So many dogs have GI tract issues due to inappropriate diet, stress, and other environmental problems. Prebiotics and probiotics provide nutrients to the gut microbiome that promote healing of the inflamed intestinal tract and lead to better overall health and longevity for your dog. Postbiotics are the end by-products of a healthy gut microbiome that play a significant role in your dog's metabolism.

Prebiotics are soluble dietary fibers that withstand digestion throughout the GI tract, allowing them to enter the colon undigested. In the colon, they ferment and create short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that stimulate the growth and activity of the body's beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics improve the composition of the gut flora by providing food for the beneficial bacteria, decreasing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and reducing the overall risk of disease. 

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) –Derived from fruit and root vegetables fructose molecules, FOS effectively regulates the canine intestinal microbiome and improves mineral absorption. 

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) –Derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. MOS improves the immune system.

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are derived from dairy, beans, and root vegetables.

Inulin is the indigestible starch found in many fruits and vegetables.

Beta-glucan is the medicinal ingredient in mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms include shiitake, maitake, oyster, reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail, Cordyceps, button, Chaga, and king.

Mushrooms can be provided as an extract, in a soup, or made into a porridge. Dried powdered mushrooms are commercially available in pills and powders.

The benefits of mushrooms include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, and tumor-reduction properties. Mushrooms protect against viral and infectious diseases, stimulate the gut microbiome, stimulate the immune system, promote heart, liver, and GI tract health, manage diabetes, and delay aging. They are also used to prevent and treat intestinal parasitic diseases.

Chicory root naturally has a semi-sweet taste, making it very palatable for your dog. The medicinal property of chicory root is its high levels of inulin.

Chicory root benefits include improvement in digestion, anti-inflammatory properties for the GI tract that aid with constipation, acts as an antioxidant, and acts as an antiparasitic as the natural oil emitted by chicory is thought to assist in the elimination of intestinal parasites. 

You have probably been told that garlic is toxic to dogs. However, garlic has many benefits. It is only harmful in massive amounts!

The medicinal component of garlic is allicin, which is released when garlic is chopped or crushed. The benefits of garlic include preventing blood clots, regulating blood pressure, stimulating the lymphatic system, anti-cancer properties, antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antiparasitic properties.

Larch arabinogalactan is a soluble fiber found in small amounts in carrots, pears, corn, coconut, shiitake mushrooms, and some herbs like echinacea and astragalus. True larch arabinogalactan is found in the Western Larch tree as wood gum.

Benefits of larch arabinogalactan include protection of the intestinal lining against viruses and pathogenic bacteria, anti-inflammatory properties, management of diabetes, immune system support through the stimulation of macrophages and natural killer cells, anti-cancer properties, and support in the management of allergies, skin disorders, and ear infections.

There are many larch arabinogalactan supplements commercially available. Follow the instructions on the label to supply the correct dose to your dog.

Burdock root, although considered a weed, is abundant in inulin. The benefits of burdock root include support of the urinary bladder and the kidneys, support for skin issues, management of diabetes, detoxification of the liver, and acting as an antioxidant.

Burdock root also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and treats cancer. It supplies many nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and B vitamins.

To prepare burdock root, you create a tonic by mixing 1 cup of cold water with 1-2 teaspoons of the dried form of burdock root (not the powder) or two tablespoons of fresh. Reduce the heat and simmer for roughly twenty minutes. Remove from heat and allow the tonic to cool for ten more minutes.  

The dosage for tonic is to add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for every 10 lbs of your dog's body weight to his food daily.

Dandelion greens are abundant in vitamin C, K, beta-carotene, potassium, and inulin. You must use dandelion greens that you know have not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides!

Using a few leaves added to your dog's bowl weekly will provide excellent benefits, including support and detoxification of the liver, antioxidant properties, and acting as a natural diuretic and appetite stimulant.

Apples, bananas, and asparagus can all be used as treats, but avoid giving apple seeds to your dog as they can cause GI upset. Use bananas sparingly because they are high in carbohydrates and sugar. Just one inch a day or a half of a banana two times a week is sufficient. 

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that aid in restoring your dog's gut microbiome. They are supplied in fermented foods or as supplements. 

Probiotics' roles include aiding digestion, providing immune support, aiding in the absorption of critical nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, and providing a protective barrier against cancer-causing toxins, drugs, heavy metals, and possible allergens.  

Probiotics assist in producing vitamin K, vitamin B complex, enzymes, and serotonin.

Because probiotics cause a reduction in the gut pH, there is also a reduction in the growth of pathogen bacteria. Probiotics support the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). 

The benefits of SCFA include providing nutrients to the good bacteria, promoting the growth of the good bacteria, which in turn overcomes the harmful bacteria, assisting in the production of a healthy protective mucus layer that lines the intestinal tract, reducing glucose levels, which aids in the reduction of metabolic disease and obesity, the output of  T-cells, an essential component of the immune system; reducing chronic inflammation; protecting the intestinal lining from food allergens and increasing the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and iron. 

When there are even minor alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome, there can be substantial impacts on the dog's health. Many causes for shifts in the types of bacteria present lead to dysbiosis. 

The use of antibiotics is a common cause of dysbiosis. After a course of antibiotic therapy, it is best to provide your dog with either Saccharomyces boulardii or soil-based probiotics (Bacillus subtilises and Bacillus coagulans). 

Medications, exposure to toxins, aging, and eating an ultra-processed diet high in starch or fat are other ways your dog's gut microbiome can become compromised.

Many disorders within your dog's body result from the shift in the gut flora. Probiotics are very beneficial to your dog with these disorders, including leaky gut syndrome, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), yeast (Candida) overgrowth-often caused by antibiotic use, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, IBD, pancreatitis, and obesity. Skin issues due to food allergies and behavioral issues can stem from dysbiosis.

Microorganisms used for probiotics must pass the stomach–duodenum barrier without being destroyed to multiply and thrive in the large intestine. 

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardiiis is used to treat acute diarrhea and other digestive issues caused by chronic gut inflammation. This strain is also antibiotic-resistant.

Bacilli strains of probiotics are spore-forming bacteria that overcome harmful bacteria in the gut. With their anti-inflammatory properties, they are used for inflammatory digestive diseases.

Akkermansia muciniphila has recently been shown to have remarkable benefits for your dog. It promotes a healthy GI mucosal lining and supports the motility within the GI tract, preventing diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Probiotics in Food 

Probiotic yogurt is popular due to marketing campaigns for humans. However, common problems associated with using yogurt as a probiotic are that many dogs are sensitive to dairy products, resulting in inflammation and immune issues. Also, yogurt contains very few probiotics and is usually high in sugar.

Kefir is also a popular probiotic, but it can cause digestion issues due to the dairy component when fed to dogs.

Fermented foods such as Chaga and kimchi are abundant in prebiotics and probiotics. However, the taste may be too tangy for your dog.

Probiotic supplements should also contain prebiotics. Look at the label for "Contains Prebiotics" or a list of prebiotic foods in the ingredients.

You need to provide the proper amount of probiotics to be effective. Lactic acid bacteria are easily destroyed in the gut, so they must be supplied in large amounts, at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) for a healthy dog and up to 25-50 billion CFU for dogs suffering from digestive issues or immune disorders.

Provide Saccharomyces boulardii in a dose of 5 billion CFU. and Bacillus strains at 1 billion CFU.

For your dog's gut to truly heal, you must provide the complete combination of prebiotics and probiotics. If probiotics are given to unprepared gut flora, they will be less likely to colonize in the mucosal lining and eventually die off without the concurrent use of prebiotics. By preparing the gut with prebiotics, food that feeds the bacteria in probiotics, the probiotics will flourish and start crowding out the harmful bacteria.  

The term postbiotics is gaining popularity. Postbiotics, also called bioactive micro and macro-molecules, are derived from the microbiome in the gut. These substances play significant roles in regulating the host's metabolic pathways and promoting the growth, development, and reproduction of beneficial organisms. 

Digestive issues are common in dogs and can be influenced by diet, stress, medications, and environmental factors. A healthy gut begins with a healthy gut microbiome, the community of beneficial microorganisms that lives in the digestive tract. These microorganisms help support digestion, immune function, and overall health.

Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics each play a unique role in supporting the gut microbiome. Prebiotics provide nourishment for beneficial bacteria, helping them grow and thrive. Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that help maintain a balanced gut environment. As these microorganisms digest and ferment nutrients, they produce postbiotics, beneficial compounds that support intestinal health, immune function, metabolism, and overall wellness.

By supporting the gut microbiome with the right nutrition, you can help your dog maintain a healthy digestive system and support long-term health.

Prebiotics are types of soluble fiber that resist digestion in the stomach and small intestine and reach the colon largely intact. Once there, they are fermented by beneficial microorganisms in the gut microbiome, producing compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds help nourish cells lining the intestinal tract and support digestive and immune health.

By serving as food for beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help maintain a healthy balance within the gut microbiome. Research suggests that prebiotics can support digestive health, promote immune function, and contribute to overall wellness.

Several types of prebiotics occur naturally in foods:

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are found in fruits and root vegetables. They help support beneficial gut bacteria and may improve mineral absorption.

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are derived from the cell walls of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They are commonly used to support digestive and immune health.

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) occur naturally in dairy products, beans, and certain root vegetables.

Inulin is a naturally occurring fiber found in many fruits and vegetables and is one of the most widely studied prebiotics.

Many mushrooms contain beta-glucans, compounds that function as prebiotics and support immune health. Commonly used varieties include shiitake, maitake, oyster, reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail, cordyceps, button, chaga, and king oyster mushrooms. Mushrooms can be fed as extracts, incorporated into soups or porridges, or provided as commercial powders and supplements.

Research suggests that medicinal mushrooms may help support immune function, gut health, and healthy aging. Some studies have also investigated their potential role in supporting dogs with allergies, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Chicory root is naturally rich in inulin and has a mildly sweet flavor that many dogs enjoy. It is commonly used to support digestive health and regular bowel function. Chicory root also contains antioxidant compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress.

Garlic contains compounds such as allicin that are released when the garlic is chopped or crushed. In appropriate amounts, garlic may support cardiovascular health, immune function, and the body's natural defenses against certain microbes and parasites.

Use fresh garlic and measure by teaspoon rather than by clove, since clove size can vary considerably.

Larch arabinogalactan is a soluble fiber found in small amounts in foods such as carrots, pears, corn, coconut, and shiitake mushrooms. Commercial supplements are typically derived from the Western larch tree.

Research suggests that larch arabinogalactan may help support intestinal barrier function, immune health, and a balanced inflammatory response.&nbsp;

Follow the manufacturer's directions on the supplement label.

Burdock root is naturally rich in inulin and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It has traditionally been used to support liver, kidney, and skin health and provides antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from damage.

To prepare a tonic, simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried burdock root, or 2 tablespoons of fresh burdock root, in 1 cup of water for approximately 20 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before use.

Dandelion greens provide vitamins C and K, beta-carotene, potassium, and inulin. Be sure to use only plants that have not been treated with herbicides or pesticides. Dandelion greens may help support liver function and provide antioxidant benefits.

A few leaves added to your dog's food each week is generally sufficient.

Apples, bananas, and asparagus all contain prebiotic fibers and can be offered as occasional treats. Avoid feeding apple seeds and offer bananas in moderation due to their sugar content.

Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that help support a healthy gut microbiome. They can be supplied through certain fermented foods or as dietary supplements.

A healthy gut microbiome plays an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall health. Beneficial microorganisms help maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining and compete with potentially harmful microorganisms for space and nutrients within the digestive tract.

Some probiotic microorganisms produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds help nourish cells lining the intestinal tract, support the protective mucus layer of the gut, promote a balanced inflammatory response, and contribute to healthy digestion and metabolism.

Even small changes in the composition of the gut microbiome can affect your dog's health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may result from antibiotic use, medications, environmental toxins, aging, stress, or a diet high in ultra-processed foods.

Antibiotics are one of the most common causes of dysbiosis because they destroy beneficial microorganisms along with harmful ones. Providing probiotics during and after antibiotic therapy may help support the recovery of a healthy gut microbiome.

Research suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may contribute to digestive disorders, immune dysfunction, skin issues, obesity, and behavioral changes. Probiotics can be used as part of a nutritional strategy to support digestive and immune health.

Not all probiotic strains provide the same benefits. The most effective probiotics for dogs are strains that can survive passage through the stomach and reach the intestines, where they can provide support.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast that supports digestive health and is commonly used during or after antibiotic therapy because it is not affected by antibiotics. It is often recommended for dogs experiencing diarrhea and other digestive disturbances.

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans are spore-forming bacteria that can withstand harsh digestive conditions and help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. These strains are commonly used to support digestive and immune health.

Akkermansia muciniphila is an emerging probiotic that has shown promise in supporting the intestinal mucus layer, digestive health, and healthy gut function.

Many people associate probiotics with yogurt, but yogurt is not always an ideal choice for dogs. Some dogs are sensitive to dairy products, and many commercial yogurts contain added sugars while providing relatively low levels of beneficial microorganisms.

Kefir contains a wider variety of microorganisms than yogurt, but may still cause digestive upset in dogs that do not tolerate dairy products.

Fermented foods can provide both probiotics and postbiotics. Depending on the product, options may include fermented vegetables and certain fermented mushroom preparations. However, some fermented foods have flavors that many dogs do not enjoy.

In addition to fermented foods, species-appropriate foods containing connective tissue, cartilage, skin, and other animal tissues may help support microbial diversity within the gut. Emerging discussions in canine nutrition suggest that these animal-derived structures may provide important substrates for the gut microbiome that differ from traditional plant fibers.

A high-quality probiotic supplement should also contain ingredients that help nourish beneficial microorganisms. Look for products that include prebiotic ingredients or other microbiome-supportive compounds.

The effectiveness of a probiotic supplement depends on both the strains used and the number of live microorganisms provided. Potency is measured in CFUs, or colony-forming units.

Supporting your dog's gut microbiome requires more than simply adding probiotics. Beneficial microorganisms need the right environment and nutrients to thrive, and prebiotics play an important role.

Prebiotics nourish beneficial microorganisms already living in the digestive tract and those introduced through probiotic foods and supplements. When combined, prebiotics and probiotics work together to support a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.

Think of probiotics as beneficial microorganisms and prebiotics as the food that supports them. Without an adequate supply of nutrients, beneficial microorganisms may struggle to establish themselves and provide their full benefits. By supplying both prebiotics and probiotics, you can help create an environment that favors beneficial microorganisms while discouraging the growth of less desirable ones.

Together, prebiotics and probiotics help support digestive health, immune function, and the overall health of your dog's gastrointestinal tract.

While prebiotics and probiotics have received much attention in recent years, postbiotics are increasingly recognized for their important role in health.

Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced by microorganisms as they digest and ferment nutrients within the gut. Rather than being living organisms themselves, postbiotics are natural by-products of a healthy, active gut microbiome.

These beneficial compounds include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, peptides, and other bioactive substances that help support your dog's health.

Postbiotics help nourish cells lining the intestinal tract, support the protective mucus layer of the gut, promote a balanced immune response, and contribute to healthy digestion and metabolism. Many of the health benefits associated with a healthy gut microbiome are believed to result from the postbiotics produced by beneficial microorganisms.

Because postbiotics are produced naturally by beneficial microorganisms, the best way to increase their production is to support a healthy gut microbiome through species-appropriate nutrition and, when appropriate, prebiotics and probiotics.

Researchers continue to study postbiotics and their potential role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall wellness. As our understanding of the gut microbiome grows, postbiotics are emerging as a key link between the microorganisms living in the gut and their impact on the body's overall health.

The growing body of microbiome research is changing how we think about canine nutrition. When you feed your dog, you are also feeding trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and overall health. The food choices you make influence not only your dog's cells and organs but also the health and diversity of the gut microbiome. By nourishing beneficial microorganisms with species-appropriate foods and supplementing with prebiotics and probiotics as needed, you encourage the production of beneficial postbiotics that support your dog's well-being. In many ways, optimal nutrition is not just about feeding the dog. It is about feeding the ecosystem within the dog that helps determine health, resilience, and longevity.

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02931403">Lactobacilli and enterococci — Potential probiotics for dogs</a>

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00595">Effects of probiotic bacteria in dogs with food responsive diarrhoea treated with an elimination diet</a>

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2021.1940323">The synergistic effect of prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants on dogs with chronic kidney disease.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.11.015">A canine-specific probiotic product in treating acute or intermittent diarrhea in dogs: A double-blind placebo-controlled efficacy study</a>

<a href="https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2014.3107">The Utilisation of Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Dogs</a>

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238006">Galactoligosaccharide and a prebiotic blend improve colonic health and immunity of adult dogs</a>

<a href="https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/6-best-probiotics-for-dogs/">https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/6-best-probiotics-for-dogs/</a>

<a href="https://isappscience.org/">International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5354029/">Efficacy of a Probiotic‐Prebiotic Supplement on Incidence of Diarrhea in a Dog Shelter: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial - PMC</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6593266/">A Randomized Double Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Probiotic or Metronidazole for Acute Canine Diarrhea - PMC</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8187564">Effects of Synbiotics on the Fecal Microbiome and Metabolomic Profiles of Healthy Research Dogs Administered Antibiotics: A Randomized, Controlled Trial</a>/&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5628651/">Randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effect of multi-strain probiotic on the mucosal microbiota in canine idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease - PMC</a>&nbsp;

Prebiotics and Probiotics Boost Your Dog's Health

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