Probiotics and prebiotics for the dog

Probiotics and prebiotics for the dog

A functional digestive tract is very important for the health and well-being of the dog. Probiotics can help build a healthy intestinal flora. In this article we explain what exactly probiotics are and how your dog can benefit from them.

The most important facts about probiotics and prebiotics for dogs at a glance

● Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can contribute to a balanced intestinal flora.

● Prebiotics are nutrients required by the microorganisms of the gut microbiome.

● The microorganisms of the dog's intestinal flora are important for digestion and immune defense, among other things.

● The intestinal flora can be thrown out of balance by antibiotics and intestinal parasites, for example.

● To support the upset intestinal microbiome, the administration of probiotics and prebiotics can be useful.

● Bellfor Gastro Activia is a well digestible supplementary feed for dogs with probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics for dogs: what is it?

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria that are ingested with food. In the dog's intestine, probiotics can help promote or restore the balance of intestinal flora.

Probiotics are naturally present in certain foods. In addition, they can also be ingested in the form of supplementary feeds if necessary. This can be useful, for example, if the dog has recently been treated with antibiotics and needs support to build up the intestinal flora.

Prebiotics for dogs: what is it?

The beneficial intestinal bacteria naturally need suitable nutrients to be able to multiply. This is where the so-called prebiotics come into play. In most cases, these are certain carbohydrates.

Like probiotics, prebiotics are also basically included in normal food. This also applies to dog food. In addition, however, prebiotics can also be fed to the dog as supplementary feed.

As a rule, appropriate preparations for dogs contain both probiotics and prebiotics, as this is the best way to achieve the desired effects on the intestinal flora.

What is the function of the intestinal flora in dogs?

The intestinal microbiome, also known as the gut flora, consists of countless microorganisms such as the bacterium Enterococcus Faecium. At first glance, this may sound like a health risk. In fact, however, the intestinal bacteria have a number of important functions in the organism of animals.

Among other things, they are needed for the digestion of food and for the absorption or formation of certain nutrients. Apart from that, some of these bacteria are part of the immune defense system.

In this function, they are responsible, for example, for fighting potential pathogens in the dog's intestine. In other words, the microorganisms of the intestinal flora make a decisive contribution to the supply of nutrients and to health.

How do problems with the dog's intestinal flora manifest themselves?

Normally, the good bacteria in the microbiome of a healthy gut in a dog have the upper hand. In certain situations, however, harmful bacteria may spread excessively in the intestine. In this case, it is also said that the dog's intestinal flora is out of balance.

An unbalanced intestinal flora can manifest itself in dogs with the following symptoms, among others:

● Increased susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system

● Persistent diarrhea and other digestive problems

● Development of feed intolerances and allergies

● Tendency to develop inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis

● Skin problems such as dry skin

● Behavioral problems

When do dogs need probiotics and prebiotics?

The intestinal flora can become unbalanced for various reasons. If this is the case, probiotics and prebiotics help to bring it back into balance as part of an intestinal rehabilitation in dogs.

The administration of probiotics and prebiotics to improve the intestinal flora can be useful for dogs especially in the following situations:

● Antibiotics not only fight disease-causing bacteria, but also the beneficial bacteria of the gut microbiome.

● Intestinal parasites such as giardia and worms are an enormous burden for the dog's intestinal health.

● Food allergies put a strain on the organism and also damage the intestinal flora, among other things.

● Dogs with IBD have to fight permanently with intestinal problems, which also bring the intestinal flora out of balance.

● During a gastrointestinal infection, bacteria and viruses cause the intestinal microbiome to go haywire.

● Surgeries and serious illnesses put a strain on the immune system and thus, not least, on the intestines.

● High physical strain and prolonged stress, among other things, can have a negative effect on the digestive system.

Bellfor Gastro Activia for dogs with probiotics and prebiotics

With Bellfor Gastro Activia we have developed a special supplementary feed for dogs with probiotics and prebiotics. The easily digestible preparation consists of carefully selected ingredients.

Whey powder serves as a prebiotic and brewer's yeast as a probiotic. In addition, Bellfor Gastro Activia contains the bacterial species Enterococcus Faecium, which is an important component of the intestinal microbiome.

Bellfor Gastro Activia was developed in close cooperation with veterinarians to reliably promote the development of healthy intestinal flora in dogs in a natural way.

View Bellfor Gastro Activia in the store.

Probiotics and prebiotics for the dog: Conclusion

As you can see, probiotics and prebiotics are very important for the functioning of the intestine. Even though they naturally do not replace any treatment with medication that may be necessary, your dog's intestinal flora can benefit from them.

With a high-quality dog food you make a valuable contribution to a healthy intestine and a functioning digestion. In certain situations, it may additionally be useful to give your dog probiotics and prebiotics in the form of a supplementary feed such as Bellfor Gastro Activia to strengthen the intestinal flora.