Why Probiotics Are an Important Supplement for Overall Health
THE MICROBIOME is defined as the collective genomes of the microbes that live inside and on the human body. It has been deemed to be an organ itself due to its essential function in the body. Therefore, it is critical that we protect it.
Probiotic Benefits Include:
- DIGESTIVE support by reducing gut pH, production of key vitamins (vitamin K and B vitamins), and production of digestive enzymes.
- They alleviate digestive symptoms such as DIARRHEA. Studies have shown that probiotics can cut the recovery time of diarrhea in half.
- Treatment of ANXIETY – Probiotics produce serotonin and influence mood. Low numbers of lactobacillus in the gut have been linked to anxiety in dogs.
- BOOST IMMUNE FUNCTION – 80% of the immune system resides in the gut making the balance of healthy microbes of supreme importance. Some probiotics also promote the production of natural antibodies.
- TREATMENT OF ALLERGY SYMPTOMS – Research has shown a link between an imbalance of bacteria in the gut and allergy symptoms.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Your Dog
In general, look for a probiotic with:
- 10 or more strains
- 10 billion CFU/scoop for a daily supplement and 20-50 billion CFU for gastrointestinal conditions
- Check that the probiotic is made in a GMP compliant facility which ensures the product is safe, potent and pure.
- Contain a prebiotic such as larch arabinogalactan (from larch tree) or Inulin (from Chicory)
Specific Recommendations:
- FOR A DAILY PROBIOTIC IN A HEALTHY DOG, SOIL-BASED PROBIOTICS ARE IDEAL. THE CFU (COLONY FORMING UNITS) SHOULD BE AROUND 10 BILLION. Here is a product I recommend.
- TO TREAT ACUTE DIARRHEA, A HIGH CFU OF 25-50 LACTIC ACID PROBIOTIC IS REQUIRED. EXAMPLES ARE LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS, L. CASEI, BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS, AND YEAST SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII. Here is a product I recommend.
- FOR CHRONIC DIARRHEA DUE TO A DIGESTIVE DISORDER, A MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTIC WITH GUT-SOOTHING HERBS IS RECOMMENDED. Here is a product I recommend.
The balance of bacteria in the gut is linked to overall health. Adding this supplement to your dog’s daily regimen is a great idea. Your dog’s microbiome will thank you for it!
References
Baillon MLA et al. Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSM13241 in healthy adult dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2004 Mar;65(3):338-43.
Kirchoff NS et al. The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris). PeerJ. 2019;7:e6103.
Russell KL, MS et al. Clinical benefits of probiotic canine-derived bifidobacterium animalis strain AHC7 in dogs with acute idiopathic diarrhea. 2019 Mar 8.
Lewellen H, DVM et al. Boosting tranquility through nutrition. 2016 Apr 26.
Bakal G et al. Naturally speaking – probiotics going to the dogs. 2017 Apr 6.
D’Angelo S et al. Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in dog with chronic enteropathies: double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Vet Rec. 2018 Mar 3;182(9):258.
Abhari K et al. The effects of orally administered Bacillus coagulans and inulin on prevention and progression of rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Food Nutr Res. 2016 Jul 15;60:30876.
Felix AP et al. Digestibility and fecal characteristics of dogs fed with Bacillus subtilis in diet. Cienc. Rural. 2010 Oct;40(10).
Suez J et al. Post-antibiotic gut mucosal microbiome reconstitution is impaired by probiotics and improved by autologous FMT. Cell. 2018 Sep 6;174(6):1406-1423.e16.
Kelley RL et al. Safety and tolerance of dietary supplementation with a canine-derived probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis strain AHC7) fed to growing dogs. Vet Ther. Fall 2010;11(3):E1-14.