Probiotics
プロバイオティクス (purobaiotikusu)
Definition
Live beneficial bacteria, and the foods or supplements that contain them, given to support a healthy gut environment in dogs and cats.
Key points
- Probiotics are live bacteria considered to have a beneficial effect on the gut
- Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are the classic examples
- They pair with prebiotics, the fibers and sugars that feed the bacteria already living in the gut
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria considered to have a beneficial effect on the gut, along with the foods and supplements that contain them. The classic examples are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, and a wide range of probiotic products is now made specifically for dogs and cats.
The idea: deliver the bacteria
Probiotics work on a simple idea: top up the good bacteria from the outside to support the gut microbiota. The mirror image of this idea is prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria already living in the gut rather than adding new ones. The two are complementary rather than competing.
Combining bacteria and their food
Delivering bacteria together with the food they eat is thought to support the gut more efficiently than either alone. That combination is called a synbiotic, and pet foods and supplements pairing lactic acid bacteria with oligosaccharides are a common example on the market.
Choosing and using them
For pets, the standard advice is to pick a product designed for dogs or cats rather than borrowing from the human shelf, since the species' gut environments differ. Introduce anything new gradually, watch stools and appetite, and involve your veterinarian if your animal has an ongoing condition or is on medication.
This entry shares general knowledge and is not veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. If you have concerns about your dog or cat, please consult your veterinarian.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are the bacteria themselves; prebiotics are the food those bacteria eat. A product that combines both is called a synbiotic.
Can I give my dog or cat a human probiotic?
The gut environment of dogs and cats differs from ours, so the usual advice is to choose products formulated for pets. Checking with your veterinarian before starting one is a sensible habit.
How long until probiotics do anything?
Responses vary by animal and product, and supplemented bacteria often pass through rather than settle permanently, which is why they are typically given continuously. If nothing seems to change, or anything seems worse, talk to your veterinarian.