Dr. Rose, M.D. (researcher)
Evan Jerkunica (writer)
10 Best Dog Probiotics Brands
Just as the modern human diet has changed over the years, so too has pet food. While food makers strive to create a balanced diet, they use many preservatives, fillers and other ingredients that may compromise your pet’s health. Factor in soil depletion and food processing, and your dog may not be getting everything it needs for good health.
In addition, many dogs are allergic to wheat, grains and even some common proteins. If your dog is suffering from poor digestion, compromised immunity, itchy skin, hot spots, bad breath and/or joint pain, probiotic and enzyme supplementation may help–either for short- or long-term treatment.
How to Select a Probiotic for Your Dog
Although many of the commercially available probiotics contain a variety of digestive enzymes, superfoods, vitamins and minerals, the primary consideration when selecting a probiotic should be the probiotic content. Generally what you’re looking for is quantity and variety: how many colony-forming units (CFU) and the variety of bacterial strains.
The strains are important for several reasons:
- Variety allows the microorganisms to complement one another and keep gut bacteria in a natural balance.
- Bifidobacterium strains help reduce diarrhea and boost the immune system, while Lactobacillus strains can help improve absorption of nutrients and optimize digestive health.
- And finally, many vets and researchers believe that the best dog probiotics include the strain of Bifidobacterium animalis, which helps to resolve issues with diarrhea in dogs more quickly.
I’ve selected a range of commercially available probiotic formulae that are popular with dogs and their owners. Our ranking is not scientific, but focuses on the probiotic microorganisms in each. Note too that every dog is an individual, and a probiotic blend that improves gut health for one dog may not be ideal for another. It may be necessary to try a couple different probiotics before you find the ideal choice–so pay attention to the guarantees available.
Finally, breed, age and general health are all issues to consider, which is why I suggest that that you consult your veterinarian.
1) Doctor Jeff’s Daily Canine Care
I’m a fan of Doctor Jeff’s Daily Canine Care for it’s shear volume of microorganisms (20 billion CFU) and the variety (10 strains) including Bifidobacterium animalis. I also like that Jeff Werber is a practicing veterinarian. The inclusion of L-Carnitine may be a benefit if your dog has a weight problem or is at risk for developing diabetes. Ascophyllum nodosum is a kelp that is good for dental health,
About
- Improves digestion and increases immunity
- For a healthy coat and dental health (fresher breath)
- For hip and joint health
- 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus brevis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophillus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum
- Prebiotic: Inulin
- Super-nutrients: L-Carnitine, Ascophyllum nodosum
- Flavoring: Natural bacon flavor
Features
- 20 billion CFU/serving (powder)
- 10 probiotic strains
- No artificial ingredients, preservatives, fillers or coloring
- Dose: 1/2 to 3+ scoops by weight
2) ZuvaPet Probiotics
Independent reviews for ZuvaPet are very positive. But while this supplement includes 20 probiotic strains, each dose only offers 5 billion CFU, and no Bifidobacterium animalis.
About
- For gas relief, bloating, constipation and stomach discomfort
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA in GMP-certified facility
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus salivarius, Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Saccharomyces cerivissiae, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum
- Prebiotic: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Enzyme Digestive Blend: Bromelain, papain and protease
- Other Ingredients: Water, citric acid, potassium sorbate
Features
- 5 billion CFU/serving (drops)
- 20 probiotic strains
- Gluten-free
3) PetHonesty Allergy Probiotics
(Formerly NutraProbiotic)
As you read through the ingredients, you can quickly see that PetHonesty Allergy Probiotics contains a lot more than probiotics. While there is nothing wrong with these other ingredients, you need to decide if your dog needs more microorganisms and fewer enzymes, vitamins and minerals for digestive health. Also worth considering is the fact that the probiotics are all Lactobacillus strains. This may be ideal for some conditions, but not necessarily for others.
About
- For digestive health and improved immunity
- Heals unhealthy gut walls, improves nutrient absorption, keeps GI tract regular
- “110% satisfaction” 30-day, money-back guarantee (plus an additional 10%)
- Made in the USA in a GMP-certified, Level 3 facility
- Company offers a wide range of products
Ingredients
- Probiotics Blend
- Prebiotic: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- DigeSEB Super Pet Enzymes
- Greek yogurt (nonfat dry milk, lactic acid)
- Antioxidant Superfoods: Organic mushroom blend, kelp, pumpkin, colostrum, blueberry, green tea
- Minerals and Vitamins: Vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, manganese, taurine
- Other Ingredients: Flaxseed, beef bone broth, sunflower lecithin, cellulose powder, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols
Features
- 5 billion CFU/serving (powder)
- 5 Lactobacillus strains; 6 enzyme blend and pumpkin
- Dose: 1-2 scoops based on weight
- 100% natural ingredients; No chemicals, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, artificial flavoring, preservatives or steroids
4) Nutramax Proviable DC Digestive Health Supplement
While Nutramax caters to the veterinarian, Proviable DC is available over the counter. This supplement is designed for both dogs and cats and includes 5 billion CFU in 7 strains–both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, but no Bifidobacterium animalis.
About
- Created for dogs and cats
- Supports intestinal health, which stimulates the immune system to fight infection while easing digestion and improving the absorption of nutrients and production of vitamins and essential fatty acids
- Safe and effective for short and long-term use
- Made in USA at stat-of-the-art cGMP facilities
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus plantarum
- Prebiotics: Fructooligosaccharide, maltodextrin
- Other Ingredients: gum arabic, gelatin, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and ascorbic acid
Features
- 5 billion CFU/serving (capsule)
- Contains 7 key probiotic strains selected to restore intestinal balance and 2 prebiotics
- Not recommended for critically ill pets or those with suppressed immune system or if animals are vomiting or dehydrated
- No known side effects
5) PetVitalityPRO Probiotic Premium Plus
Probiotic Premium Plus contains many good ingredients, including papaya, superfoods, and antioxidants. I’m less satisfied, however, with the probiotic blend–only 4 billion CFU and only Lactobacillus strains. This may be just what the doctor ordered for some dogs, but not necessarily all.
About
- Recommended for digestive disorders, skin/coat conditions, allergies, bad breadth, and repairing gut biome after antibiotics or steroid treatments
- Also helps reduce stress
- Veterinarian formulated
- Made in USA at FDA-registered facility; independent lab tested
- 60-day 100% guarantee
Ingredients
- Probiotic/Prebiotic Blend: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum,
- Prebiotic: FOS (fructooligosaccharides)
- Papaya (source of digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants)
- Proprietary Green Superfood Formula (source of digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients): Alfalfa grass, wheatgrass, barley grass, oats grass, spirulina, chlorella, gotu kola, kale, astragalus, bitter melon, lemon juice powder
- Yeast extract (source of nucleotides)
- Delphinol registered brand of Maqui Berry extract (source of antioxidants and vitamins)
- Inactive ingredients: Flaxseed meal, pea flour, garbanzo bean flour, olive oil, natural duck flavoring, tapioca flour, palm oil, honey, sorbic acid, natural chicken flavoring and microcrystalline cellulose powder (coating only)
Features
- 4 billion CFU per serving (2 soft chews)
- Dosage is 1-4 chews based on weight
- 3-stage health boost for GI, immunity and overall health and vitality
- Good for working dogs, puppies and aging dogs
- 20 all-natural ingredients: digestive enzymes, antioxidants, bioavailable vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients
6) Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites
These chews offer another largely Lactobacillus probiotic choice. While a quality product with papaya, pumpkin and flaxseed, if diarrhea is a problem or your dog needs a immunity boost, Zesty Paws may not be the best choice.
About
- Natural digestive enzymes, probiotics, and pumpkin for diarrhea, upset stomach relief, gas and constipation. Also good for allergy and hot spot relief and boosted immune system
- 100% no-hassle guarantee
- Made in the USA
- Company offers a wide range of products
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend:Lactobacillus acidophilus<, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus lactis, Bacillus coagulans (Ganeden BC30)
- Pumpkin (for regularity and digestive function)
- Papaya (for digestion)
- Flaxseed (for fiber)
- Other Ingredients: Palm fruit oil, garbanzo flour, tapioca flour, sunflower lecithin, natural vegetable flavoring, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols
Features
- 3 billion CFU/serving (grain-free chews)
- 6 probiotic strains
- Plus Natural flavors (choose pumpkin or chicken)
- Dose: 1-3 chews by weight
- No preservatives and heat-free cooking method to preserve ingredients integrity
- Safe for dogs of all ages
7) Petaxin Daily Probiotic
Petaxin Daily Probiotic contains 3 billion CFU per serving, with five Lactobacillus strains and one Bifidobacterium strain. It is available in two flavor choices–chicken and cheese–which may be an important consideration if you have a fussy eater. After all, no probiotic is beneficial if your pet refuses to eat it.
About
- Boosts digestion and nutrient absorption, reduces allergic symptoms and relieves diarrhea and bad breadth
- Made in USA at NASC-certified GMP facility
- Happy Dogs Money Back Guarantee
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Prebiotics: Inulin and FOS (fructooligosaccharides)
- Inactive Ingredients: Chickpea flour, potato flour, tapioca starch, cane molasses, purified water, lecithin, glycerin, safflower oil, sorbic acid, mixed tocopherols, ascorbic acid, Vitamin E
Features
- 3 billion CFU/serving (soft chews)
- 6 probiotic strains with inulin prebiotic
- Dose is 1-4 soft chews by weight
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- No corn, grain, wheat, GMOs or artificial flavorings
- Natural chicken and cheddar cheese flavoring
- Shelf stable; no refrigeration necessary
8) PETUltimates Probiotics for Dogs
PETUltimates offers an interesting choice. Although each dose includes just 2 billion CFU, the variety of probiotic bacteria is by far the greatest with 22 strains, including Bifidobacterium animalis.
About
- Supports good digestion, healthy skin and increased vitality
- Benefits may include firmer stools and reduced problems from itchy skin, hot spots, gas and shedding
- 90-day, no-hassle, money-back guarantee
- Made in USA at cGMP facility
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend:Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium shermanii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Prebiotic: Inulin
- Other Ingredients: Alpha-Galactosidase, Magnesium Stearate
Features
- 2 billion CFU/serving (scoop)
- 22 probiotic strains in an inulin prebiotic base
- Alpha-Galactosidase is a digestive enzyme designed to reduce gas
- Ultra-concentrated; dose by weight
- Contains no sugars, fillers, wheat or artificial flavors
9) Blue Biology Canine Probiotic
Although Blue Biology’s Canine Probiotic only contains 2 billion CFU per serving, I like the variety among the 8 probiotics included.
About
- Promotes digestion while strengthening immune system
- Benefits may include gut health, mood enhancement, regular bowels, increased energy, reduced anxiety
- Made in USA at FDA-approved cGMP facility
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bacillus coagulans
- Prebiotic: Inulin
- Other Ingredients: Sweet potato, pumpkin powder, chickpea powder, sunflower lecithin, vegetable glycerin, purified water, organic honey, peanut butter flavor, pea protein, safflower oil
Features
- 2 billion CFUs per serving (1 soft chew)
- Natural, well-researched ingredients: 8 probiotic strains, 50mg of prebiotic inulin
- All-natural flavor of sweet potato, pumpkin, organic honey and peanut butter
The Probiotics and Enzymes Approach
The final five supplements in our list of canine probiotics take a somewhat different approach. In each case, the manufacturers are using enzymes, fiber, AND probiotics to treat digestive issues. Why enzymes? Digestive enzymes can help your dog break down and process food ingredients and nutrients.
If I wanted to choose among these supplements rather than a predominately probiotic supplement, I’d probably go with Fur Belly’s Probiotic Digestive Health or PremiumCare. Both have about twice the volume of probiotics (2 billion) as the others in this group–although predominately Lactobacillus. So not as much variety as I’d prefer.
The biggest difference between the other three supplements is the choice of probiotics: Bernie’s Perfect Poop and Nexpaw add Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis while ThomasLabs uses Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis.
I haven’t mentioned Bacillus coagulans before, but it is considered beneficial in fighting antibiotic and infectious diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and IBS.
10) Fur Belly Probiotic Digestive Health
About
- Strengthens immune system, develops healthy digestive tract, improves gut health, relieves gas and diarrhea
- Helps prevent oral disease and bad breath
- Controls yeast infections
- Made in the USA in FDA-inspected, GMP-certified facility
Ingredients
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus lactis
- Prebiotics: inulin
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, Lactase, Bromelain
- Inactive Ingredients: Oat flour, palm fruit oil, rice bran, rice flour, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, sunflower, Lecithin, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, powdered cellulose, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols
Features
- 2 billion CFUs/serving (soft chew)
- All natural ingredients: NO corn, sugar, wheat, GMOs, artificial flavors or colors
- Dose: 1-5 chews by weight
11) PremiumCare Digestion & Gut Health Probiotic Treats
About
- Relieves diarrhea, upset stomach, constipation and improves digestion, allergies, hot spots and overall health and immune system
- Reduces shedding and rebuilds bacteria after antibiotics or steroids
- Heals unhealthy gut walls, keeps GI tract regular and improves nutrient absorption
- 30-day money-back guarantee for full refund or replacement
- Company offers a wide range of products
- Made in the USA; FDA-inspected GMP
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend:Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus lactis
- Inactive Ingredients: Oat flour, palm fruit oil, rice bran, rice flour, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, sunflower lecithin, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, powdered cellulose, inulin, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols
Features
- 2 billion CFU/serving (soft chews)
- 5 probiotic strains
- Dose: 1-5 chews by weight
- Good for dogs of all ages
- Corn, dairy and soy free; no artificial colors, flavorings or ingredients
- Includes a digestive enzyme blend of amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase, and bromelain
12) Nexpaw Every dog’s Daily Probiotics & Enzymes
About
- Safe, natural canine gut support
- Eases diarrhea, gas, bloating, constipation, upset stomach and vomiting
- Made in the USA of quality ingredients sourced globally
Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis (PB6 probiotic)
- Prebiotic: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae)
- Lipase (Aspergillus niger)
- Cellulase (Trichoderma longibrachiatum)
- Protease (papaya)
- Other Ingredients: Brewers dried yeast, glycerin, dried potato product, flaxseed, lecithin, canola oil, calcium sulfate, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, natural flavoring, water, maltodextrin, tapioca starch, sorbic acid, mixed tocopherols, vegetable oil
Features
- 1.1 billion CFU/serving (soft chews)
- Wheat-free soft chews
- Dosage: 1-4 soft chews based on weight
13) Bernie’s Perfect Poop
About
- Naturally relieves digestion-related issues
- Improves digestion and associated pet problems for general health
- Reduces gas and sweetens breath
- 4-in-1 gut health
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA
Ingredients
- Probiotics: Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans
- Prebiotic: Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Dietary Fiber: Sun-cured miscanthus grass, dried pumpkin and flaxseed
- Enzymes: Protease, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lipase, papain and bromelain
Features
- 1 billion CFU/TBS
- 100mg enzymes/TBS
- Natural, non-GMO
- Grain and gluten free
- Dose: 1/3 to 5 tablespoons added to food based on weight
- Flavor choices (cheddar cheese or chicken)
14) ThomasLabs Total Digest
About
- A digestive enzyme and probiotic formula that supports healthy digestion, better absorption of nutrients
- Promotes energy, vitality and overall health
- Good for both dogs and cats
Ingredients
- Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis
- Alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae)
- Cellulase (Aspergillus niger)
- Lipase (Aspergillus niger)
- Bromelain (pineapples)
- Beta-Glucanase (Aspergillus niger)
- Alpha-Galactosidase (Aspergillus niger)
- Glucoamylase (Aspergillus niger)
Features
- Not less than 100 million CFU/serving (scoop)
- Powder breaks down the fillers in pet food
- Dose: 1 scoop; for animals 8+ years, double the dosage
- Moisture (max) 6%
Conclusion
When selecting a probiotic supplement for your pet, pay close attention to the ingredients…as well as what’s not in your supplement. Look for non-GMO, all-natural ingredients, no corn, wheat or soy.
In most cases, the varied probiotic strain and CFU volume per serving. At the same time, you may want to consider a blend of probiotics and enzymes. Finally, look for good customer service and money-back guarantees so you can test supplements until you find the best solution for your pet.
Probiotics.org Tools
Our Most Popular Articles
Free Probiotics Buying Guide
Want to buy the best probiotics for you and your health? Then you should click here to download the Probiotics Buying Guide.
Featured Product Reviews:
read Canine Daily Care review.
