At Take a Break, we’ve made a guide to the best pet health probiotic supplements. Vitamins help your body process other nutrients. Similarly, with your furry friends, without the right balance, their bodies may not grow or repair themselves properly. So, what can be done? The best way to get that right balance of vitamins is to feed them a complete, healthy diet. Sometimes a pet supplement may be needed. Probiotics are an essential component of your pooch's overall health.
Choosing the best supplement to support your pet's health may be tricky, but it's second nature at Take a Break. Aside from writing about pet food and toys, we aim to help you find adequate care for your furry friends. From weight gain to joint supplements, a supplement is there to enrich meals with necessary vitamins and minerals that they could be missing out on in their usual diet - or they may need a little extra. For this piece, we spoke to Pooch and Mutt
But what are probiotics? Simply put, probiotics are live microorganisms – similar to those found naturally in the intestines. They help maintain balance in the digestive tract. After consumption, they help fight nasty pathogens. With more probiotics in the body, your furry friend has a better chance of fighting off illness, as well as achieving healthy digestion - and more. When on the hunt for probiotics, look out for ingredients such as FOS, MOS and Omega 3's.
Best pet health probiotic supplements at a glance
• Best pet health probiotic supplements overall: Pets Purest Natural Pre and Probiotic Powder - View Offer at Pets Purest
• Best pet health probiotic supplement for dogs: Pooch and Mutt Bionic Biotic - View Offer at Pooch + Mutt
• Best pet health probiotic supplement for cats: Pro Plan FortiFlora Feline Probiotic Supplement - View Offer at Pets at Home
So, if you've noticed your pet has had some toilet-related incidents, like diarrhoea or excessive gas, your perfect pooch or kitty might benefit from a probiotic supplement. After all, pets of any age can experience digestive problems, so probiotics can be introduced at any time of their lives. And - we've found the best pet health probiotics - see below...
Best pet health probiotic supplements
Best pet health probiotic supplement overall
www.petspurest.com
The Pets Purest Natural Pre and Probiotic Powder fosters your pet's digestive health and nutrient absorption, nurturing their overall well-being. Rich in fibre and free of wheat and gluten, it balances gut bacteria, reducing constipation and fortifying the immune system. Simply blend into their food, ensuring ease of use for all dog, cat, horse, or ferret breeds above 8 weeks of age. Designed for daily use, it serves as a gentle, essential component of their wellness regimen.
Customer review: "Great product containing both pre and probiotics along with other ingredients benefiting my dog. I was advised to get a good digestive aid for my dog and this is perfect."
Pros
- A supplement for both cats and dogs
- 100 per cent natural ingredients
- Strengthens digestion and immunity
Cons
- May take a little while to show any improvement
| Ingredients: | Natural prebiotic and probiotic concentrate, chicory inulin, psyllium husk powder |
| Quantity: | 200g |
| Preparation: | Powder |
| Suitability: | For any breed of dog, cat, horse or ferret over 8 weeks old. It is not suitable for pregnant or lactating animals. |
| Portion/Dosage: | ½ teaspoon daily |
Best pet food with probiotics for dogs
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
This grain-free Lily’s Kitchen Recovery Recipe features fresh chicken, banana, and potato, supplemented with prebiotics for a robust digestive system. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, ensuring a healthy digestive system and aiding in recovery. Perfect for recuperating or as a standby for extra care days - and to help out with weight gain.
Customer review: "My dog had a spate of sickness and diarrhoea and this food was palatable for her and easy to digest and she loved it. Turned her nose up at everything else at the time. So, thank you for that."
Pros
- Easy-to-digest ingredients
- Environmentally-friendly company
- Grain-free, prebiotic recipe
Cons
- Unsure if suitable for puppies
- Recommended as a temporary diet
| Ingredients: | Fresh Chicken (50%) Potatoes, Bananas, Prebiotics FOS and MOS |
| Quantity: | 6 x 400g |
| Preparation: | Wet Food |
| Suitability: | Adult and Senior Dogs |
| Dosage/Portion: | Feed for Around 2 Weeks, Portion by Feeding Guide |
Best pet health probiotic supplement for dogs
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Next, the Pooch and Mutt Bionic Biotic stands out for its potent blend of antioxidants, probiotics, fish oil, and vital nutrients, complementing all diets. This dog probiotic powder ensures healthy digestion and sturdy stools. Its rich composition supports skin health, immune strength, and overall well-being, promoting long-term vitality and preventing age-related ailments. It contains sources of FOS and MOS to help with your pooch's digestion.
Customer review: "I got this for my 5-year-old cockapoo who is extremely fussy. He absolutely loves it, he’s only been on it for a couple of weeks but it has definitely improved his digestion and he seems to have more energy."
Pros
- Easily, simply administered to wet food
- Packed with probiotics, vitamins and more
- Supports the immune system and digestion
Cons
- Only suitable for dogs
| Ingredients: | Ground micronized maize, maize gluten meal, chicory roots powder (as a source of fructo-oligosaccharides; prebiotic FOS 15%), mannan-oligosaccharides (prebiotic mos; 15%), beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (5.5%), yeast, oatfeed meal, fish oil (omega-3 supplement; 1%), calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, rapeseed oil. |
| Quantity: | 200g |
| Preparation: | Flakes; Wet Food Topper |
| Suitability: | Unsure - presumably adult dogs |
| Dosage/Portion: | Between 1-4 tsp depending on pet size; Lasts an average dog one month |
Best pet health probiotic tablets for dogs
As for something a little more classic, YuMOVE Digestive Care with Probiotics provides daily support for your pet's digestive well-being, featuring a blend of prebiotics and probiotics. This supplement aids in firming stools, reducing excessive wind, and nurturing beneficial gut bacteria, proving beneficial for dogs with sensitive digestion.
Customer review: "I must say I’m always a bit sceptical when buying remedies etc as I’m sure some people would feel they benefit from placebos. However... these are doing wonders for my dog and for our noses. My rescue has an extremely sensitive belly caused by eating rubbish on the streets. He is intolerant of many foods and has the smelliest bum ever…..until now. I saw definite benefits from these within 3 days and he takes them like treats (although I think they smell of vomit). I will be buying these again."
Pros
- Contains FOS and MOS for digestion
- Vet-approved and scientifically-backed
- Complete with glowing testimonies
Cons
- Tablets are rather large
| Ingredients: | Probiotic E. faecium, MOS and Beta-glucans, ScFOS |
| Quantity: | 120 |
| Preparation: | Tablets |
| Suitability: | All Dogs |
| Portion/Dosage: | Small Dogs - 1, Medium Dogs - 2, Large Dogs - 3 & Very Large Dogs - 4 Tablets |
Best dog health multivitamins with probiotics
YuCARE MultiVits for Adult Dogs are 6-in-1 multivitamins designed to promote everyday wellness in adult dogs. Sounds perfect. This formula directly targets specific areas of the body with a powerful blend of natural ingredients. These include Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C and E, B Vitamins, Zinc and MOS and FOS prebiotics. Together, they work hard to promote a pup that’s happy and healthy! All this in a delicious chewy bite your dog will love.
Customer review: "This is for dogs, so I have no idea how they taste. I know my Silky terrier loves them. She was having bad problems itching with allergies. I had tried everything including pills from the vet and itch spray. Since taking one a day of these vitamins she has completely stopped. So grateful for this product."
Pros
- Promotes general wellbeing
- 6-in-1 multivitamin
- Easy - with a soft bite chew
Cons
- May not be liked by all dogs
| Ingredients: | Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C, E & B, Zinc, MOS and FOS prebiotics, DHA and Beta-glucans |
| Quantity: | 120 |
| Preparation: | Soft Chews |
| Suitability: | Adult Dogs - other age ranges are available |
| Portion/Dosage: | Small Dogs - 1, Medium Dogs - 2, Large Dogs - 3; and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites. |
Best pet health probiotic supplement for cats
www.petsathome.com
The Pro Plan FortiFlora Feline Probiotic Supplement aids in the promotion of intestinal health and balance. For cats of all life stages, it helps manage gastrointestinal disturbances, stress-induced loose stools, and poor faecal quality. With a highly palatable formula, it acts as a taste enhancer, easily sprinkled onto cat food for convenient daily administration. Rich in vitamins C and E, it also supports the immune system and helps reduce free radicals. Tasty and useful.
Customer review: "My cat really has benefited from using this product can't recommend it enough."
Pros
- Helps support a healthy immune system
- Meat content means a highly palatable formula
- Can be easily sprinkled on all cat foods
Cons
- Not suitable for cats with specific food allergies
| Ingredients: | Meat and animal derivatives*, minerals, Enterococcus, faecium |
| Quantity: | 30 |
| Preparation: | Sachets |
| Suitability: | Cats of all ages |
| Portion/Dosage: | One sachet of FortiFlora can be used daily |
Best pet food with probiotics for cats
Tested
www.tippaws.com
Consider Tippaws Adult Dry Cat Food as your cat's new favourite (and probiotic-packed) food. We've picked their Turkey and Chicken recipe. However, they have other recipes containing tuna, salmon and white fish - which are sure to scintillate your picky tomcat's tastebuds. As well as protein, Tippaws have added prebiotics, vitamins and minerals to aid digestion and overall health. We can't recommend Tippaws enough - they are a fantastic pet food brand.
Our review: "We are so pleased with Tippaws. My two adult cats adore their new dry Turkey and Chicken mix. They're even more excited around dinnertime (than usual, anyway). Purrfect."
Pros
- Subscribe and save 10 per cent
- The high meat content is ideal for fussy cats
- Packed with probiotics to support health
Cons
- Some cats are allergic to chicken – seek a different flavour
- Only available as dry food
| Ingredients: | Turkey and Chicken (including Dried Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Turkey Fat), Potato, Peas, Lentils, Chickpea, Hydrolysed Liver Gravy, Salmon Oil, Cellulose, Minerals, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannanoligosaccharides, Dried Cranberry, Yucca Extract |
| Quantity: | 0.3, 1.5 or 5 kg |
| Preparation: | Dry Food |
| Suitability: | Adult cats |
| Dosage/Portion: | Consult feeding guide |
Verdict: Which is best?
For homes with both dogs and cats, the Pets Purest Natural Pre and Probiotic Powder is best. However, if you're looking for an individual (and more specialised support) for your pooch, Pooch and Mutt's sprinkle-on Bionic Biotic is fantastic. As for fussy felines, the delicious FortiFlora from Purina will help your cat's digestive issues and more.
FAQs
How do I know if my pet needs probiotics?
Just like us, our pets have millions of bacteria living in their guts supporting digestion and protecting against disease. However, if there is an imbalance, issues can arise and a probiotic supplement will likely remedy any issues.
But, how can you tell if your pooch or moggy may need probiotic support?
Particularly if your pet is struggling with recovery (or illness) or is generally under stress, these symptoms will arise, ranging from diarrhoea to vomiting to gurgling noises to excess gas and weight loss. Weight gain supplements may be on the cards - or something bursting with useful prebiotics and probiotics may target the issue more directly.
For some clarity on your pooch's potential health issues, maybe a doggie DNA test kit could help.
Do pets benefit from probiotic supplements?
If your cat or dog's food does not include a source of probiotics or prebiotics, then, we recommend reviewing your pet's diet. However, if you'd prefer not to change your fussy pet's food, a probiotic food topper or tablet will be just fine. After all, the benefits of having plenty of healthy bacteria in your gut extend further than a happy tummy.
Yes - there are plenty of indirect benefits to a healthy gut, say pet food experts at Pooch & Mutt. "When probiotics help break down food in the gut, they release the nutrients, vitamins and minerals linked to all kinds of health benefits. If they didn’t, these nutrient-rich foods would just come out as poop, with all the goodness wasted."
As such, for cats or dogs, the benefits list goes on.
Are cat and dog probiotics the same?
No - though similar, there are certain bacteria that are more beneficial to either animal. Not all probiotics are the same and will affect your pet differently. It's best to stick to probiotic supplements that are made for your specific pet.
On the other hand, there are some probiotic human foods that your pets can have in small quantities, says Pooch & Mutt. For example, dogs can have "live yoghurt, sauerkraut and kombucha (mentioned above), cottage cheese, kefir, broccoli, banana and sweet potato" in their raw diets, as they are high in those bacteria we need for a healthy gut.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.