Did you know that gastrointestinal or stomach sensitivities are one of the most common health problems for dogs after skin diseases? Like human beings, dogs can become sensitive to a particular food or particular ingredients, causing an upset stomach. The guts in most dogs contain good bacteria that assist in digestion and breaking down of ingested food. But when there are insufficient numbers of good bacteria, the harmful bacteria can overwhelm the good microorganisms causing stomach problems. The remedy to this problem is probiotics and prebiotics for dogs. 

Is a canine probiotic like kombucha for dogs?

Probiotics exist in a variety of forms, one of which we humans have gotten more familiar with is Kombucha. Any probiotic is a supplement that contains live, stomach-friendly bacteria that can be found in the digestive system and other sections of the body. Probiotics are used to help prevent gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders, re-establish a healthy balance of helpful bacteria, and strengthen the immune system after infections, antibiotic treatment, illnesses, and other stressors have weakened it. Other advantages of dog probiotics include the ability to minimise gas and diarrhoea, as well as the improvement of sensitive stomachs. 

Why should Dogs use Prebiotics & Probiotics?

Prebiotics help keep harmful stomach bacteria under control in both people and dogs by promoting the growth of probiotic bacteria. Prebiotics also help to prevent disease through improving digestion and nutrition absorption (particularly minerals), they boost the immune system by supporting the good bacteria. Prebiotics assist dogs avoid diarrhoea caused by harmful bacteria overgrowth, while soluble fibre aids in the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea by absorbing water and delaying intestinal transit. Dig-In and other prebiotics can help dogs with immunosuppression or digestive problems, as well as any dogs who is on antibiotic therapy. The use of prebiotics in human trials has been found to lessen the incidence of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome – it’s likely this is the same for our four-legged friends.^[1] 

Be careful when you give your dog fibre supplements 

Probiotic supplements that contain prebiotics are unlikely to create any difficulties. Supplements containing fibre, on the other hand, should be used with caution. Gas and loose stools might result from your dog consuming too much soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre (roughage), such as cellulose, can have a laxative effect and lowers mineral absorption in the intestine. Stools are bulked up by both forms of fibre and can actually increase the discomfort for your dog. When dogs take fibre supplements (particularly insoluble fibre), it’s critical that they drink enough water; if necessary, add water to their meal.

With that knowledge, you can now make a better-informed decision regarding your four-legged friend’s health and requirements – but in any case, if your dog is sick, we always advocate getting him to the vet and following their treatment advice to ensure the best possible health and well-being for your pooch.

For more information about what’s in canine prebiotics check out this article:

https://www.dig-in.com.au/whats-in-canine-prebiotics-anyway/

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