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Just as humans benefit from a healthy gut microbiome, our canine companions also thrive with a balanced and diverse population of beneficial bacteria in their digestive systems. Prebiotic supplements have gained significant attention in recent years as a way to support and nurture these good bacteria, promoting overall gut health and immune system function in dogs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best prebiotic supplements for dogs, delving into the science behind their effectiveness, examining various types of prebiotics, and providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal supplement to enhance your furry friend’s digestive health and wellbeing.
What is the Best Prebiotic for Dogs?
There are lots of prebiotic products for dogs, but below are 7 great options to help you narrow down your search.
1. iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Prebiotic, Probiotic & Digestive Enzyme Dog Chews [BEST OVERALL]
What we love most about our top choice is the fact that is packs 3 products for the price of one: prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. These supplements can reduce digestive issues like runny poop and flatulence, boost your dog’s immune system, and help their body absorb nutrients better.
These probiotics come in the form of soft chews that your dog will think are treats. Each chew contains key ingredients like pumpkin, papaya, and dried Bacillus coagulans, all of which can help with your dog’s tummy troubles. Your dog will feel good as new when taking these USA-made probiotics. Plus, every bag purchased provides 12 healthy meals for dogs in need.
Features:
- Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Soft, easy-to-serve chews
- Improves your dog’s digestion, immune system, and energy
- Every purchase provides meals for shelter dogs
- 3 billion CFU per chew
2. Honest Paws Pre+Probiotics Supplement
The Honest Paws Probiotics come in tubes of powder that you can sprinkle on your dog’s food. They’re chicken-flavored, so most dogs will happily gobble the powder up. The formula contains several probiotics and other health-boosting ingredients, including inulin, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans, that can help your pup maintain a healthy gut, boost their immune system, and reduce allergy symptoms.
When your dog takes this supplement, you may notice less itching, hair loss, urinary tract infections, gas, and diarrhea. As a bonus, their mood may improve. This product won the NASC Visibility Award in 2022, so you can feel confident serving it to your furry friend. The supplements are lab-tested, GMO-free, and made in the USA.
Features:
- Good for dogs with allergies
- Maintains a healthy gut and improves the immune system
- Soft easy-to-serve chews
- Won the NASC Visibility Award in 2022
- 5 billion CFU per serving
3. Nusentia Prebiotics & Probiotics for Dogs
Nusentia’s probiotic supplements come in a powder form with a scoop included. The formula contains both prebiotics and live probiotics to help your dog with tummy troubles, itchy skin, bad breath, and overall well-being. The powder doesn’t include gluten, dairy, grains, fillers, or by-products, so it’s a good choice for dogs with allergies.
The powder is odorless, so you can sprinkle it on your dog’s food without them noticing, making it an ideal option for picky eaters. Each jar contains 360 scoops, so even large dogs can get lots of servings out of it. The food is made and quality-tested in the USA. Many vets have been recommending this brand for over 11 years.
Features:
- Odorless powder
- Improves digestion, reduces itching, and battles bad breath
- Good for dogs with allergies
- Lots of scoops in each container
- 1 billion CFU per scoop
4. PetHonesty Digestive Probiotic with Prebiotics Soft Chews
These soft chews have lots of probiotics and enzymes, which can assist with digestive health, immune support, and nutrient absorption. It includes seven probiotic strains, a multi-enzyme blend, and pumpkin. Dogs who take these chews regularly have firmer stools and can heal from wounds and sicknesses faster. Their overall health and mood will likely improve as well.
To enhance the flavor, the formula includes duck, sweet potato, carrots, and flaxseed instead of fillers. So, the chews will be healthy and tasty, and most dogs will be excited to eat them. There’s also a formula without duck in case dogs are uninterested in or allergic to that protein. This product is made in the USA following strict safety standards.
Features:
- Packed with probiotics, enzymes, and pumpkin
- Assists with digestive health, immune support, and nutrient absorption
- Tasty formula for picky eaters
- Soft easy-to-serve chews
- Multiple flavors available
- 6 billion CFU
5. NomNom Full Spectrum Pre-biotics & Pro-biotic Support
NomNom is a famous fresh dog food company, but they also sell beneficial supplements. Their probiotic supplement comes in a powder form, so you can scoop it out and mix it with your dog’s food daily. Like NomNom’s food, the supplements are formulated by their veterinary nutrition and microbiology team. The product is made in the USA and is suitable for any dog over eight weeks old.
The formula contains a blend of seven probiotics, along with some prebiotics. It’s designed to improve digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and the microbiome. After regularly taking the supplement, your dog should feel healthier and more active overall. While it’s used on NomNom’s fresh dog food in its advertisements, it can work well on any type of dog food. Plus, it has more CFUs than most probiotics for dogs.
Features:
- Packed with probiotics and prebiotics
- Powder mixes with food
- Improves digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function
- Formulated by veterinarians
- 20 billion CFU per serving
6. Nutramax Proviable Digestive Health Supplement with Prebiotics & Probiotics
Veterinarians formulated these probiotic supplements using high-quality ingredients, so you can feel safe giving them to your dog. This product is often recommended by vets as well. The tablets contain seven key probiotic strains that are paired with prebiotics. Each supplement is a capsule filled with powder, so you may need to hide it in a pill pocket to get your pup to eat it.
These supplements are designed to support intestinal and digestive health, especially if issues are caused due to stress. They can tackle health issues like diarrhea and flatulence, and they may also reduce joint pain. Nutramax has been in the pet industry for over 30 years, and its probiotics can benefit dogs of all sizes and ages, even dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Features:
- Formulated and recommended by vets
- Comes in a capsule
- Supports intestinal, digestive, and joint health
- Packed with key probiotic strains and prebiotics
- 5 billion CFU per serving
7. The Native Pet Pre+Probiotic
This vet-formulated probiotic provides complete gut health and digestive wellness for your furry friend. The prebiotics and probiotics in this product can improve sensitive stomachs, stress, and long-term health. It’s a powder supplement that can be sprinkled onto your dog’s meals to serve. Most dogs will happily gobble up the beef-flavored powder, so it can also function as a topper for picky dogs.
The Native Pet Probiotic only includes four ingredients: dehydrated beef broth, organic pumpkin seed, organic inulin, and a probiotic blend. With a short ingredient list, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your dog’s tummy, making it an excellent choice for dogs with allergies. By giving your dog this powder regularly, your dog’s body will become an excellent environment for healthy flora.
Features:
- Tasty powder form
- Only four ingredients
- Helps with digestive issues related to sensitivities and stress
- Formulated by veterinarians
- 6 billion CFU per scoop
Tips for Choosing the Best Prebiotic for Dogs
1. Consult your veterinarian
Before selecting a prebiotic supplement for your dog, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your pet’s specific needs, age, weight, and overall health. Your vet can help you determine the right type and dosage of prebiotic, ensuring that the supplement is suitable and safe for your dog.
2. Choose a reputable brand
When selecting a prebiotic supplement, opt for a reputable brand known for its high-quality products and transparency. Look for brands that provide clear information about the types and amounts of prebiotics included in their supplements, as well as any additional ingredients. This will help ensure that you’re providing your dog with a safe and effective product.
3. Consider the type of prebiotic
Different types of prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), inulin, and resistant starches, can have varying effects on the gut microbiome. Some supplements may contain a single type of prebiotic, while others offer a blend. Research the different types of prebiotics and consider which may be best suited to your dog’s needs, or opt for a supplement with a blend to provide a broader range of benefits.
4. Read product reviews and testimonials
Reading product reviews and testimonials from other pet owners can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and potential side effects of a prebiotic supplement. While individual experiences may vary, reviews can help you gauge the overall satisfaction of other dog owners and make a more informed decision when selecting a supplement for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prebiotics for Dogs
Choosing the best prebiotics for dogs is an important decision, so here are some questions to consider before making a purchase.
1. What are prebiotics for dogs, and how do they differ from probiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping to promote their growth and activity. They can be found naturally in various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live beneficial bacteria that can be consumed through supplements or fermented foods to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. While probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria directly into the gut, prebiotics provide a supportive environment for those bacteria to thrive.
2. How do prebiotics benefit a dog’s digestive health and overall wellbeing?
Prebiotics support a dog’s digestive health by promoting the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system function. A healthy gut microbiome can also contribute to improved skin and coat condition, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function. Moreover, prebiotics can help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues and promoting overall wellbeing.
3. Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with giving prebiotic supplements to dogs?
Prebiotic supplements are generally considered safe for dogs when given in appropriate amounts. However, some potential side effects may include gas, bloating, and diarrhea, particularly when introducing a new supplement or if given in excessive amounts. To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer and consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or supplement regimen.
4. What types of prebiotics are commonly found in supplements for dogs?
Some common types of prebiotics found in supplements for dogs include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), inulin, and various resistant starches. These prebiotic fibers have different properties and may support the growth of different beneficial bacteria in the gut. Some supplements may contain a single type of prebiotic, while others may offer a blend to provide a broader range of benefits.
5. How can I choose the best prebiotic supplement for my dog?
To choose the best prebiotic supplement for your dog, consider factors such as your dog’s age, weight, dietary needs, and any existing health conditions. Look for a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer that provides clear information on the types and amounts of prebiotics included. It’s also essential to consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dog’s unique needs and to ensure that the supplement is suitable and safe for your pet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prebiotic supplements can play a significant role in supporting and enhancing your dog’s digestive health and overall wellbeing. By understanding the benefits of prebiotics, the different types available, and how to choose the best supplement for your furry companion, you can make an informed decision that will contribute to a happier, healthier life for your pet.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or supplement regimen, and remember that a balanced, high-quality diet, combined with proper care and exercise, is the foundation for your dog’s optimal health. With the right prebiotic supplement, you can promote a thriving gut microbiome, and help your canine friend live their best life.
