What Are Prebiotics For Dogs And What Are The Benefits?
You may have heard of prebiotics before, but did you know that they are essential to your dog's digestive health? Here’s everything you need to know about prebiotics for dogs, including what defines prebiotics vs probiotics (two very different things!), so you can ensure that your pooch’s tum is running as it should.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are integral to your dog’s digestive health and immune system.
Many foods contain prebiotics. Once your canine has consumed a prebiotic, it migrates into their colon and naturally ferments and transforms into “SCFAs” (short-chain fatty acids) which help to stop the growth of “bad” bacteria while encouraging “good” and normal biome growth in your dog’s gut.
“Good” bacteria are essential in helping doggos digest their grub and can help protect them from illnesses while keeping their immune system healthy.
The difference between prebiotics and probiotics
Now that you’ve got an idea about what prebiotics are, then what exactly are probiotics?
Your dog has an ecosystem inside their gut that contains both “good” and “bad” bacteria. This is called the microbiome. There are billions of bacteria all working away inside. It’s important they stay balanced, as they affect your furry pal’s health.
Prebiotics and probiotics work together to help bring your dog’s gut harmony. They both have related but alternative roles they play in doing so:
• Prebiotics (as forementioned) are foods containing good bacteria that help balance out your dog’s intestines.
• Probiotics are supplements/foods containing bacterial flora that help populate their gut with good microbiome. In short, probiotics help the bacteria that prebiotics plant to flourish.
The benefits of dog prebiotics
There are many benefits to including prebiotics in your dog’s diet—a good and healthy microbiome can improve their skin, energy, coat and more. Let’s look at how they can help aid your pet’s body.
Improved digestive health
Prebiotics can help nourish the growth of healthy bacteria, which in turn can promote good digestive health. This includes regulating the time it takes for food to digest and keeping a good bacterial balance.
Prebiotics can also help absorb water during digestion and regulate the process, which is why it can in some cases be beneficial in managing diarrhoea.
Healthy immune system
Your dog’s GI tract (the gastrointestinal tract—the passageway of the digestive system) and their microbiome is largely linked to their immune system. By stimulating good bacteria growth, prebiotics can help prevent pathogens (germs) from impacting the rest of your pooch’s body.
Help with stomach upsets
Prebiotics can help alleviate symptoms caused by diarrhoea and food allergies by balancing the bacteria in your dog’s gut. Luckily for your pooch, there are plenty of delicious recipes out there made to help support canines with sensitive stomachs.
What foods contain prebiotics?
Now you’re on board with the benefits of prebiotics, let’s find their sources! Prebiotics can be found in many natural foods - the most common types of prebiotics being MOS (Mannan oligosaccardies) and FOS (Fructooligosaccharide—click here for more information). You can find these in complete and balanced pet food (like Lily’s) as well as the following foods. I suggest discussing with your vet first before adding to your four-legged friend’s diet.
Fibre and prebiotics
Now you’re on board with the benefits of prebiotics, let’s find their sources! Prebiotics can be found in many natural foods - the most common types of prebiotics being MOS (Mannan oligosaccardies) and FOS (Fructooligosaccharide—click here for more information). You can find these in complete and balanced pet food (like Lily’s) as well as the following foods. I suggest discussing with your vet first before adding to your four-legged friend’s diet.
Bananas and apples
Bananas and apples both contain the prebiotics FOS (along with other health benefits, such as potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fibre). Both are safe to feed to dogs in small dosages as long as they’re cut into appropriately sized chunks and the banana has been peeled.
Dandelion greens
Dandelion greens contain the prebiotic inulin, which can improve their gut health by increasing the amount of “good” bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great source of prebiotics. If you decide to feed your dog asparagus, make sure you cook it lightly by boiling it or steaming it to soften the stem, cut off the bottom end of the stalk and serve in bite-sized pieces without any seasoning.
Artichokes
Just like asparagus, artichokes also contain prebiotics that may benefit your dog. Again, make sure to feed them in moderation after cooking lightly and cutting them into digestible chunks.
Chicory root
Chicory root contains a prebiotic called inulin, which helps support a dog’s digestive health and absorption of minerals.
How to tell if your dog needs prebiotics
As tempting as it is to immediately start adding prebiotics into your dog’s food to help improve their gut health, consult your vet first to see if this is the right move for your dog. They may already be getting a good source of prebiotics from the foods you are currently feeding them.
If your dog is experiencing, or has experienced any of the following, they might benefit from prebiotics:
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Are overcoming an illness that has affected their digestion (this may help)
• Are on antibiotics
• Have a suppressed immune system
• Have a sensitive digestive system
How to introduce prebiotics to your dog’s diet
After discussing with your veterinarian which prebiotic is suitable for your pet (if any), source the prebiotic from a reputable source and introduce slowly alongside a complete and balanced diet. Monitor as you go and visit your vet for further guidance.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.