a very important factor when it comes to your dog’s health.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are the beneficial byproducts created by probiotics as they go about their work in your dog’s digestive system. Even after the probiotics themselves are no longer alive, the compounds they’ve produced (i.e. enzymes, peptides, and vitamins) can still deliver powerful health benefits.
Postbiotics play a role in supporting gut health by reducing inflammation, strengthening the gut barrier, and promoting a healthy immune response. They continue to provide benefits even after the probiotics have done their part.
Postbiotics can be particularly helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who struggle to maintain a balanced microbiome. Including both probiotics and their beneficial postbiotics in your dog’s diet can provide an even more comprehensive approach to maintaining their gut health.
Why Should You Give Your Dog Probiotic Chews?
Probiotic chews are an easy, tasty, and effective way to provide your dog with the digestive support they need. Unlike powders or capsules, chews are super convenient, and they’re often flavored to appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Chews for Your Dog
With so many options on the market, picking out the right probiotic chews for your dog is easier said than done. Here are some factors to consider:
Added Digestive Enzymes
Look for probiotics with digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, which helps with digestion. This tends to be especially helpful for dogs with constipation or irregular bowel movements.
Prebiotics Paired with Probiotics
Probiotics work best when paired with prebiotics. Prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria, and make sure that they thrive and continue to benefit your dog’s gut health.
Natural Fiber Content
Ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potato provide gentle digestive support and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. Natural fibers are especially helpful for dogs that suffer from occasional diarrhea or constipation.
Veterinary Recommendations
Ask your vet to determine which probiotic strains and formulations will suit your dog’s specific needs.
The Best Probiotic Chews for Dogs
Now that we’ve discussed what probiotics are and why probiotic chews could be beneficial for your dog, let’s go over our top pick when it comes to probiotic chews for dogs:
Under the Weather’s Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These delicious chews support your dog’s gut health and appetite. They’re full of live, beneficial bacteria and do not include any corn or artificial flavors. They promote a healthy gut microbiome, and their chicken liver flavor is quite popular with most dogs.
Ingredients:
- Brewers Dried Yeast
- Chicken Liver Flavor
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Arabic Gum
- Canola Oil
- Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
- Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product
- Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
- Guar Gum
- Silicon Dioxide
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Vegetable Oil
- Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative)
- Rosemary Extract (Natural Flavor)
- Green Tea Extract (Natural Flavor)
- Spearmint (Natural Flavor)
- Citric Acid
- Buffered White Distilled Vinegar
The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotics do more than just help with digestion. Let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits of probiotic supplements for dogs below:
Strengthened Immune System
About 70% of a dog’s immune system resides in their gastrointestinal tract. By creating a balanced gut microbiome, probiotics can help prevent harmful bacteria from spreading and reduce the risk of infections and diseases.
Relief from Seasonal Allergies
If your dog struggles with seasonal allergies, probiotics may help regulate their immune response and lessen uncomfortable symptoms like itching and redness. This can make allergy seasons much more manageable for your dog.
Improved Skin and Coat Health
Not many people know this, but there’s a strong connection between gut health and skin health in dogs. Probiotics can reduce skin inflammation, itching, and redness. This often leads to healthier skin and a shinier coat.
Improved Memory in Aging Dogs
Studies have shown that a balanced gut microbiome can positively impact brain health. Probiotics support immune and intestinal health, which may improve memory and cognitive function in older dogs.
Stress Management
Stress can obviously disrupt your dog’s digestive system. Whether you’re traveling, introducing your dog to a new environment, or taking them to the vet, probiotics can help stabilize their gut bacteria and reduce any digestive upset caused by stress.
How to Give Your Dog Probiotic Chews
If your dog is especially picky, it might be a bit tricky to get them to take their probiotic chews, even if they’re flavored with chicken (or whatever your dog may like). Not all dogs will want to willingly gobble up their daily probiotic chew(s), which is why we’ve provided you with these tips:
Start Slowly
When introducing probiotic chews to your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to take it slow. Sudden dietary changes (even beneficial changes) can sometimes cause dogs to experience mild digestive upset.
Start by offering your dog a small portion of the probiotic chew and gradually increase to the full amount (full chew or appropriate number of chews) over a few days. This approach will give your dog’s system enough time to adjust to the new addition. It’ll also ensure that they’re comfortable with the change.
Follow Dosage Instructions
Every dog is different, and the right amount of probiotics depends on certain factors — specifically their size, weight, and age. Always check the product label or ask your vet what the recommended dosage is.
Giving the correct amount of probiotic chews to your dog is more important than you might think. You’ll want to avoid overloading their system and make sure that they’re getting just the right balance of beneficial bacteria to support their gut health.
Monitor Your Dog
Once you’ve started giving your dog probiotic chews, you’ll want to keep a close eye on them. Look for positive changes, like improved digestion, a healthier appetite, or increased energy (dogs with gastrointestinal issues will often be lethargic).
At the same time, watch for any unusual reactions — like bloating, excessive gas, or changes in your dog’s stool consistency. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and health will help you gauge how well the probiotics are working and if any adjustments are needed. If you’re ever not sure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice.
Conclusion
As you can see, giving your dog probiotic chews daily is an easy and super effective way to keep your fur baby happy and healthy (from the inside out!). By picking out the right probiotic chews for your dog, you’ll be helping them with their stomach issues and setting them up for a healthier, happier life in general.
At Under the Weather, we have plenty of probiotic supplements available (including chews, liquids, and supplements in powder form). We also have bland diet dog foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs who are recovering from health conditions like pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Feel free to check out our selection!
