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Pre- and Probiotics Make It Easy to Maintain Your Dog's Gut Health

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  June 18th, 2026

(photo credit: ValeriyPH / shutterstock.com)


We’ve all seen the commercials, print ads and barrage of well-placed store signage that promote the importance of probiotics and prebiotics to supporting a healthy lifestyle. But did you know these same microorganisms support your dog’s health, too?


It’s true! And introducing pre- and probiotics into your pet’s diet is easier than you may think. Let’s start with what they are and what they do.


What’s The Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

In a nutshell, probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that live in the body and protect it from other harmful organisms. It also provides several benefits for both humans and dogs by supporting balanced gastrointestinal health and optimal nutrient absorption. TIP: Similar as for humans, a plain, no-sugar Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics for dogs.


Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that feed the “good” bacteria. You want that type of bacteria to thrive and keep harmful organisms in the gut, at bay. TIP: When it comes to amping up your dog’s prebiotic consumption, pumpkin is touted as being an easy, effective (and affordable) option.


Benefits of Adding Probiotics to Your Dog’s Diet

Similar to humans, your dog’s digestive system contains billions of microorganisms. Some are beneficial, and some are not so beneficial. The goal is to keep the good, beneficial bacteria in primo fighting form so it can stave off illness.


Now, you may think your pet is young, healthy and able to resolve gut issues without you stepping in. The truth is, any dog can have a sudden bout of diarrhea, their digestive bacteria disrupted due to medications, or experience allergies that just won’t clear up. That’s when introducing a healthy pre- and probiotic into their diet can alleviate or eliminate gut-related problems.


How Much Is Enough?

Probiotics

Daily supplements for a healthy dog should be in the range of 1 and 5 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) per day. For those on medications or with existing digestive issues, dosage should be up in the 5 to 10 billion CFU range.


Now, the numbers may seem staggering; however, keep in mind that a single cup of one of the human-grade probiotic-fortified Greek yogurts contains anywhere from 10 to 20 billion CFUs. So, getting them in is not quite as daunting as one might think.


Prebiotics

With prebiotics, it’s important to get the doses right. Over-supplementing can result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. While pumpkin or banana are a great, easy option, choosing a quality, vet-recommended prebiotic option that includes "enterococcus faecium or bifidobacterium animalis" may ultimately be the easiest way to ensure your pet gets the right dose of a premium product.


Finding the Right Format for Your Dog

If your dogs love their treats, a tasty mini option is the way to go. With 6 billion CFUs, this duck-flavored probiotic chew is perfect for meeting your dog’s daily requirements with each tiny treat.


If your dog is dealing with an unexpected bout of digestive upset, using a one-time probiotic paste supplement can be a great quick fix. This option from Dogzymes delivers 2.3 billion CFUs and can be used as a single dose or for ongoing discomfort. Perfect for working through any last-minute issues.


Picky eaters still need a little extra support when it comes to gut health, and sometimes that’s as easy as adding a couple of drops of a liquid probiotic to their daily diet. This option uses all-natural ingredients, including organic kelp and chicory root, for a gentle, everyday boost to their gut health. And your dog will never know!


If you love the convenience of a one-stop-shop approach to your pet’s gut health, this prebiotic/probiotic combo dog chew is the answer. With 5 billion CFUs and those all-important prebiotics built into one single chew tablet, the guesswork is gone!


So the next time you’re enjoying a bowl of plain Greek yogurt, remember that sharing with your fur-kid, may be a good thing!

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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If you’ve ever noticed your dog obsessively choosing one toy while ignoring the rest, you’re not imagining things. Dogs can be surprisingly selective about their playthings, and a favorite toy often reveals a lot about their instincts, habits, and emotional needs.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article at no cost to you.

The Best Time of Year to Bring a Puppy Home

Bringing a puppy into your home is one of life’s most exciting moments. But many potential pet parents wonder if there’s a “perfect” time of year to adopt a new furry friend. While puppies are adorable no matter the season, timing can make a difference for both you and your new companion.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Finally, a Faster Fix for Everyday Pet Hair Messes

Pet owners know the feeling: you vacuum the living room, then glance down and—somehow—there’s still fur clinging to the rug.Cleaning turns into a never-ending loop of switching tools, going over the same spots, and losing time that should be spent with family (and pets who are already reclaiming the couch).It’s the exact everyday struggle BISSELL® set out to solve with its newest innovation: the DualBrush lineup, designed to handle household messes in a single, more efficient clean.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Shoes

Chewed-up shoes are a common frustration for dog owners. Whether it’s a teething puppy or an adult dog with a hard-to-break habit, shoe chewing is usually a sign of an underlying need rather than simple misbehaviour. Here’s what you need to know. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 6 Common Reasons

When a dog keeps licking its paws, this often points to irritation, discomfort, or stress. The tricky part is that the cause is not always obvious at first glance, so let’s break down a few common possibilities.

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