Pet parents know that probiotics are a great supplement to have in your little (or big!) one’s diet, especially if they are dealing with digestion issues and allergies. By introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut, probiotics can help balance the microbiome, support uncomfortable symptoms, and support a healthier immune response. Beyond supporting their tough symptoms, probiotics can boost their immune systems and benefit their overall health.
As a dog-owner myself, probiotics entered the picture a year ago as my adopted lab, Bella, was experiencing GI issues and liquid stool. From switching her food to trying specialty diets, I came to the realisation (with much research) that probiotics were the way to go. And while they were our saving grace, not all probiotics are created equal, and with so many on the market it's hard to know which one is the right fit for your pet.
Here are three of the top dog probiotics and our overall winning pick.
The Organic, Vet-Formulated Option: Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics (60 Scoops / $28.95)
Not simply vet-formulated, but vet-founded by Dr. Dulake, a veterinarian with years of clinical experience, who started the company after realising the industry lacked the high-quality supplements she was looking for her own pets.
The Probiotics with Prebiotics contains 12 living strains with 5 billion CFU (colony-forming units), all carefully chosen by Dr. Dulake with specific functions to support your furry friend’s gut biome and digestive health. The specific additions of S. boulardii and B. Infantis are great for calming and breaking down carbs in the gut that can be tough on them. Along with the probiotic blend, the formula includes three prebiotics, an uncommon but important addition that helps the probiotics work more effectively in the gut.
As a powder, it’s incredibly easy to blend into food, making it a great option for even the pickiest of eaters. Since she’s started on this supplement, not only have her GI issues resolved, but her coat has become shinier, and her energy levels have noticeably increased.
The Treat-Lover Option: Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites for Dogs (90 Bites / $32.97)
A popular brand among pet lovers, Zesty Paws is a staple with its signature bright orange packaging.
The Probiotic Bites are formulated with six strains of probiotics and contain 3 billion CFU. Available in pumpkin and chicken flavours, they’re a great choice for dogs who love an extra treat during the day. Like the Fera Pets blend, these bites include Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum, which are known to promote gut health and overall wellness.
For treat-loving pups, this option adds a bit of fun to supplementation. However, for pickier eaters (like Bella), treats might not go down as well as powder-based alternatives.
The Traditional Choice: Purina FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Powder (30 Sachets / $30.99)
Originally recommended by my vet and produced by one of the biggest pet food companies, Purina’s FortiFlora probiotic powder is a solid choice. It comes in individually wrapped sachets, making portioning easy.
The formula contains only one active ingredient, Enterococcus faecium SF68, with 100 million CFU. While it has fewer live bacteria compared to Zesty Paws and Fera Pets, it’s still a simple, reliable option for supporting gut health. The individually wrapped sachets make it easy to use, but the limited variety of strains and lower bacteria count may not provide as many benefits as the other two options. While it’s a simple and reliable option, the limited strains and lower CFU may not offer the same comprehensive benefits as the other two options.
Overall Winner: Fera Pet’s USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics
While all three brands have their strengths, Bella and I found Fera Pet’s to be the household favourite. Its vet-formulated, organic blend with prebiotics stood out for offering comprehensive support for gut health. Bella’s GI issues resolved, her coat became shinier, and her energy levels noticeably improved, making this supplement a clear winner for us. The organic formulation with prebiotics is hard to beat, and knowing the formula was created by a vet gave me confidence in the benefits Bella was receiving.
As a picky eater, Bella also appreciated the ease of mixing the powder into her meals without the fuss of introducing a new treat. The results have been remarkable, not only for her GI health but also for her coat, skin, and even oral health, leaving her happier and healthier overall.
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