Your dog’s health starts in their gut. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, skin health, and even oral hygiene. If your pup experiences digestive upset, seasonal allergies, bad breath, or scooting, adding a high-quality probiotic supplement to their routine could make a noticeable difference.
But with so many probiotics on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll explore how probiotics benefit your dog and highlight top-rated probiotic supplements* to support gut, skin, and dental health.
What Are Probiotics and Why Can Dogs Benefit From Them?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Just like in humans, a dog’s gut is home to trillions of microbes that play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the body’s immune response.
When the gut flora is imbalanced — due to dietary changes, environmental stressors, and other factors — bad bacteria can take over, leading to:
- Occasional loose stools or digestive issues
- Increased sensitivity to seasonal allergies
- Increased paw licking or head shaking
- Bad breath or tartar buildup
- Scooting or anal gland discomfort
- Occasional flatulence
- A dull coat or shedding due to increased scratching
Adding a high-quality probiotic supplement can help maintain this balance and support your dog’s overall well-being.
How Probiotics Can Help Dogs
1. Supports Digestive Health
A healthy gut means better digestion, firmer stools, and fewer stomach upsets. Probiotics help maintain normal gut function by:
- Supporting beneficial bacteria and balancing the microbiome
- Helping with occasional digestive discomfort
- Promoting normal stool consistency
- Assisting with nutrient absorption for overall health
2. Encourages a Balanced Immune Response
Did you know that 70% of a dog’s immune system is in their gut? Probiotics help support normal immune function, which is linked to how dogs respond to seasonal allergens.
A well-balanced gut microbiome helps:
- Maintain normal histamine levels
- Support occasional skin discomfort associated with seasonal allergies
- Promote overall immune health
- Encourage a healthy inflammatory response
3. Maintains a Healthy Oral Microbiome & Dental Health
Bad breath and tartar buildup aren’t just signs of poor dental hygiene — they could indicate an imbalance in your dog’s oral microbiome. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your dog’s mouth, supporting:
- Normal buildup and tartar levels
- Fresh breath
- Healthy gum function
- A balanced oral pH environment
4. Supports Anal Gland Health
A healthy gut plays a role in maintaining normal stool consistency, which naturally supports anal gland function. Probiotics can help with occasional scooting and discomfort by:
- Promoting firm stools that help express the glands naturally.
- Supporting overall digestive and immune function.
- Encouraging gut motility for optimal gland expression.
Choosing the Best Probiotic for Your Dog
When selecting a probiotic for your dog, keep these key factors in mind:
Seek Out Spore-Forming Probiotics
Some probiotics struggle to survive stomach acid, but spore-forming probiotics have a natural protective shell, increasing their survival rate.
These include:
- Bacillus Coagulans
- Bacillus Clausii
- Bacillus Subtilis
Pay Attention to Prebiotics & Postbiotics
Probiotics work optimally when paired with prebiotics and postbiotics. Prebiotics are compounds that feed good bacteria, while postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced by probiotics. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are beneficial prebiotics found in some dog probiotic supplements.
Avoid Fillers & Artificial Ingredients
Always choose premium-quality ingredients without unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Consider Your Dog’s Specific Needs
Different probiotic products can help target specific needs. Some are designed to benefit overall digestive health, while others are formulated to support dogs with seasonal allergies. Consider your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health needs when choosing a probiotic supplement.
PetLab Co.’s Best Probiotics for Dogs: 4 Science-Backed Supplements to Choose From
Best for Digestive Health: PetLab Co. Probiotic Chews
If your dog needs overall digestive support, PetLab Co.’s Probiotic Chews are the way to go. This best-selling product is clinically studied** and was created by a team of pet nutrition experts and researchers.
Formulated with three different strains of probiotics (including Bacillus coagulans, B. clausii, and B. subtilis), these easy-to-give soft chews can help with occasional gas and help dogs maintain normal stool consistency. Each soft chew also contains prebiotics and postbiotics to support the good bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Best for Seasonal Allergies: PetLab Co. Allergy & Immune Chews
Dogs with occasional skin discomfort that is caused by seasonal allergies may benefit from PetLab Co.’s Allergy & Immune Chews. In addition to a proprietary blend of spore-forming probiotics, these soft chews contain krill oil and colostrum to help support skin and coat health in dogs. This probiotic for dogs targets intermittent itchiness, can help with paw licking, and supports a healthy histamine response.
Best for Dental Health: PetLab Co. Probright Advanced Dental Powder
Most pet parents think about probiotics only for gut and digestive issues. But some probiotic strains can also support your dog’s oral microbiome and overall dental health. This is where PetLab Co.’s Probright Advanced dental powder comes in. This innovative formula is nutritionist and vet formulated and includes probiotics that contribute to a healthy balance of oral bacteria in your dog’s mouth. This helps target tartar buildup, freshen breath, and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Best for Anal Gland Issues: PetLab Co.’s Anal Gland Support Powder
Stool consistency and anal gland health go paw-in-paw. Healthy, firm stools support natural gland emptying. PetLab Co.’s Anal Gland Support powder was designed by experts to optimize your dog’s stool consistency with ingredients such as beet pulp and psyllium husk. This easy-to-scoop powder contains a blend of probiotics (Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium longum) to provide gut and digestive system support.
How to Introduce Probiotics to Your Dog
To get the most benefits from probiotics, follow these simple steps:
- Start Slowly: Begin with a half dose for a few days to allow your dog’s gut to adjust.
- Monitor Your Dog: Look for positive changes in digestion, skin, and energy levels.
- Stay Consistent: Daily use is essential for long-term benefits.
- Give Them Time to Work. Benefits from probiotic supplements can take time. It is generally recommended to use probiotics for at least 60 to 90 days to see the full benefits take effect.
- Pair with a Healthy Diet: Good nutrition supports gut health. Talk to your vet about the right diet for your dog.
Final Thoughts
Adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s routine can help support digestion, immune function, skin, and dental health. Whether you’re looking to ease digestive discomfort, manage seasonal allergies, freshen breath, or support anal gland function, choosing a high-quality probiotic is key.
*In Amazon Pet Health Category in 2022
**A 29-day clinical study showed using Probiotic Chew daily enhances beneficial gut bacteria.
