15 Best Probiotics For Dogs 2024: Chews, Powder, Liquid & More [Reviews & Picks]

best probiotics for dogs

Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. This doesn’t affect rankings. Learn more.

This is the definitive guide to finding the best probiotics for dogs.

Probiotics have long been recognized for their role in maintaining human health, but did you know that they are equally important for our canine companions? Whether your dog is dealing with GI issues, diarrhea, or just finished a round of antibiotics, pup probiotic supplements can help. Our comprehensive guide on the best probiotics supplement for dogs covers everything you need to know about dog probiotics, including science-backed evidence on the benefits and our top probiotics dog brand recommendations. Let’s get started!

Best Probiotics For Dogs A At Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog probiotics.

You can click this link to go to the reviews, but we encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision about picking the best dog probiotic for your dog.

Why You Should Trust Us

177

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more

25

dog probiotics companies were under consideration for the top 13

5

experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings

Chapter 1: The Research

Learn all about probiotics for dogs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Are Probiotics For Dogs?

Probiotics are supplements containing live, beneficial bacteria (probiotic strains) that boost health when consumed in adequate amounts. These bacteria naturally inhabit your dog’s digestive tract and other regions. There are many different types of probiotic strains.

Two of the most common probiotic bacteria strains are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The best probiotics for dogs usually contain a combination of multiple strains.

Probiotic supplements for dogs are commercially produced probiotic formulas that can be found in the form of powders, chews, capsules, pastes, liquids, or food.

The Role of Probiotics In Dogs

Like the human body, your dog’s body is full of good and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria are typically germs or pathogenic bacteria that cause diseases and infections, make us feel sick, or even die. Sometimes this bacterial ecosystem in your dog can get knocked out of balance, and bad bacteria can begin outcompeting the good bacteria. This can reduce your dog’s ability to digest her food, resulting in digestive problems or other health issues.

Probiotics are used to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, prevent gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and strengthen the immune system following disruptions caused by illness, infection, antibiotic therapy, or other stress factors.

Canine probiotics are designed to nourish and promote the growth of good bacteria in your dog.

How Can Probiotics Help My Dog?

Here is an overview of the key health benefits linked to probiotics.

  • Promotes intestinal microbial balance
  • Restores healthy gut flora
  • Decreases incidences of diarrhea
  • Improve food allergies
  • Decrease the side effects of antibiotics
  • Improves bad breath
  • Helps recovery from illnesses and infections
  • Helps with gastrointestinal distress
  • Helps manage yeast infections
  • Enhances immune system health
  • Reduces stress
  • Reduces pain and swelling
  • Affect mood and emotions
  • Better skin and coat
  • Helps with gas, bloating, and related issues 
  • Improves absorption of nutrients and vitamins
  • Positively impacts chronic GI issues

What Does Research Say About Dog Probiotics?

Research on dog probiotics has been growing in recent years, and evidence suggests that these beneficial bacteria can positively impact a dog’s overall health and well-being.

One of the most notable studies analyzed the effects of 773 shelter dogs in the United Kingdom and found that it significantly decreased diarrhea in dogs.[1] Studies have also shown that feeding probiotics to puppies suffering from Salmonella had less gut damage and produced more short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important because they inhibit the growth and activity of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella.[2]

Research has also found the dogs fed the probiotic had many more Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in their gut compared to the control group.[3] And even more surprisingly, a study compared probiotic treatment with conventional IBD dog medication in dogs with this condition and revealed that both groups improved significantly and achieved an almost equal reduction of symptoms.[4] This is a testament to the effectiveness of probiotics and how they can help avoid certain medications due to their efficacy in treating certain conditions.

what are dog probiotics

These are just a few studies showing that probiotics can boost your dog’s health and immune system. There are also hundreds of anecdotal evidence of happy dogs who found relief thanks to probiotics. However, it’s important to note that there’s still a lot about dog probiotic therapy that we don’t know. We should be mindful and work with your veterinarian if we decide to introduce probiotics to your dog’s diet.

To learn more about this subject, read out probiotics for dogs guide for the latest research and critical information you need to know about probiotics.

How To Pick The Best Probiotics For Your Dog

Here are six things to consider to pick the best dog probiotic.

  • Multiple bacteria strains. Different strains of bacteria provide additional benefits to your dog. Studies have shown that multi-strain probiotics are more effective than single-strain probiotics. For instance, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus aid with diarrhea and gut health.
  • Potency and CFU. Most dog probiotic supplements come in CFUs ranging from 1 billion to 10 billion per serving. The higher the CFUs, the more amount of bacteria and potency.
  • Packaging and shelf stability. Look for brands that provide protective shields for their probiotics, so more bacteria reach your pet’s intestines intact. Consider opting for single-use packaging.
  • Living bacteria. Sometimes when you buy a probiotic, some of the bacteria in the product die. Look for a probiotic that guarantees CFU at expiry to get at least the amount of bacteria promised on the label.
  • Prebiotics. Opt for a probiotic formula that includes a prebiotic—Prebiotics support probiotics’ growth and propagation, which is vital in controlling harmful bacteria.
  • Allergen-free. Avoid probiotics that contain allergens like dairy, fish, bovine, crustaceans, soy, and wheat.

Why Do Vets Recommend Probiotics? (Video)

As with any new food, feeding probiotics to your dog may cause diarrhea or stomach upset, which is a common reaction to any significant dietary change in humans and pets. To avoid this, start with a smaller dose than the recommended amount and gradually increase it over time, allowing your pet’s digestive system to adjust to the new nutritional intake.

Selecting the best dog probiotic depends on the strains your dog’s body needs, probiotic quantity, health condition, and other factors.

Always consult your vet before giving your pup any medications or supplements. 

Chapter 2: The Reviews

The Best Probiotics For Dogs

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Probiotics For Dogs Reviews

What is the best probiotic for dogs? We’ve rounded up the best probiotic dog brands your dog will love.

Our team of experts rated the best probiotic dog biscuits based on ingredients, customer reviews, product tests, price, and other factors.

Best Overall Dog Probiotic — NomNom

Our rating: 4.9

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7 ┊ CFU: 20 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 30 scoops per container ┊Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7
CFU: 20 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 30 scoops per container
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Nom Nom is a well-known, reputable dog food delivery service in the United States. They win the best overall dog probiotic medal because their product is formulated by veterinary nutrition and microbiology experts using top-quality ingredients at FDA-registered facilities under GMP guidelines. Each batch is independently tested for product integrity. It’s appropriate for all breeds, including puppies (older than eight weeks) and adults. To serve, mix one scoop serving into your dog’s food once daily. After use, reseal and protect from light, high temperatures, and moisture. Nom Nom recommends refrigeration for optimal preservation. They are expertly formulated by their veterinary nutrition and microbiology team.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It’s boosted with prebiotic fiber for added beneficial bacteria development.

Probiotics Strains

Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Free shipping
  • Discount on every order for Nom Nom fresh food subscribers
  • Great for dogs on antibiotics

Cons

  • A bit more expensive
  • No money-back guarantee

Best Dog Chew Probiotic Ollie Probiotic Chews

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5 ┊ CFU: 1 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 60 chews per jar ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5
CFU: 1 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 60 chews per jar
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Ollie Dog Probiotic Chews are scientifically formulated using five strains of probiotics to help improve digestion and promote gut health in dogs. Veterinarians recommend them for having a balanced and pleasant formula for your furry friend. We love that they boost their probiotic formula with all-natural digestive system soothing ingredients in these chews including pumpkin seed and papaya leaf powder.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It is made using a cold extrusion process to preserve the potency of every active ingredient.

Probiotics Strains

Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus, Lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • For any breed
  • Distinct duck flavor (suitable for vegetarian diets)
  • All-natural

Cons

  • A subscription is required for dog food, but also sold on Amazon

Our readers have access to 60% off your first box and probiotic order. Just use this link to get this offer.


Best Organic Probiotic For Dogs Open Farm

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7 ┊ CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 90 soft chews per jar ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7
CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 90 soft chews per jar
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Open Farm is a pet food company that offers a range of dog products, including probiotics. They go to great lengths to source clean and organic ingredients to formulate their probiotics. These probiotics are vet approved and developed as a part of their commitment to ethical and transparent sourcing practices. You can trace the origin of every ingredient in Open Farm probiotics on their website. Each Probiotic soft chew was made to help support normal gut flora and bowel movement to promote healthy digestion and gut health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Open Farm is of the most sustainable dog food brands. They’ve partnered with How2Recycle to ensure that their probiotics jars are 100% recyclable and aren’t in a landfill.

Probiotics Strains Included

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bacillus coagulans.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Made with Pumpkin for fiber and helps support digestive health
  • Plant-based ingredients
  • 100% traceable ingredients
  • Human-grade ingredients

Cons

  • One flavor

Best Probiotic For Puppies Honest Kitchen Instant Goat’s Milk

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5 ┊ CFU: 5 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: No ┊ Servings: Approximately 30 servings for a 25 lb dog ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5
CFU: 5 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: Approximately 30 servings for a 25 lb dog
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Taking care of your dog’s gut health from an early age is essential. A puppy probiotic can help keep your puppy’s tummy happy and healthy. Whether you are looking for a probiotic for puppy diarrhea or want to support their digestion, immune systems, and well-being, The Honest Kitchen Instant Probiotic Goat’s Milk for dogs is a great choice. This probiotic powder supplement for puppies can be served as a nourishing drink (add water) or pour powder on dry or dehydrated kibble. It’s ideal for rehabilitation, digestive issues, and general immune support at the gut level for growing puppies. Pour over kibble, hydrate Honest Kitchen food, or serve alone as a human-grade nightcap.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It is made from highly digestible dehydrated goat’s milk from pasture-raised, free-ranging goats in the Pacific Northwest and digestive enzymes. Goat’s milk is especially great for puppies and kittens. It helps support their digestion, immune systems, and well-being.

Probiotics Strains

Lactobacillus case, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum, and E. thermopilus.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Human-grade
  • Ideal for growing puppies
  • No by-products, preservatives, or GMO ingredients.

Cons


Cheapest Probiotic For Dogs Nusentia Dog Miracle

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6 ┊ CFU: 1 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 360 scoops per jar ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6
CFU: 1 billion per serving
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 360 scoops per jar
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Looking for the cheapest dog probiotic that doesn’t sacrifice quality, Nusentia Dog Miracle Probiotic is our top choice cheapest probiotic for dogs. It offers excellent value for large dogs, individuals with multiple pets, or providing various servings per day. Nusentia offers the best quantity for your buck, with over 360 scoops per jar. Perfect for combatting dog diarrhea, loose stool, yeast overgrowth, gas, bad breath, constipation, skin issues (itching & scratching), allergies, digestive issues, boost immune health, and gut-related problems in pets.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

With over 360 billion CFUs of probiotics per jar (or 1 billion per scoop), this brand is confident in the effectiveness of its formula that they offer a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee. Includs Inulin, a prebiotic.

Probiotics Strains Included

Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Stearic acid.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Gluten-free, non-GMO
  • No dairy, rice, soy, or fillers
  • No by-products or fillers
  • Tasteless and odorless
  • Made in the USA at GMP, FDA certified facility

Cons

  • Can get lumpy

Best For Gut & Digestion Pawfy Probiotics For Dogs Review

Our rating: 4.4

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5 ┊ CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: No ┊ Servings: 30 soft chews per jar ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5
CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: 30 soft chews per jar
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking to maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog? Pawfy probiotics are a great addition to aid with better gut health. Pawfy dog probiotics can improve a dog’s gut health and digestive functioning thanks to its research-based formula. And because it’s jam-packed with natural ingredients (i.e., organic turmeric) and a perfect balance of vitamins A, D3, E, C, B1, B6, B2, and B12 for overall health, it helps boost the immune system and function and increases energy and overall physical well-being. These daily multivitamins and probiotic chews promote overall well-being and health. It comes in a tasty chicken probiotic flavor that can freshen breath and maintain healthy bacteria.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Additionally, it delivers pantothenic acid, manganese, folic acid, and biotin to support healthy anatomy and overall well-being.

Probiotics Strains Included

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactococcus lactis.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Vegetarian
  • Satisfaction guaranteed
  • Locally sourced ingredients
  • Natural ingredients

Cons

  • One flavor

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6 ┊ CFU: 3 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 90 soft chews per container ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6
CFU: 3 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 90 soft chews per container
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Finn Digestive Dog Probiotics win the best vet pick spot because they work hand-in-hand with top-notch veterinarians and canine nutritionists to create the best possible probiotic with the best possible ingredients. The Pumpkin, Inulin and FOS found in Finn help ‘good’ bacteria flourish and stay nourished.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Added prebiotics provide food and fuel to probiotics helping keep them healthy and active. The end result is better digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, improved immune function, and a healthier, happier pup.

Probiotics Strains Included

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillusreuteri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus bifidum and Lactobacillus casei.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No GMO
  • Tested and approved by vet
  • NACS certified

Cons


Best Probiotics For Small Dogs Pawlife

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5 ┊ CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 120 soft chews per jar ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5
CFU: 2 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: 120 soft chews per jar
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are probiotics good for small dogs? Yes, probiotics work on any dog size just as well. If you have a small dog breed suffering from an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas or looking for the best probiotics for small dogs, Pawlife Soft Chews Probiotics for Dogs 3-in-1 formula is an excellent choice for small dogs. The 2 billion CFUs per chew is perfect for a small dog’s digestive system. Pro Pup promotes a balanced GI tract to support gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gut PH levels, and overall stomach discomfort. How much probiotics can I give a small dog? One soft chew per 25 lbs of body weight should work great for your pup. You can break the treat in half if your dog weighs less than 25 lbs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The soft texture of these mouth-watering, chicken-flavored soft chews is easy on small dogs’ teeth. Each soft chew is smaller than a nickel, perfect for a small dog’s mouth.

Probiotics Strains Included

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactococcus lactis.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • For every sale, Pawlife donates to The Grey Muzzle Organization to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs with services like hospice screenings and medical care
  • No GMO, corn, dairy, soy, or artificial colors and ingredients
  • Packed with a combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes.

Cons


Best Probiotics Capsules For Dogs Nutramax

Our rating: 4.5

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7 ┊ CFU: 5 billion per capsule
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 80 capsules per box ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7
CFU: 5 billion per capsule
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 80 capsules per box
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Can you give your dog a probiotic capsule? Yes! If you are looking for the best dog probiotic pills, Nutramax Proviable-DC Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs is a multi-strain probiotic supplement that supports a healthy intestinal balance in dogs. Each Proviable-DC probiotic capsule can help maintain intestinal balance during times of dietary indiscretion, dietary change, food sensitivities, loose stool, stress induced by travel or kenneling, weaning of puppies and kittens, metabolic disturbances, immune system-related gastrointestinal conditions, and other related issues.

Whether your dog has a temporary case of an upset stomach from boarding stress, antibiotics, or just having a sensitive system, Proviable probiotic capsules for dogs help put things back in balance. You can use this capsule in conjunction with a dog probiotic paste for extra support and effectiveness.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It’s boosted with two prebiotics that supports the probiotics’ growth within the intestinal tract to help them compete against the bad bacteria for colonizing the intestines. The box comes with 80 capsules, enough to last up to 3 months.

Probiotics Strains Included

Enterococcus faecium,  Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus plantarum.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Supports gastrointestinal health in dogs
  • Reestablishes intestinal microflora health
  • Easy to administer
  • Great for long-term intestinal health support and balance
  • 6 published studies

Cons

  • Dogs may not like capsules, so you may need a pill pock like Greenies to hide it and feed it

Best Probiotics Paste For Dogs PETAG Bene-Bac

Our rating: 4.4

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7 ┊ CFU: 20 million per gram
Prebiotic included: No ┊ Servings: 15 grams of probiotic paste ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 7
CFU: 20 million per gram
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: 15 grams of probiotic paste
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Bene-Bac Plus Probiotic Pet Gel is one of the most reputable probiotic supplements on the market. It’s made from 7 different bacterial strains that help crowd out bad bacteria, improve your dog’s appetite, and provide quick energy. Every Bene-Bac Pet Gel multidose syringe contains 15 grams of gel concentration of live-culture probiotic digestive bacteria. Each gram offers a guaranteed 20 million colony-forming units (CFU). Although this doesn’t seem like as many CFUs per serving, most customers have found the product very effective.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Bene-Bac probiotics are fat encapsulated to ensure maximum probiotic survival through the stomach acids of the digestive tract to reach the intestines. It has an easy-to-use dial-a-dose syringe to give the indicated dose making it easy to feed under any situation.

Another probiotic paste alternative is FullBucket Dog Probiotic Paste. Its highly concentrated yeast-based formula supports natural gut defenses during periods of stress. It has 12.5 Billion CFU’s of Saccharmoyces cerevisae boulardii per serving. Prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and L-glutamine are also included in this formula. It’s the ideal probiotic paste for dogs on antibiotics.

Probiotics Strains Included

Enterococcus faecium,  Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Easy administration
  • Dial-a-dose mechanism
  • 1-year date code guarantee
  • 1 gram travel tube for on-the-go treatment

Cons

  • Not as much quantity for the price
  • Gel options can get messy

Best Probiotics Spray For Dogs Florazil

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Probiotics strains: 8 ┊ CFU: 750K per milliliter of liquid
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 6 ounces ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 8
CFU: 750K per milliliter of liquid
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 6 ounces
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the ultimate canine probiotic convenience? Try Florazil+ Multi-Probiotic Food Spray for Dogs, our top pick for the best probiotic spray. It contains an assortment of probiotics that works to aid your dog’s digestive process. It comes in an easy-to-use bottle with 6 ounces of spray. The spray can be applied directly to your dog’s food, making administration a breeze. No refrigeration is necessary,, so store it in the place that is most convenient for you.

These probiotics are microorganisms beneficial to your dog’s digestive tract, meaning this spray is all-natural. These microorganisms work by enhancing the good bacteria that are already present in the dog’s digestive tract.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Enhance palatability for any type of food

Probiotics Strains Included

Liquid Lactobacillus plantrum, liquid Enterococcus thermophilus, liquid Lactobacillus casei, liquid Bifidobacterium bifidum, liquid Bifidobacterium, Liquid Bacillus subtilis, liquid Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and liquid Bifidobacterium longum.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No need to refrigerate
  • Easy administration
  • Veterinarian recommended

Cons

  • CFU count is lower than other products reviewed here (750K CFU)

Best Liquid Probiotic For Dogs. MaryRuth’s

Our rating: 4.5

Overview

Probiotics strains: 4 ┊ CFU: 750K per milliliter of liquid
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 160 servings per bottle ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 4
CFU: 750K per milliliter of liquid
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 160 servings per bottle
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Mary Ruth’s USDA Certified dog organic liquid probiotic wins our pick for this category. This company includes a proprietary blend (plant-derived & Non-GMO) of probiotic strains. This blend is mixed in an enzyme-enriched substrate with water and a proprietary combination of 3 organic types of grass. Liquid dog probiotics are easily absorbed, unlike solid probiotics, which are treated with heat and chemicals. Liquid probiotics are always in their raw state, ensuring shelf stability and maximum potency. This product is human-grade quality, and the strains were explicitly chosen to support dogs’ health. You can add it to your dog’s food or serve it directly into their mouth. Customers report success giving it to their dog now, but you should try whatever works best for you and your dog.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

No refrigeration is required, and you can store it in a cool, dry place.

Probiotics Strains Included

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium lactis, and B. breve.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA organic probiotic

Cons

  • The bottle needs to be handled with care as it can break if dropped. More fragile than plastic jars or bag

Best Probiotic Powder For Dogs Honest Paws

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5 ┊ CFU: 5 Billion per stick
Prebiotic included: Yes ┊ Servings: 30 sticks per bag ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 5
CFU: 5 Billion per stick
Prebiotic included: Yes
Servings: 30 sticks per bag
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Honest Paws (a top CBD oil and CBD treats company) offers a blend of probiotics formulated by veterinarians, containing six strains of probiotic bacteria. It’s our top pick for the best dog probiotic powder. Honest Paws probiotics for dogs are a unique probiotic supplement that contains Solarplast, an extract of organic spinach, a rich source of antioxidants, and their enzyme partners. Solarplast provides many benefits for healthy aging and optimal biological processes through restoration and repair.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It includes Inulin, a natural prebiotic derived from Chicory that stimulates good bacteria.

Probiotics Strains Included

Inulin (prebiotic), Bacillus subtilis (DE111), Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarum. 

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • NASC certified
  • Chicken-flavored
  • Third-party lab tested
  • Organic

Cons

  • Contains rice hull and rice extract blend, which may cause sensitivity in some dogs

Grain-Free Probiotics For Dogs Zesty Paws Probiotics For Dogs

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6 ┊ CFU: 3 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: No ┊ Servings: 90 soft chews per container ┊ Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 6
CFU: 3 billion per chew
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: 90 soft chews per container
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs Gut Health is among the best canine probiotics. If your dog has a weak immune system, hot spots, allergies, and even bad breath due to poor digestion, this supplement can help Fido kiss goodbye to tummy trouble and other related issues. This brand boosts its formula with Papaya for digestive enzyme support, plus Pumpkin as a fiber and prebiotic source to help motility and bowel movement for your canine. Along with all its digestive benefits, these tasty soft chews promote a healthy immune response to keep your dog healthy. Oh, and they are grain-free. This is great because it makes them easy to digest for faster wellness for any puppy, adult, or senior doggie.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Zesty’s formula features Ganeden BC30, a premium Bacillus Coagulans probiotic strain that withstands stomach acid as it reaches the intestines to aid digestion, flora, and gut bacteria. GanedenBC30 aids in absorbing essential nutrients while promoting healthy bacteria to maintain GI health.

Probiotics Strains Included

Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus lactics.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Helps nutrient absorption
  • Natural enzymes and fibers
  • Supports digestive motility
  • Promotes stomach comfort

Cons

  • Contains garbanzo and pea flours which might cause issues for some dogs

Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Additional Information

Ch 1 | Ch 2

How to Keep Dog Probiotic Bacteria Alive (Handling & Storing)

Did you know oxygen and high temperatures can also cause probiotic bacteria to die rapidly?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that have evolved inside your dog’s digestive system, as your dog’s gut is an anaerobic or oxygen-free environment. When you feed your dog probiotics, you introduce living bacteria into their gastrointestinal tract. If you want your dog to benefit from it, you must know how to keep them alive.

While good manufacturers help you accomplish this to some extent through packaging, there are some storing and handling practices you must follow:

  • Keep your probiotics in their original package or bottle. Their packaging has been specially designed to protect living bacteria. Moving them to plastic bags, and glass jars may kill the bacteria and reduce your probiotic effectiveness. 
  • Store them in a cool, dry place
  • Make sure they’re tightly sealed all the time.
  • Don’t open probiotics until you are ready to use them.
  • Discard expired probiotics as they are likely to contain fewer living CFUs
  • Some probiotics may need to be refrigerated. The manufacturer will generally state that somewhere on the package.

Never store them in a medicine cabinet in a bathroom where you shower. The heat and humidity from the hot water can kill the probiotics.

Best Soil-Based Probiotics For Dogs

A solid-based dog probiotic like Vitality Science Pet Flora can help restore your pet’s health. Soild-based probiotics, also known as soil-based organisms (SBOs) or spore-forming probiotics, are unique due to them being cultivated on the earth instead of dairy. Most dog probiotics are cultivated in dairy and may be less effective and cause more problems for animals suffering from lactose intolerance.

Soil-based probiotics for dogs are probiotic supplements derived from naturally occurring beneficial bacteria found in soil. These probiotics are made up of hard and resilient bacterial spores that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and easily survive the journey through the dog’s digestive system.

Vitality Science takes the soil-based probiotics and then adds Humic and Fulvic acids extracted from ancient plant deposits. Natural humic acid is one of the most effective anti-virals on the planet. They recently increased the humic acid to 30 percent. Their products are backed by 50 years of research, and over the past 17 years, they have helped thousands of dog owners and their pets.

Can I Give My Dog Probiotics While On Antibiotics?

Did you know antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria?

When dogs are prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial illness such as UTI, gastrointestinal infections, or skin infections (dermatitis), the antibiotic will kill or weaken disease-causing bacteria to fend off an infection. However, it also kills off the “good” bacteria in the gut.

This is precisely why antibiotics can be difficult for dogs to tolerate and often causes common side effects such as diarrhea, digestive tract inflammation, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues.

Yes, you can give probiotics to dogs while on antibiotics! If your dog is under antibiotics, feeding probiotic supplements may reduce the possible antibiotics stress, such as side effects. Probiotics will repopulate the good bacteria killed by the antibiotic restoring and maintaining good bacteria levels. This can contribute to a quick elimination of the infection.

Best Probiotics For Dogs On Antibiotics

The best probiotic strain for dogs on antibiotics is known as Saccharomyces boulardii, or S boulardii for short. This probiotic is unique because it is a yeast strain, not bacteria. For this reason, S boulardii can’t be killed by antibiotics. So if you want to help your dog avoid antibiotic stress, help protect the beneficial gut bacteria, and restore good bacteria balance, look for yeast-based probiotics like Saccharomyces.

In a recent trial in dogs, Saccharomyces boulardii was beneficial in treating acute and chronic diarrhea. S. boulardii has also been reported to help treat Candida, yeast, and chronic inflammation.[5]

If you know your dog will be put under an antibiotic regimen, you can be proactive and start him on probiotics immediately to prevent any side effects from the meds.

FullBucket Health Dog Probiotic

Veterinarians have used FullBucket Health in their daily practice since 2010. Unlike most probiotics on the market using bacteria-based probiotics (which don’t work well when your dog is on antibiotics), FullBucket dog probiotics are formulated with the world’s leading yeast probiotic strain, Saccharomyces boulardii. This strain of probiotics is safe to use during antibiotic therapy and supports optimal digestion.

Their formula is also boosted with prebiotics, digestive enzymes (Protease, Lipase, cellulase, and amylase), and L-glutamine. Each scoop contains 5 BillionCFU’ss of Saccharmoyces boulardii per serving. This all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO canine probiotic formula is also made in the US. It contains flaxseed meals and natural flavors for optimal taste.

Best Probiotic For Dogs Conclusion & Alternatives

The use of probiotics for dogs has grown in popularity among pet owners who want to improve their furry friend’s overall health and well-being.

Besides adding probiotics to your dog’s diet, there are other things you can do to treat your dog if he’s suffering from chronic GI problems, such as performing a dog gut health test.

Sometimes digestive problems are not related to chronic GI problems, but your dog’s diet is the root of the problem. You may also want to consider switching your dog’s diet to a fresh dog food diet which has been shown to improve digestive issues. These companies can create personalized food blends formulated to address GI problems and allergies for your dog. And they deliver right to your door. Another diet alternative could be a plant-based food for dogs. A growing number of studies and reports indicate that dogs maintained on a vegan diet may be beneficial. Check out our best vegan dog foods to learn everything about it and how they can help relieve your dog’s tummy issues.

The wide variety of probiotics available on the market can make choosing the right one for your dog challenging. According to scientific research and customer reviews, the brands listed in this article are among the best probiotics for dogs. However, please consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your dog’s diet to ensure it is safe and suitable for their needs. A good probiotic can help your dog stay healthy and happy by maintaining optimal digestive and immune functions.


Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

[1] J Vet Intern Med, [2] PubMed: Fructan Supplementation, [3] Purina, [4] PubMed: VSL#3 Strains In Dogs.[5] Effect of Saccharomyces Boulardii On Dogs

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

Similar Posts