The 10 Best Probiotics For Dogs

Editor's Notes

August 05, 2019:

On this update, we've included four new products to our list: Nutri-Vet Soft (#9); Zesty Paws (#7); Pet Ultimates (#3); and Nutramax Proviable (#2). We also bumped Purina Fortiflora from its previous position at #4 all the way to #1. Though it's a bit expensive, it is the probiotic supplement most frequently recommended by veterinarians during a bout of acute diarrhea. This leads to an important matter of discussion: the efficacy of probiotics in pets.

While we tend to anthropomorphize our furry friends and assume that what is beneficial for us is likely beneficial for them, this obviously can lead us into making unnecessary — and potentially harmful — decisions. In the case of probiotics, though, there is growing evidence that they can be beneficial for an animal who suffers from GI abnormalities. They're particularly useful after a dog has had an acute episode of diarrhea or a related gastrointestinal flare-up. Of course, in such a situation, you should always consult your veterinarian before turning to supplements.

We encourage you to investigate the scientific literature and decide for yourself whether or not the growing market for such supplements is the result of successful marketing gimmicks playing on human empathy. We do want to state the obvious, though, which is that there is no quick-fix for health, canine or otherwise. You should ensure that your pet is properly vaccinated, getting plenty of exercise, and eating healthy food. You can find a list of our favorite organic dog foods by clicking here.