Best Probiotic For Dogs With Diarrhea — Top Picks & Review 2024

Best Probiotics For Dogs With Diarrhea

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This is the most comprehensive guide to finding the best dog probiotics for diarrhea.

When your furry friend suffers from diarrhea, it can be worrisome and messy. Probiotics may be vital to restoring your dog’s digestive health and providing relief.

In this article, we delve into the realm of probiotics for dogs with diarrhea, exploring the top brands and providing you with valuable insights to make an informed decision. Let’s dive right in!

Best Dog Probiotics For Diarrhea — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best probiotics for dogs with Diarrhea.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

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

The Relationship Between Diarrhea In Dogs, Gut Health & Probiotics

Diarrhea in dogs can occur for various reasons, including dietary indiscretion, infections, intestinal parasites, stress, or changes in diet. Loose, watery stools characterize it and can be accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Diarrhea disrupts the balance of the gut microbiota, which consists of trillions of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria.

The relationship between diarrhea in dogs and gut health is interconnected and centers around the concept of the dog microbiome, the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in your dog’s body, such as the gut.

A healthy dog’s gut has a balanced microbiome where “good” bacteria and other microorganisms keep potentially harmful species in check. This balance is crucial for maintaining gut health and facilitating essential functions like digestion. Improved digestion can reduce the incidence of diarrhea and promote nutrient absorption.

The Role of Probiotics For Dogs With Diarrhea

Probiotics can play a role in restoring and maintaining a healthy microbiome in dogs, thereby helping to control diarrhea. By introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut, probiotics can enhance the integrity of the gut barrier by promoting mucus production and strengthening the tight junctions between intestinal cells. This helps prevent the passage of toxins and pathogens into the bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of diarrhea. Probiotics also help by supporting a healthier immune response, helping to regulate the body’s inflammatory reactions. By reducing inflammation, they may alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and promote faster recovery.

NOTE: it’s important to note that probiotics should NOT be considered as part of an overall approach to maintaining gut health and preventing diarrhea. This approach should include a balanced, nutritious diet, exercise, and vet check-ups to monitor overall health.

What Are Dog Probiotics For Diarrhea?

Probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria (probiotic strains). These “good” bacteria help to restore and maintain a healthy balance within your dog’s gut, significantly when diarrhea has disrupted the microbiome.

There are many different probiotic strains, but the two most common probiotic bacteria strains are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea usually contain a combination of multiple strains.

Dog probiotics for diarrhea supplements can be found in powders, chews, capsules, pastes, liquids, or food.

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.

what are dog probiotics

How To Pick The Best Probiotics For Dogs With Diarrhea

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

  • Multiple bacteria strains. Different strains of bacteria provide additional benefits to your dog. Studies have shown that multi-strain probiotics have been more effective than single-strain probiotics for years. For instance, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus aid with diarrhea and gut health.
  • Potency and CFU. Most dog probiotics for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea 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 diarrhea, like dairy, fish, bovine, crustaceans, soy, and wheat.

Best Probiotics For Dogs With Diarrhea

What is the best probiotic for dogs with diarrhea? We’ve rounded up the best probiotic for dogs with diarrhea.

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

Best Overall Dog Probiotic For Diarrhea — Purina FortiFlora

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Probiotics strains: 1 ┊ CFU: 100 million per serving
Prebiotic included: No ┊ Servings: 30 to 180 counts ┊Manufactured: USA

Overview

Probiotics strains: 1
CFU: 100 million per serving
Prebiotic included: No
Servings: 30 to 180 counts
Manufactured: USA

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most probiotics can help with the looseness of the bowls. Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora stands out because it has been specially formulated to promote normal intestinal microflora in dogs suffering from flatulence and diarrhea. For years, vets have recommended Fortiflora dog probiotics to help support digestive health, reduce gas, and dietary management of puppies and adult dogs with diarrhea. It’s also an excellent probiotic for puppies with diarrhea.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Proprietary microencapsulation guarantees the survival of the probiotic bacteria, so your dog gets the maximum benefits on each serving. This probiotic powder is perfect for all breeds of dogs at any stage of life. It comes in pre-measured packets to ensure your dog gets the ideal daily dose of probiotics.

Probiotics Strains Included

Enterococcus faecium, vitamins E, B, and C, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and zinc.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Pre-measured sachets for easy serving
  • Contains antioxidant Vitamins A, E, and C
  • Enterococcus Faecium, zinc, and beta-carotene
  • Formulated by nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians

Cons


Best Dog Chew Probiotic For Diarrhea 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 for diarrhea 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 Included

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

Best Organic Probiotic For Dogs With Diarrhea 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 for diarrhea. They go to great lengths to source clean and organic ingredients to formulate their probiotics for diarrhea. 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 their probiotics jars are 100% recyclable and not in landfills.

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 With Diarrhea 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 early is essential. A puppy probiotic for diarrhea 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 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 Included

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 With Diarrhea 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

If you are looking for the cheapest dog probiotic for diarrhea that doesn’t sacrifice quality, Nusentia Dog Miracle Probiotic is our top choice cheapest probiotic for dogs with diarrhea. 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, diarrhea, gas, bad breath, constipation, skin issues (itching & scratching), diarrhea, 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 its formula’s effectiveness in offering 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 Zesty Paws

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

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

Overview

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

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Zesty Paws Probiotics Bites can help fido kiss goodbye to tummy trouble such as diarrhea. Zesty’s formula features six probiotic strains, including 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.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

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.

Probiotics Strains Included

Bacillus Coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. Plantarum, L. brevis, L. fermentum, and L. lactics.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Ganeden bc30 probiotic
  • Grain-free
  • Helps nutrient absorption (proteins and minerals)
  • Natural enzymes and fibers (pumpkin and Papaya)

Cons


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 for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea 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 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 With Diarrhea 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 for diarrhea good for small dogs? Yes, probiotics for diarrhea work on any dog size just as well. If you have a small dog breed suffering from an upset stomach, diarrhea, or gas, or looking for the best probiotics for small dogs, Pawlife Soft Chews Probiotics for Dogs 3-in-1 formula is an excellent choice. 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 many 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 With Diarrhea 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 for diarrhea? Yes! If you are looking for the best dog probiotic pills for diarrhea, 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 upset stomach from boarding stress, antibiotics, or just having a sensitive system, Proviable probiotic capsules for dogs with diarrhea help put things back in balance. You can use this capsule 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 has 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 Probiotic Powder For Dogs With Diarrhea 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 for diarrhea 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 with diarrhea 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 a rice hull and rice extract blend, which may cause sensitivity in some dogs

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

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

Probiotics for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea, you introduce living bacteria into its 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 for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea until you are ready to use them.
  • Discard expired probiotics as they are likely to contain fewer living CFUs
  • Some probiotics for diarrhea 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 for diarrhea.

Best Probiotic For Dogs With Diarrhea Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best probiotic for dogs with diarrhea can be valuable in promoting gastrointestinal health and alleviating symptoms. The use of probiotics helps restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhances digestion, reinforces the gut barrier, and modulates the immune system. By addressing the underlying causes and providing supportive care, probiotics can play a significant role in the recovery process for dogs experiencing diarrhea.

When choosing a probiotic, it is essential to consult a veterinarian who can provide expert guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs. They can recommend the most suitable probiotic strains, dosage, and duration of supplementation. Remember that probiotics are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of diarrhea, and professional advice is crucial.


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