Best probiotics for dogs to help support their microbiome (2024)

It may surprise some, but dogs can benefit from probiotic supplements in their diet, just like their humans owners.

Probiotics are bacteria that support gut function and ensure overall healthy digestion; they live in your dog’s colon and have far-reaching effects on many bodily processes and systems, even enhancing the immune system.

“Research shows that the balance of bacteria in the digestive system is linked to overall health and disease,” explains veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon. “Probiotics are known as the good bacteria in the gut, which help to maintain a healthy balance in the body, this not only supports the breakdown of food, but also immune function and potentially even heart health.”

Whether you have a puppy, adult or elderly pooch, dogs will benefit from added probiotics in their diet. Supplementing with probiotics helps renew good bacteria that may have become compromised from taking antibiotics, helping to restore your dog’s microbiome to optimum levels.

Dr Libby Sheridan, Purina Scientific Affairs Manager for the UK & Ireland, confirms: “Probiotics can be beneficial during and after antibiotics, as they can help replenish and restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping reduce the risk of loose stools and supporting overall gut health.”

Long-term, probiotics can help keep the digestive system in good working order, help maintain healthy bowel movements and boost their immunity. If your dog has a habit of eating grass then they could help stop this too. “Probiotics are commonly used in dogs to help manage digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome,” adds Dr Nick Horniman, veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy myPetsVet. “In addition to this, they can enhance nutrient absorption by improving the breakdown and utilisation of food and strengthen the immune system.”

Dr Joao Pedro Torres, veterinary surgeon at Camden-based Snoots, also champions the dietary addition: “Probiotics assist in the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the digestive tract. This can contribute to better overall nutrition and support the dog’s overall health.”

According to Dr Catherine Burke, a veterinary surgeon with animal charity the PDSA: “Probiotics are very safe, and in most cases are extremely unlikely to cause side effects.”

Always use probiotic supplements designed for dogs, as the bacteria in your dog’s gut is different to yours. Dog probiotics include the bacteria Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis, among others. “Dogs have their own specific gut microbiota, and their digestive systems may have different needs compared to humans,” says Dr Horniman. “It is generally not recommended to give your dog a probiotic supplement intended for humans without consulting your vet first.”

Probiotic supplements contain millions of good bacteria and when ingested, these add to the natural bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Dr Sheridan explains: “These beneficial bacteria can help support the natural balance of the gut microbiota, enhancing nutrient absorption, helping nourish the gut wall through their metabolites, and support a healthy immune response.”

Meanwhile, Dr Burke says probiotics top up natural gut bacteria: “They help to treat illnesses like diarrhoea and stomach bugs, making it a great option to have in the pet cupboard at home. Some probiotic products also contain ingredients that can help bind diarrhoea and may soothe the gut.”

As well as probiotics, prebiotics also have an equally important role to play in gut health. Whereas probiotic supplements contain live bacteria to increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, prebiotic supplements feed the existing good bacteria in the gut. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are examples of prebiotics and are contained in fibre, which your dog’s microbiota loves to feast on.

“Prebiotic foods are often those which are also considered to be fibre-rich as well, although not all forms of dietary fibre would be classed as prebiotic,” explains Keri Filtness, senior nutrition adviser at Nature’s Best. “By definition, a prebiotic must be both fermentable by the intestinal bacteria and capable of increasing the growth or activity of beneficial strains.”

She finishes: “Prebiotics should be considered as a good addition to a probiotic as they encourage the growth of good bacteria but as a fibre will also support the diversity of the microbiome, which may be useful for other areas of health.”

There are many benefits for your dog in taking a probiotic supplement. These include fewer tummy problems, firmer stools, less pungent wind and better breath.

According to Purina’s Dr Sheridan: “By supporting the good bacteria in the gut to thrive, they can help reduce the levels of potentially harmful bacteria which might lead to gastrointestinal upsets. Feeding a probiotic has also been shown to help reduce stress diarrhoea.”

She adds: “The gut plays a significant role in immune health and some probiotics can help support the dog’s immune response, which is important throughout life but especially during puppyhood and old age.”

Dr Torres agrees: “Probiotics play a role in supporting a strong immune system in dogs. They help stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms, potentially reducing the risk of infections and diseases.”

Perhaps less obvious are the potential emotional effects probiotics can have. Pooch & Mutt’s Dr Simon comments: “Probiotics are especially useful for anxious dogs. The gut-brain axis is the link between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, and with a healthy gut microbiome affecting mood, it needs to be well supported to ensure a calm and happy dog.”

Skin complaints too, can also improve with probiotic use, perhaps because of the boost to the immune system, with some owners reporting reduced itching, redness and flakiness of their dog’s skin. “Probiotics are brilliant for dogs of all breeds, playing an essential part in digestion, but also promoting a healthier coat and skin, and boosting energy too,” says Lloyd Taylor, senior food buyer at Jollyes. They can also help ease allergies and certain skin conditions in dogs, adds Dr Torres.

Live yoghurt contains helpful probiotics and can be given to your pooch, but make sure it’s plain without sugar, flavourings or sweeteners (the artificial sweetener xylitol is poisonous to dogs).

Cheese also contains probiotics – but though dogs generally love it, it should only be fed as a treat and always in moderation.

Some fruits and vegetables contain fibre, which is a source of prebiotics, so foods like pumpkin, sweet potato and bananas (as an occasional treat) are also suitable.

Consult your vet before giving any supplements to your dog.

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