There are several reasons why your dog/cat may benefit from a probiotic supplement. ActivBio 15+ is not only a plain probiotic powder but it is a well-rounded all-in-1 supplement that helps your dog/cat improve its overall wellness.
- Digestive Health: Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. They can aid in the breakdown of food, reduce digestive upset such as diarrhea or constipation, and support overall gastrointestinal function.
- Immune System Support: A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics help promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports immune function. They can help strengthen your dog’s immune response and reduce the risk of infections.
- Stress and Antibiotic Use: Stress, changes in diet, illness, or antibiotic treatments can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria in dogs. Probiotic supplements can help restore and maintain this balance, supporting digestive health during times of stress or after antibiotic therapy.
- Skin and Coat Health: The health of the skin and coat is often influenced by gut health. Probiotics can contribute to a healthier skin barrier and reduce skin issues such as allergies or itching, indirectly improving coat condition.
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs may benefit from probiotics to support gastrointestinal health as they age. Aging can sometimes lead to changes in digestion and nutrient absorption, and probiotics may help mitigate these issues.
- Dietary Changes: Switching your dog’s diet or introducing new foods can sometimes lead to digestive upset. Probiotics can aid in the transition and help prevent gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Chronic Conditions: Dogs with chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or food allergies may benefit from probiotics to help manage symptoms and support overall gut health.
Choosing a good probiotic powder for your dog involves several considerations to ensure it is effective and safe. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Strain Diversity: Look for a probiotic powder that contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria.
- CFU Count: Check the CFU count (Colony-Forming Units) listed on the product label. The CFU count indicates the number of viable bacteria in each dose. A higher CFU count doesn’t necessarily mean better, but it should be sufficient to ensure that enough live bacteria reach your dog’s gut to exert beneficial effects.
- Quality and Viability: Ensure the probiotic powder is formulated to maintain the viability of the bacteria. Look for products that guarantee potency through the expiration date and use manufacturing processes that protect the bacteria from heat and moisture.
- Species-Specific: Choose a probiotic specifically formulated for dogs. Human probiotics may not be suitable due to differences in gut flora between humans and dogs.
- Additional Ingredients: Some probiotic powders may include additional ingredients such as prebiotics (which feed probiotic bacteria) or digestive enzymes (which aid digestion). These can enhance the effectiveness of the probiotic powder for your dog’s digestive health.
CFU stands for Colony-Forming Units, which is a measurement of viable bacteria or microorganisms in a probiotic supplement. The CFU count indicates the number of live bacteria present in each dose of the probiotic. For dog probiotics, the CFU count can vary widely depending on the product and the specific strains of bacteria included. When choosing a probiotic for your dog, it’s generally recommended to look for products that provide a guaranteed CFU count on the label.
For general maintenance of digestive health in dogs, experts often recommend a probiotic supplement with a CFU count in the range of 1 billion to 10 billion CFU per day. This range is typically effective in supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and aiding digestion. ActivBio 15+ has a maximum value of 10 billion CFU. CFU above this can cause GI discomfort too.
- Diverse Benefits: Different strains of probiotics can have varying effects on the digestive system and overall health.
- Synergistic Effects: Some strains work synergistically with others, enhancing their effectiveness in promoting gut health and balance.
- Resilience and Adaptability: A mix of strains increases the likelihood that at least some bacteria will survive and thrive in the intestinal tract, even in the face of varying conditions and challenges.
- Targeted Support: Certain strains may target specific issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, or immune support, providing more comprehensive health benefits