Inside your dog’s gastrointestinal tract is a vibrant ecosystem with billions of helpful bacteria (called probiotics) that support their immune system, digestive function, and mental well-being. But among the many helpful probiotics, which strain should you add to your dog’s diet? The answer largely depends on your dog’s individual profile, including their stage of life.
Knowing which probiotics are best suited for your dog’s life stage can help maximize the supplement’s potential, and by extension, your dog’s health. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any probiotics or supplements for your dog.
Examples of Different Probiotics
To determine which probiotics best suit your dog, it’s important to first understand the different variations. These supplements come as powders, capsules, and in some dog food formulations.
Additionally, different probiotic bacteria strains have different health goals. For example:
- Bifidobacterium animalis (strain AHC7) can help with acute diarrhea
- Bacillus coagulans can enhance digestive function and health
- Bifidobacterium longum (BL999) has recently been found to help with stress in dogs.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus can enhance stool quality and frequency
- Enterococcus faecium (strain SF68) can support the immune system and promote growth during a dog’s developmental stage
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain LGG) could possibly address diarrhea, as it does with humans
On the label, a probiotic supplement should have the name of the bacteria’s species, the expiration date, the number of microorganisms in the product, and a guarantee stating how many of those microorganisms should be alive. Ideally, the manufacturer should also have the product’s efficacy backed by a third-party researcher.
Puppyhood: Probiotics Foster a Healthy Gut Microbiome
After they’re weaned, you can add probiotics to your puppy’s diet. This can help foster a healthy gut microbiome from the very beginning. Laying the groundwork for a healthy digestive system offers multiple benefits, perhaps the biggest of which includes preventing infectious diseases. After all, 70% of a dog’s immune system is in their gastrointestinal tract.
The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine notes that probiotics can go a long way in preventing infections like salmonella in dogs of any age. Other probiotics may focus on reducing stress from the inside out. A puppy free of gastrointestinal distress can focus more on socialization than dealing with discomfort.
Young Adult: Probiotics Offer a Multi-Pronged Health Approach
Don’t be fooled; even if your puppy has reached their full size, they’re still developing. As with puppies, probiotics can go a long way in supporting your dog’s immune system and metabolism, giving them the best possible start in life.
Additionally, certain probiotic strains can prove beneficial for adolescent dogs who:
- Experience skin conditions. Research has found a link connecting gut health to skin health. Some probiotics bolster the immune system and help combat certain allergens that can cause skin redness, itching, and irritation.
- React strongly to certain events, such as fireworks. Giving your dog probiotics in the days leading up to a possible trigger can alleviate gastrointestinal-related distress, such as an upset stomach or diarrhea. This goes hand-in-hand with managing your dog’s stress.
- Are undergoing intensive treatment. If your dog contracts a serious illness, such as heartworm, antibiotics such as doxycycline can kill healthy bacteria in the process. Probiotics can make up for the loss and help keep your dog’s gut health stable.
Probiotics are safe when fed as instructed. If your dog has a compromised immune system, however, talk to your veterinarian before introducing anything new to their diet.
Adulthood: Probiotics Can Manage Allergies and Anxiety
Once your dog has matured into adulthood, the role of probiotics in their life may largely depend on their individual health profile and your goals as a responsible pet owner.
For instance, suppose that you have a Golden Retriever who suffers from seasonal allergies. In that case, you may offer a probiotic supplement that reinforces the immune system, possibly decreasing the symptoms your dog experiences.
In another scenario, imagine that you have a nervous Italian Greyhound about to board a long flight in a pet carrier. Days in advance, you may start a probiotic regimen centered around promoting their gut health to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal distress, which can work to reduce their nerves when it’s time to travel.
Healthy dogs can also benefit from probiotics. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when keeping infections, allergens, and microbial imbalances at bay.
Senior: Probiotics Offer Support for Age-Related Conditions
As your dog enters their golden years, they may start to experience various health conditions, such as diminished coat quality, diarrhea, and stress. These seemingly unrelated ailments may result from a microbial imbalance within their gastrointestinal system. But not to worry, probiotic supplements can play an instrumental role in keeping your dog looking (and feeling) their best.
Consider the following:
- Probiotics, such as lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain LGG) and bifidobacterium animalis (strain AHC7), can offer support if your senior dog has diarrhea
- Bifidobacterium longum (BL999), which is found to help with stress, can help senior dogs with dementia or age-related sensitivities
- Lactobacillus acidophilus can help with constipation and hard stools
There are other probiotic strains that can help with cognition, memory, and proper nutrient absorption.
Probiotics vs. Antibiotics vs. Prebiotics: What’s the Difference?
Probiotics, antibiotics, prebiotics — are these different names for the same item? Not quite.
As noted, probiotics refer to healthy gut bacteria found in your dog’s digestive system that help promote various bodily functions. Probiotics feed on prebiotics, fibers that dogs can’t digest.
Antibiotics are the exact opposite. They’re scientific formulations designed to kill harmful bacteria, and often in the process, healthy probiotics. Furthermore, antibiotics are only available with a prescription after a veterinarian has diagnosed an infection caused by “bad” bacteria.
Probiotic supplements generally contain prebiotics and are available both over the counter or with a prescription. Unlike antibiotics, these supplements can be the cornerstone of your dog’s diet rather than a direct response to infection.
Consult Your Veterinarian for More Information About Canine Probiotics
Probiotics can benefit any dog, regardless of their life stage. To maximize these microbes’ benefit, it’s important to use a strain that pairs with your dog’s health goals and age. Puppies will benefit more from probiotics geared toward building the foundation of their digestive and immune system, while senior dogs may gain from probiotics intended to support age-related health concerns.
Your dog’s healthcare team is a great resource regarding any aspect of their well-being. In addition to probiotics, they can offer more insight into what measures could enhance your pet’s quality of life.
At Zesty Paws®, we are wellness nerds with a non-stop obsession for pet wellness – meaning we do the research, sweat the small stuff, and skip the junk. The result? Bite-Sized. Pet Science.™ As an award-winning pet supplement brand beloved by besties and trusted by pet lovers, helping pets live a Zestful life is more than just a promise, it’s our science-driven method for everything we do. Zesty Paws® is also a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and proudly displays the NASC Quality Seal on its products. For more information about Zesty Paws®, you can visit ZestyPaws.com or follow along on social media on our Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.