Alongside a well-balanced diet, one way to support their microbiome, or “good bacteria” is by incorporating pre and probiotics into their diet. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of pre and probiotics for dogs, how they work, and how you can introduce them into your dog’s daily routine.

So whether you’re dealing with digestive issues or simply looking to boost your pet’s health, pre and probiotics might be the answer you’ve been searching for!

What are prebiotics and probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria, often referred to as “the good bacteria”, and can be found to have various health benefits which contribute to healthy gut function, enabling proper digestion and boosting the immune system.

While probiotics are naturally occurring in the body, they can be supplemented to manipulate the gut bacteria to a more favourable balance of good bacteria.

Prebiotics are “the food” for the probiotics. They are specialised fibres that help support the probiotics already present in the gut. They act as nourishment for the probiotics, stimulating their growth and aiding their effectiveness.

Why are pre and probiotics important for dogs?

Promoting a well-balanced ecosystem of gut bacteria is fundamental for your pet to have a healthy gut and body. An imbalance can contribute to a range of common health challenges in pets such as digestive issues, allergies and weakened immunity. Probiotics can support the digestive system, helping with issues like diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities. They can also aid in supporting strengthening the immune system as well as skin and coat health.

In short, pre and probiotics are an essential part of a healthy gut and a happy, thriving pet.

How can pre and probiotics support behaviour in dogs?

The expansive microbiome support health benefits such as good digestion and strong immunity, but they can also play a role in dogs’ behaviour. As part of their metabolism, they communicate with the brain via neurotransmitters. The gut and brain can also communicate via neural and immune pathways in a two-way direction. This is known as the gut-brain axis.

Research is showing that the composition of the gut microbiome can have an effect on the cognitive abilities of dogs, and that a healthy gut microbiome could support positive behaviour in dogs.

What are the health benefits?

• Improved digestion
• Relief of diarrhoea and constipation  
• Can help support anxious dogs via the gut brain axis
• Can help with higher energy levels and alertness
• Helps boost the immune system
• Healthy skin
• A shiny, soft coat

Types of probiotic supplements for dogs

Probiotics for dogs can come in many forms, some of the most common are powders, pastes, chews and tablets. The best form of supplement will be down to your individual pet based on their preferences and needs. For help on choosing the right supplement, speak to your vet for advice.

One option is Omniflora, a symbiotic that combines probiotics, parabiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, adsorbing agents, simple amino acids and electrolytes, in amounts that favour the balance of the microbiota, provide intestinal nutrition and support the restoration of electrolyte losses. Omniflora comes in paste and tablet form to cater to different pet preferences.

How to introduce probiotics into your pet’s routine

• Start with small doses to monitor tolerance.
• Mix with food or treats for easy consumption.
• Gradually increase the dose as recommended.

It is always best to consult your vet before starting your pet on any supplements, but when you have a plan in place, see our top tips on introducing them into your pet’s routine:

Do you have any questions on pet probiotics? Reach out to a member of our team today, or have a look at our probiotic for dogs, Omniflora, an excellent solution to support gastrointestinal health and balance.

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The post The Ultimate Guide to Pet Probiotics appeared first on Vita Animal Health .

Digestive upset can manifest as symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, gas, bloating, a general upset tummy or even vomiting. While seeking veterinary advice is always recommended, fortunately, there are measures we can take to support their digestive system from home. Along with a balanced diet, one such avenue is the use of pre and probiotics. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of our dogs’ digestive health and explore the benefits of pre and probiotics,

Understanding an upset tummy in Dogs

Dogs’ digestive systems can be easily disrupted by various factors, including dietary changes, stress, infections, allergies, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food – hands up who has a scavenger! And as fun as that bin-raid may have been, the resulting upset tummy can leave our canine friends feeling uncomfortable, lethargic, and unwell. It is important to address these issues promptly to restore their digestive balance and well-being. One such way is by using a digestive support, such as Omniflora, which is loaded with pre and post biotics, adsorbing agents, simple amino acids and electrolytes. In a nutshell it is packed full of tummy friendly ingredients!

The Role of Pre and Probiotics:

Pre and probiotics are increasingly recognised as valuable tools in promoting and maintaining optimal digestive health in dogs. Just as we are encouraged to take our daily Yakult, we now know that we can also be supporting our dogs and cats in a similar fashion. So, what are pre and probiotics?

Probiotics: Probiotics are the “friendly” bacteria that naturally reside in the gut. These live microorganisms support digestion and nutrient absorption, maintaining optimal health. By maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, probiotics can support immune function, improve stool consistency, and help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving.

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are specialised fibres that serve as a food source for the friendly bacteria already present in the gut. They help stimulate the growth and activity of these beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacilli. Essentially, prebiotics act as nourishment and food for the probiotics, aiding in their effectiveness.

Why is Omniflora so beneficial?

Omniflora is a handy pre and probiotic supplement available as a paste or tablets that can safely be given to your pet in their time of need. Along with high quality pre and pro biotics, Omniflora also boasts simple amino acids, adsorbing agents and electrolytes.

Simple Amino Acids:

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, essential for multiple functions in the body. When a dog experiences digestive upset, the absorption and utilisation of nutrients can be compromised. Simple amino acids, such as glutamine can provide a readily available source of nutrition and energy to support the healing and regeneration of the gastrointestinal lining. Amino acids can help repair damaged tissues, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote overall gastrointestinal health.

Electrolytes:

Electrolytes are minerals, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, that play crucial roles in maintaining proper hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Digestive upset, particularly in cases of diarrhoea or vomiting, can lead to electrolyte imbalances due to excessive fluid loss. Replenishing electrolytes is vital to restore hydration and maintain the proper functioning of bodily systems. Electrolyte supplements or solutions can help replace lost minerals and support optimal function.

Adsorbing Agents:

Adsorbing agents, such as activated charcoal or clay substances like pectin, are known for their ability to bind and remove toxins, pathogens, and other harmful substances from the gastrointestinal tract. In cases of digestive upset caused by ingesting toxins or contaminated food, adsorbing agents can help reduce the absorption of harmful substances and assist in their elimination from the body. They can also help alleviate symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting by reducing the irritants in the digestive system.

How does Omniflora help?

• Restoring Gut Flora Balance: Omniflora contains a blend of carefully selected probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium subtillis, known for their ability to replenish beneficial bacteria in the gut. By restoring the balance of gut flora, it helps optimise digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Strengthening Immune Response: A significant portion of a dog’s immune system resides in the gut. Omniflora supports immune function by promoting a healthy gut environment. The presence of beneficial bacteria can enhance the gut’s ability to defend against harmful pathogens and boost the overall immune response.
• Alleviating Stress-Induced Digestive Issues: Dogs can experience digestive disturbances due to stress and anxiety. Omniflora’s probiotics can help modulate the gut-brain axis, potentially reducing a stress-related upset tummy and promoting a calmer disposition.

Remember, while these supplements can be beneficial in certain situations, it is always best to seek professional guidance from a vet to ensure the correct and safe use of these additives in your dog’s treatment plan.

The post How do Prebiotics Help My Dog’s Upset Tummy? appeared first on Vita Animal Health .