Hello, I’m Dr. Neely,
A veterinarian from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Did you know that diarrhea, gas and excessive itching in dogs can stem from an imbalance in their gut? Probiotics can significantly aid in restoring an optimal balance. I’ve dedicated extensive time to researching the finest probiotics for dogs to ensure I provide the best product recommendation for my pet parents.
Here’s The Bottom Line:
While numerous probiotics flood the market, formulating a safe and effective one takes rigorous effort. My research prioritized safe ingredients, FDA-certified facilities, optimal probiotic strains and the credibility of the companies involved.
Throughout my veterinary career I’ve been committed to integrating traditional medicine with holistic, humane therapies. My goal is to enhance pet health through a blend of evidence-based methods and personalized care strategies. I trust my insights can contribute to your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Results:
In concluding my study on seven popular canine probiotics, there was one clear winner that stood out from all the others. That was Pets52 Digestive Probiotic Chews with Enzymes.
Pets52
Money Back Guarantee
Price Per Chew
$1.28
$1.17
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
3 Stars
What are Probiotics?
- Types of Probiotics: Common types of probiotics include strains of bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bacilus.
- Sources of Probiotics: Probiotics for dogs can be found in specially formulated dog foods, treats, and supplements. These supplements come in various forms such as powders, capsules, chews, and liquids.
- Health Benefits: Probiotics can help with digestive issues such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). They can also support immune function, reduce the risk of certain infections and allergic reactions, improve skin conditions and promote a healthy coat, and influence behavior, potentially reducing stress.
- Mechanism of Action: Probiotics work by restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal flora, competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and attachment sites, producing substances that inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and modulating the immune system.
- Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. They essentially serve as food for probiotics, helping them thrive and perform their beneficial functions.
“I did my own research on seven of the most popular dog probiotic brands.”
As you can see, there are many benefits associated with giving your dog probiotics. However, there are so many canine probiotics on the market today that it’s difficult for a pet parent to know which one to use. I decided to take some time to do my own research on seven of the most popular dog probiotic brands so that I could make a confident recommendation to my clients.
Why do I recommend probiotics?
It starts with the MICROBIOME:
The gut microbiome in dogs is a complex ecosystem of microscopic organisms that live throughout the intestinal tract. When it is out of balance your dog could suffer from digestive distress, allergies and other health issues.
Ongoing research into the canine microbiome continues to highlight the complex interactions between gut bacteria and overall health. This research is driving more targeted probiotic formulations from dozens of manufacturers.
Probiotics are widely supported by both conventional and holistic veterinarians for their benefits in promoting digestive health and overall well-being in dogs.
Selecting high-quality, clinically validated products and considering a dog’s specific health needs are crucial for maximizing the benefits of probiotic supplementation.
The first step in my study had to be generating a list of the essential items needed in a probiotic. These include:
- How strong and effective are their probiotic strains?
- Do they have digestive enzymes?
- Were they formulated by veterinarians?
- Do they come with a Money Back Guarantee?
- How much do they cost per chew?
- Do they come with 24 x 7 Vet Telehealth?
- Understanding probiotic strains:
There is plentiful data online about the strength and efficacy of different probiotic strains, but here is the bottom line:
There are two major families of probiotics:
Enodospore strains such as Bacilus subtilis and Bacilus coagulans are the
strongest strains as they are surrounded by multiple membrane layers which create
a protective shell and allow the strains to survive the heat and acid of the stomach.
By surviving the stomach they are able to penetrate deeper into the intestines and
colon where the microbiome imbalances are the most prevalent.
“I would only recommend probiotics that contain endospore strains. They are the strongest and most effective.”
- Understanding enzymes:
There’s another key element to consider when you are shopping for a probiotic and that’s digestive enzymes.
There is plentiful data online about the strength and efficacy of different probiotic strains, but here is the bottom line:
A lack of enzymes in the canine diet is one of the major contributors to poor digestive health. Enzymes help break down food for easier digestion and are most prevalent in raw foods. As we have moved dogs to cooked foods (in cans and kibble) we have effectively destroyed almost all of the critical enzymes. Enzymes simply can not survive the process of cooking with high heat. And without enzymes, your dog’s pancreas is put under pressure to make up for the shortage.
Probiotics that contain lipase, cellulase, amylase and protease are much more effective in solving digestive issues because they re-introduce enzymes that help your dog break down protein, starches, fibers and fats while taking stress off the pancreas. Any probiotic that you purchase should contain several digestive enzymes.
“There have been recent clinical studies supporting the efficacy of enzyme supplementation for improved. canine digestion.”
Frontiers in Veterinary Science - August 2023
“Enzyme blend supplementation in the canine diet increased the food digestibility and the release of nutrients for absorption that would in turn ensure that the pet is adequately nourished.”
Veterinarian Dr. Paula Jo Broadfoot said in a 2018 article
“Supplemental enzymes are needed to replace those destroyed by cooking and processing food. Processing and cooking at any heat of approximately 118°F to 129°F, for as few as three minutes, can destroy virtually all enzymes, which results in very little pre-digestion taking place in the stomach. Thus, what’s left of the food mass enters the small intestine largely undigested.
This puts the pancreas and other organs of the endocrine system under tremendous stress, since they have to draw reserves from the entire body in order to produce massive amounts of the proper enzymes.”
- The importance of veterinarian formulation:
There are over 100 dog probiotics on the market. Yet very few of them have invested the time and money to involve veterinarians in the formulation of the product.
As a veterinarian who treats thousands of animals I can’t imagine not having vets involved in the creation of any health-related product for animals.
Through my research I found out that the vast majority of dog probiotics are formulated by lab scientists and food-industry executives.
- Money Back Guarantee:
Since every dog is different there is always the chance that your dog will not see the benefits of a probiotic. Or maybe they simply will not like the taste or smell of the probiotic you purchase.
Customer satisfaction and peace of mind are critical when you are trying to
solve a stressful issue with your dog.
In my opinion, every probiotic company should offer a full no-questions-asked money-back promise, so that pet parents can confidently invest in their furry friend’s health, knowing that satisfaction is guaranteed.
When I recommend products to my pet parents I need to trust the company I’m recommending and I would only recommend probiotics with a full money back guarantee.
- Price per chew:
Figuring out the real price of a canine probiotic can be confusing.
Dog probiotics come in many different sized containers with a different amount of chews in each container. And prices can run anywhere from $20 to $50 per container.
As part of my study I looked at how many chews came inside each container and I broke it down to give you the price per chew.
- 24 x 7 Vet Telehealth:
As a veterinarian I am hearing about my pet parents purchasing subscriptions to veterinarian telehealth services connecting them with licensed veterinarian professionals around the clock.
This invaluable resource empowers pet parents to seek expert advice and guidance whenever the need arises, fostering a deeper level of care and support for our beloved pets.
Imagine if your dog ate chocolate or had a tick bite and you simply wanted to call a vet professional and ask what to do.
There are companies now who are offering their subscribers free access to this service. During my research I found one such probiotic company and I think it is very notable and deserves to be called out in the study.
“Pets52 is the only dog probiotic company I know of that offers their subscribers free 24×7 vet telehealth.”
The BEST canine probiotic I tested: Pets52
- Strong and effective endospore probiotic strains
- Packed with 4 digestive enzymes
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Money Back Guarantee
- Free 24x7 Vet Telehealth for subscribers
- You may receive some annoying emails after purchase.
- Not available through major pet distributors like Chewy.
Pros
- Strong probiotic strains
- Contains digestive enzymes
- Fortified with fiber
- Not formulated by veterinarians
- No money back guarantee
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
- Some dogs don’t like the duck flavor
Pros
- Strong probiotic strains
- Contains digestive enzymes
- Not formulated by veterinarians
- They offer a ‘satisfaction guarantee’ but no money back guarantee
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
- Some dogs don’t like the duck flavor
This formula provides a decent array of probiotics and other ingredients aimed at supporting digestive health. While they may lack some of the additional components found in Pets52, they still offer a solid blend of beneficial ingredients.
Pros
- Strong probiotic strains
- Money Back guarantee
- Veterinarian formulated
- Dogs tend to like the flavor
- No digestive enzymes
- Contains molasses and vegetable glycerine
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
This product has strong and effective probiotic strains and I like that is also is veterinarian formulated and has a money back guarantee. However a couple of the ingredients I found questionable, like cane molasses. They are using molasses to sweeten the product but dogs don’t really have a sweet tooth so this is unnecessary. I like that it is also veterinarian formulated.
Pros
- Strong probiotic strains
- Free gift for subscribers
- Dogs tend to like the flavor
- Very expensive price per chew
- Only 30 chews per container
- No enzymes
- Not formulated by veterinarians
- No money back guarantee
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
Pros
- Money back guarantee
- Very expensive price per chew
- Only 30 chews per container
- Weak probiotic strains
- No enzymes
- Not formulated by veterinarians
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
Pros
- Money back guarantee
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Questionable ingredients like cane molasses
- Weak probiotic strains
- No added enzymes in the ingredient list
- No 24x7 vet telehealth
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
3 Stars
My Final Thoughts
My final thoughts:
In the realm of pet care, ensuring the optimal health of our furry companions is paramount. One crucial aspect often overlooked is intestinal health. With over 100 dog probiotics currently on the market, it can be very difficult to choose the best one for your pup.
I also understand the growing demand for pet supplements and the mistrust in Big Pharma and monopolies. I share the sentiment of wanting readily available, high-quality supplements that pet owners can trust. With this in mind, I embarked on a thorough investigation of leading over-the- counter probiotics to provide my clients with informed recommendations.
Throughout my research, the Pets52 product stood above the others for its superior probiotic strains, added enzymes, and well-considered ingredient list.
In addition to its stellar formulation, Pets52 goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind. With a full no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee, pet parents can confidently invest in theìr furry friend’s health, knowing that satisfaction is guaranteed.
Moreover, Pets52 offers unparalleled flexibility in dosing, recognizing that dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your canine companion needs one chew or a few, Pets52 allows for varying concentrations of’ nutrients, ensuring that each pet receives the appropriate dosage tailored to their individual needs.
But Pets52 doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of accessible veterinąry care, Pets52 provides a 24/7 veterinary telehealth service, connecting their monthly subscribers to licensed veterinary professionals around the clock. This invaluable resource empowers pet parents to seek expert advice and guidance whenever the need arises, fostering a deeper level of care and support for our beloved pets.
While I recommend Pets52 to my clients, this blog review is not intended to take the place of a consultation with your veterinarian. Every dog is different and will respond differently to supplements. Long-term use of probiotics is considered safe, though it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.