Prebiotics & Probiotics

Probiotics have become a go-to solution for improving gut health, skin irritations, yeast infections, and more in dogs. However, probiotics need fuel to thrive—and that fuel is prebiotics.

Understanding the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, and which sources are best for dogs, can significantly improve your pet’s digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

🦠 Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: What’s the Difference?

✔️ Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support gut balance, digestion, and immunity.

✔️ Prebiotics are the food source for probiotics, helping them multiply and thrive in the digestive system.

🐾 Without prebiotics, probiotics won’t be as effective!

🌿 Recommended Prebiotics for Dogs

Choosing prebiotics designed for dogs is crucial, as the supplement market is not well-regulated. Stick to vet-supported, pro-raw, or holistic-approved products for safety & effectiveness.

Proflax Supreme Shrooms

✔️ Supports immunity & fights infections

✔️ Reduces inflammation in the bladder & digestive tract

✔️ Offers powerful antioxidant properties

✔️ Helps eliminate parasites

Garlic (Yes, it’s safe in the right amount!)

✔️ Prevents blood clots & regulates cholesterol

✔️ Helps manage blood pressure & protects against cancer

✔️ Acts as a natural antibiotic, antifungal & antiparasitic

✔️ Stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding detoxification

⚠️ Use ONLY organic raw white garlic. Chop or crush, then wait a few minutes before feeding - it allows allicin (the medicinal compound) to activate.

🐾 Feeding Guidelines (Typically 1–2 times per week)

✅ 10–20 lbs: ½ clove

✅ 20–40 lbs: 1 clove

✅ 45–70 lbs: 2 cloves

✅ 70+ lbs: 2 ½ cloves

🔹 Check out our Garlic Blog for more details!

Dandelion Greens (Natural Liver & Detox Support)

✔️ Aids detoxification & supports liver function

✔️ Provides antioxidants for cellular health

✔️ Acts as a natural diuretic (without depleting nutrients)

✔️ Can stimulate appetite

🚨 Never use greens sprayed with chemicals or pesticides.

🐾 Dandelion Greens may increase urination, so ensure your dog has enough time for bathroom breaks.

🔹 Learn how to make Dandelion Tea in our Tea-Making Blog!

Bone Broth (A Gut Health Superfood)

✔️ Strengthens gut health & immunity

✔️ Has BOTH prebiotic & probiotic benefits

✔️ Repairs leaky gut & soothes digestive tracts

✔️ Provides extra nutrients during illness or recovery

✔️ Hydrating all year round

✔️ Eases raw diet transitions

🦠 Best Probiotics for Dogs

Fermented Foods (Chaga, Kefir, Kimchi)

✔️ Rich in probiotics & beneficial enzymes

✔️ Supports gut balance & digestion

✔️ Aids immune health & yeast management

🚨 Use caution with dogs who currently have yeast infections—fermented foods contain prebiotics, which can stimulate yeast if not managed properly.

🚨 Check ingredient labels to avoid toxic additives like onions.

Kefir: A Superior Probiotic Choice

🔹 More effective than yogurt for canine digestion.

🔹 Contains up to 61 strains of bacteria & yeast, making it one of the most potent probiotic sources.

🔹 Milk-based kefir is generally well tolerated, but some dogs may need water-based options like those from Alexander’s Natural.

Four Leaf Rover Saccharomyces Boulardii or Protect (Highly Recommended)

🐾 Supports gut bacteria balance and immune resilience.

🐾 Yoghurt vs. Kefir: Which Is Best?

Many dog owners ask whether yoghurt or kefir is the best probiotic choice. The answer? Kefir!

Kefir (Best Choice)

✔️ Made by fermenting milk with kefir grains—can be cow, goat, or coconut water.

✔️ Contains lactic acid bacteria + a diverse range of probiotic strains, vitamins, proteins & yeast.

✔️ More beneficial bacteria compared to yoghurt.

Yoghurt (Not Ideal for All Dogs)

🚨 Can trigger inflammation & immune responses in some dogs.

🚨 Limited probiotic strains compared to kefir.

🚨 Many store-bought yoghurts contain added sugars, which disrupt gut balance.

🐾 Kefir is far superior in terms of probiotics, digestion, and health benefits!

🛒 Where to Buy Kefir & Probiotics for Dogs

✔️ Supermarket kefir is okay if it’s 100% plain with no additives or flavourings.

🚨 However, store-bought kefir may not be as effective because it often lacks strong probiotic cultures.

🐾 High-quality options include:

🔹 Alexander’s Natural (Dog-specific probiotic kefir)

🔹 Boil & Broth (Trusted dog-friendly kefir)

✔️ Some owners prefer to make their own kefir—kits and grains can be found on Amazon, but results may vary.

🐶 Final Thoughts: The Best Approach to Probiotics for Dogs

✔️ Probiotics support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness—but they need prebiotics to thrive.

✔️ Kefir is a superior probiotic compared to yoghurt, offering more strains & better gut benefits

.✔️ Choosing high-quality, dog-specific products ensures maximum effectiveness.

✔️ Introducing probiotics slowly & monitoring reactions is key.

By nurturing beneficial bacteria, probiotics and prebiotics help improve gut balance, prevent illness, and support long-term health—all while keeping your dog happy & thriving!