Unlocking the Benefits of Probiotics for Your Furry Friends: A Guide to Canine and Feline Gut Health
Author: Dr Katy Miller DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS
Our pets are cherished members of our families. Just like us they can face digestive issues, immune system challenges, and overall health concerns. Probiotics, often hailed as the “good bacteria,” can play a crucial role in promoting a healthy gut environment for your four-legged companions.
What is the Microbiome?
To understand how probiotics work, we must first have a general understanding of the microbiome. A microbiome is the community of microorganisms (microbiota) that live in a certain environment. This can be anywhere but for this article we are going to focus on the gut microbiome. These microorganisms may include good and bad: bacteria (most studied), fungi, protozoa, and viruses. This microbiome forms a dynamic and interactive micro-ecosystem that is prone to change. For example, probiotics (beneficial bacteria) protect the microbiome from pathogenic (bad) bacteria because they compete for resources or release compounds that stop non-resident bacteria from growing. When the community becomes unbalanced and unhealthy, it is called dysbiosis.
Does my Pet have Dysbiosis?
Sometimes it is rather obvious that your pet has dysbiosis. They may have chronic diarrhea, constipation or vomiting, but most times it is not as obvious. You may see signs such as poor skin and coat, bad breath, or weight loss, and obesity. You may see no visible signs. Then there are times that you can expect dysbiosis, like after antibiotic use, times of stress, dietary changes, infection or illness.
Understanding Probiotics:
Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a balanced microbial community in the gut by effectively “crowding out” the less beneficial bacteria. This is effective in supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function.
Because 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, probiotics may be beneficial in immune health. They help modulate the immune response, potentially reducing the risk of infections and promoting a robust immune system in dogs and cats. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help manage allergic reactions and skin conditions in pets by promoting a healthy immune response and reducing inflammation.
A well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for the absorption of nutrients from food. Probiotics aid in this process, ensuring that your pet gets the maximum benefit from their diet.
Probiotics in Birdie and Louie:
You will find that Birdie and Louie’s kibble contains probiotic strains Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis. These probiotics were chosen because of their validated safety and efficacy. You may notice probiotics are not found in canned pet food. This is because these live microorganisms can not survive the heat used during the canning process and would be ineffective. For kibble, probiotics can be added after the cooking process, enabling live microorganisms to be present when your pet eats the kibble.
Conclusion:
Probiotics can be a valuable addition to your pet’s wellness routine, supporting their digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. As responsible pet owners, making informed choices based on your pet’s needs is crucial. With the right probiotic regimen, you can help your furry friends lead happy, healthy lives.
About the Author: Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She brings her extensive background in companion animal nutrition (12 years) and her experience as a practicing veterinarian (7 years) together to help provide useful information to pet food manufacturers and pet parents. She shares a home with 2 cats, 9 dogs, and 5 horses.