⁉️Probiotics are often recommended for help with gut health, itchy skin, even yeasty ears - all sorts! However, in order to reap the full benefits of Probiotics, they require food so they can thrive. This food is called Prebiotics.
⁉️ There are lots of different prebiotics available, however this group only recommends products designed for dogs, or with holistic or pro-raw veterinary support. This is because the supplement market is not regulated, so this is only way to know what you receive truly is what it says it is.
GOOD PREBIOTICS:
Four Leaf Rover shrooms or Turkey Tail or Dr Mercola Mushroom Complex
Can help to protect against virus’ and infectious diseases, as well as yeast infections.
Can help to control inflammation in the bladder & digestive tract & even help the body to rid parasites.
Provides antioxidant nutrients
Garlic!
In the right amounts, and form, garlic is SAFE for dogs and studies prove this!
Helps to prevent the formation of blood clots & reduces cholesterol build up.
Can help regulate blood pressure & defend against cancer.
Is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Stimulates the lymphatic system to remove waste.
⚠️ Use ORGANIC RAW white garlic. Chop or crush. Wait a few minutes before feeding. This allows the allicin to develop which is the medicinal compound, but it becomes unstable when exposed to too much air or heat so feed within 15 minutes, See our blog on Garlic for more information including when not to use it.
⚠️ Feeding guidelines for daily feeding (usually 1-2 times a week is sufficient though):
10-20 pounds, ½ clove
20-40 pounds, 1 clove
45-70 pounds, 2 cloves
70+ pounds, 2 ½ cloves
🐾 Dandelion Greens
Helps to support the liver & detoxifies
Provides anti-oxidant support
Natural diuretic without depleting nutrients
Can help stimulate appetite
⚠️ Do NOT use dandelion greens that are sprayed with any treatments
⚠️ Dandelion Greens may increase urination so ensure your dog is given plenty of time to relieve themselves
⁉️ See our blog on making teas for how to make Dandelion Tea
Bone Broth
Can help strength gut health
Supports the immune system
Has both prebiotic & Probiotic qualities
Helps to repair a leaky gut
Soothes irritated digestive tracts
Provides extra nutrients in times of illness or recovery from work, walks or play
Hydrating so great all year round
Aids a smooth transition to a raw diet
GOOD PROBIOTICS
Fermented Foods
Foods such as Chaga, Kefir and Kimchi can be a great healthy addition to your dogs diet
⚠️ Does contain prebiotic qualities so may need to use with caution in dogs with a current yeast infection. Check no toxic ingredients such as onions if you buy fermented foods
Kefir
⁉️ Where yogurt is well known as being great for humans, many dogs struggle with excess weight issues from digesting the sugars. They may also suffer gut irritation.
Kefir however is well tolerated by dogs, especially when formulated specifically for dogs.
Kefir contains up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeast making it much more potent a choice.
⚠️ Some dogs struggle with Milk based products but Alexander's Natural offer water based options
🐾 Four Leaf Rover Saccaromyces Boulardi or Protect are also great choices
Probiotic Powerhouses: Yoghurt and Kefir for a Happy, Healthy Pup
Yoghurt and kefir have gained recognition among pet guardians for their probiotic content, which offers a range of potential benefits for canine digestive health. As we delve deeper into the world of probiotics, it's important to understand the vital roles beneficial bacteria play in your dog's body.
Pros:
Probiotics for Digestive Health: Yoghurt and kefir are rich sources of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, which play a crucial role in promoting a balanced gut microbiome in dogs.
Digestive Support: Probiotics aid in the digestion of food and help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea or constipation, fostering overall digestive wellness.
Nutrient Content: Both yoghurt and kefir provide essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins necessary for your dog's optimal health and vitality.
Calcium Source: Yoghurt serves as an excellent calcium source, supporting strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Palatability: Many dogs find yoghurt or kefir palatable, making them a tasty addition to their diet and a welcome treat option.
Combating Yeast Overgrowth: Probiotics can help regulate the growth of yeast in the gut, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth and associated issues such as ear infections and skin problems.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections: Probiotics support urinary tract health by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.
Managing Obesity: Emerging research suggests that probiotics may play a role in weight management by influencing metabolism and reducing inflammation, making yoghurt and kefir potentially valuable additions to the diet of overweight or obese dogs.
Alleviating Allergy Symptoms: Probiotics have been shown to modulate the immune system and reduce allergic responses, offering relief from allergy symptoms such as itching and inflammation.
Supporting Mood and Behaviour: The gut-brain axis connects the gut and the brain, and probiotics can influence mood and behaviour by producing neurotransmitters like serotonin. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and kefir may help promote a calm and balanced mood in dogs.
Cons:
Individual Sensitivities: While yoghurt and kefir offer numerous health benefits, some dogs may be sensitive to dairy products or specific strains of probiotics. Monitor your dog's response closely when introducing these foods into their diet.
Key Jobs of Beneficial Bacteria in Your Dog's Body:
Promote overall gut health
Aid in food digestion
Produce key vitamins, including vitamin K and B vitamins
Produce serotonin and influence mood
Reduce gut pH
Crowd out harmful bacteria
Produce enzymes
Produce fatty acids that discourage the growth of harmful bacteria
Support the immune system
Which is best:
We are often asked which is best to give to dogs and in all honesty the answer is clear - Kefir, why?
Kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk product crafted by fermenting milk with kefir grains. The versatility of kefir lies in its ability to be prepared with various types of milk, including cow, goat, coconut, or rice milk, providing options for those seeking non-dairy alternatives. Kefir grains consist of strains of lactic acid bacteria, encompassing a diverse array of bacterial species and strains, along with vitamins, proteins, and yeast.
Yoghurts: Yoghurt is a fermented milk product resulting from the fermentation of milk with bacterial species such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. While yoghurt holds potential as a probiotic source, several considerations merit attention. Firstly, dairy products like yoghurt may trigger inflammation and immune responses in dogs. Secondly, conventional yoghurt varieties often contain limited probiotic strains. Furthermore, many commercially available yoghurts are laden with high levels of sugar, which can disrupt the balance of gut flora and lead to undesired health effects.
What to buy / Where to buy from
Whilst many do opt to buy Kefir from the supermarket, this is fine if you are using 100% plain Kefir with no additives or flavourings, however it is our duty of care to highlight growing concerns with regards to the effectiveness of these products. Kefir is meant to be full of live cultures so in liquid form it should be fizzy.
Some pet guardians choose to make their own Kefir using grains and kits such as these grains from Amazon and jars, however it is only responsible that we advise we have not tried this ourselves so cannot guarantee any output from using these.
Others opt for the simple option of buying Kefir products where they know they are from trusty sources and come ready to go, such as Alexanders Natural or Boil & Broth
Conclusion:
Yoghurt and kefir offer a natural and effective way to support your dog's health by nurturing beneficial bacteria in their gut. By understanding the vital roles these microbes play and selecting high-quality, natural dairy products, you can help promote your furry friend's digestive health, overall well-being, and immune function.
Studies - (Please note: Where we can provide links to studies we cannot influence whether these are free to access or not, some journals will require payment to view the studies in full but RFFDMSUK is not affiliated in anyway)
Influence of Lactobacillus kefiri on Intestinal Microbiota and Fecal IgA Content of Healthy Dogs - PMC (nih.gov)
Clinical effect of probiotics in prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disease in dogs: A systematic review - PubMed (nih.gov)
The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris) - PubMed (nih.gov)
(PDF) Characterization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP01 and Lactobacillus plantarum MP02 and Assessment of Their Potential for the Prevention of Gastrointestinal Infections in an Experimental Canine ModelTable_1.DOCXTable_2.DOCX (researchgate.net)
Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSM13241 in healthy adult dogs - PubMed (nih.gov)
Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and dysbiosis in fecal samples of dogs with diarrhea - PubMed (nih.gov)
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