Probiotics for dogs are often prescribed when the dog has an acute or chronic digestive problem. The probiotics are actually a number of living organisms and are also known as direct fed microorganisms or DFMs. These microorganisms exist in the dog’s organisms and facilitate the digestion process.
The Best Probiotics for Dogs
There are numerous probiotics can are found in the dog’s gut, but there are a few probiotics that are particularly beneficial for canines:
- The lactic acid microorganisms or the LAB
- Yeast cells
- Bacilli
- Bifidobacteria
These probiotics normally exist in the dog’s gut microflora, but if the dog has serious digestive problems, these direct fed microorganisms should be supplemented.
The LAB
The lactic acid microorganisms or bacteria, also known as the LAB assist the digestive process in dogs. Following the process of fermentation of carbohydrates, the lactic acid bacteria occur. These bacteria are harmless bacteria and can actually facilitate the digestion and also protect the mucous surface of the stomach and the intestines.
The LAB probiotics are recommended for dogs that:
- Experience frequent stomach upset
- Have gastric ulcer
- Suffer from the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The LAB probiotics are of various types and canines will typically get the followings:
- L. acidophilus
- L. bulgaricus
Bifidobacteria
The bifidobacteria are a type of probiotics that can be found in the stomach and the intestinal tract of the dogs. This type of probiotics is anaerobic and preserves the normal balance between the good and the harmful microorganisms in the GI tract.
The bifidobacteria are also in charge with regulating the homeostasis of the microorganisms.
If the dog lacks a sufficient amount of bifidobacteria, the bad bacteria may overgrow, causing various intestinal infections. Typically, the good bacteria are over 80% of the microorganisms in the dog’s GI tract, while the harmful bacteria shouldn’t be more than 20%.
The bifidobacteria can be found in yogurt and other dairy products. Soy milk and products containing soy yogurt also contain bifidobacteria, but these probiotics may also be supplemented in dogs that are allergic to dairy products or soy.
Yeast Cells
The yeast cells are also present in the gastrointestinal tract of the dog. The yeast cells belong to the group of fungi and presently, there are over 1,000 species of yeast cells known to man.
The yeast cells that exist in the dog’s GI tract are known as the Saccharomyces boulardii.
The S. boulardii cells can be supplemented in dogs that have acute or chronic diarrhea, flatulence, constipation or the irritable bowel syndrome.
If these yeast cells are supplemented, the dog’s GI tract can be protected and the gut microflora balance can be restored.
Bacilli
The bacilli are probiotics that may be good or harmful. The dog should only get good bacteria that are free from pathogens that may cause diseases in the dog’s system.
Always consult your vet prior to administering probiotics to your pet.