The Guide on Probiotics for Dogs

by Doggy’s Digest
Disclaimer: the advice and information contained in this eBook is not
intended to be used as a replacement for professional medical advice from
a veterinarian.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Page 4

2. What Are Probiotics?

Page 6

3. Are Probiotics Safe for Dogs?

Page 13

4. The Different Forms of Probiotics

Page 16

5. Top 5 Recommended Probiotics

Page 21

6. Conclusion
Page 29

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1. Introduction
Thank you for downloading The Guide on Probiotics for Dogs, your
first step towards improving your dog's overall health and well-being
naturally. A special kind of nutritional supplement containing live bacteria
that helps prevent many canine illnesses and diseases, probiotics
actually encourage production of "good" bacteria that inhibit the growth
of "bad" bacteria proliferating in your dog's digestive system.

Did you know that bacteria and other microbiota living in your dog's
intestinal tract are largely responsible for a dog's physical and cognitive
health? Before they were domesticated, dogs (wolves) maintained
sufficient populations of good gut bacteria that provided excellent
protection against disease. Today's domesticated dogs live in an
unnatural environment that includes commercially manufactured
dog food laden with additives and fillers. In addition, our dogs receive
antibiotics and other drugs when they are ill. These medications further
promote disruption of the balance of good and bad bacteria in your
dog's intestines.

As you will learn by reading this informational eBook, supplementing a

dog's diet with probiotics can mean all the difference between a dog
suffering one health problem after another and a dog that is active,
happy, and bursting with energy.

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2. What Are Probiotics?
Billions of bacteria exist in the canine (and human) gut that actively
contribute to the functioning of the digestive system (stomach, colon,
and intestines). Gut “microflora” also represent a large part of a dog’s
intestinal mucous barrier lining the inside walls of the intestines. Because
the mucous barrier works in conjunction with the canine immune
system, it is essential for the mucous barrier to have access to good
bacteria necessary for preventing illness.

Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis (leaky gut) is the medical term for the bacterial imbalance
in a dog’s gut. In addition to inflaming intestinal tissues and fluids,
dysbiosis also makes it easier for undigested food to infiltrate your dog’s
bloodstream and promote infections and illnesses. Antibiotics, overly
processed commercial dog food and stress are the primary reasons for
dysbiosis. Symptoms of dysbiosis include diarrhea, gas, bloating, halitosis
and development of chronic diseases that may require you to give your
dog medication for the rest of his life.

Probiotics not only treat dysbiosis but also enhance your dog’s cognition
and overall brain health. When dysbiosis prevents the intestines from
properly breaking down food, essential nutrients cannot be absorbed
and dispersed to the brain. Dogs suffering from dysbiosis may seem to
be confused when you give them commands or not respond when you
talk directly to them. Older dogs with dysbiosis may wander around their
home or yard aimlessly or appear restless for no reason.

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Chronic Diarrhea/Loose Stools and
Dehydration
Probiotics for dogs are the best natural treatment for diarrhea caused by
dysbiosis. Although your dog may have only one loose stool a day, it is
still enough to cause a low level of dehydration that reduces the quality
of the dog’s general health and well-being.

Common causes of dog dehydration are:

• Insufficient water intake/lack of access to water

• Increased water loss through vomiting, diarrhea, heavy panting or
excessive urination
• Fever-producing bacterial or fungal infections of the dog’s GI tract
• Diabetes mellitus/diabetes insipidus
• Addison’s Disease

Healthy dogs should drink 1/2 to one ounce of fresh water per pound of
body weight every day, unless they are ill, active outside in hot weather
or under one year of age. Puppies need 1/2 cup of water every two
hours to remain hydrated. If you think your dog is suffering dehydration,
take him to your veterinarian before starting him on probiotic
supplements to determine if diarrhea is due to dysbiosis or another
medical problem requiring veterinary treatment.

Probiotic Bacteria Strains

Probiotics for dogs enrich gut microflora populations with certain
bacteria types offering a powerful yet natural defense against infectious

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and chronic diseases. Bacteria such as L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L.
bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are just a few bacteria found
in high-grade probiotics for dogs. Lactic acid bacteria is especially
beneficial to canine health because of its ability to enhance the
nutritional value of food, eliminating intestinal infections and managing
cholesterol levels in older dogs.

Canine probiotics also support humoral and cellular immunity. Humoral

immunity involves the production of antibodies specifically meant to
eradicate harmful pathogens in the blood. In other words, as soon as
your dog’s immune system detects disease-carrying bacteria or viruses
in the bloodstream, humoral immunity processes react immediately,
attacking the foreign bodies and eliminating them.

Cellular immunity always remains active and performs like a “guardian”

of your dog’s health. Although it does offer the quick, powerful response
to infections like humoral immunity, cellular immunity is still an essential
component of your dog’s all-important immune system.

Canine probiotics should meet or exceed the following criteria:

• Bacteria strains must be host-specific and deemed safe for use in

dogs
• Canine probiotic bacteria must be able to remain alive and proliferous
in acid and bile
• Bacteria must be the kind that readily attaches to intestinal walls
• Contain any or all of the following bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum;
Bifidobacterium lactis; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Bifidobacterium
animalis; Bifidobacterium bifidum; Lactobacillus casei; Bifidobacterium
longum; Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Bacillus coagulans.

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Canine probiotic lactobacilli are considered the most beneficial and
versatile of gut microflora. In addition to supporting a dog’s immune
system and decreasing bad bacteria populations in the intestines,
lactobacilli also:

• Inhibits release of chemicals called proinflammatory cytokines that

are known to promote the development of arthritis, some cancers,
and other inflammatory diseases
• Assists in the easy and rapid digestion of proteins—a process
essential for preventing food allergies
• Facilitates absorption of food nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals
and omega-3 fatty acids vital to keeping your dog healthy and active
• Helps prevent and treat diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and yeast
infections
• Improves coat condition and may reduce shedding in some dog
breeds
• Relieves arthritis stiffness and joint pain

Bifidobacteria in high-quality canine probiotics belong to the lactic acid

bacteria group naturally found in cheeses, yogurt, and other fermented
foods. Bifidobacteria stops populations of bad bacteria from “taking
over” good bacteria populations and are exceptionally valuable to dogs
taking antibiotics. Although antibiotics are sometimes necessary to fight
infections, they tend to kill all bacteria instead of just infectious bacteria.
This means dogs taking antibiotics are at risk for suffering a serious
imbalance of gut microflora that could make them vulnerable to other
illnesses.

Bifidobacteria in probiotics for dogs also helps prevent constipation

and diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome) and reduces the congestion,

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coughing and sneezing associated with allergies and upper respiratory
infections

Additional probiotic bacteria beneficial to your dog’s health include

L. salivarius (assists enzymes in breaking down undigested proteins,
a common cause of food allergies and skin irritations); L. plantarum
(reduces the risk of viral infections and development of cancer cells);
L. streptococci (protects against colitis and intestinal disorders) and L.
rhamnosus (helps prevent diarrhea/loose stools, respiratory disorders
and other immune-mediated illnesses often associated with anxiety and
stress).

In summary, probiotics for dogs restore the balance of gut bacteria

so that good bacteria populations exceed bad bacteria populations.
By supplementing your dog’s diet with probiotics, you are helping to
enhance your dog’s health and reducing his/her risk for suffering from
the following:

• All types of gastrointestinal illness—from diarrhea and constipation

to colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence and poor absorption of
nutrients.
• Food and seasonal allergies (supports protein digestion and
strengthens the immune system to prevent abnormally attacking
allergens)
• Poor bone health (promotes mineral metabolism and development of
good bone density and stability (can help prevent or delay the onset
of joint problems in older dogs)
• Cancer (eliminates cancerous enzymes often arising in the colon that
precipitates various kinds of systemic cancer)
• Poor coat and skin conditions (probiotics for dogs supports the

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 production of folic acid and biotin, two chemicals essential for good
skin and fur health)
• Lack of energy and vitality (probiotics facilitate the creation of group B
vitamins necessary for processing proteins, fats and carbohydrates for
energy)
• Hormonal imbalances (ensures healthy functioning of a dog’s
endocrine system)

Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Dog owners should be aware that prebiotics are NOT probiotics.
Because their name is similar, they can be easily confused. While
probiotics contain living bacteria that eventually repopulate your dog’s
intestines to reduce bad bacteria populations, prebiotics do not contain
live bacteria and are designed to encourage the growth of bacteria
and other microbes in the gut. In addition, the intestines cannot digest
prebiotics. Therefore, your dog’s body is unable to absorb prebiotics for
nutritional use. Instead, prebiotics remain in the colon and intestines to
support bacterial growth.

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3. Are Probiotics Safe
for Dogs?
Probiotics are not drugs made by a pharmaceutical company. Canine
probiotics contain bacteria that already live in your dog’s intestines and
colon. However, probiotics for dogs contain only good bacteria, not the
mixture of good and bad bacteria found in a dog’s gut. By providing
supplemental populations of good bacteria, probiotics effectively reduce
bad bacteria levels naturally and safely by changing the pH level (acidity)
of your dog’s intestines. Disease-causing bacteria cannot grow in mid-
range to slightly higher than mid-range pH levels. Daily supplementation
with canine probiotics maintains pH levels conducive to the proliferation
of good bacteria.

Probiotics immediately develop a naturally symbiotic relationship

with all of your dog’s physiological systems—from the nervous and
cardiovascular system to the endocrine and gastrointestinal system. This
means your dog’s body responds positively to probiotic supplements
because it is receiving nourishing amounts of good bacteria already
living in the digestive tract.

Dogs starting on probiotic supplements sometimes experience

excess flatulence or thirstiness as their colon and intestines adjust
to modifications in bacteria populations. Similar to the side effects of
someone detoxifying, having gas and drinking more water are temporary
effects of probiotics and usually subside within a few days.

Only probiotics containing inferior or low-grade bacteria strains

may cause side effects in dogs. Probiotics that do not offer bacteria
specifically formulated for dogs may be ineffective or produce side
effects. In some cases, certain dogs may seem to experience a slight
worsening of certain health issues within 48 hours of ingesting their first
supplement of canine probiotics. However, rest assured your dog will

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quickly rebound as soon as the populations of good and bad bacteria
stabilize in the intestines.

The best probiotics for dogs include correct information about colony-
forming units (CFU) on the label. CFUs indicate how many different
strains of bacteria comprise the probiotic. Overall, high-quality probiotics
should contain at least one strain of bacteria to be able to impart the
many benefits provided by live, probiotic bacteria.

If you are wondering why dog owners should avoid giving their pet
human probiotic supplements, the reason is simple—human probiotics
do not contain the unique combination of specific bacteria strains
essential for canine gut health and stability. In addition, humans and
dogs have different types of digestive enzymes and stomach acids that
would make human probiotics ineffective or even possibly harmful to
dogs.

How to Give Probiotics to Your Dog

Canine probiotic supplements in capsule form can be wrapped in a
piece of sliced turkey or chicken and given to your dog. If your dog
swallows capsules without much effort, you can place the capsule far
back in the dog’s throat, close his mouth, hold his head up slightly and
rub his throat until he swallows it.

If you have questions about how to give your dog probiotic supplements,
your veterinarian will be able to provide answers and tips for ensuring
your dog is receiving the right amount of probiotics, whether in liquid,
powder or capsule form.

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4. The Different Forms
of Probiotics
Canine probiotics are available as powders, liquids or capsules. Although
liquid and powder probiotics may be easier to give to your dog, capsules
offer several advantages over powders and liquids:

• Capsules containing dog probiotics have been freeze-dried, a process

that supports bacteria viability during its transference from labs
to packaging to consumers. Sealed gelatin capsules offer strong
protection for live bacteria so that dog owners are guaranteed they
are giving their dogs superior quality probiotic bacteria.
• When your dog swallows a probiotic capsule, bacteria in the capsule
remain protected against erosive stomach acids that could kill
live bacteria. Gelatin capsules deliver active, good bacteria to the
intestines that are whole and healthy. In addition, the number of
bacteria packed into one capsule (over 20 billion bacteria) is five times
more than what you can give your dog using liquid or powdered
probiotics.
• Freeze-dried probiotics in capsule form do not need refrigeration,
unlike liquid probiotics. Once a capsule reaches your dog’s gut
and dissolves, the freeze-dried bacteria instantly reconstitutes into
live bacteria and begins restoring a healthy balance to your dog’s
intestinal microbiota.

Dog owners should be aware that the bacteria found in liquid probiotics
for dogs do not live longer than 14 days. This means the liquid must
be used within that time frame before it needs to be disposed of.
Additionally, liquid probiotics begin losing a portion of their effectiveness
to improve your dog’s health as soon as the liquid is packaged. All canine
liquid probiotics will have an expiration date stamped on them as well as
a warning to keep liquid probiotics refrigerated.

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Dog probiotics in powdered form contain dried (not freeze-dried)
bacteria that can be sprinkled on wet food or in your dog’s water. The
problem with powdered probiotics involves exposure of bacteria to
humidity, oxygen and other contaminants each time you open the
package, which can reduce bacteria viability and efficacy. Powdered
probiotics for dogs are typically recommended only in cases where a
dog cannot swallow a capsule due to tongue or throat abnormalities.
If you decide to use powdered probiotics, remain vigilant about the
powder being exposed to possible contaminants.

Probiotic Foods for Dogs

Owners of dogs taking liquid or powdered probiotic supplements may
also include foods containing naturally occurring probiotics in their dog’s
diet. “People” foods safe for dogs to eat that offer various amounts of
beneficial bacteria include:

• Apples (dice apples before serving but leave out skin)

• Bananas (mash them into your dog’s wet food)
• Buttermilk
• Green, leafy vegetables (chop up and mix with food)
• Kefir
• Mushrooms
• Sauerkraut
• Soft Cheeses
• Soybeans
• Sourdough bread
• Yogurt

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Avoid feeding your dog pasteurized probiotic foods. Pasteurizing kills
bacteria and completely removes the health benefits of probiotics. This
includes pasteurized cheese so opt for unpasteurized raw milk cheeses.

The best kind of pet nutrition is preventative pet nutrition. Jane Animal
Hospital in Toronto wants all pet owners to know about the importance
of feeding their pet specific foods addressing the animal’s unique
nutritional needs. Just like humans, pets need sufficient amounts of
vitamins and minerals to avoid suffering ill health and chronic medical
conditions.

What is a Healthy Dog Diet?

Domesticated dogs are not strictly carnivores but omnivores, or animals
with the ability to adapt to a variable diet that includes grains and
vegetables. Diets composed of 100 percent meat are not recommended
for dogs since meat lacks certain plant-based minerals essential to good
dog nutrition. A healthy dog diet should include:

• Plenty of fresh water to support the normal functioning of the canine

urinary tract system
• A balanced mixture of wet and dry food. Dry dog food is packed with
energy and may offer dental benefits while wet food provides the fat
and protein dogs need
• Minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Too many carbs may promote
diabetes and obesity in less active dogs
• Essential fatty acids, or omega-3 fatty acids, for proper cell
functioning, maintaining a shiny and healthy coat and reducing the
risk of vision problems as dogs age

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Another important part of good dog nutrition is protein. Not only does
protein nourish and support body tissues but it also:

• Supports skin, hair, nail and eye health

• Converts to glucose in the dog’s body. Glucose is a primary energy
source that also can help reduce fat storage in older dogs
• Powers enzymes needed for hemoglobin synthesis and immune
system functioning

How much food your dog should eat depends on his lifestyle and health.
Also, if you notice a change in your dog’s drinking or eating habits, call
your veterinarian to find out whether your dog should see the vet for an
examination and treatment.

Foods You Should Never Let Your Dog Eat

Consuming the following foods not only destabilizes your dog’s gut
health but may also be toxic to dogs, when eaten in sufficient amounts:

• Chocolate (toxic)
• Tea, coffee or alcohol (toxic)
• Baby food (not toxic but contains sugars and carbohydrates bad for
your dog’s overall health)
• Fatty meats (bad fats coalesce in your dog’s digestion and are
absorbed into the body)
• Grapes or raisins (toxic)
• Milk (some dogs are lactose intolerant or may be allergic to milk
proteins)
• Onions and garlic (toxic)
• Human vitamin/mineral supplements (toxic)

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5. Top 5 Recommended
Probiotics
We strongly recommend the following probiotics for dogs because they
are made of superior-grade bacteria strains and manufactured under
stringent standards to ensure the viability of the strain.

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1. Tails ‘N’ Tummies Probiotics for Dogs

Probiotics for Dogs from Tails ‘N’ Tummies promotes a healthy immune
system and improves digestion by increasing the number of good
bacteria in your dog. Containing a patented form of the very effective
L. plantarum probiotic bacteria strain, each tablet packs 1 billion CFUs.
Each tablet is time-released so that one daily dose is all that is needed
to release good bacteria throughout the day. Last but not least, this
probiotic contains no dairy, no gluten, and the least amount of processed
ingredients! What this means is that your dog gets all the benefits with
none of the downside.

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2. VetriScience Laboratories Mega Probiotic
for Dogs and Cats

Containing five billion microorganisms per capsule and eight different

bacteria strains, VetriScience Laboratories Mega Probiotics for Dogs and
Cats supports healthy functioning of your pet’s digestive tract, enzyme
activity and enhances an animal’s overall well-being. This powerful
probiotic also reduces symptoms of food intolerance and can help older
pets stay alert by nourishing the brain with essential nutrients.

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3. Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs

Each scoop of powdered Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs contains

billions of beneficial bacteria proven to support a dog’s general health.
Dog owners rely on Pet Ultimates for preventing colon inflammation,
yeast infections, skin/coat problems and loose stools. It’s also great for
treating the itching and scratching caused by “hot spots” and intestinal
issues due to antibiotic use.

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4. Nutritionals Probiotic Joint for Dogs

This probiotic comes in chewable, bite-sized beef or bacon flavored

tablets dogs love. As a seven billion CFU supplement, Nutritional
Probiotic Joint for Dogs not only improves your dog’s digestion and
immune system functioning but also provides ingredients beneficial
to joint, heart, cartilage, liver and brain health. Additionally, Nutritionals
proprietary probiotic formula eases pain and stiffness associated with
joint inflammation, arthritis, and hip dysplasia.

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5. Nutramax

Nutramax probiotics come in capsule form and contain billions of

bacteria in multiple species to re-balance intestinal microbiota in both
dogs and cats. If you decide to give your dog Nutramax, you may need
to give these capsules for a short term with Proviable-KP paste if your
dog suffers chronic intestinal problems. However, Nutramax can be used
as a single probiotic supplement for long-term improvement of your
dog’s intestinal health.

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These exceptional quality probiotics for dogs can help:

• Diminish or prevent food and seasonal allergy symptoms

• Improve skin and coat condition and appearance
• Eliminate doggy halitosis and unusual body odors
• Optimize the functioning of the digestive system to significantly
improve the ability of the colon and intestines to absorb vitamins and
minerals
• Stabilize your dog’s bowel movements (no more chronically loose
stools or diarrhea)
• Reduce the occurrence of illnesses by providing powerful support to
the immune system for fighting bacterial, fungal and viral infections
• Encourage production of biotin, folic acid and all vitamins in the B
group essential for skin/coat health, maintaining energy levels and
burning calories
• Calm digestive disturbances caused by traveling, moving to a new
home or dietary changes
• Decrease cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerosis in
dog breeds vulnerable to heart disease
• Prevents the growth of fungi and yeast populations in a dog’s body,
especially yeasts like candida albicans which are responsible for
many skin and reproductive infections in both male and female dogs
• Ease joint inflammation in older dogs suffering from arthritis or
degenerating joints

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6. Conclusion
We hope this eBook about canine probiotics has been informational and
helpful towards learning more about why your dog suffers chronic health
problems and how probiotics can transform your dog’s digestive system
into a thriving, energetic environment enriched with beneficial bacteria.

Remember, if your dog has diarrhea, is vomiting or exhibits other

symptoms of unwellness, always take him to your vet for an exam to
rule out causes that probiotics may not be able to address. Tumors,
organ disease and other serious health problems will need professional
attention only provided by a veterinarian.

Although probiotics for dogs should not be thought of as a “cure all”

for all dog illnesses, they may help prevent or reduce the symptoms
of some chronic conditions that all require veterinary medications for
management of the condition. We sincerely hope using probiotics
supplements improves your dog’s overall health so that you enjoy many
years of loving companionship with your furry best friend.

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