The use of prebiotics and probiotics has really taken off in recent years. This is true both in human medicine and in the veterinary sector alike. People are gaining a whole new perspective on the many potential benefits that probiotics can offer.
Prebiotics are fibre that act as a food source for the ‘friendly’ bacteria and yeast known as probiotics. Probiotics are medically beneficial and can have a positive impact on health. Perhaps best known for their use in supporting gut health, they also play a key role when it comes to other systems including the central nervous system, skin and immune system.
The goal of consuming both probiotics and prebiotics is to improve the number of good bacteria in the gut, to help digestion (and importantly the ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria). Probiotics are the bacteria themselves, so adding them directly increases the number of good bacteria.
Prebiotics are essentially food for the good bacteria, so adding prebiotics enables the probiotics to thrive and increase in number. We recommend using products such as the Bionic Biotic supplement , or Pooch & Mutt’s grain-free dog food , which combine both probiotics and prebiotics.
How can Probiotics help my dog?
The benefits of Probiotics are far reaching. They can aid your dogs digestion, help boost your dogs immune system and even their mood. They can be especially useful for anxious dogs as they help to settle the gut and support cognitive function.
Health benefits of probiotics for dogs
The long list of what a probiotic can do makes them seem like a miracle cure. Although some people think they are this is not the case. What probiotics do is get the digestive system working optimally and this has many knock on effects.
For example, probiotics do not directly improve skin and coat, what they do is help the digesting of food. When food is digested it is broken up into individual nutrients, such as omega 3 or zinc, which are good for skin and coat.
It is the omega 3 and zinc that improve skin and coat quality, but your dog needs the probiotic to break food down into nutrients including omega 3 and zinc, so that it can get to the skin and coat.
Without feeding a probiotic for dogs you can end up feeding your dog a lot of beneficial nutrients and having them come out the other end, instead of being absorbed. At a glance they're good for the below;
To make sure that you get ‘pickup-able poo’
To help protect them against harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella
To help with problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, collitis and diarrhoea
To improve immunity
To help with allergies
To improve skin and coat condition
To ensure you dog absorbs the nutrients from their food
To help with behavioural issues
To help keep your dog as happy and healthy as can be
The 'Gut-Brain Axis'
Recently, there has been a lot published about the ‘Gut-Brain Axis’ and how good gut health can encourage good mental health. It is the teeny-tiny bugs within the intestines that have the biggest influence over this.
This recent discovery is especially important for those dogs who suffer with stress and anxiety. When probiotics are used in conjunction with behaviour modification programmes and other calming techniques, they really come into their own.
Stress and Upset Stomachs
Giving dogs prebiotics and probiotics at potentially stressful times to prevent an upset stomach offers us a chance to stop diarrhea even before it begins.
We all know that there are certain things that our dogs may find hard to cope with. They become anxious and can then develop loose poo for a few days after the event.
Different dogs will have different triggers and these can change during their lifetime. For some, it will be the groomers or the vet; for others the boarding kennel or a ride in the car. By feeding our dogs’ probiotics, we may well be able to prevent a stomach upset from ever occurring.
Are human probiotics good for dogs?
There are some strains of probiotics that are recommended for dogs, Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis, both are commonly used probiotics in humans. The same probiotics should be in most products labelled as probiotics for dogs whether they are from the more expensive ‘veterinary brands’ or less expensive pet shop brands.
Many people do feed their dogs probiotic yoghurts and these may help, but they will not help as much as feeding a product like Bionic Biotic , which contains the correct strain of probiotics for dogs.
How can I get Probiotics into my dogs diet?
Whilst Probiotics occur naturally in both ours and our canine friends bodies, adding Probiotics to your dogs diet can have far reaching benefits.
Human foods that are safe for your dog to eat such as Yoghurt (with zero added sugar) are rich in probiotics and they are also available in supplement form.You can also find them in fermented products such as sauerkraut and kombucha.
However for dogs we recommend that you stick to the Enterococcus Faecium (SF68) strain of probiotics. This is normally found in supplements, such as Bionic Biotic, which can be added to any food.
There are also some foods such as Pooch & Mutt’s range of grain-free dog food , which contain the Enterococcus Faecium (SF68) strain of probiotics.
The reason that very few dog foods contain probiotics is that probiotics cannot be cooked. At Pooch & Mutt we use a special process to apply the probiotic in a coating to the outside of the kibble, after the food is cooked.Pooch & Mutt also have a fantastic range of Probiotic Meaty Treats to help get these important bacteria into your dogs diet also.
This new range of tasty treats targets some important areas of canine health and offers a range of benefits. From skin and coat to mental wellbeing and oral hygiene, there is something here for every pooch and mutt.
As well as helping to address underlying issues, the ingredients in these Probiotic Meaty Treats can also prevent problems from developing in the first place. These treats can be fed whenever you like, such as during training sessions and as little rewards for good behaviour but remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of your furry friend’s diet.
Shrimp & Coconut
For Skin & Coat
Why not treat your furry friend to a taste of Thailand? These delicious treats have a tropical flavour and are sure to go down a storm. These are the perfect snack for those dogs that are prone to dry or itchy skin or who may need a little bit of help developing their glossy coat
Skin & Coat Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Natural skin & coat enhancing dog treats, rich in nourishing ingredients to keep their skin healthy and coat gorgeously glossy.
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For dry or itchy skin
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Puppy-friendly
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Shrimp & Coconut
Current price: £3.99
Skin & Coat Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Turkey & Hemp
For calming
Even the most laid-back dog can suffer with their nerves from time to time. These treats are packed full of calming ingredients including hemp, L-tryptophan and Valerian Root and are a great way to help our four-legged friends relax and unwind.
Calming Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Natural calming treats for dogs, made with Hemp to help support relaxation and a balanced mood. Perfect as dog calming treats for puppies or adults, these tasty treats promote calm, wellbeing, and comfort.
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Puppy-friendly
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Contains postbiotics
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Turkey & Hemp
Current price: £3.99
Calming Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Duck & Rosemary
For dental
These traditionally flavoured treats are sure to go down well. The duck offers a rich and irresistible taste experience; your dog won’t believe it when you tell them just how good for them these treats really are!
Dental Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Natural dental dog treats for healthy teeth & gums , crafted with Duck & Rosemary to make dental care delicious.
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Protects teeth & gums
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Puppy-friendly
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Duck & Rosemary
Current price: £3.99
Dental Postbiotic Meaty Treats
Not sure which flavour your dog will love best? Why not try the Meaty Treats Taster Pack and try all three flavours!
Meaty Treats Taster Pack
A bite-sized bundle for pooches & mutts. A trio of postbiotic snacks with unique flavours and functions to support teeth, gums, skin, coat, and temperament .
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Grain free
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Puppy-friendly
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3 functional flavours
Current price: £10.49
Meaty Treats Taster Pack
Meaty Treats
For the culinary connoisseurs of the pack, these tasty treats target some important areas of canine health
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fromCurrent price: £3.99
Spring Picnic Postbiotic Meaty Treats -
fromCurrent price: £10.49
Meaty Treats Taster Pack -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Calming Postbiotic Meaty Treats -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Health & Digestion Postbiotic Fish Treats -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Lovestruck Lamb Postbiotic Meaty Treats -
fromCurrent price: £8.49
High Protein Beef Jerky -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Puppy Beef Jerky Training Treat -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Skin & Coat Postbiotic Meaty Treats -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Dental Postbiotic Meaty Treats -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Cheddar Cheese Postbiotic Treats -
fromCurrent price: £3.99
Peanut Butter Postbiotic Nutty Treats
I need a really healthy and extremely smelly treat for my puppy to use during scent training class - Do you have a suggestion?
Hi Diane, have you seen our BBQ Beef Jerky treats? These contain 90% beef and smell incredible, I have no doubt these are the kind of treats you are looking for! :)
Hi My dogs eat grass and it has. Even bought to my attention it’s because of there gut needing help so which pouch do I use can you send me pic as I’m slightly confused as one pre and probiotics says it’s for dental care? Thank you
Hi Lorraine! Most of our food contains added pre and probiotics, our meaty treats contain probiotics and you could try your pooch with any of these! :)
hi what treats are best for anal gland problems?
Hi Avril, we don't have any treats that are particular for any gland problems. Anal gland issues can have a range of causes including food allergies, a dog being over weight, a dog being less active, chronic loose stool or a lack of fibre. It might be worth looking at their diet and ensuring they are on a high fibre diet. Please do reach out to the team on pooch@poochandmutt.com if you have any other questions :)