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Shih Tzus are known for their charming personality, but they can also be prone to certain health issues, such as digestive problems. Probiotics have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to support gut health, but not all probiotics are created equal, and finding the right one for your furry friend can be a daunting task.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of probiotics for Shih Tzus, discuss the factors to consider when choosing a probiotic, and provide a list of some of the best probiotics for your Shih Tzu on the market.
What is the Best Probiotic for Shih Tzus?
There are lots of probiotics for dogs, but below are 12 great options to help you narrow down your search. Digestive problems and poor gut health could be taking a toll on your dog without you noticing. So, the iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic Dog Chews are packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to give your dog a full health boost. These supplements can reduce digestive issues like runny poop and flatulence, boost your dog's immune system, and help their body absorb nutrients better. These probiotics come in the form of soft chews that your dog will think are treats. Each chew contains key ingredients like pumpkin, papaya, and dried Bacillus coagulans, all of which can help with your dog's tummy troubles. Your dog will feel good as new when taking these USA-made probiotics. Plus, every bag purchased provides 12 healthy meals for dogs in need. Features: Finn Digestive Probiotic soft chews are packed with pumpkin and good bacteria to help support your pup's digestive system - and the beef liver flavor will have your dog come running every time he hears you pick up the tin! A healthy gut microbiome supported by Finn Digestive Probiotic can help boost your dog's immunities and keep him feeling strong, healthy, and playful. Finn probiotics are made in the USA, and are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for having successfully passed an independent audit. These soft chews have lots of probiotics and enzymes, which can assist with digestive health, immune support, and nutrient absorption. It includes seven probiotic strains, a multi-enzyme blend, and pumpkin. Dogs who take these chews regularly have firmer stools and can heal from wounds and sicknesses faster. Their overall health and mood will likely improve as well. To enhance the flavor, the formula includes duck, sweet potato, carrots, and flaxseed instead of fillers. So, the chews will be healthy and tasty, and most dogs will be excited to eat them. There's also a formula without duck in case dogs are uninterested in or allergic to that protein. This product is made in the USA following strict safety standards. Features: These probiotic bites come in a variety of flavors so all dogs can enjoy the taste while reaping the benefits. You can choose from pumpkin, bison, and chicken. The supplements are soft chews that dogs gobble up because they look like regular treats. The ingredients vary based on which formula you select, but all of them include Bacillus subtilis, which is a clinically studied probiotic. All the formulas can support gut health, aid digestive function, and boost the immune system. Dogs who take them usually experience fewer digestion issues, like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. The ingredients are globally sourced, but all the products are made in the USA. The chews are great for sensitive dogs because they avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Features: The Honest Paws Probiotics come in tubes of powder that you can sprinkle on your dog's food. They're chicken-flavored, so most dogs will happily gobble the powder up. The formula contains several probiotics and other health-boosting ingredients, including inulin, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans, that can help your pup maintain a healthy gut, boost their immune system, and reduce allergy symptoms. When your dog takes this supplement, you may notice less itching, hair loss, urinary tract infections, gas, and diarrhea. As a bonus, their mood may improve. This product won the NASC Visibility Award in 2022, so you can feel confident serving it to your furry friend. The supplements are lab-tested, GMO-free, and made in the USA. Features: These probiotic supplements can come in the form of soft chews or powder, depending on what your dog prefers. The soft chews can be given as treats while the powder can be sprinkled onto your dog's food. Both forms support and balance your dog's gastrointestinal system, so they're ideal for dogs with digestive problems and sensitive stomachs. The ingredients in this supplement are Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, protease, lipase, cellulase, and alpha-amylase. All these ingredients work together to give your pup a full-body health boost. These chews are made in the United States, and they're formulated and recommended by veterinarians for dogs six weeks and older. Features: This iHeartDogs product has two purposes in one. It can hide your dog's pills while also providing them with necessary probiotics. The paste is a savory chicken and bacon flavor that most dogs can't resist. So, you can wrap the paste around your dog's pills to get them to eat the pill, thinking it's just a treat. The pill paste is infused with probiotics to improve your dog's gut health as much as possible. Those probiotics can improve digestion, promote healthy bacteria, create an intestinal balance, and build up the immune system. Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also included to increase energy levels for an overall health boost. This product is made in the USA, and every container purchased provides 12 meals for dogs in need. Features: Nusentia's probiotic supplements come in a powder form with a scoop included. The formula contains both prebiotics and live probiotics to help your dog with tummy troubles, itchy skin, bad breath, and overall well-being. The powder doesn't include gluten, dairy, grains, fillers, or by-products, so it's a good choice for dogs with allergies. The powder is odorless, so you can sprinkle it on your dog's food without them noticing, making it an ideal option for picky eaters. Each jar contains 360 scoops, so even large dogs can get lots of servings out of it. The food is made and quality-tested in the USA. Many vets have been recommending this brand for over 11 years. Features: These supplements can reduce allergy symptoms in dogs, but they also include probiotics for an added health boost. So, this is the best probiotic for dogs with allergies. These supplements come in soft bone-shaped chews that your dog will think are treats. Each chew is packed with key ingredients like quercetin, colostrum, reishi mushrooms, salmon oil, apple cider vinegar, and a probiotic blend for a full health boost. When your dog eats these chews, they may experience less itchy and irritated skin, better immune responses, and healthier gut bacteria. The ingredients will keep your dog healthy in a variety of aspects, even when exposed to allergens. These multi-purpose chews are made in the USA, and each bag purchased donates 14 healthy meals to dogs in need. Features: NomNom is a famous fresh dog food company, but they also sell beneficial supplements. Their probiotic supplement comes in a powder form, so you can scoop it out and mix it with your dog's food daily. Like NomNom's food, the supplements are formulated by their veterinary nutrition and microbiology team. The product is made in the USA and is suitable for any dog over eight weeks old. The formula contains a blend of seven probiotics, along with some prebiotics. It's designed to improve digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and the microbiome. After regularly taking the supplement, your dog should feel healthier and more active overall. While it's used on NomNom's fresh dog food in its advertisements, it can work well on any type of dog food. Plus, it has more CFUs than most probiotics for dogs. Features: Amazing Nutritionals probiotics come in round, chewable tablets. The texture isn't soft like some of the other options, but the tablets are flavored with bacon and liver to appeal to picky eaters. These tablets can benefit a variety of health aspects for your dog, including digestion, skin, coat, and joints. So, you should notice decreased gas and diarrhea after your pup starts taking these. This vet-approved formula contains a probiotic blend, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and calcium. To cater to dogs with allergies, these supplements avoid unnecessary items like wheat, corn, grains, soy, eggs, potatoes, and gluten. They're made in small batches in the USA, and they're labeled as a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) quality product. Features: Veterinarians formulated these probiotic supplements using high-quality ingredients, so you can feel safe giving them to your dog. This product is often recommended by vets as well. The tablets contain seven key probiotic strains that are paired with prebiotics. Each supplement is a capsule filled with powder, so you may need to hide it in a pill pocket to get your pup to eat it. These supplements are designed to support intestinal and digestive health, especially if issues are caused due to stress. They can tackle health issues like diarrhea and flatulence, and they may also reduce joint pain. Nutramax has been in the pet industry for over 30 years, and its probiotics can benefit dogs of all sizes and ages, even dogs with sensitive stomachs. Features: This vet-formulated probiotic provides complete gut health and digestive wellness for your furry friend. The prebiotics and probiotics in this product can improve sensitive stomachs, stress, and long-term health. It's a powder supplement that can be sprinkled onto your dog's meals to serve. Most dogs will happily gobble up the beef-flavored powder, so it can also function as a topper for picky dogs. The Native Pet Probiotic only includes four ingredients: dehydrated beef broth, organic pumpkin seed, organic inulin, and a probiotic blend. With a short ingredient list, you'll know exactly what's going into your dog's tummy, making it an excellent choice for dogs with allergies. By giving your dog this powder regularly, your dog's body will become an excellent environment for healthy flora. Features:1. iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic Dog Chews
2. Finn Digestive Probiotic
3. PetHonesty Digestive Probiotic Soft Chews
4. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites for Dogs
5. Honest Paws Pre+Probiotics Supplement
6. NaturVet Advanced Probiotics and Enzymes
7. iHeartDogs Hide-A-Pill with Probiotics
8. Nusentia Probiotics for Dogs
9. iHeartDogs Allergy & Itch Relief Chews with Probiotics
10. NomNom Full Spectrum Probiotic Support
11. Amazing Nutritionals Probiotic Joint Relief
12. Nutramax Proviable Digestive Health Supplement with Probiotics
13. The Native Pet Probiotic
Tips for Choosing the Best Probiotic for Your Shih Tzu
Any of the probiotics for shih tzus mentioned above are good quality, but the best one for your canine companion may vary based on your shih tzu’s needs and what you prefer.
Type of Probiotic
Like most supplements, probiotics come in a variety of forms. You can choose from soft chews, powders, or pills. Soft chews are generally the easiest to serve because most shih tzus will think they’re treats. However, if your shih tzu is picky, it might be easier to mix a flavorless powder with their food or hide a pill in their favorite snack. All forms are effective, but not all shih tzus are interested in the same type.
Ingredients
All of these products have plenty of probiotics, but some of them include extra ingredients too. If you’re looking for something simple, you may want to go with a formula that only has the essentials. Yet, if you want the supplements to have a better flavor for your shih tzu or additional health benefits, you may want to consider a product with more ingredients. However, you should always check to make sure the formula doesn’t include ingredients your shih tzu is allergic to.
Benefits
Probiotics are designed to help improve the digestive and immune systems. Some products also come with added benefits like promoting healthy skin and coats, battling bad breath, improving joint function, and boosting energy levels. So, consider which products have the best benefits for your shih tzu.
Expiration Date
If you’re looking at probiotic supplements at the store, check the expiration date. Probiotic products contain living organisms, so once the expiration date has passed, the supplements aren’t as effective. Once you open a container of probiotics, you should also store it as directed to ensure it’s fully effective. Some opened supplements work best if refrigerated once opened, but you can check the label to be sure.
Price
For some pet parents, price is essential. Supplements can be pricy, so you’ll need to find one that fits your budget. When looking at the prices of the probiotics, consider how many servings your shih tzu will get out of the package. Sometimes, products may seem expensive, but they give you a good quantity for your money.
FAQs about Probiotics for Shih Tzus
Choosing the best probiotic for dogs is a big decision, so here are some questions to consider before making a purchase.
What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?
Probiotics are the main part of these dog supplements. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your dog’s gut while prebiotics help sustain the probiotics. They work together to give your dog a full health boost, so having both in one supplement can be beneficial.
What is CFU in Dog Probiotics?
On the packaging of many dog probiotics, it’ll list the amount of CFU. CFU stands for “colony-forming unit,” which is the number of active microorganisms in each serving. Most products have anywhere between 1 and 10 billion CFU. Larger numbers of CFU will have stronger effects on your furry friend.
Can a Shih Tzu Take Human Probiotics?
No, a shih tzu shouldn’t take human probiotics. Human probiotics aren’t dangerous for dogs, but humans and dogs benefit from different types of probiotics. So, to get the best results, you should give your dog probiotics specifically designed for canines.
How Often Should You Give Your Shih Tzu a Probiotic?
Most shih tzu probiotics are designed to be given daily. However, you should read the label to determine the correct amount based on your dog’s weight. When in doubt, ask a vet to give you an accurate dosage.
Do Shih Tzu Poop More When Taking Probiotics?
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the dog. Probiotics can firm up your dog’s stool and help them poop on a regular schedule. After taking probiotics regularly, a dog should be less likely to face frequent runny poop.
What Natural Probiotics Can My Shih Tzu Take?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt or pumpkin can be a good natural probiotic for dogs. You can mix one of those human foods with your dog’s food daily to improve their digestion, but you should ask your vet for a recommended dosage.
How Can Probiotics Benefit My Shih Tzu
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for the body. They’re found naturally in your shih tzu’s digestive tract, however, it can be difficult for canines to maintain a healthy level of probiotics on their own. So, most dogs can benefit from additional probiotics, which can exist in the food, treats, and supplements they eat.
Shih Tzus typically need probiotics to help them digest food, absorb nutrients, and maintain a healthy immune system. Here are a few ways added probiotics can benefit a dog’s body:
- Reduce digestive problems, such as diarrhea and flatulence
- Reduce symptoms of food allergies
- Help dogs recover from illnesses and injuries faster
- Help manage disease symptoms
- Improve mood and energy levels
- Reduce stress
So, probiotics can give your dog a health boost from nose to tail. Most dogs will react positively to added probiotics, but if you’re unsure if you should give some to your furry friend, you should consult your vet.
🚩 4 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Purchasing Probiotics for Your Shih Tzu
- 🚩 Low CFU count: Look for probiotics with at least 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per serving. Any less than that may not be effective.
- 🚩 Lack of strain diversity: Make sure the probiotic contains a variety of strains. A single strain may not be effective for all dogs and may not provide the benefits you’re looking for.
- 🚩 Unnecessary ingredients: Avoid probiotics that contain unnecessary additives, fillers, or artificial colors and flavors. These can be harmful to your dog’s health and may not provide any additional benefits.
- 🚩 No information on packaging: Look for probiotics that provide clear and detailed information on the packaging, including the CFU count, strain diversity, and any other ingredients. If there is no information available, it’s best to avoid the product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best probiotic for your Shih Tzu requires some research and consideration. While probiotics can provide numerous health benefits for your furry friend, it is important to choose the right one that suits their specific needs. Look for probiotics that are tailored for dogs, with strains that can improve digestive health, boost immunity and overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding a new supplement to your pet’s diet, and closely monitor their response to the probiotic. By taking these steps, you can help your Shih Tzu live a happier and healthier life.
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