More and more research is showing us the incredible impact that gut health has on all aspects of wellness. And although we don’t fully understand the mechanism, there does appear to be a link between the GI system and allergies or food intolerances in dogs.
In 2015, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by the NIH showed that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus sakei given for 2 months significantly reduced the disease severity of dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis. (We’ve also covered more human and animal studies on dogs and probiotics here.)
For dog owners desiring to alleviate their pups’ itchy skin naturally, probiotics are showing great promise. Although other treatment methods may be necessary, restoring gut balance with good bacteria can play a role in many areas of health, including alleviating stress, diarrhea, coprophagia (eating poop), and more.
The cost of a good quality canine probiotic will run you anywhere from $0.25 – $1.00 a day, depending on the weight of your dog. In our opinion, it is a small price to pay for a happy dog.
Another important component to probiotics is providing a source of prebiotics for your dog, which serves as a food source for good bacteria to feed on. Canine probiotic powders will often include a prebiotic in the formula, and some also include digestive enzymes.
NEXT UP: Which probiotic does iHeartDogs recommend?
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6 Things To Consider Before Buying a Canine Probiotic
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
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