The Ultimate Guide to Probiotics for Dogs: Benefits, Best Strains, and What to Avoid

By Fran Beckett

Published: 20/02/2025

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What is a probiotic?

How probiotics effect your dog

What strains are most effective

Probiotics to avoid

Our recomendations

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your dog's gut microbiome. Just like in humans, a dog's digestive system relies on a diverse population of good bacteria to aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced due to stress, diet changes, antibiotics, or illness, probiotics can help restore harmony and support overall health.

How Probiotics Can Benefit Your Dog

Probiotics offer a range of health benefits for dogs, particularly for digestive health and immunity. They help break down food, produce essential vitamins, and combat harmful bacteria that can cause digestive upset. Many pet owners turn to probiotics to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, probiotics have been shown to support skin health, reduce allergy symptoms, and improve mood and behavior by influencing the gut-brain connection.

Probiotics can also help with skin and yeast infections by calming an overactive immune system and stabilizing yeast production. An overgrowth of yeast, particularly in dogs prone to allergies, can lead to itching, redness, and infections. By balancing the gut microbiome, probiotics help reduce inflammation and prevent excessive yeast growth, promoting healthier skin and coat.

The Most Effective Probiotic Strains for Dogs

Not all probiotics are created equal. The most effective strains for dogs include:

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Aids in digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and supports overall gut health.

Bifidobacterium Animalis

Proven to help with diarrhea, regulate bowel movements, and promote a balanced gut microbiome.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Supports the immune system, helps with skin conditions, and reduces allergy symptoms.

Enterococcus Faecium

Helps balance gut flora, reduces harmful bacteria, and improves stool quality.

Lactobacillus Plantarum

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this strain helps with digestive health, boosts immunity, and plays a key role in reducing symptoms of food sensitivities and allergies.

When choosing a probiotic, look for these clinically studied strains in your dog’s supplement to ensure effectiveness.

Probiotics to avoid

Some probiotics may not be suitable for dogs due to low survivability in the digestive tract or lack of scientific backing. Avoid probiotics that:

Contain human-specific strains that may not benefit dogs.

Have low CFU (colony-forming unit) counts, which may not provide sufficient benefits.

Include artificial fillers, additives, or unnecessary preservatives that can cause digestive issues.

Cost under £20 per tub as most of these are Chinese-made mass-produced chews that contain little to no real probiotics.

Conclusion

To ensure your dog gets the most benefits, choose a high-quality, vet-recommended probiotic supplement with:

Live, active strains tailored for canine health.

At least 1 billion CFUs per serving.

No artificial ingredients or fillers.

Additional gut-supporting ingredients like prebiotics to enhance probiotic effectiveness.

At Good For Pets, we prioritize high-quality, UK-made pet supplements that are backed by science and designed for optimal canine health. Our probiotic formulas contain the best strains for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being—without any harmful additives.

5 Strain Probiotic Complex

No fillers, no fluff, just the good stuff.

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