WHAT GOES IN… MUST COME OUT

Picture this: You have all your closest friends over at your house to hang out, and then BAM! A musty silent-but-deadly cloud of stench invades your nose that clears the room. You apologize for the dog. Embarrassing, right? To be honest, what comes out of our pup is the easiest (and grossest) way to determine what might be missing in his diet. So here it goes, the smelly truth about what’s needed in our pups gut.

Good Bacteria=Healthy Digestion

All dogs need good bacteria such as, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidus and Acidophilus. They work together with the microflora in the gut to help breakdown and digest food, keep bad bacteria at bay, and help the immune system from being compromised. These live microorganisms are the heroes of the gastrointestinal tract!

So where do they get this so-called, good bacteria? I’m glad you asked.

Healthy Gut Part One: Probiotics

We as humans, always talk about why probiotics are good for healthy digestion, but did you know your dog’s body needs them too? Probiotics work to replenish the digestive tract with good live bacteria and are just one half of the equation of a healthy gut.

Good sources of probiotics that your pup can consume are in yogurt, soft cheeses, kefir, sauerkraut, buttermilk or probiotic boosters like Ark Naturals’ Gentle Digest Capsules and Gentle Digest Soft Chews.

Health Gut Part Two: Prebiotics

Prebiotics might be the ugly stepchild that nobody talks about, but are still equally important! Prebiotics are the second part of our equation to a healthier gut. They work for the probiotic, essentially feeding the good microorganisms in the digestive system. They help strengthen the microflora to beat out the bad bacteria/microorganisms. Since the prebiotics are feeding the microflora, it’s a good idea to use them alongside probiotics.

Sources of prebiotics include: fructooligosaccharides (plant sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and cereals), beet pulp, raw garlic, dandelion greens, pectin, inulin, gums (guar gum), and wheat dextrin. Ark Naturals’ Gentle Digest Capsules and Gentle Digest Soft Chews are great as they have both probiotic and prebiotic properties, so you just give one and done!

How Much Probiotics and Prebiotics Should You Give Your Dog?

Probiotics are measured by colony forming units (CFU’s) and best to be taken with meals. Ark Naturals’ Gentle Digest product gives users a “recommended use” based on the weight of their dog. However, every product on the market will have its own instructions, so be sure to check the label before giving it to your dog. If you’re unsure of what dosage or kind of probiotics/prebiotics to give your pup, talk to your veterinarian. You want to make sure that it is okay for your dog to take a probiotic/prebiotic and explore what the correct dosage is to administer to your pup.

But wait! When should I start giving my dog a Probiotic/Prebiotic? Stay tuned as our next article will share signs that your dog needs a boost.