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We have all probably heard of probiotics before, especially in yogurt ads, and the wonders of including them in our diet. But what are probiotics and why do our dogs need them as much as we do?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are directly fed in certain amounts to benefit the health of the host, be it a human or a dog. These microorganisms are naturally found in the gut and are essential for keeping good health. The word probiotics come from the Latin word “pro”, that means for and the Greek word “bios”, that means life – so the word probiotics itself tells us they are beneficial, or for life!
It has long been known that the gut is the largest immune organ in the body, where most of the immune cells are present. Furthermore, there is a primordial connection between the gut and the brain – the intestinal flora is responsible for producing neurotransmitters and neurochemicals that are essential for the production of certain hormones in the brain, like serotonin, the well-known hormone of happiness. The brain is aware of the intestinal microbiota, which in turn affects behavior and the way the world is perceived by animals – humans and dogs included!
Having in mind the role the gut plays in the health and general welfare of dogs, the 5 top reasons your dog should be on probiotics are:
Stress and illness may disrupt your dog’s balance between healthy and harmful microbes. Old age seems to be a trigger for imbalance, too. Thus, adding probiotics to your dog’s diet helps to regulate this balance and keeping it at an optimal state of health.
By competing with pathogenic microorganisms, probiotics protect your dog from diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders to liver disease and chronic intestinal abnormalities, such as intestinal bowel disease (IBD). Also, they can be an important barrier against toxins that may cause cancer. Probiotics are also thought to help in gastritis associated with Helicobacter, common parasites, such as Toxocara canis and Giardia, and viruses, such as the canine parvovirus
Probiotics help in the production of vitamin B-12 and they also help the organism to absorb calcium, magnesium, iron, and nutrients. Probiotics help digestion, reducing gas formation and regulating bowel movement.
Probiotics protect from drugs, heavy metals, and allergens. Because dogs nowadays are subjected to some of the same lifestyle challenges as humans, which include an increased exposure to allergens, probiotics may act protectively against allergies.
A healthy diet and good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract help to prevent obesity, contribute to good breath, a good-looking coat and skin and help to prevent behavior disorders and diarrheic episodes. Although scientific research is very limited on the use of probiotics in pets, as opposed to people, there are some encouraging studies that point to scientific evidence of the benefits of adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Some of these studies are placebo controlled trials that show the benefits of using probiotics both in treating acute episodes of diarrhea in dogs and preventing such episodes. Another important aspect of probiotics is the quality (and quantity) of the ingredients. Naturally-derived, organic ingredients are always preferred and play a major role
Although scientific research is very limited on the use of probiotics in pets, as opposed to people, there are some encouraging studies that point to scientific evidence of the benefits of adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Some of these studies are placebo controlled trials that show the benefits of using probiotics both in treating acute episodes of diarrhea in dogs and preventing such episodes.
Another important aspect of probiotics is the quality (and quantity) of the ingredients. Naturally-derived, organic ingredients are always preferred and play a major role in the results. Probiotics for dogs should derive from the canine gastrointestinal tract, as intestinal flora differs from species to species. Human microbiota, for example, is distinct from a dog’s or cat’s microbiota. Some microorganisms that have been proven to be beneficial, as they adhere to the dog’s intestinal mucus, prevent the adhesion of pathogens, and increase immune parameters, are Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Most healthy bacteria are stable in dry feed and can travel through the gastric acid, enzymes, and bile without being destroyed. Contrary to what some may advocate, even when probiotics become non-viable, they still have a positive effect on the gut, as the dog can still use the genetic material of those probiotics.
Don’t forget that a good diet, to begin with, is paramount to your dog’s health, especially if it has reached seniority. If your dog is missing vital nutrients in the first place, probiotics will not perform miracles, as they are not a solution for malnutrition. Lastly, letting your dog be a dog, meaning it is allowed to happily roll in the mud and dirt, occasionally drinking from ponds, and being outdoors, will help it boost its immune system naturally by getting in contact with soil-based microorganisms. All in all, natural behaviors and animal tendencies are the evolutionary and biological way of nature making animals thrive.
Veterinary Naturals' Hemp & Health Probriotic for Dogs is a high fiber, omega fatty acid rich option for your dog. With natural and organic ingredients, it provides all the benefits of this article and more. You can find it at these reputable retailers:
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