Prebiotics And Probiotics For Dogs – What’s The Difference?

Summary: Prebiotics for dogs… Or probiotics for dogs. In this blog, learn the difference between prebiotics vs. probiotics for dogs and discover how each individually works for your dog’s gut health but also how they’re actually better together…   So, you’re looking to boost your dog’s health using a prebiotic for dogs or a probiotic […]

Nov 08, 2023·4 min read
Prebiotics And Probiotics For Dogs – What’s The Difference?

Summary: Prebiotics for dogs… Or probiotics for dogs. In this blog, learn the difference between prebiotics vs. probiotics for dogs and discover how each individually works for your dog’s gut health but also how they’re actually better together…

 

So, you’re looking to boost your dog’s health using a prebiotic for dogs or a probiotic for dogs. Your interest in your dog’s gut health is already the sign of an excellent, caring pet parent! However, which supplement is best for your pup? What’s the difference exactly, between prebiotics and probiotics for dogs…?

Probiotics For Dogs

Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract. We all have bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) and gut (humans, animals, and insects, that is!) – most of it is really important, the good stuff that keeps our digestive health in optimum condition. Probiotics refer to the microbes (the bacteria/yeast) that dwell in the gut. There are literally billions of them, and they work to support a healthy immune response,  promote healthy digestion, and support the absorption of vital vitamins and nutrients for the body to use.

The good bacteria that live in your pup’s GI tract are necessary for the healthy functioning of their digestive system. When we supplement with probiotics, we add cultures of these good bacteria and so we ensure the number of good bacteria present in the gut is kept at a desirable level. These include Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum & longum, Lactobacillus brevis, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Prebiotics For Dogs

a small white, fluffy dog places their front paws on a log next to a body of water

Prebiotics are the fuel for probiotics! Essentially, food for your gut’s good bacteria! That’s right, probiotics need food to thrive – they’re living organisms! Most prebiotics are fermentable fibers that break down and release short-chain, vital fatty acids which help support the healthy functioning of the colon and the immune system. They’re resistant to stomach acid, so are able to make their way down the large intestine for the good bacteria to utilize without too much disturbance. They are also thought to promote the body’s ability at absorbing minerals!

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Prebiotics are naturally present in bananas, broccoli, and blueberries so you can feed your dog small amounts of these foods to help the good bacteria in their gut thrive!


Prebiotics vs. Probiotics For Dogs

Both humans and dogs can benefit from supplements, and it’s actually advisable to take both probiotics and prebiotics on a need-to basis! Supplementing both can help support your doggo’s stomach, intestine, colon, and both digestive and immune system running at an optimum level. Feeding your pooch prebiotics for dogs can directly help increase the survivability of the probiotics present in their GI tract. And, when the digestive system constitutes 70% of the body’s immune system, why wouldn’t you want to make sure your precious pup’s gut has everything they need?

Prebiotics and probiotics really harmonize well together when it comes to replenishing the gut’s healthy, essential bacteria. So, if you want the best for your pooch and they need a prebiotic/probiotic supplement, it’s actually really worth supplementing both!

Prebiotics And Probiotics For Dogs

So, there we have it: the differences between probiotics for dogs and prebiotics for dogs cleared up and some clarity on why marrying both together in your dog’s supplement routine is a great, caring pet parent move!

The signs that your pup may need some additional support with their gut health can include occasional discomfort and/or generally having a low mood. So, introducing both prebiotics for dogs and probiotics for dogs may be a great first step toward supporting them! However, always check with your vet to be sure any signs of tummy trouble are not an underlying, undiagnosed health issue first.

Sarah MiltonS
WRITTEN BY

Sarah Milton

Comes from a family of animal lovers and got to grow up with a menagerie of pets! I believe owning a pet is a privilege and I love researching and creating informative, fun content for fellow pet owners to help their furry friends have the happiest and healthiest lives. When I’m not writing blogs, you can find me sharing a walk with my pet dachshund or at a yoga class!

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The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice. PetLab Co. is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your pet has, or you suspect your pet has any medical condition, you are urged to consult your veterinarian. Medical conditions can only be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Results May Vary. Not intended for human consumption. Please consult your veterinarian regarding any change in treatment or supplementation.
*In Amazon Pet Health Category in 2022
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