Did you know that your dog’s digestive system needs just as much care and attention as your own? Like us, your pup’s gut controls all aspects of its overall health and wellness. That means both humans and dogs can benefit from digestive support that contains prebiotics, probiotics, and even postbiotics.
But if you’re new to digestive health in general, you may not be aware of what the difference is between the three or exactly how they benefit digestive health.
Keep reading to learn more about all the ‘biotics’ and find out how your dog may benefit from adding them to their health regimen.
Probiotics - Microflora For A Happy Gut
Probiotics are the more known of the three. They’re known as the “good” bacteria. The term probiotic itself means “promoting life.” Just like humans, dogs have a gut microbiome that needs vital nutrients to sustain a healthy, normal environment.
However, gut microbiomes can also house “bad” bacteria. Probiotics work to promote the “friendly” microflora in your pup’s belly by warding off the bad guys that can make your pup sick, plus help to break down and digest food.[2,5,6]
Prebiotics - Fuel & Backbone Of Probiotics
Prebiotics are the food that probiotics like to chow down on for fuel. They are typically soluble, fermentable fibers that break down to release essential short-chain fatty acids and fall under the umbrella term complex carbohydrates (like inulin and other fructooligosaccharides).
Similar to probiotics, prebiotics help to support your pup’s immunity by limiting harmful microbes. Prebiotics are so important that they increase probiotics' chance of survival and activity in the GI tract.[4,5]
Postbiotics - Product Of Well-Fed Probiotics
Postbiotics are lesser known in the supplement world, especially for your pup. But don’t get it twisted—this ‘biotic’ compound is just as vital. Also known as postbiotic metabolites, probiotics are the byproduct of prebiotics and probiotics working together, and they are jam-packed with benefits for Fido’s digestion, immune system function, and overall health.
Postbiotics contain health goodies like amino acids, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids that can influence the gut microbiome, the functioning of the gut lining, and even metabolism for healthy weight control and growth.[1,2,3]
Should Dogs Have a Combination of All Three?
Yes!
The three are bioactive compounds that work in—what scientists like to call—synergy. Together, they promote your dog’s “good bacteria” to thrive in the GI tract, eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens, and providing some seriously hefty digestive and immunity support. It’s science—a balanced gut is a happy gut.
Your pup can take probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics regularly to promote everyday digestive wellness. However, you should ALWAYS consult a trusted veterinarian first before making any new changes to your dog’s diet or healthcare regimen.
Typically, your vet will request a fecal sample to test your dog’s feces for the bacteria currently living in their gut. If there is an imbalance, your vet may suggest dietary changes or supplementation. Your vet can also check for overall doggy digestion wellness. They will look for digestive upset like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, itchy skin, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These tests will let your vet know if your dog is getting enough probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in their diet.
Why Should Your Dog Try A Digestive Supplement?
As a pawrent, you want the very best for your furry four-legged companion. We get it! High quality is what your pup deserves. To level up your dog’s lifestyle for the better, you should try a digestive supplement that contains all three of the ‘biotic’ powerhouses we just mentioned. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are live microorganisms, so sticking them into kibble is tricky. For effective results and to ensure Fido is getting exactly what they need in a balanced amount, a digestive supplement is your best bet.
When probiotics and prebiotics are combined for nutritional support, this is known as a “synbiotic.” However, many doggy supplement brands stop there. They forget about the importance of postbiotics for your pup’s belly.
So, where can you find a digestive supplement that does it all? Right here!
PupGrade’s meat-flavored Digestive Chews are a great healthy treat to help aid your dog’s digestive health. With a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and powerful ingredients like pumpkin powder, your dog will experience a healthy, balanced gut. As a bonus, our chews are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that benefit not only the GI tract but your pup’s immune system, too.
Searching for more ways to level up your dog’s healthy lifestyle? Look no further than right here. We’re all about real benefits rather than just a tasty, empty-calorie snack. Help your best friend feel like a puppy again with our naturally derived supplements, made with only the highest quality ingredients! Shop all our products here.
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Resources:
- Kieler, I.N., Shamzir Kamal, S., Vitger, A.D., Nielsen, D.S., Lauridsen, C. and Bjornvad, C.R. (2017), Gut microbiota composition may relate to weight loss rate in obese pet dogs. Vet Med Sci, 3: 252-262. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.80
- Salminen, S., Collado, M.C., Endo, A. et al. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 18, 649–667 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-021-00440-6
- Żółkiewicz J, Marzec A, Ruszczyński M, Feleszko W. Postbiotics-A Step Beyond Pre- and Probiotics. Nutrients. 2020 Jul 23;12(8):2189. doi: 10.3390/nu12082189. PMID: 32717965; PMCID: PMC7468815.
- Everard, A., Lazarevic, V., Gaïa, N., et al. Microbiome of prebiotic-treated mice reveals novel targets involved in host response during obesity. ISME J 8, 2116–2130 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2014.45
- Markowiak, P., Śliżewska, K. The role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in animal nutrition. Gut Pathog 10, 21 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13099-018-0250-0
- Sivamaruthi, B. S., Kesika, P., & Chaiyasut, C. (2021). Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on Health Status of the Dogs: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(23), 11384. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app112311384
