Homemade Probiotics for Dogs – Natural Health

Natural Probiotics for Dogs Homemade – Foods and Recipes

Summary

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that support a dog’s digestive system, immunity, skin and coat and overall wellbeing. Homemade probiotics offer a cost-effective, natural way to improve your dog’s gut health while allowing for complete control over the ingredients. This article explores probiotic foods, specific recipes for common health conditions such as allergies, diarrhoea, and itchy skin, and a step-by-step guide on how to prepare probiotics at home for dogs. A detailed FAQ section answers key questions to help you care for your dog holistically.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade probiotics are natural and cost-effective: They provide gut health benefits without synthetic additives.
• Probiotic-rich foods vary: Options like kefir, yogurt, and fermented vegetables each offer distinct strains and benefits.
• Customisation is key: Recipes can be tailored for allergies, diarrhoea, or itchy skin.
• Quality matters: Use fresh, dog-safe ingredients to ensure maximum efficacy and safety.

Table of Contents

• What Are Probiotics?
• Probiotic Foods
  • Comprehensive List of Probiotic Foods and Their Strains
• Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies
• Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhoea
• Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Itchy Skin
• How to Make Homemade Probiotics for Dogs?
  • Recipe Examples
• FAQs
  • What are probiotics for dogs?
  • Are homemade probiotics safe for dogs?
  • What are the best probiotic foods for dogs?
  • Can probiotics help with specific health issues?
  • How often should I give my dog homemade probiotics?
  • Are there risks to homemade probiotics?
• Conclusion

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide health benefits. In dogs, probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. They work by:

• Competing with harmful bacteria for resources.
• Strengthening the gut lining.
• Modulating immune responses.
• Producing beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Probiotic Foods

Comprehensive List of Probiotic Foods and Their Strains

1. Kefir
   • Strains: Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum.
   • Benefits: Supports digestion and enhances immunity.
2. Yoghurt (Unsweetened)
   • Strains: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus.
   • Benefits: Improves gut health and nutrient absorption.
3. Sauerkraut
   • Strains: Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides.
   • Benefits: Promotes digestion and gut balance.
4. Miso Paste
   • Strains: Tetragenococcus halophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii.
   • Benefits: Provides enzymes and supports gut health.
5. Fermented Vegetables
   • Strains: Varies based on vegetables but commonly includes Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus.
   • Benefits: Enhance gut health and provide fibre.
6. Kombucha
   • Strains: Gluconacetobacter, Lactobacillus, Acetobacter. (1)
   • Benefits: Aids digestion and improves gut flora.
   • Note: Use sparingly and ensure it’s unsweetened.

Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies

Allergies in dogs are often linked to systemic inflammation and an imbalanced immune response. Homemade probiotics can help by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammatory markers.

Recipe: Probiotic Pumpkin Blend

• Ingredients: 1 cup plain kefir, ½ cup pureed pumpkin, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder.
• Method: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Serve 1-2 tablespoons daily based on your dog’s size.
• Benefits: Kefir provides beneficial bacteria, pumpkin supports digestion, and turmeric reduces inflammation.

Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhoea

Probiotics restore gut balance and combat harmful pathogens, making them an effective remedy for diarrhoea.

Recipe: Fermented Rice Water

• Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white rice, 2 cups water.
• Method: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until lightly fermented. Strain and serve 1-2 tablespoons.
• Benefits: Fermented rice water soothes the gut and restores hydration while introducing beneficial bacteria.

Homemade Probiotics for Dogs with Itchy Skin

Probiotics can reduce inflammation and support skin barrier function, alleviating symptoms of itchy skin.

Recipe: Berry-Kefir Smoothie

• Ingredients: ½ cup plain kefir, ¼ cup blueberries, 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil.
• Method: Blend ingredients until smooth. Serve as a treat or meal topper.
• Benefits: Blueberries provide antioxidants, kefir introduces probiotics, and flaxseed oil reduces skin inflammation.

How to Make Homemade Probiotics for Dogs?

Homemade probiotics are easy to prepare and allow for ingredient customisation. Here are general tips and a versatile recipe:

Tips

• Always use dog-safe ingredients.
• Introduce probiotics gradually to avoid digestive upset.
• Store fermented foods in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Versatile Recipe: Fermented Vegetables

• Ingredients: 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 2 teaspoons sea salt, water.
• Method:
  1. Place vegetables in a jar and add salt.
  2. Fill the jar with water to cover the vegetables.
  3. Seal loosely and let ferment at room temperature for 5-7 days.
  4. Store in the refrigerator.
• Serving: Offer 1 teaspoon for small dogs or 1 tablespoon for larger dogs as a topper.

FAQs

What are probiotics for dogs?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that balance gut bacteria, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Are homemade probiotics safe for dogs?

Yes, when made with dog-safe ingredients and introduced gradually, homemade probiotics are safe and beneficial.

What are the best probiotic foods for dogs?

Kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables are excellent natural sources.

Can probiotics help with specific health issues?

Yes, probiotics can address allergies, diarrhoea, and itchy skin by reducing inflammation and supporting gut health.

How often should I give my dog homemade probiotics?

Daily supplementation is ideal for consistent benefits. Adjust serving sizes based on your dog’s size and condition.

Are there risks to homemade probiotics?

Risks are minimal but include digestive upset if introduced too quickly or made improperly. Use fresh, safe ingredients.

Conclusion

Homemade probiotics offer a natural, affordable way to enhance your dog’s health. By incorporating probiotic-rich foods and tailoring recipes to address specific conditions, you can support your dog’s gut health, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.

Bonza: Synbiotics for Dogs

For those seeking convenience without compromising quality, Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains vegan dog food includes the clinically researched probiotic Calsporin®, combined with quality blend of natural prebiotics and TruPet™, a postbiotic, for optimal gut health. Bonza delivers the powerful benefits of synbiotics, ensuring your dog thrives naturally.

Premium Natural Probiotic Supplement for Dogs

Biotics Bioactive Bites, a next generation prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic supplement for dogs, are vet-trusted soft chew supplements, that combine advanced probiotic strains, targeted prebiotics and postbiotics, toxin eliminators and microbiome-supporting nutrients to:

• Restore your dog’s gut balance improving vital gut-organ communication
• Support the removal of harmful toxins
• Boost their immune system naturally
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative damage
• Promote whole body metabolic health for your dog

Formulated with cutting-edge microbiome science, these delicious chews deliver a complex ecosystem of beneficial organisms and bioactive ingredients, that transform your dog’s health from the inside out.

Because gut health isn’t just about digestion.