The 8 Best Probiotics for Dogs, According to Veterinarians
How do you choose a probiotic for your dog? We tapped the experts to recommend supplements designed to improve your pup's overall digestive system and health.
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As a pet parent, you want the best for your furry friend. From investing in the best harnesses for puppies to doing tons of Googling about common dog behaviors to buying the best dog toothpaste to keep them fresh and healthy, you'll do pretty much anything for your dog. And that includes making sure their digestive health is taken care of. If you've noticed symptoms like diarrhea or loose stools or if they are prone to allergies, obesity, or anxiety, you may want to try one of our vet-recommended best dog probiotics to see if this can help your pup feel better and become healthier.
So what are probiotics for dogs, exactly? The simple answer is that they boost good bacteria in your dog's gut. “Having good bacteria in the digestive tract is a direct correlation to your dog’s immune system and overall health,” says veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, M.S., D.V.M., C.V.C., C.V.A., the founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. In addition to boosting the good bacteria, probiotics discourage the growth of harmful, illness-causing bacteria. “Probiotics help maintain an appropriate balance,” Dr. Richter adds. “They help to keep the immune system healthy which can lower inflammation and pain.”
The best probiotics for dogs in 2024:
Dr. Richter, along with veterinarian and writer at Native Pet Dr. Juli Goldstein, D.V.M., gave us all the details on the benefits of probiotics for dogs, which dogs are the best candidates, and which probiotics vets and dog parents swear by.
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she covers everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University and has a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
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