Nutrition
Probiotics can heal your dog’s digestive tract. Here’s how.
By Maddy Tank · January 8, 2022 · 2 min read
Everything you need to know about the best bacteria for your dog.
Your dog’s digestive system contains some of the most complex yet essential functions in their body — especially when you consider how much bacteria their four paws encounter each day.
Reinforcing their digestive strength before that bacteria can get comfortable in your dog’s gut is the best way to avoid sickness, and it’s easier than you think. The answer? Fight bacteria with bacteria.
What are probiotics?
Good bacteria! Yes, those exist, and they’re critical to a well-functioning digestive system. Some species, such as Lactobacillus, live in your dog’s small intestine, while others like Bifidobacteria live in the colon.
What role do probiotics play in my dog’s digestive system?
When your dog eats dinner, their food passes through the digestive system — from mouth to esophagus to stomach — until it ends up in their intestines. There, food is broken down and separated into nutrients versus toxins.
At this point, your dog’s intestinal walls perform a critical function. They act as a barrier, allowing nutrients and water (the good stuff) to pass and absorb into the bloodstream while blocking toxins and pathogens from doing the same. Thus, a healthy intestinal barrier would be selectively permeable.
Sometimes, this barrier is compromised, causing its selective permeability to weaken. This is commonly referred to as leaky gut syndrome. Continuous disruption to this barrier over time can inflame your dog’s system, weakening your dog’s digestion and allowing less nutrients to be absorbed.
When this happens, probiotics can be extremely helpful. Probiotics will intersect pathogens that attempt to block or destroy nutrients — while also repairing your dog’s intestinal barrier.
How about their metabolism?
Helps with that too. By counteracting bad bacteria that’s slowing your dog’s digestive tract down, probiotics also improve metabolism, allowing good nutrients to absorb and convert into the energy they need.
The best way to give your dog probiotics is through dietary supplements.
The most abundant sources of natural probiotics are found in yogurt and kefir — but both are dangerous for dogs. Instead, supplement your dog’s existing diet with supplemental, canine-safe sources of probiotics like chia seeds, flaxseed, or chicory root.
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