Your dog needs probiotic and prebiotic foods to thrive. Probiotics and prebiotic foods promote optimal health in their gut microbiome, which is a garden-like ecosystem that thrives when given the proper sustenance. In this case, proper sustenance includes probiotic, prebiotic and nutrient dense food. Your dog needs probiotic and prebiotic foods to thrive.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have major gut health and overall health benefits and are found in kefin, yogurt, fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut as well as in dietary supplements, like this one. Probiotic food play a crucial role in maintaining an optimal balance of good and bacteria in their gut microbiomes, in turn, keeping them healthy and happy.
This 2022 study reports that, "the benefit of using probiotics for pets include their modulation of the immune system, help in reducing stress, protection against infections caused by intestinal pathogens and growth performance development." And, according to "Microbiota and Probiotics in Canine and Feline Welfare," certain probiotic strains have successfully both prevented and treated "acute gastroenteritis, treatment of IBD, and prevention of allergy in companion animals."
Adding some kefir to their food or just giving kefir as a snack is a better for their gut health than giving a Milkbone or Greenie Dog Treat.
In addition to probiotic foods, prebiotic foods also contribute to gut health and overall well-being. Prebiotic foods are non-digestible dietary fiber that live in the gut and stimulate the growth of goof bacteria in the colon and in turn, improves health.
Prebiotic food is made of inulin and pectin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber found in plants including asparagus, burdock root, chicory root, dandelion greens, garlic, and wild yams and helps with satiation, lowers bad cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar and maintains the good and healthy gut bacteria in humans. The same is true for our dogs. Pectin is a gel-like starch that has antioxidants and anti-tumor properties and may improve the skin cells on the intestinal lining, support immune function and improve the diversity of microorganisms in the gut. Foods high in pectin include apples, apricots, carrots, green beans, peaches, potatoes, raspberries and tomatoes (Cleveland Clinic).
Giving your dog some raspberries or apples as a snack is undoubtedly better for their gut health compared to a Milkbone or Greenie Dog treat.
Probiotic and prebiotic food are crucial for all stages of the life of your dog. Optimal nutrition as a puppy, creates the foundation for lifelong health and happiness. As your dog ages, and their organs mature they may require more support to function optimally and including probiotic and prebiotic food becomes even more important. .
If your dog has taken antibiotics, the good and bad bacteria in their gut microbiomes have been wiped out, which is what antibiotics do. Giving them probiotic and prebiotic food is really important to help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in their gut microbiomes, which is needed for optimal health. When there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut microbiome, sickness occurs. In humans, the gut microbiome becomes compromised due to "infectious illness, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications - dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease (Harvard School of Public Health). The same is true for our dogs.
When their is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut microbiome, sickness occurs. In humans the gut microbiome becomes disrupted due to "infectious illnesses, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications—dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease" (Source: Harvard School of Public Health). The same is true for our dogs.
If you want your dog to thrive, incorporate probiotic and prebiotic food in their diets. If you need some guidance on the optimal diet for your dog, please click here and here.
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