Complete Guide to Probiotics For Dogs: Do They Work?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Meri Halvari, DVM Candidate.

Pet owners are always looking for ways to improve their dogs’ health, and probiotics have become a popular topic of discussion. Probiotics are known for their benefits in human digestive health, but can they also benefit dogs? With the growing body of research supporting the benefits of probiotics for human health, it’s no surprise that pet owners are turning to these microorganisms to improve the well-being of their canine companions. Today, we will examine the science behind probiotics for dogs, including their potential benefits, mechanisms of action, risks, dosages, and safety considerations.

What Are Probiotics For Dogs?

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that are vital to your dog’s health. When administered in adequate amounts, probiotics provide health benefits to the host.^[1] Dogs and other animals have billions of these beneficial bacteria in their stomachs. This community of microorganisms is known as the microbiome, and maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial for a healthy dog.

Probiotics help balance good and bad bacteria in a dog’s microbiome. This balance is essential for a healthy digestive tract, immune system, and other crucial bodily functions. When a dog gets sick due to illness, infection, antibiotic treatment, or other stressors, the balance of bacteria is disrupted by an increase in harmful bacteria. These pathogenic bacteria cause diseases and infections, leading to sickness and, in severe cases, death. Dog probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, helping your pet feel better. Probiotics achieve this by consuming nutrients that harmful bacteria need to survive, depriving them of the resources necessary for growth and reproduction.

Probiotics primarily reside in a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon). Probiotics can also be found on mucosal surfaces like the mouth, nose, respiratory tract, and skin. However, their concentration and diversity are generally higher within the GI tract.

Probiotic Bacteria Strains For Dogs Explained

There are five main types of probiotic strains you can give your dog. Each strain type has a unique function in your dog’s health and offers different beneficial properties. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand these strains. Comprehending each type will help you select the most appropriate probiotic for your dog.

Types of Probiotics Strain For Dogs

Most dog probiotic products in the market will contain the following kinds of strains:

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a highly effective probiotic strain against several types of infectious diarrheas. This probiotic strain has been approved by the EU and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine for over ten years. Other proven health benefits in dogs include:

This probiotic is also administered to livestock to prevent yeast infections from harming their reproductive systems.

Enterococcus faecium

Enterococcus faecium has been shown to help maintain a healthy mix of bacteria in the dog’s stomach by replacing “bad” bacteria eradicated with “good” bacteria. It also has the following benefits:

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus protects against salmonella and campylobacter jejuni, bacterial disease-causing cramping, stomach pain, fever, and diarrhea. It also helps with the following:

L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, L. reuteri, and L. salivarius are helpful thanks to their strong anti-microbial activity in the GI tract. They have been found to prevent or reduce canine intestinal infections.

Bifidobacterium animalis AHC7

According to research, Bifidobacterium animalis AHC7 helps with the following:

In one recent study using mice as subjects, B. animalis AHC7 protected mice against salmonella infection. Another report by Microbiology Veterinary concluded that B. animalis “has significant potential for improving canine gastrointestinal health.”^[10]

Studies indicate that combining diverse probiotic strains yields the most significant advantages. The greater the variety of probiotic species, the more varied and balanced the colonization your dog will experience.

How Probiotics Work In Dogs

Dog Probiotics Benefits 

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

Benefits of Canine Probiotics According to Science

Emerging research suggests that certain probiotics have been shown to enhance brain function and influence mood and emotions in dogs by influencing the production of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which are essential for brain health. This is often referred to as the gut-brain axis, where the gut microbiota can impact neurological health and cognitive function.

Probiotics have also been found to reduce pain and swelling in some instances, as they can help modulate the immune system and decrease inflammation. There is also a ton of anecdotal evidence—stories of individual success that support the effectiveness of probiotics on dogs.

Dog Probiotic Side Effects

Most dogs respond well to probiotics, and they are generally safe for most dogs when given the appropriate dosage. However, some dogs may react negatively toward the supplement. Side effects may include:

These symptoms are common with any significant dietary adjustment in dogs and humans. Inflammation, infection, and allergies may also be present. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog does not respond well to probiotics or if you have any concerns about its digestive health.

Where To Buy Probiotics For Dogs?

Most dog parents don’t know where to buy dog probiotics because there are many brands, making it hard to discern which is the best. The best place to buy dog probiotics is an online or local pet store. You can use our guide on the best probiotics for dogs to find the best one based on your dog’s needs. Probiotics for dogs are commonly sold in the following forms:

Probiotic Dosage For Dogs

Underdosing is recommended to allow a dog to adapt to a new probiotic supplement. Gradually increase the dosage to the recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the probiotic product, and consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog’s specific needs.

The appropriate amount largely depends on the specific health issue being addressed. For daily use to maintain digestive and immune health, a lower CFU count (between 1 and 3 billion CFUs) should suffice. A higher CFU count (ranging from 4 to 10 billion CFUs) is recommended for more severe illnesses and health concerns, such as inflammatory bowel disease, post-antibiotic treatment, or food allergies. Research indicates that healthy dogs can tolerate higher counts of probiotics without adverse effects.

General dosing guidelines:

Dog Size	Weight Range	Recommended CFUs per Day
Small Dogs	Up to 20 lbs	1-2 billion CFUs
Medium Dogs	20-50 lbs	2-4 billion CFUs
Large Dogs	50-100 lbs	4-6 billion CFUs
Extra Large Dogs	Over 100 lbs	6-8 billion CFUs

How Long Does It Take For Probiotics to Work In Dogs?

The time it takes for probiotics to work in dogs can vary based on several factors, including the specific health issue being addressed, the dog’s overall health, the type and quality of the probiotic, and the dosage amount. Generally, you can expect to see some improvement in your dog’s health within 24 hours to a few days or up to a few weeks. To see the fastest results, ensure you use the right probiotic strain and the correct CFU dose, and keep the probiotic bacteria alive through proper storage.

Other Essential Dog Probiotics Concepts to Understand

Soil-Based Probiotics For Dogs

Soil-based probiotics, also known as spore-forming or soil-based organisms (SBOs), are probiotics derived from the soil. These probiotics consist of naturally occurring, spore-forming bacteria that are highly resilient to environmental changes and can survive harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and acidic environments. This makes soil-based probiotics much more effective than traditional probiotic strains because they can deliver more viable probiotics to the small intestine. Some studies suggest classic probiotic strains are less likely to survive to the same extent.^{[11] [12]}

Soil-based probiotics are bacteria naturally found on the earth. One of the most common types of soil-based probiotics (bacillus) has been used to ferment foods for hundreds of years. Additionally, most dog probiotics are produced using dairy, which may be less effective and potentially problematic for dogs with lactose intolerance. A significant advantage of soil-based probiotics is that they are vegan, eliminating allergy concerns. If you’ve tried other types of dog probiotics without success, soil-based dog probiotics might be the solution for your pet.

Dog Probiotics While On Antibiotics

You can give probiotics to dogs while they are on antibiotics. If your dog is under antibiotic treatment, feeding probiotic supplements may reduce the possible antibiotic stress and side effects. Probiotics will repopulate the good bacteria killed by the antibiotic, restoring and maintaining healthy bacteria levels. This can contribute to a quicker elimination of the infection. Probiotics can also counteract the side effects of antibiotics by restoring beneficial bacteria that may have been disrupted during treatment.

CFU Or Colony-Forming Unit

When purchasing probiotics for dogs, paying attention to the CFU count is crucial. CFU stands for “Colony-Forming Unit,” representing the number of live bacteria in a sample. In dog probiotic supplements, the CFU count refers to the quantity of live bacterial cultures found in each serving. For example, every scoop of Probiotic Miracle delivers 1 Billion CFU of species-appropriate probiotics for your dog.

As your dog digests a scoop of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria will begin to colonize and outcompete the harmful bacteria in its digestive tract. This is why they are called colony-forming units.

Handling & Storing Dog Probiotics

Handling and storing dog probiotics properly ensures their efficacy and longevity. Probiotics are sensitive to factors such as temperature, moisture, and light, which can compromise the viability of the beneficial bacteria. Probiotics should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain potency. Some probiotic products may require refrigeration, so it’s important to follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. When handling probiotics, ensure that your hands and utensils are clean to avoid contamination. Proper storage and handling practices help preserve the beneficial properties of probiotics, ensuring that your dog receives the full health benefits of the supplement.

Dog Probiotics vs. Dog Prebiotics

While both probiotics and prebiotics contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, they work in different ways. Probiotics introduce live bacteria directly into your dog’s digestive system, while prebiotics provide nourishment to support the growth of existing beneficial bacteria. In other words, prebiotics feed probiotics. Prebiotics are types of fiber that nourish and promote the development of good bacteria (probiotics). Sometimes, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, known as synbiotics, may be the best approach to support your dog’s gut health. Synbiotics ensure that the good bacteria introduced through probiotics have the necessary nutrients to thrive and multiply.

The Bottom Line

Probiotics can benefit a dog’s diet, promoting a healthy digestive system, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. However, it is essential to choose the right type and dose of probiotics and consult with a veterinarian before giving them to your dog. Not all dogs may need probiotics, and some may have underlying health issues that can be affected.

Probiotics should not substitute for a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and veterinary care. By taking a holistic approach to your dog’s health and wellness, including proper nutrition and regular veterinary checkups, you can help ensure that your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life.

Sometimes, digestive problems are not related to chronic gastrointestinal issues but to your dog’s diet. In such cases, consider all-natural food blends such as vegan dog food, fresh dog food, or raw dog diet. Many studies indicate that these diets may benefit dog gut health. If you want to dive deeper into your dog’s gut health, performing an at-home dog gut health test can provide insight into your dog’s microbiome health status.

To ensure you’re addressing all aspects of your dog’s health, consider exploring the best dog allergy tests. These tests can provide comprehensive insights into potential allergens affecting your dog’s digestive health, allowing you to tailor their diet and probiotic regimen more effectively.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

First Name *

Email Address *

Dog Breed

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Sources

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

1. Nature
2. J Vet Intern Med
3. PubMed: Fructan Supplementation
4. Purina
5. PubMed: VSL#3 Strains In Dogs
6. SF68 Stimulates Immune Functions in Young Dogs
7. DMV360
8. AD Prevention With Probiotics
9. The Microbiota of Healthy Dogs
10. Portrait of a Canine Probiotic
11. PubMed
12. Validating Bifidobacterial.