A Guide to Choosing the Best Fibre Probiotic Supplements for Your Dog’s Digestive Health and Stool Softening

Keeping our pets healthy is not only our responsibility but also our joy. Seeing my dog fit, comfortable and strong always makes me feel good, knowing that she’s enjoying life to the full.

But digestive problems are extremely common in dogs and can bring about unpleasant symptoms like pain, loose stools, constipation and many others. If you’ve ever experienced digestive discomfort yourself, you’ll know how awful it can be. That’s the last thing I want for my dog.

However, all is not lost. By using probiotic supplements, you can help develop more consistent digestion for your dog which will typically alleviate any symptoms like constipation or pain. What’s more, a healthy digestive microbiome ensures better immune health and a longer lifespan.

Having spent some time researching probiotic supplements, I’m afraid to say that it can be a bit of a minefield to navigate. There are lots of brands claiming to be the best and plenty of jargon that can make things difficult to understand.

I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best probiotic supplement for your dog’s digestive health and have even included a few of my favourite products.

What Do Probiotics Do For Dogs?

Probiotics is a term that describes many different types of yeasts and bacteria that are considered ‘friendly’ to humans and animals. In the case of probiotic supplements for dogs, these bacteria are intended to rebalance the microbiome within the gut.

When doing this, your dog is better able to absorb important vitamins and minerals as well as having a more consistent digestive system. As I mentioned earlier, this also has greater long term benefits such as a longer life and greater immunity against disease. Consistency within the digestive process is also vital for pet owners who are looking to manage their dog’s weight and keep it within healthy limits as the probiotics improve metabolism.

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs Probiotic Supplements?

One of the most obvious signs that your pet’s digestive health isn’t as good as it should be is a change in the stool. This could be at either end of the scale with some pets experiencing hard stools or difficulty passing stools. On the other hand, your pet may have loose stools or even diarrhoea.

However, these aren’t the only symptoms you need to look out for. In some cases, where digestive upset is present, an animal may lose its appetite or experience excessive flatulence.

You may also notice that your pet becomes more lethargic and lacks the energy he once had. What’s more, it’s not uncommon for other health and physical issues to arise as a result of poor digestive health such as issues with your pet’s coat, vomiting and even bleeding in extreme cases.

Of course, using a probiotic supplement may help with these problems but it’s still always a good idea to have a consultation with your vet to diagnose any other potential health issues.

What To Consider When Choosing Probiotic Supplements For Your Dog

There are tons of probiotic supplements on the market and I would never recommend just buying the first one you come across. It’s very important to consider the needs of your dog and compare these to what the product is intended to do.

Fibre Source

It’s important to keep in mind that different types of probiotic supplements are intended for different purposes. For example, if your dog is suffering from loose stools then you’d be looking for a product that contains soluble fibre as this helps to bulk up the stools.

On the other hand, many supplements contain insoluble fibre which is excellent for keeping your dog’s bowel movements regular and consistent. For dogs that suffer from constipation, this is usually the better option.

What Do The Vets Say?

You wouldn’t buy shampoo recommended by your local mechanic, would you? No, you’d want the opinion of a hair stylist.

The same thing goes when choosing probiotics for your dog. It’s essential to opt for a product that has been approved by vets. After all, these professionals know what they’re talking about and are much more able to spot a good product from a mile away.

That said, just because a product doesn’t have ‘vet approved’ splashed all over the front, that’s not to say it’s a bad supplement. In this case, if you have your heart set on a particular product, I’d speak to your vet and get their opinion on whether it would be beneficial for your dog.

Don’t forget that every dog has its own individual needs. While a certain supplement might be amazing for my pooch, it may not yield the same results for your furry friend.

What Ingredients Are There?

One of the things I think is really important to check for when choosing a probiotic supplement is what’s included in the recipe.

Primarily, you’ll want to look for something that has got as many bacteria strains as possible. As they say, the more the merrier and in this case, a greater range of bacteria will have more intense benefits for your dog’s gut health.

As well as looking at what ingredients should be in the supplement, it’s also worth looking at which ingredients to avoid. Many brands will use filler ingredients to bulk out the recipe and this may include things like corn and soy which can actually increase the likelihood of digestive problems in dogs so these should be avoided.

Cellulose is often used in probiotic supplements as a filler but it has absolutely no nutritional or health benefits to dogs. In fact, since dogs are unable to digest cellulose, it could do more harm than good if they ingest it in large quantities.

Certain supplements may contain flavours and sweeteners that are not beneficial to your dog’s health and, in some cases may even worsen digestive issues. Things to look out for include fructose, sucrose and sorbitol.

Your Dog’s Personal Taste

Probiotic supplements come in a variety of flavours and can be added to your dog’s food. Some come in the form of tasty chews while others come in powder form, making them easier to mix into a meal.

It really depends on your dog. Some pups love the chews while others will outright refuse them. In this case, a powder is usually going to be your best bet.

Top Fibre Probiotic Supplements For Dogs

There are many products to choose from when it comes to probiotic supplements and this can make making a decision difficult. I’ve listed some of my favourite products below with a little information on what they’re used for and what to expect.

1. Glandex Anal Gland Sac Fibre Supplement

The Glandex fibre supplement is designed to help dogs (and cats) to properly and consistently empty the anal gland. If you’ve ever noticed your pet scooting along the floor in discomfort, this could be a sign that the anal gland is not being properly emptied.

With the intention to ‘boot the scoot’ in as little as 3 to 5 weeks, this supplement aims to promote healthy digestion and also contains tons of goodness like vitamins C and E as well as bromelain which encourages healthy digestion.

Glandex anal gland sac fibre supplement is salmon flavoured which is a huge hit with dogs so whether you add it to food or give it on its own, it’s ideal for fussy eaters.

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2. Protexin Veterinary Pro Fibre

Protexin Pro Fibre is a great option for pet owners looking for an affordable way to keep their dog healthy. Not only is it great value for money but it comes in a beef flavour that’s sure to be appealing to your pup.

This supplement is a great way to give your pet a fibre boost but I should point out that it does contain some fillers like wheat. That said, it also contains prebiotics which sustain the probiotics and further encourage their production and effectiveness.

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3. VETIQ Stool Firm

If your pet suffers with loose stools then the VETIQ Stool Firm supplement might be right for them. This product is designed to firm the stools and also contains kaolin which ensures effective nutrient absorption and helps to get rid of toxins.

The supplement should be taken for at least eight weeks for the most effective results and can either be taken whole or crushed into food.

Containing pumpkin and pectin to firm the stools, this is an excellent option for intestinal healing and health. I also love that this product can be used from as early as 8 weeks of age.

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4. YuMove Digestive Care Plus

I should first point out that the YuMove supplement is one of the more expensive options on this list. However, don’t let that put you off because it does have a lot to offer.

For starters, the YuMove supplement is incredibly easy to use. Simply add the correct number of powder sachets to your dog’s food. For larger dogs, it is worth noting that you may need two to three sachets for the greatest effectiveness.

This supplement has a special patented formula called the ActivBio Complex which is a blend or pre and probiotics designed to improve gut health and firm the stools. It will help to maintain healthy balance within the gut which in turn, improves the overall health of your pet.

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5. Furever Friends Dog Probiotic Powder

The thing that first caught my eye when looking at the Furever Friends probiotic powder was that it contains 10 strains of good bacteria. As I mentioned earlier, the more strains, the better for your pet’s health.

What’s more, this supplement is ideal for pets with a sensitive stomach as it’s dairy and gluten free. With results in around 8 weeks, this product not only improves digestion but also reduces associated symptoms like excessive gas and bad breath; great for stinky pups!

There’s a lot to love about this supplement but I should make you aware that one of the primary ingredients is soy and this acts as a filler that some owners may wish to avoid.

Furever Friends dog probiotic powder comes in a chicken and bacon flavour so it’s certainly palatable. However, it also comes in tablet form if this is something that suits your pet better.

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6. Protexin Pet Health

The Protexin Pet Health supplement is slightly different to the other products I’ve talked about in that it comes in a paste form and can be administered using a syringe. Although I see no reason why this beef flavoured paste could not also be added to food.

Containing kaolin, this supplement is ideal for firming the stools and it also contains pectin which helps to soothe the lining of the gut.

If you’re looking for something that’s reliable and trustworthy then you only have to consider that Protexin is the UK’s leading probiotic supplement brand.

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Additional Ways To Support Your Dog’s Digestive Health

Using a probiotic supplement is a great way to manage your dog’s digestive health but there are other things which are just as important.

For example, hydration is key to a healthy gut so always make sure that your dog has access to water, especially when the weather is warmer and dehydration is more likely.

A healthy diet is also imperative and this should include whole foods that have a good amount of fibre and limited carbohydrates. When purchasing dog food, always be sure to check the ingredients and look out for no-nos like white flour, cornstarch and artificial colourings.

Stress is also a factor in poor digestive health so it’s important to make sure that your dog’s life is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Regular exercise, human interaction and safety all play a part in this.

Finally, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s health and keep an eye out for any signs of allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be intolerant to things like gluten and dairy. If this is the case, they should be eliminated from your pet’s diet.

Common Concerns

In the main, probiotic supplements are safe to use and generally a good thing for your dog. But naturally, pet owners will have some concerns. Let’s address these here.

Can I Use Human Supplements For My Dog?

The digestive system of a dog is different from that of a human and, as such, probiotic supplements are formulated in different ways for each species. For this reason, vets do not recommend giving your dog a formula that was intended for humans.

With so many dog probiotic supplements out there, it’s not hard to get your hands on something that will work well for your pet.

How Long Should My Dog Have Probiotic Supplements?

When starting a course of probiotic supplements, it would be foolish to expect results overnight. Each product will come with instructions on the correct dosage and how long it will take before you start to notice a difference in your pet’s health.

I always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter as this will ensure the fastest and most effective relief from the symptoms.

Some products will act faster than others. For example, the Glandex probiotic I discussed above may start to take effect in as little as three weeks while other products may take more than twice this amount of time.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Probiotic Supplements For Dogs?

Generally speaking, dog probiotic supplements are safe to give to your pet. However, as with anything, there is always a small chance of some side effects.

It is often normal for dogs to experience some gassiness, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or discomfort when beginning a course of probiotics. You may even notice that their digestive complaints worsen before they improve.

This is usually nothing to worry about and you’ll start to see changes over time. But if you are worried about your pet and things don’t seem to be getting better, then it’s a good idea to consult your vet.

One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong is a change in your dog’s appetite. If this happens after starting probiotic supplements, speak to your vet as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog’s digestive health is just one of the things you can do to improve their overall health and quality of life. It’s important to ensure a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of water but probiotic supplements can also help to alleviate symptoms of poor digestion and help get that gut back into balance.

Take the time to look at different products, like the ones I’ve listed in this guide as this will help you to find something that addresses your dog’s unique needs.

In the event that digestive symptoms worsen or your dog is in severe pain, book an appointment to see your vet. It can also be helpful to discuss your options with your vet to find the best supplement for your dog.