Like most dogs, my Alaskan Klee Kai have experienced digestive problems in the past, usually due to the fact that they’ve eaten something on the ground during a walk or because I’ve fed them some scraps from the table that didn’t agree with their tummies. Of course, this is just a really brief overview, and I recommend you dive deeper into the world of probiotics before jumping in. Can Probiotics Be Harmful? Be sure to let your veterinarian know if you plan to start a probiotic, as it can interfere with certain medications, especially antibiotics. What To Look For When Choosing A Probiotic For Your Dog Shrimp & Coconut - A flavoursome, Thai-inspired treat that promotes a healthy skin and coat for your dog. Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128 on alleviating canine aggression and separation anxiety’, 2019 - National Library of Medicine .

Better skin and coat health: a balanced microbiome can reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. There’s even a recipe for homemade Coconut Kefir, if fermenting isn’t your style. Again, it’s a bit of a process but you might save a ton of money. Gut bacteria is a complex system that is constantly changing but always trying to balance itself. Drastic changes to the microbiome balance could have a negative impact. We call this Dysbiosis.

Depending on your dog’s immune system and specific needs, probiotics can have a real impact and boost your dog’s overall health. Here are some of the potential benefits of probiotics for dogs: NaturVet Advanced Probiotics are also available in powder form if you’d prefer to use it as a direct mealtime supplement. It comes in blueberry-mint, parsley-carrot, and peanut butter. Which honestly sounds pretty good for humans too. Each sachet is filled with liver-flavored powder formulated to be sprinkled over your dog’s food, and we've found that most dog enjoy the flavor boost. This probiotic supplement from Purina Pro Plan also provides vitamin E, protein, and antioxidants.

Yoghurt is well-known for giving us humans the good gut bacteria we need. When it comes to dogs, yoghurt is a bit more controversial as an option for probiotic benefits, as dogs have different digestive systems to humans. Yoghurt is not toxic to dogs and as long as you offer it in moderation and avoid the sweetened versions, most dogs should be able to enjoy it every once in a while. However, yoghurt contains lactose which may cause digestive problems in some dogs, so it is important only to offer a small amount to start with and stop if there are any problems. When shopping for a probiotic for your dog, ask your veterinarian about their choices and consider the following:But while probiotics have exploded in popularity and are generally safe for use, data on their efficacy is limited and positive results for your dog are not guaranteed, particularly if your dog is already healthy. While some evidence suggests the wider usefulness of probiotics, your dog is most likely to benefit if they have specific health needs. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to read the label and look out for ingredients that may be toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, and avoid these products entirely for your pet.