Understanding Probiotics for Your Pet's Gut Health

Understanding Probiotics for Your Pet's Gut Health

You already know that gut health is vital for physical and mental well-being, but do you find the subject of probiotics perplexing? Let's break it down to make it simple for you and your Pawsome pet.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial live organisms - bacteria or yeast - that promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. While a balanced diet is essential for good health, incorporating probiotics into your pet's routine is as simple as offering foods like plain yoghurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi (ensure these are free of onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs).

Why Probiotics Matter

Adding probiotics to your pet's diet can significantly reduce potentially harmful microbes in the gut while promoting immune health, leading to a healthier and happier pet. Probiotics support gut barrier function and may help reduce allergic and inflammatory responses. Conversely, pathogens - harmful microorganisms - can cause diseases. Understanding the difference is key to ensuring optimal gut health for your pet.

Do Pets Need Probiotics Regularly?

Probiotics don't permanently colonise the gut. When you stop giving them, the beneficial bacteria introduced usually disappear within about two weeks. However, regular use of probiotics can help foster the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your pet's overall well-being over time.

What If Probiotics Don't Work?

If your pet's symptoms persist or worsen despite probiotics, they might have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is an excessive presence of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to issues like chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. Consult your vet for personalised advice if you suspect this condition.

Can You Use Probiotics with Antibiotics?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics indiscriminately kill both good and harmful gut microbes. However, probiotics can still be effective with antibiotics, as long as there's a few-hour gap between doses. Alternatively, Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast-based probiotic unaffected by antibiotics, can be given during treatment to support gut health.

Beyond Gut Health: Probiotics and Mental Health

Probiotics can benefit more than just your dog's gut. Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosusBifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus have been shown to influence neurotransmitter production, such as serotonin, which affects mood. Since about 80% of serotonin is produced in the gut, maintaining gut health is crucial for a healthy brain and mood.

Why Numbers Matter

Colony Forming Units (CFUs) represent the number of viable bacteria in a probiotic. For general health maintenance, dogs under 25kg typically require 1-3 billion CFUs daily, while dogs over 25kg benefit from 2-5 billion CFUs. A higher CFU count may be more effective if your dog has specific conditions like IBS. However, a standard or lower CFU count may be better for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Pawsome Naturals LoveBugs Probiotics

At Pawsome Naturals, we've formulated LoveBugs probiotics with Saccharomyces boulardii, a unique yeast-based probiotic unaffected by antibiotics. This strain, rarely found in foods except mangosteen, is included to boost your pet's health. Otto, our late rescue sausage dog, inspired our LoveBugs blend. Saccharomyces boulardii played a pivotal role in resolving his skin issues, marking the beginning of Pawsome Naturals.

If you have any questions about probiotics or how to support your pet's gut health, please don't hesitate to send us a message - we're passionate about natural health and your pets and we're here to help!

References

  1. Guarner, F., & Malagelada, J. R. (2003). Gut flora in health and disease. The Lancet, 361(9356), 512-519.
  2. Ouwehand, A. C., Salminen, S., & Isolauri, E. (2002). Probiotic and other functional microbes: from markets to mechanisms. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 13(5), 483-487.
  3. Szajewska, H., & Kolodziej, M. (2015). Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(6), 793-801.
  4. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712.
  5. Gibson, G. R., & Roberfroid, M. B. (1995). Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. The Journal of Nutrition, 125(6), 1401-1412.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.