Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics: Does Your Pet Need Them?

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You’ve probably heard about probiotics — and perhaps prebiotics — from food shows, supplement advertisements, your doctor, or even your pet’s veterinarian. But do you know what they are and what they do? More importantly, should your pet have one or both?

Researchers have learned a great deal about the role of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in health and well-being, including the influence of the communities of microorganisms that live there. Armed with this knowledge, many people have become interested in probiotics, prebiotics and how they support digestive health. And of course, this interest and awareness has been extended by pet owners to their dogs and cats.

As research continues in this area of ​​pet nutrition and veterinary medicine, here are the basics.

Are there really “good” bacteria?

Yes! The gastrointestinal tract is a place where invisible communities of highly active and adaptable microorganisms thrive. Collectively referred to as the gut microbiota, approximately 100 trillion microbes are present in dogs’ intestines, about 10 times the number of cells in their entire body. Similar numbers are thought to include the gut microbiota of humans and cats. Most – about 99% – of the members of the community are bacteria, which can be simply described as a balance between “good” and potentially “bad” bacteria. In a normal, healthy gastrointestinal tract, gut microbes:

  • Provides a protective barrier that helps prevent potentially harmful microorganisms from taking hold
  • Helps digest food
  • Nourish the key cells of the intestines
  • Plays an important role in the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.

What are probiotics?

Simply put, probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that can provide health benefits when given in adequate amounts. The microorganisms chosen for probiotics are similar to the “good” bacteria found naturally in the intestines. Common probiotic bacteria that may benefit pets include some Lactobacillus, Enterococcus And Bifidobacterium species.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are indigestible components of food ingredients that promote the growth and activity of certain “good” or beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. To be considered a prebiotic, a compound must not be broken down by stomach acid or digestive enzymes and must be selectively fermented by certain microorganisms.

Although the term prebiotic may seem unfamiliar, chances are you are already familiar with certain types of prebiotics. One of the most common is dietary fiber, such as the fiber found in chicory root and beet pulp. In fact, prebiotics – in the form of fermentable fiber – have been used in animal feeds for decades.

How do probiotics and prebiotics work?

A balanced microbiota is very important for maintaining good intestinal health. However, stressful situations, such as boarding, traveling or moving; sudden dietary changes; food indiscretions, such as eating spoiled food, garbage, and other non-food items; antibiotic treatment; parasites and other factors can upset the balance of gut bacteria. When this happens, populations of harmful microorganisms can build up, damaging the intestinal lining and causing diarrhea and other health problems.

Probiotics are designed to introduce beneficial bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract, helping to restore the balance to normal. When probiotic bacteria are able to take up residence in the intestines, they help other good bacteria compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients and intestinal binding sites and help the immune system fight off disease-causing microbes.

Prebiotics work by providing gut bacteria with the fuel they can use to thrive. Although prebiotic fibers are not broken down by digestive enzymes, bacteria can ferment them. The byproducts of this process can then be used for energy by the cells of the large intestine.

You can find them in food

As some pet owners learn more about nutrition and health for their pets, they are opting to feed pet foods fortified with prebiotics and probiotics. It’s an easy way to supplement your pet’s diet with probiotics preventatively. (Fermentable fiber that doubles as a prebiotic is easily and frequently included in many commercial pet foods.) At Diamond, we believe that healthy digestive and immune systems are essential to your pet’s overall health. That’s why every Diamond Naturals dry dog ​​food formula is fortified with K9 Strain probiotics and every Diamond Naturals dry cat food formula is fortified with Viable probiotics. K9 Strain and Viables probiotics were developed specifically for use with our dry dog ​​and cat foods to help maintain a healthy gut. Each strain is purified and guaranteed free of potentially harmful bacteria. And because probiotics are added to our kibble after the cooking process, these beneficial bacteria are guaranteed to be live, active cultures.

As always, if you have any questions about your pet’s health or nutrition, please speak with your veterinarian. Next to you, your veterinarian knows your pet and its health issues best.



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