Your dog’s gut health is as essential for their overall wellness as ours. A balanced digestive system supported by good bacteria is critical to avoiding digestive upset, food sensitivities, and allergies. As pet owners, we want to offer our furry friends every opportunity for a healthy digestive tract.

Probiotics are a natural supplement that can help keep your dog’s digestive bacteria balanced. The live microorganisms in probiotics support the ‘good’ gut bacteria that aid food breakdown and nutrient absorption. When selecting a probiotic for dog gut health, it’s crucial to pick one that contains proven, veterinarian-recommended strains of bacteria. Look for products with multiple strains and high colony-forming units (CFUs) per dose to benefit your dog’s unique needs most.

Some top probiotics that vets recommend and are popular options include powder supplements, chews, and tablet digestives that support many gut issues. These products offer a variety of forms, storage options, and CFU counts to suit sensitive stomachs or dogs with allergies. Probiotic powders, in particular, allow for easy dosing alongside meals and flexibility in storing remaining supplements. So, if you’d like your pooch to have a healthy dose of these fantastic supplements, check our top 6 recommendations for the best probiotics for dog gut health.

How We Selected The Best Probiotics For Dogs Gut Health

• Probiotics that are clearly made for digestive and gut health
• Probiotics that are chewable for easy grind and taste/smell like treats
• Specific gut-benefitting strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
• Customer Reviews about the product itself
• Popularity of the probiotic among users
• Number of CFUs present (at least 1-10 billion CFU for per day dosage)

6 Best Probiotics for Dogs Gut Health – Our Top Picks

1. Planopaws Probiotics for Dogs Digestive Health

Planopaws Probiotics for Dogs Digestive Health is crafted with a blend that hits the mark on canine wellbeing. The 4 billion live microbials work tirelessly to balance gut flora and battle issues such as diarrhea and bad breath. As a bonus, the added enzymes further aid in food breakdown, ensuring your dog gets the most out of its meals.

These chews are particularly versatile and suitable for all breeds and ages. Whether you have a sprightly pup or a senior dog, Planopaws can cater to your pet’s digestive needs. This adaptability is a significant plus for multi-dog households.

Specifications:

• CBU count: 4 Billion
• Intake Form: Soft Chew
• Serving Size: Varies by dog size (up to 4 chews daily)
• Strain: Multiple strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, and more

Pros:

• A generous 4 billion CBU count ensures a potent dose of probiotics.
• The chicken flavor is a hit with canines, making intake a breeze.
• Offers comprehensive benefits, from digestion to immune support.
• Made in the USA, assuring quality and safety.
• Free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, grain, and soy.

Cons:

• It has palm oil as an ingredient, which may not suit all dietary preferences.
• Rapid introduction might upset sensitive tummies, so gradual dosing is advised.

The most appealing aspect is the attention to detail in the formulation. The absence of grains, corn, wheat, and soy derivatives indicates a commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients. The non-heat processing method preserves the integrity of the probiotics, ensuring they reach your dog’s system ready to work.

A potential drawback is the inclusion of palm oil. While it’s a minor concern, it’s something to keep in mind for owners of dogs on low-fat diets. Moreover, the initial period of introducing these chews might require extra care for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

2. PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs

Pampering your pooch with the right probiotics can seem challenging, but PetLab Co.’s Probiotics for Dogs simplifies it with their advanced formula. These soft chews serve up a savory salmon flavor that dogs can’t resist, coupled with a suite of gut health benefits.

Specifications:

• CBU count: Not specified
• Intake Form: Soft Chew
• Serving Size: 1-3 chews daily based on dog’s weight
• Strain: A proprietary blend including Bacillus coagulans, B. clausii, B. subtilis

Pros:

• Salmon flavor is a delight for dogs, making daily probiotic intake enjoyable.
• Addresses a range of issues from itchy skin to digestive health.
• NASC is certified with rigorous production standards.
• Probiotics blend targets a healthy gut microbiome and normal immune response.
• Manufactured in the USA with high-quality sourced ingredients.

Cons:

• The specific CBU count needs to be more detailed, which can be a concern for dosage transparency.
• Some dogs may be picky with the salmon taste.

PetLab Co. has created a fan favorite with their Probiotics for Dogs. These chews are more than just a treat; they’re a daily ritual that supports your dog’s gut health and helps combat seasonal allergies. Including prebiotics, such as Inulin, and the novel use of pumpkin further boosts the digestive benefits.

The company’s dedication to quality is evident. Manufactured in the USA, the probiotics are NASC-certified, ensuring you’re giving your dog a product of the highest standards. The proprietary blend of probiotics is designed to foster a thriving gut microbiome, which is crucial for a robust immune system and balanced yeast levels.

However, lacking a specified CBU count could leave some pet parents guessing about the probiotic potency. Also, while many dogs will drool over the salmon flavor, there’s always a chance that pickier pets may turn their noses up

3. Native Pet Probiotic for Dogs

When your beloved pooch gives you those puppy eyes, not feeling their very best, it might be their gut sending an SOS! Enter Native Pet Probiotic for Dogs – your furry friend’s ally against the tummy troubles damping their tail-wagging enthusiasm.

Specifications:

• CBU count: 6 billion
• Intake Form: Powder
• Serving Size: Varies by weight (<5lbs = 1 scoop, >50lbs = 2 scoops)
• Strain: Blend of 4 probiotic strains

Pros:

• All-natural ingredients for top-notch gut flora support.
• Developed by vets and PhDs, you get brainy benefits for your pup’s belly.
• Powder form is easy to mix with your dog’s meal.
• Only four ingredients – simplicity is the secret here!
• Risk-free happiness guarantee; they’re confident, and so are we.

Cons:

• Some picky eaters may turn up their noses at powder mixed in their kibble.
• Some complaints regarding missing scoop for measurement

This probiotic powerhouse is like a belly rub from the inside out. With a vet nutritionist and Ph.D. backing its carefully crafted formula, your doggo’s digestive woes like gas, bloating, and even the uh-ohs of diarrhea stand little chance. The bonus? It’s a more effective option than soft chews, making it the heavyweight champion for dog gut health.

4. Purina Fortiflora Probiotics for Dogs

If your dog’s gut health was a game, Purina Fortiflora Probiotics would be the cheat code to winning. This product isn’t just a probiotic; it’s a beacon of balance in your canine companion’s digestive system. 

Each sachet sprinkles over your dog’s meal like fairy dust, bringing with it the magic of improved intestinal health and a boost to their immune system. 

This isn’t just Purina’s expertise in a packet; it’s peace of mind for pet parents who want their dogs to live their best lives, belly rubs included.

Specifications:

• CBU count: Each 30gm packer has 3 billion CFUs or 1 x 10^8 CFU/g (Enterococcus faecium)
• Intake Form: Powder
• Serving Size: 1 Packet daily
• Strain: Enterococcus Faecium

Pros:

• It is packed with a probiotic strain known for its intestinal balancing act.
• Fosters a robust immune system – like a bodyguard for your pup’s health.
• Convenient pourable sachets that make serving a breeze.
• Quality and sourcing are top-notch, with over 400 checks in place.
• Backed by a combo of scientific brains – vets and nutritionists.

Cons:

• The liver flavor might be different from every dog’s dish of choice.
• Some may prefer a variety of strains, not just one.

5. Pet Honesty Probiotics for Dogs

When boosting your furry friend’s gut health, Pet Honesty Probiotics for Dogs is a tail-wagging game changer. The pumpkin-flavored chews are a treat for your pup and a feast for their digestive system. The blend of four Lactobacillus strains, an enzyme mix, and a superfood base of pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, and flaxseed creates a symphony of gut-nurturing goodness.

These chews are a culmination of Pet Honesty’s commitment to natural, pantry-based ingredients, forming their exclusive Natural Pure Vitality Blend™. What stands out is the brand’s dedication to supporting a dog’s immune health, digestion, and proper gut flora without resorting to artificial nasties. They’ve gone to town with research-backed ingredients like probiotics, chicory root, and those all-important digestive enzymes.

Manufactured in the United States with a quality assurance that’s as sturdy as a St. Bernard, these chews are NASC member company certified, meaning they pass the sniff test for high standards. The lack of corn, wheat, or soy makes them an intelligent pick for sensitive pups.

Specifications:

• CBU Count: 6 billion
• Intake Form: Soft chew
• Serving Size: Varies by dog weight (Up to 25lbs = 1 Chew, 26-50lbs = 2 Chews, Over 75lbs = 3 Chews and 100lbs = 4 chews)
• Strain: 4 Lactobacillus strains

Pros:

• Packed with natural ingredients that mirror a home pantry.
• Helps soothe sensitive stomachs and fortify immune health.
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
• NASC member company certified, ensuring high-quality production standards.
• The pumpkin flavor is a hit with dogs, making the chews a treat to give.

Cons:

• Some dogs might need a gradual introduction to avoid any initial digestive upset.
• Complaints about not being consistent with packing/product

6. Deley Naturals Probiotics for Dogs

Deley Naturals Probiotics for Dogs is a powerhouse of gut health, promising to tackle everything from irritable bowels to bad breath. These chicken-flavored soft chews are like comfort food for your dog’s digestive system, leaving them with a happy wag in their tail.

With a robust 4 billion CFUs and six essential enzymes, these chokes are fine when it comes to gut health. They’re about as close as you can get to a spa day for your dog’s gut, and who wouldn’t want that? The combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes means you’re hitting the digestive trifecta, ensuring your puppy gets the most out of every meal.

The quality ingredients are US-sourced, and the production takes place in a GMP Compliant Inspected facility. It’s clear that Deley Naturals isn’t just throwing treats into a bag; they’re crafting a health-boosting experience.

Specifications:

• CBU Count: 4 billion CFUs
• Intake Form: Soft chew
• Serving Size: Varies by dog weight (Up to 25lbs = 1 Chew, 26-50lbs = 2 Chews, Over 75lbs = 3 Chews and 100lbs = 4 chews)
• Strain: Lactobacillus acidophillus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus brevis, lactobacillus fermentum and lactococcus lactis

Pros:

• A substantial 4 billion CFUs for a potent probiotic punch.
• The natural chicken flavor that dogs find irresistible.
• No artificial colors or flavorings, keeping things clean and simple.
• Made in the USA, ensuring top-notch quality and safety standards.
• Not just for gut health but also aims to improve skin, coat, and breath.

Cons:

• While delicious to most, the chicken flavor might not suit picky eaters or those with specific dietary restrictions.

Remember, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced digestive system for your furry friend’s overall health, and these supplements could be their ticket to a happier gut. While some dogs may require different specifications, these probiotics offer a convenient and pleasurable way to support daily wellness for many.

Conditions That Probiotics Help With Besides Gut Health:

• Anxiety
• Coat quality
• Liver disease
• Immune disorders
• Obesity
• Bad breath
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin disorders
• Specific allergies, especially seasonal

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is good for dogs’ gut bacteria?

Probiotics for Dogs like chewy probiotic supplements or powder probiotics added to food are great options to support dog gut health. Look for probiotics with high CFU counts and multiple strains of good bacteria. Probiotic chews also make it easy for pups to pick up beneficial bacteria.

Can I give my dog human probiotics?

While some human probiotics may be OK for occasional use, it’s best to pick probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs. Dog probiotics offer suitable bacterial strains and dosages designed for a dog’s digestive system. They also come in pet-friendly forms, like chews or powders to mix in food. ppusPlus, the human probiotics may have some ingridients that a dog might be allergic to.

What are the signs of poor gut health in dogs?

Common signs of an unbalanced gut microbiome in dogs include soft stools, diarrhea, gassiness, frequent ear infections, recurrent skin allergies, or digestive issues. When given under a vet’s guidance, probiotics for dogs can help support a healthy digestive balance and relieve signs of poor gut health.

Is yogurt a good probiotic for dogs?

While plain, unsweetened yogurt can be an occasional treat, it doesn’t typically provide enough probiotic cultures to significantly benefit a dog’s gut health. Look for dog supplements with probiotic strains and 1-10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) tailored for canine digestive systems.

Is it OK to give my dog probiotics daily?

Daily probiotic administration is generally considered safe for most dogs when choosing a high-quality supplement. Be sure to follow dosage guidelines and storage instructions, as some probiotic powders and chews can be given daily to support dogs’ gut and immune health. Consult your vet if your pup has any underlying health issues.