Pre, Pro & Post-Biotics for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

 

Howdy, our pet family!

 

When we take a moment to think about it, we realize that a dog’s and a human’s health are quite similar. Unless faced with a serious digestive issue, gut health is often one of the last things that comes to mind. However, whether we’re talking about humans or animals, it’s important to support our gut microbiome even when we’re healthy.

 

The gut is home to numerous microorganisms, including both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Any disruption in this balance can lead to various health issues.

 

Three types of biotics have become increasingly popular for supporting gut health: prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Together, they help maintain a healthy gut environment and improve overall immune system function.

 

If you’re wondering how to support your dog’s gut health, stay with us as we provide more information about pre, pro, and post-biotics for dogs!

 

Disclaimer: These supplements cannot guarantee a full recovery from any disease. Consult with a veterinarian to determine whether they would benefit your dog.

 

Jump To: 

• Introduction to Canine Gut Health
• Understanding Prebiotics: What Are Prebiotics?
• The Role of Probiotics: What Are Probiotics?
• Exploring Postbiotics: What Are Postbiotics?
• How Prebiotics, Probiotics, And Postbiotics Work Together?
• Choosing the Right Supplements for Your Dog
• Common Myths and Misconceptions About Pre, Pro, And Postbiotics

 

Introduction to Canine Gut Health

When you read “canine gut health,” you might think it’s solely about digestive health. However, the digestive system is more than just a food processor; it plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system and overall vitality.

 

 

Let’s delve a bit deeper into this topic!

 

Importance of Gut Health in Dogs

A dog's gut health is crucial not only for processing food but also for maintaining energy balance and overall vitality. The gut is now called the second brain for a reason.

 

A healthy gut can help prevent common issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Additionally, it may reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis, and even yeast infections.

 

Read More: Find out why a healthy gut is important in cases of allergies! 

 

Overview of the Gut Microbiome 

We aim to simplify things for our pet parents by comparing the gut microbiome to a delicate ecosystem with both harmful and beneficial residents. The harmful residents include bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while the beneficial ones are essential microorganisms.

 

For optimal health, there needs to be a balance between these good and bad residents. The balance between bad and good bacteria is crucial for regulating inflammation and managing the body's response to environmental factors, dietary changes, stress, antibiotics, and various illnesses.

 

Understanding Prebiotics: What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. In simple terms, they act as food for these good intestinal bacteria when combined with probiotics.
They work symbiotically, enhancing each other's effects.

 

So, how do prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria?

 

These substances are fibers that aid digestion in the small intestine and then reach the colon, where they are fermented by the gut microbiome. Prebiotics selectively encourage the growth of beneficial strains.

 

Read More: Learn about the meaning of genus, species, and strains, and impress your friends with your knowledge!

 

By promoting the growth of probiotics and reducing harmful bacteria, prebiotics improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function.

 

Also Read - Probiotics for dogs with diarrhea.

 

Common Sources of Prebiotics for Dogs

Dogs can consume prebiotics from commercial products, but they can also benefit from natural sources like chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke. These root vegetables are particularly high in inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), two of the most important prebiotics for gut health.

 

Because it’s been supported a little more by science, at Jope, FOS is our favorite one. 

 

They can also be found in fruits such as bananas, blueberries, and apples, as well as veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and asparagus. 

 

Note: Consult with a veterinarian before you include any new food or supplement in your dog’s diet!

Benefits of Prebiotics

Some of the most common benefits of prebiotics include the following: 

 

• Improved digestion 
• Improved nutrient absorption
• Weight management 
• Improved immune response

 

The Role of Probiotics: What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, supporting both digestive and immune system health.

 

So, how do probiotics contribute to a balance between the bad and good bacteria? How do they contribute to a good gut health?

 

Probiotics live in the digestive tract alongside harmful bacteria. Factors like stress or illness can disrupt this balance, leading to health issues, particularly gastrointestinal complications. By reintroducing beneficial bacteria, probiotics help restore equilibrium in the gut, mitigating disruptions and promoting overall health.

 

Types of Probiotics Beneficial for Dogs 

Probiotics for dogs come in various supplement forms, including chews, liquids, powders, and capsules. At Jope, we prefer powder forms because they are dry and help maintain the stability of the probiotics.

 

There are many probiotic bacteria strains that can improve the overall dog health. We will briefly mention some of them and their benefits! 

 

One of the most important species to keep in mind is Enterococcus faecium. However, remember that Enterococcus faecium is just a species (like a dog). To determine which one is beneficial for a specific use, you need to check the strain (like the breed of a dog). Each strain is unique, and only certain ones have scientifically proven benefits.

 

Sources of probiotics

Besides the commercial probiotics, you can supplement your dog with natural sources like fermented foods (yogurt and kefir). Some veterinarians even suggest yogurt for certain health issues and even after surgical procedures for better digestion. 

 

Generally, and for once, it’s best to choose a commercial product formulated with specific probiotic strains that have been proven to provide targeted benefits.

 

With kefir and yogurt, you often won’t know the exact strains or dosages your dog is receiving, making it hard to determine their effectiveness.

 

Note: Consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog fermented foods, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. The efficacy of the natural source of the probiotic depends on the strain that is included in the food. 

 

Benefits of Probiotics

There are many benefits of probiotics for dogs, and they can be included in the pet's diet even when the dog is completely healthy. Some of the most common benefits include the following: 

 

• Healthy digestion 
• Improved nutrient absorption
• Itchy skin reduction
• Repairing the damaged gut lining
• Weight support 
• Renal support 
• Improved immune system function 
• Anxiety alleviation 

 

Read More: Find out more about the benefits of probiotics for dogs.

 

Exploring Postbiotics: What Are Postbiotics?

Postbiotics are health-promoting compounds produced by probiotics Unlike live probiotics, postbiotics are inactive or dead probiotics that still provide health benefits by interacting like live bacteria.

 

 

So, how are postbiotics produced?

 

Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms, postbiotics are metabolic byproducts resulting from fermentation. This process contributes to a healthy gut environment and includes compounds such as enzymes, peptides, short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and other metabolites.

 

Postbiotics can also refer to inactivated (killed) probiotics that still offer certain health benefits.

 

Postbiotics are not live organisms, making them more stable than probiotics and easier to incorporate into diets and supplements.

 

Benefits of Postbiotics

Like probiotics, each postbiotic is unique. It’s important to verify whether the postbiotic you choose has been scientifically proven to be effective.

 

They may offer various health benefits for dogs, including the following: 

• Improved digestive health 
• Enhanced immune system function 
• Repairing the damaged gut lining
• Skin health (due to the short-chain fatty acids) 
• Improved gut barrier function 
• Anti-inflammatory properties

How Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics Work Together? 

Prebiotics serve as fuel for probiotics, helping them multiply and maintain a healthy presence in the gut. Without sufficient prebiotics, probiotics cannot sustain themselves effectively. When probiotics break down and ferment prebiotics, they produce postbiotics. These postbiotics can further enhance gut health and immune system function. They continue to provide benefits such as improved digestion and nutrient absorption, even after probiotics have completed their role.

Difference Between Pre, Pro, and Postbiotics

Here we will simplify the difference between these 3 types of biotics: 

• Prebiotics: Food for probiotics (often fibers)
• Probiotics: Live beneficial microorganisms (good gut bacteria)
• Postbiotics: Byproducts or metabolites of probiotics.

 

Scientific Evidence

According to a study that examined a combination of postbiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics, several positive outcomes were observed. The combination led to an immediate increase in Lactobacillus spp. Within the first 6 hours an increase in Bifidobacterium spp. Counts after 24 hours.

 

Overall, the study indicates that these supplements can positively influence canine gut microbiota.

 

Fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and milk oligosaccharides have been considered and added to pet foods to support gastrointestinal and immune health. This is mainly due to the owner’s awareness. This study included 12 healthy adult dogs, and the results suggest that a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic supplement can have a positive impact on the stool quality, fecal metabolites, fecal microbiota, and immune function in dogs.

 

Choosing the Right Supplements for Your Dog

 

Here are some advice from us that will help you in selecting high-quality pre-, pro, and post-biotic supplements: 

 

1. Evaluate health target: If you're uncertain about your dog’s health issues, consult with a veterinarian. It’s important to select a probiotic specifically designed to address particular conditions or support specific health targets. Keep in mind that probiotics can also be beneficial for otherwise healthy pets, so a detailed health evaluation may not always be necessary.
2. Check the ingredients: Always look for high-quality and well-sourced ingredients. 
3. Select the proper product type: We always advise you to take a supplement in powder form. It also allows flexible dosing and mixing into foods. Moreover, these supplements are dry and help maintain the stability of the probiotics. 
4. Choose a brand with vets on the team: While well-known brands backed by veterinarians can be expensive, there are often quality alternatives. To ensure you choose a high-quality product for your dog, carefully review the label. Look for supplements made in the US in GMP-compliant and NASC-approved facilities and those with minimal inactive ingredients.
5. Studies: The effectiveness of biotics for dogs is well-supported by research, especially for probiotic strains that have been extensively studied. To ensure efficacy, prioritize products that have documented evidence and research supporting the specific strains included.
6. Choose a high-potency probiotic: Colony-Forming Units (CFU) measure the number of viable microorganisms in a probiotic product. Generally, lower CFU counts are sufficient for everyday health maintenance, while higher CFU counts are recommended for more serious health issues. It's essential to recognize that each probiotic strain may require a specific dosage for optimal effectiveness. Therefore, selecting a product backed by veterinary expertise and supported by research on the specific strains is key to ensuring the appropriate dosage and effectiveness for your dog's needs.
7. Follow the dosage recommendations: You can also consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog’s size, age, and health condition. Dosage is crucial if you want your dog to experience a certain health benefit.
8. Read reviews: If you're uncertain, looking at reviews from other users can give you insights into their experiences. Although results can vary from person to person, reviews can offer useful information to help inform your decision.

 

Note: We advise every pet owner to consult with a veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen.

 

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Pre, Pro, And Postbiotics

No matter the supplement, misconceptions often arise among pet owners. We’re here to clear things up by addressing the most common myths and explaining the truth behind them:

 

• Myth #1: Prebiotics and probiotics are the same thing.
  Truth #1: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed probiotics, while probiotics are live microorganisms that support gut health.
• Myth #2: Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are only for humans.
  Truth #2: These supplements are also widely used in veterinary medicine for various health conditions and are recommended by professionals for pets.
• Myth #3: All probiotics are the same.
  Truth #3: Not all probiotics offer the same benefits; there are many differences among various strains.
• Myth #4: Healthy animals do not need probiotics.
  Truth #4: Even healthy animals can benefit from probiotics, as they help maintain gut health and protect against various problems.
• Myth #5: Supplements are safe for every pet.
  Truth #5: While supplements are generally safe and lead to many health benefits, not every pet needs them. They should be used with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian to avoid potential side effects.

 

Conclusion

A combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can greatly benefit your dog's overall health by promoting a balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria. These supplements contribute to a healthy digestive system, enhance immune function, and support overall well-being.

 

What benefits have you noticed in your dog since starting prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics? We’d love to hear your experiences—share your stories in the comments below!