GWF: Probiotics and prebiotics – looking after your dog’s digestive health 

Written by Zoe Russell, BSc (Hons), ANutr, Nutrition Officer, Skinner’s 

Digestive health is becoming more widely understood with more people, and their pets, using digestive supplements to look after their general wellbeing. Probiotics and prebiotics are something you may have heard a lot about when it comes to looking after your dog’s gut - but what’s the difference and what exactly do they do? 

What are probiotics? 

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria in your dog’s digestive system that help to make sure it’s all in balance. While dogs already have some of the good bacteria in their bodies, giving them extra through supplements or certain food can be really beneficial and help to give your dog’s immune system a boost. 

These bacteria are also naturally occurring and sometimes a course of antibiotics, a case of diarrhoea, or eating something unusual can throw off the balance. That's when giving your dog some extra probiotics can help restore the balance and get your dog feeling in tip top condition again.  

What are prebiotics? 

Ther other part of this important team, prebiotics, are what fuels the good bacteria. They help with the release of nutrients needed for healthy growth and general wellbeing. 
Your dog digestive system won’t actually digest prebiotics but they help to look after your dog’s gut and push out any bad bacteria. Again, you can add these to your dog’s diet from a variety of sources, including supplements, or specific ingredients like nettle, cinnamon or garlic. 

So how do they work? 

As soon as your dog has eaten, the prebiotics and probiotics begin their work helping to keep your dog's stomach healthy. 

Once they’re broken down, any probiotics will become “good” bacteria in your dog's gut. Prebiotics will travel to the colon undigested and change into something called short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These feed any beneficial bacteria to help it become stronger and multiply.

When given together, these two make a winning team for your pooch's gut health. You’ll often find them used together for the optimum benefits for your dog.  

When should I give my dog a digestive supplement?  

Digestive supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics are great for supporting any dogs who have sensitive stomachs and are prone to digestive upsets, loose stools, excess gas or unpleasant odours.  

They are also useful at certain times, for example during and after a course of antibiotics, which can sometimes lead to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics will help restore your dog’s gut microbiome and rebalance the gut. 

A digestive supplement can also provide support when your dog is stressed due to changes in their routine, like travel or moving home. Giving your dog prebiotics can also help them adjust to a new type of food or transitioning to a different diet.  

What to look for in a good digestive supplement 

A good digestive support supplement will offer both of these important elements and can help to maintain good gut hygiene and support your dog’s natural defences.  
Digestive Aid for Dogs includes four important prebiotics—galacto, fructo, mannan, and xylo oligosaccharides—as well as probiotics and a carefully targeted mix of 19 other actives. 
These are all crucial for helping to support your dog’s digestive health and wellbeing. 

Digestive Aid also includes Verm-X, which is a veterinary-approved herbal formulation herbs and microscopic components aimed at helping to balance your dog’s gut flora and address intestinal hygiene.  

It’s designed as a tasty, easy to feed daily supplement – simply sprinkle over your dog’s favourite food and get on with your day.