Probiotics for dogs, the myth uncovered

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Do dogs have probiotics naturally occurring in their intestines?

As per a review paper published in 2016, high-throughput DNA sequencing has revealed that the stomach of dogs contains Proteobacteria with a few species of Firmicutes. The predominant species observed were Lactobacillus and Helicobacter species. The duodenum of dogs contains six main phyla viz. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochetes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. The jejunum and ileum of dogs have been observed to contain Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The ileum primarily contains Bacteroidetes, Formicates and Fusobacteria.

Advantages of probiotics for dogs:

Dogs who were administered probiotics showed better recovery from diseases like parasitic infection or panvirosis. However, the mechanisms behind this has not been uncovered yet.

Probiotics when administered during the start of diarrhea helped to get diarrhea under control

Probiotics can also be recommended under the following conditions : –

• Food allergies
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Natural dog probiotics :-

The option of national probiotics for dogs include especially formulated yoghurt, kefir, fermented vegetables and green tripe.

However, the major problem with natural probiotics is that all dogs cannot digest fermented vegetables or dairy products. Furthermore, most dogs won’t eat fermented vegetables at all.

Thus, a dog guardian is mainly left with the option of commercial probiotics for their dogs.

Commercial dog probiotics:

Commercial dog food products go through a series of processing during the manufacturing process. Growing probiotic bacteria and then keeping them viable during the manufacturing process is very difficult.

The ‘good ‘ bacteria present in the dog’s digestive system cannot be grown in laboratories as per the current techniques available. Thus, a product that would suffice as a complete probiotic is not available.

A study done in 2003 checked 19 probiotic dog foods commercially available. None of these 19 products had the good bacteria they claimed to have in the packaging. More than 50% of the products had unwanted bacteria residing in them.

The process of manufacturing mostly alters the microflora. Thus, even if these bacteria survive the manufacturing process, they will not be able to adhere to the intestinal walls. Thus, these bacteria will pass straight through the digestive system without providing any benefits.

Can human probiotics be used for dogs?

Dogs and humans have different species and proportion of gut bacteria. In humans, the Bifidobacteria species are the ones which are found in maximum number in intestines. On the other hand, in dogs, the Bifidobacterium species are found in relatively less numbers.

Thus, if you administer a human probiotic to your dog, it may cause disruption of the natural microflora in your dogs gut.

Thus, if you really want to give your dog, a probiotic supplement, go for a dog probiotic and not a human one.

When to NOT give probiotics?

Even though prebiotic and probiotic dietary supplements are considered safe for dogs. There are certain times when using them can cause more harm than good.
When your pup is less than 6 months of age

Pups are born with a small proportion of gut bacteria which they acquire from their mother during the process of nursing, environmental contact and weaning.

Thus, administration of probiotics to puppies will cause an overload on their intestines with unwanted bacteria leading to an upset stomach.

Your dog is ill: If your dog is ill or suffering from diarrhea, this is not the time to start giving him/her probiotics. Follow the treatment plan as suggested by your vet. Once your pup is well, you can consult your vet about starting him/her on probiotics.

Side effects of probiotics:

There have been no major reports of any unpleasant side effects on probiotic administration in dogs. A study conducted by the Proctor & Gamble Pet Care Technical Centre has found that administration of a specific Bifidobacterium strain to beagles was well tolerated with no safety issues.

In the worst-case scenario, your dog might just pass the probiotic straight through the stools.

In case you notice your dog’s stomach gets upset after probiotic administration, discontinue immediately and consult your vet.

Do you give your dog a probiotic diet?

How has your experience been with probiotics for dogs? When did you give them and for what purpose? Did it work? Have you continued to give your dog probiotics?

Let me know in the comment section what is your take on dog probiotics.