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Benefits of Probiotic Dog Food
Probiotic dog food is becoming commonplace in the market because of the health benefits it can provide your dog.
Probiotics have been used for the past two decades because of the clinically proven benefits they provide for overall health in both humans and dogs.
This article discusses the 5 benefits that probiotic dog food has for keeping your dog happy and active.
5 Benefits of Probiotic Dog Food
- Improved Digestive Health
- Enhanced Immune System
- Better Nutrient Absorption
- Reduced Risk of Allergies
- Improved Dental Health
Before we look at the benefits of probiotic dog food in greater detail, it is important to understand what probiotics are and how they work to provide these benefits.
What Are Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the GI tract and are often called “good or beneficial bacteria”.
Probiotics work in the GI tract by
- Reducing the Growth and Colonization of Harmful Bacteria
- The GI tract contains trillions of microorganisms that include beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health and functioning of the GI tract.
- Probiotics can colonize in the Gut and compete with harmful bacteria for food and space.
- This helps reduce the growth and numbers of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria in the GI Tract.
- This competition for food and space can help reduce inflammation because some harmful bacteria are known to cause inflammation.
- Helping to Improve the Integrity of the Intestinal Lining
- Probiotics have been shown to strengthen the tight junction between cells in the intestinal lining.
- Helps prevent the passage of harmful toxins and pathogens into the bloodstream.
- Modulating the immune system
- Interact with immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
- Help to enhance the function of immune cells, thereby improving the body’s ability to fight off infections and maintain overall health.
Overall, probiotics work in the GI tract by interacting with resident microorganisms, improving gut barrier function, and modulating the immune system.
Commonly Used Probiotics
There are several different types of probiotic organisms that are commonly used in probiotic supplements and foods. Here are some of the most commonly used probiotic organisms.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- This is a lactic acid bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut.
- It is often used in probiotic supplements and fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- This is another lactic acid bacteria that is found in the gut.
- It is often used in probiotic supplements and is known for its ability to help regulate the immune system.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- This is a probiotic bacterium that has been shown to have a number of health benefits.
- It is often used in probiotic supplements and is known for its ability to support the immune system and improve digestive health.
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- This is a type of yeast that is commonly used in probiotic supplements.
- It has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and infections.
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- This is a probiotic bacterium that is commonly used in the production of yogurt and other fermented dairy products.
- It has been shown to help improve digestive health and may also have immune-modulating effects.
For additional information on Probiotics read our article Natural Probiotic Food for Dogs – Choosing the Right Probiotic Foods for Boxer Dogs.
We recommend PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews Digestive Supplements for Dogs. They can help your dog with their GI Issues.
5 Benefits of Probiotic Dog Food
Probiotic dog food is used to promote healthy digestion, immune function and overall being for your dog.
Now let’s focus on the 5 Benefits of Probiotic dog food.
Improved Digestive Health
Probotic dog food help provides “beneficial” bacteria to your dog’s GI tract.
Probiotic dog food contains specific strains of “beneficial” bacteria that have been proven to improve digestive health. These benefits include
- Enhanced Gut Health
- The probiotics in dog food work by colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria.
- These beneficial bacteria help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can lead to digestive problems.
- Improved Digestion
- Probiotic dog food can improve digestion by increasing the availability of enzymes that break down food.
- This leads to better absorption of nutrients from the food, which can enhance overall health.
- Reduced Inflammation
- Probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
- Inflammation can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Enhanced Immune System
- The gut is an essential part of the immune system.
- Probiotic dog food can boost the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help to fight off harmful pathogens.
- Improved Bowel Regularity
- Probiotics can help regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation and diarrhea.
- This is because they can help to balance the gut microbiota, which is essential for maintaining healthy bowel function.
When selecting probiotic dog food, it is important to choose a product with a high concentration of beneficial bacteria and ensure that the strains of bacteria are appropriate for your dog’s needs.
It is also recommended to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
The table below shows some of the commonly used probiotics in Probiotic Dog Food and their benefits.
Commonly used Probiotics in Probiotic Dog Food for Improved Digestive Health
| Probiotic | Potential benefits for digestive health |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Helps break down lactose and produce enzymes for carbohydrate digestion; supports gut motility; supports gut barrier function |
| Bifidobacterium animalis | Helps break down fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids, which can be used as a source of energy by the body; supports gut motility; supports gut barrier function |
| Lactobacillus casei | Produces enzymes for protein digestion; supports gut motility; supports gut barrier function |
| Enterococcus faecium | Helps break down carbohydrates and produce enzymes for protein digestion; supports gut motility; supports gut barrier function |
| Bacillus coagulans | Produces enzymes for carbohydrate and protein digestion; helps improve gut barrier function; supports gut motility |
The specific benefits of probiotics can vary depending on the strain and dosage used, and not all probiotics are created equal.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before adding probiotics or making any significant changes to your dog’s diet
We recommend Ollie Probiotic Chews for Dogs for promoting a healthy GI tract in your dog.
Enhanced Immune System
Image by Rikki Andersen from Pixabay
Healthy gut microbes are closely linked to a strong immune system.
Probiotics have been shown to help support the immune system in dogs.
Probiotic dog food can promote immune function in dogs in several ways:
- Enhancing gut microbiota
- Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that live in the gut and help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms.
- Adding probiotics to dog food can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help boost the immune system and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.
- Increasing antibody production
- Probiotics can stimulate the production of antibodies in dogs, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Supporting gut barrier function
- Probiotics can also help improve gut barrier function by strengthening the lining of the digestive tract.
- This can prevent harmful bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream and causing infections or inflammation.
- Reducing inflammation
- Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is associated with a variety of health issues, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and digestive disorders.
- Enhancing nutrient absorption
- Probiotics can also help enhance nutrient absorption in dogs, which can help support overall health and well-being.
It’s important to note that not all probiotics are created equal, and the efficacy of probiotics can vary depending on the strain and dosage used.
Additionally, probiotics are not a cure-all and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to promoting immune function and overall health in dogs.
It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before adding probiotics or making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
We recommend Honest Kitchen’s Functional Pour Overs Immune Support Beef Stew Dog Food Topper which contains antioxidants to help support immune function.
The table below shows some of the commonly used probiotics in Probiotic dog food and their function.
Commonly Used Probiotics in ProbioticDog Food to Support Immune Function
| Probiotic | Potential benefits for immune function |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Enhances antibody production; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Bifidobacterium animalis | Enhances antibody production; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Lactobacillus casei | Enhances antibody production; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Enterococcus faecium | Enhances antibody production; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Bacillus coagulans | Reduces inflammation; enhances antibody production; supports gut barrier function; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
The study Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development and Function of Lymphoid Cells noted that “There is clear evidence supporting a critical role for the microbiota in the development and functional regulation of the gut immune system“.
Kamada, N., & Núñez, G. (2013). Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Development and Function of Lymphoid Cells. Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md.: 1950), 190(4), 1389. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1203100
As you can see the benefits of probiotics in helping promote immune function in dogs have been clinically proven. Probiotic dog food can help to support and promote immune function in your dog.
We recommend Wild Earth Performance Formula Dog Food Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavor which contains prebiotic fiber to help promote a healthy GI Tract as well as muscle-building proteins.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Our Boxers Duke (l) and Katie (r) both Adopted from Adopt A Boxer Rescue
A healthy microbial community in the GI tract is essential for nutrient absorption.
Probiotics can play a key role in helping to improve nutrient absorption in dogs.
Probiotic dog food can benefit nutrient absorption in dogs in the following ways:
- Promoting a healthy gut microbiome
- Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which are crucial for breaking down and absorbing nutrients in food.
- Increasing enzyme production
- Probiotics can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which are needed to break down food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.
- Improving gut barrier function
- Probiotics can improve gut barrier function, which can help prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and interfering with nutrient absorption.
- Enhancing gut motility
- Probiotics can help regulate gut motility, which can prevent food from sitting in the digestive tract for too long and interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Supporting the immune system
- Probiotics can help support the immune system, which can indirectly benefit nutrient absorption by preventing infections and inflammation in the gut.
Overall, a healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal nutrient absorption in dogs.
Probiotics can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall digestive health, which can lead to better nutrient absorption and overall health and well-being in dogs.
However, it’s important to note that probiotics should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to nutrition and should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and appropriate veterinary care.
The table below lists some of the commonly used probiotics used in probiotic dog food.
Commonly used Probiotics in Probiotic Dog Food
| Probiotic | Potential benefits for nutrient absorption |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Helps break down lactose and produce enzymes for carbohydrate digestion; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Bifidobacterium animalis | Helps break down fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids, which can be used as a source of energy by the body; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Lactobacillus casei | Produces enzymes for protein digestion; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Enterococcus faecium | Helps break down carbohydrates and produce enzymes for protein digestion; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
| Bacillus coagulans | Produces enzymes for carbohydrate and protein digestion; helps improve gut barrier function; supports a healthy gut microbiome |
It’s important to note that the specific benefits of probiotics can vary depending on the strain and dosage used, and not all probiotics are created equal.
Also, the efficacy of probiotics can depend on several factors, including the dog’s individual gut microbiome, diet, and health status.
Consult with a veterinarian before adding probiotics or making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
We recommend Nature’s Variety Grain-Free Instinct Canned Dog Food From Only Natural Pet. It contains chelated minerals to aid in the absorption of nutrients.
Reduced Risk of Allergies
Image by boxerdogmadness from Pixabay
Boxer dogs are prone to allergies. Research on probiotics demonstrated that probiotics like the ones found in probiotic dog food can help reduce the risk of allergies in dogs.
Probiotics as used in probiotic dog food can help maintain a healthy microbial environment in the GI tract. This is important because it can
- Reduce inflammation in the GI tact
- Help to improve immune function
- May help alleviate or prevent allergies.
Probiotic dog foods have been suggested to help alleviate or prevent allergies in dogs. The have been shown to
- Improve gut health
- Probiotics can help improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reducing harmful bacteria.
- This can enhance the immune system, which may help prevent or alleviate allergies in dogs.
- Strengthen the immune system
- Probiotics have been found to enhance the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies, which can help prevent or reduce allergic reactions in dogs.
- Reduce inflammation
- Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Inflammation is a common cause of allergies in dogs, and reducing it can help alleviate symptoms.
- Improve digestion
- Probiotics can help improve digestion by aiding in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.
- This can help reduce the likelihood of food allergies or sensitivities in dogs.
- Enhance skin health
- Allergies in dogs often manifest as skin irritations.
Below is a table showing some of the commonly used probiotics in probiotic dog food and their corresponding benefits.
Commonly Used Probiotics in Probiotic Dog Food to Alleviate Allergies
| Probiotic Strain | Potential Benefits |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | – Enhances immune system function – May reduce inflammation – Supports digestive health |
| Bifidobacterium animalis | – May improve stool quality- Helps to promote healthy digestion – Enhances immune system function |
| Enterococcus faecium | – Supports gut health and improves digestion – May help reduce inflammation – Enhances immune system function |
| Lactobacillus fermentum | – Helps to promote healthy digestion – May reduce inflammation- Enhances immune system function |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | – May help to reduce allergy symptoms and inflammation – Supports digestive health – Enhances immune system function |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum | – Helps to promote healthy digestion – May reduce inflammation- Enhances immune system function |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus | – Helps to promote healthy digestion – May reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms- Enhances immune system function |
| Streptococcus thermophilus | – Supports gut health and improves digestion – May help reduce inflammation – Enhances immune system function |
While probiotics may be helpful in managing allergies, they should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care or treatment.
- For additional information on allergies, read our articles
- 5 Dog Food Skin Allergies – Best Treatments
- 7 Most Common Boxer Dog Allergies – Helping Your Boxer Dog With Symptoms.
We recommend JustFoodForDogs Venison and Squash Fresh Dog Food. It contains a novel protein (Venison) to help alleviate the potential for allergies and is good for a sensitive stomach.
Better Dental Health
Probiotics in the lactobacillus family have been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
This can lead to improved dental health in dogs.
Reducing the risk of dental disease, probiotics can help improve dogs’ overall health and well-being.
Below is a table showing the commonly used probiotics in probiotic dog food to help promote dental health.
Commonly Used Probiotics in Probiotic Dog Food to Help Alleviate Allergies
| Probiotic Strain | Potential Benefits |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | – Helps to control harmful bacteria in the mouth – May reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease- Supports digestive health |
| Bifidobacterium animalis | – Supports oral health and helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth – Enhances immune system function |
| Streptococcus salivarius | – Produces enzymes that help break down plaque and maintain oral health- Helps to control harmful bacteria in the mouth- May reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease |
| Enterococcus faecium | – Supports digestive health and may improve nutrient absorption- Helps to control harmful bacteria in the mouth – May reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease |
| Lactobacillus reuteri | – Helps to control harmful bacteria in the mouth and maintain a healthy balance of oral microflora- May reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease- Supports digestive health |
It’s important to note that while probiotics may be helpful in promoting oral health in dogs, they should not be used as a substitute for regular dental care, such as brushing and professional cleanings.
Additionally, as with any dietary supplement, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before incorporating probiotics into a dog’s diet.
We recommend Ollie Chicken and Apple Dog Treats to help support Dental and Digestive Health.
Summary
Probiotics have been used effectively in humans for several decades.
The growth of probiotic dog food has been expanding rapidly because of the benefits to dogs.
There are 5 Benefits of Probiotic Dog. They include
- Improved Digestive Health
- improved Nutrient Absorption
- Promotes Immune System
- Helps Alleviate and Prevent Allergies
- Promotes dental Health
Before starting any probiotic foods or supplements with your dog, review your plan with your veterinarian.
Probiotics can help you have a happy healthy and active Boxer by helping to maintain a healthy gut flora.
Try incorporating priobotics slowly into your Boxer’s diet so they can reap the benefits they provide.
Discoverboxerdogs.com are Mary and Chris Kustanbauter. We reside in Red Lion, PA with our two Boxers, Duke and Katie, who are both rescue dogs. We have been working with Adopt A Boxer Rescue for the past 17 years and have adopted 5 Boxers from this fine organization. To learn more visit our Home, Boxer Dog Family, and Blogs Pages Visit us on social media on Facebook – Discoverboxerdogs.com, Instagram, and Pinterest
