What Kind of Probiotics are great for Dogs?
If you are looking to buy a probiotic product for your dog, you may be wondering “what kind of probiotics are good for dogs?”
Probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria/yeast) which are good for humans and dogs.
Probiotics are available in strains. The most common species of probiotics are bifidobacterium and lactobacillus.
In this article, you'll learn about the known probiotic strains which have health benefits in dogs.
Probiotic Strains That Are Great for Dogs
There are a number of bacterial strains which are considered to be probiotic in humans. Many of those probiotics are valuable in dogs too, although there has been less scientific testing specifically in dogs.
The known probiotics in dogs include:
Bacillus Coagulans
A 2011 study discovered that a probiotic tempeh containing bacillus coagulans was safe, increased numbers of probiotics within the gut, coupled with health benefits in dogs. It helped maintain a more optimal balance of microbiota along with a better intestinal environment. (1)
Bifidobacterium Animalis
Bifidobacterium animalis has been studied pretty extensively in human and mice studies. Results have established that it's good for overall gut health, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and battling infections. (2) (3) (4) (5)
In one study, disease-causing bacteria was reduced in dogs after a two-week management of bifidobacterium animalis. (6)
Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Studies in humans and mice show that Bifidobacterium Bifidum was effective in relieving the signs and symptoms of IBS, ulcerative colitis, along with other gastrointestinal conditions/infections. It had been effective in treating diarrhea and constipation.
One study found that it had been probably the most prevalent probiotic in dogs. (7)
Bifidobacterium Breve
Studies have discovered numerous health advantages of bifidobacterium breve in humans. Bifidobacterium breve is probably good at improving gut health, skin health, allergies, diarrhea, and constipation. (8) (9) (10) (11)
Studies of bifidobacterium breve happen to be completed in dogs but more need to be done. (12)
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium lactis is a probiotic found naturally in dogs. (13)
Bifidobacterium lactis promotes digestive health and boosts the defense mechanisms against autoimmune diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis and celiac disease. (14) (15)
Bifidobacterium lactis combats allergies, normalizes blood sugar, promotes healthy cholesterol, and may even avoid the formation of tumors. (16)
It also offers a higher acid tolerance, therefore it does a good job of reaching the intestines. (17)
Enterococcus Faecium
Enterococcus faecium is really a probiotic that stimulates immune function in dogs. This means that your body have a stronger immune response if a harmful pathogen enters the body. (18)
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
A study of Lactobacillus acidophilus in dogs discovered that it “can be successfully incorporated into a dry dog food, survive transit with the canine gastrointestinal tract, and populate the colon” and that it “may have the possibility to enhance intestinal health insurance and improve immune function in dogs”. (19)
Lactobacillus acidophilus might help digest nutrients too. (20)
Lactobacillus Casei
Lactobacillus casei is really a probiotic strain that boosts immune strength in dogs. (21)
Studies in humans showed that lactobacillus casei improved the symptoms of and reduced the amount of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and diarrhea brought on by c. difficile, improved constipation, and lowered inflammation. (22) (23) (24)
Lactobacillus Plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is found naturally in dogs as well as in their diet. (25) Research has discovered that lactobacillus plantarum provides a probiotic in dogs. (26)
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus continues to be studied extensively in humans.
It does reach this enzymatic tract without having to be killed by gastric acid, just as it does in humans. (27)
It is located naturally in dogs along with a 2021 study discovered that it had a “significant preventive effect of gastrointestinal infections” within the dogs within the study. (28)
Lactobacillus Reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic in dogs that is resistant to bile, which means it has a better possibility of reaching the gut, where it may pass off its health benefits. (29)
A test-tube study that was done with the microflora of dogs found that lactobacillus reuteri and galactooligosaccharides functioned as synbiotics. Synbiotics really are a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics that actually work in synergy together to advertise the development of beneficial bacteria and create a better gastrointestinal environment, that has many health benefits. (30)
What Type of Probiotics are Good for Dogs Conclusion
In conclusion, the sorts of probiotics that are great for dogs include:
- Bacillus coagulans
- Bifidobacterium animalis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Enterococcus faecium
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
When looking to buy a probiotic for dogs, you need to search for these probiotic strains so you know that each strain continues to be tested for effectiveness and safety in dogs.
If you would like some help in finding the perfect probiotic for the dog, we published helpful information around the best probiotics for dogs here.
If you’d prefer to learn more about probiotics and dogs, check out a lot of our other articles on the topic below:
- What Kind of Probiotics are Good for Dogs?
- Can I Give My Dog Probiotics While on Antibiotics?
- Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs
- Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea
- Probiotics for Dogs with IBD
- How to provide Probiotics with Antibiotics for Dogs
- How Much Probiotics for Dogs: What Dosage Should You Provide your Dog?
- How Long Does it Require Probiotics to Work in Dogs?
- Why Are Probiotics Good for Dogs?
- What do Probiotics do for Dogs?
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