Natural Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs – Synergistic Impact

· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

Natural Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs - Synergistic Impact for Dog Gut Health

Impact on Health of Natural Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs

Summary

Natural prebiotics and probiotics are essential for maintaining optimal gut health in dogs, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms that balance the microbiome. This article provides a comprehensive list of natural prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplements for dogs, along with detailed sections on their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and how they benefit canine health. The FAQ section addresses common questions to help dog owners make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Prebiotics and probiotics work synergistically: Together, they enhance gut health, digestion, and immunity.
  • Natural sources are effective: Many foods and supplements provide prebiotics and probiotics for dogs.
  • Bioactive compounds support health: Compounds like SCFAs, lactic acid, and inulin play critical roles in gut health.
  • Consistency is key: Regular use ensures long-term benefits for your dog’s health.

Table of Contents

What Are Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs

Digestive Health

Immune Support

  • Prebiotics: Stimulate the production of SCFAs, which regulate immune responses.
  • Probiotics: Boost the production of antibodies and prevent harmful bacteria from colonising the gut.

Skin and Coat Health

Stress Reduction and Mental Wellbeing

  • Gut-brain axis: Probiotics influence serotonin production, reducing anxiety and improving mood.

Natural Prebiotic Foods for Dogs

Chicory Root

  • Description: High in inulin, a soluble fibre.
  • Benefits: Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Bananas

Sweet Potatoes

  • Description: Rich in fibre and resistant starch.
  • Benefits: Nourish gut bacteria and regulate bowel movements.

Pumpkin

  • Description: High in soluble fibre.
  • Benefits: Supports gut health and reduces diarrhoea or constipation.

Oats

Baobab

  • Description: A fruit high in fibre and antioxidants.
  • Benefits: Acts as a prebiotic, feeding gut bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Jerusalem Artichokes

  • Description: Rich in inulin and a natural source of prebiotic fibre.
  • Benefits: Enhances gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria growth.

Peas

  • Description: Contain resistant starch and prebiotic fibres.
  • Benefits: Improve digestion and support gut health.

Asparagus

  • Description: High in inulin and other prebiotic fibres.
  • Benefits: Encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Quinoa

  • Description: A gluten-free grain with fibre content.
  • Benefits: Provides prebiotic benefits and supports digestive health.

Fava Beans

  • Description: Rich in resistant starch and fibre.
  • Benefits: Nourish gut bacteria and improve stool consistency.

Chickpeas

  • Description: High in fibre and resistant starch.
  • Benefits: Support gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion.

Dandelions

  • Description: Contain inulin and other beneficial compounds.
  • Benefits: Act as a prebiotic and support liver and digestive health.

Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Blackberries, Raspberries)

  • Description: Rich in antioxidants and fibre.
  • Benefits: Provide mild prebiotic effects and support overall gut health.

Seaweed

  • Description: Contains polysaccharides that act as prebiotics.
  • Benefits: Supports gut bacteria and provides additional minerals.

Natural Probiotic Foods for Dogs

Kefir

  • Description: Fermented milk with diverse probiotic strains.
  • Benefits: Supports digestion and immune health.

Yoghurt (Unsweetened)

Sauerkraut

  • Description: Fermented cabbage with natural probiotics.
  • Benefits: Enhances gut health and provides antioxidants.

Miso Paste

  • Description: Fermented soy product.
  • Benefits: Offers probiotics and enzymes.

Fermented Vegetables

  • Description: Includes carrots, cabbage and green beans fermented with probiotics.
  • Benefits: Provides beneficial bacteria and additional nutrients.

Natural Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements for Dogs

Prebiotic Supplements

  • Inulin, MOS and FOS: Derived from plants like chicory.
  • Benefits: Feed beneficial bacteria and improve gut health.

Probiotic Strains

  • Saccharomyces boulardii: Effective for diarrhoea and pathogen control.
  • Lactobacillus helveticus (acidophilus): Balances gut flora and reduces inflammation.
  • Bifidobacterium animalis: Enhances stool quality and gut barrier function.
  • Bacillus subtilis/Bacillus velezensis: Survive stomach acid, improve nutrient absorption, and produce antimicrobial compounds.
  • Enterococcus faecium: Supports digestive health and prevents diarrhoea.

Bioactive Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

  • Produced by prebiotics: Nourish colon cells and reduce inflammation.

Inulin and Oligosaccharides

  • Action: Feed beneficial bacteria and stimulate SCFA production.

Lactic Acid and Antimicrobial Peptides

  • Produced by probiotics: Lower gut pH and inhibit harmful bacteria.

FAQs

What are natural prebiotics for dogs?

Natural prebiotics include chicory root, bananas, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and oats. These fibres feed beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion and immunity.

What foods are natural prebiotics?

Foods like chicory root, bananas, oats, and pumpkin are excellent sources of natural prebiotics.

How do probiotics benefit dogs?

Probiotics balance gut bacteria, improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Can I give prebiotics and probiotics together?

Yes, combining prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) enhances their effectiveness.

How often should I give my dog prebiotics and probiotics?

Daily supplementation is recommended for consistent benefits.

Are there side effects to prebiotics and probiotics?

Side effects are rare but may include mild bloating or gas during the adjustment period.

What is the best prebiotic and probiotic combination for dogs?

Synbiotics combining inulin or FOS with strains like Bacillus velezensis/subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis are highly effective.

Conclusion

Natural prebiotics and probiotics are integral to a dog’s health, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Incorporating natural food sources and supplements ensures your dog enjoys the full range of benefits these powerful nutrients offer.

Bonza: Synbiotics for Dogs

Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains vegan dog food recipe includes clinically researched, spore-forming probiotics like Calsporin®, combined with high quality prebiotics and the advanced postbiotic TruPet™. This synbiotic blend ensures optimal gut health and long-term wellness for your dog.

Bonza 100% plant-based food for dogs also contains the following prebiotic foods and supplements:

  • Quinoa
  • Oats
  • Sweet Potato
  • Seaweed
  • Pumpkin
  • Baobab
  • Peas
  • Fava Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • FOS and MOS
  • Inulin

Natural Prebiotic and 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.

Bonza Biotics Bioactive Bites Prebiotic Probiotic Postbiotics Supplements for Dogs Immune System Microbiome Toxin Elimination and Inflammation Reduction
SHOP BIOTICS BIOACTIVE BITES NOW

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About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy on the day, as his contribution to our new family!

Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other

Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.

I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.

I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.

The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food that elevates our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.

I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.

I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!

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