How to Change Your Pet's Food to Avoid Diarrhea
Find out how to switch your pet’s food in a way that won’t upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. And help ensure that you don't run out of food.
As more information and understanding become available about probiotics through research and use, veterinary medicine is realizing more and more the positive impact probiotics can have on pet health.
It is already known that probiotic supplements aid digestion, support the immune system, keep the gut healthy, and help make and absorb vitamins and minerals. And if that wasn’t enough, some research has shown that they may help with medical conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, dental disease, and possibly others like anxiety. They may also help pets with gas and bad breath.
Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). CFUs indicate the number of viable (live and active) cells.
The current recommendation for dogs is for them to take 1–10 billion CFUs a day. The higher end of the range is recommended when pets are on antibiotics or have active gastrointestinal issues.
The current recommendation for cats is 1–5 billion CFUs per day. The higher end of the range is recommended when pets are on antibiotics or have active gastrointestinal issues.
Because dogs need between 1 and 10 billion CFUs a day, and cats need between 1 and 5 billion, you want to make sure that you buy a probiotic that contains enough CFUs; otherwise, it won't be as effective. Conversely, if the product you're considering has more than the needed CFUs, you may be paying more with no additional benefits.
Do not use expired products since their potency and effectiveness are lost over time. It is also not recommended to give human probiotics to pets since they may contain toxic ingredients.
Warning if your pet has food intolerances or allergies: Avoid products with flavoring. We've been told by many companies that their flavoring does not cause issues, but some clients of our veterinarians over the years have claimed issues. Flavoring is often added to chews and pastes.
We reached out to each probiotic manufacturer to inquire about the age restriction for their products. We've listed the ages for each product below.
Generally, probiotics are safe for puppies or kittens once they've been weaned. Probiotics help ensure that good bacteria thrive in their systems. Some struggle with diarrhea following the transition from their mother's milk to solid foods, and probiotics can help resolve the diarrhea sooner.
Puppies and kittens are susceptible to diseases because of their immature immune system. Probiotics are shown to boost the immune system. Lastly, any weaned foster puppy and kitten should be on probiotics since they are generally under stress, which can alter their gut microbiome, leading to other health issues.
Probiotics are the live microorganisms from food or supplements that keep the ‘good’ bacteria in the gut maintained or improved.
Prebiotics are what feed the good bacteria with the intent of improving the balance of these beneficial microorganisms. They are a water-soluble form of fiber, such as whole grains, greens, or bananas. The combination of prebiotics and probiotics helps keep the healthy gut bacteria in balance.
Probiotics and prebiotics are considered to be very safe and have few side effects, which are generally only mild (stomach upset or discomfort at first, but it should go away).
If you feel that your pet can benefit from probiotics, below are some we highly recommend. We have indicated which probiotics include prebiotics, as well.
Fortiflora supplements are clinically proven and have a guaranteed level of viable probiotic. There are different options of Fortiflora available to meet different health needs. It has been shown to be an effective and safe appetite stimulant. It comes in powder form or a chewable tablet (dogs only).
It is safe for puppies and kittens (once weaned) and for pregnant and lactating females.
Fortiflora is the number one veterinary-recommended probiotic (Kantar Veterinary Tracker, 2021).
Puppy and Kitten Safety: Once a puppy or kitten is weaned, they can be given FortiFlora as young as 5–6 weeks old.
Note: If you want both prebiotics and probiotics for your dog, try FortiFlora SA. FortiFlora are good for everyday use.
Note: If you want both prebiotics and probiotics for your cat, try FortiFlora SA. FortiFlora are good for everyday use.
The VetriScience brand of probiotics is quality-certified, contains highly researched ingredients, is veterinary-formulated, and is made in the U.S.A.
They have seven effective probiotic strains, and they contain a prebiotic. They have a probiotic version (capsule or paste) that can be given to both dogs and cats, which is beneficial for multi-pet households.
The capsule supplements can be given directly by mouth, hidden in a treat, or the capsule can be opened and the powder sprinkled on the food. The paste can be given directly in the mouth or licked off a bowl.
Puppy and Kitten Safety: Safe for puppies or kittens once they've been weaned.
The Proviable supplement by Nutramax is a clinically researched multi-strain probiotic that also contains prebiotics. There are six published studies indicating the effectiveness of Proviable in dogs and cats. It comes in a capsule form that can easily be opened and sprinkled over food or a paste.
Puppy and Kitten Safety: Safe for puppies or kittens once they've been weaned at approx 5–6 weeks old.
Note: This probiotic is a 10-day supply. The capsules help balance the gut, and the paste helps firm up stool.
For medium to large dogs, try this version of the kit.
The Zesty Paws products are clinically studied. They are made in the U.S.A. with U.S. and globally sourced ingredients.
Puppy Safety: Zesty Paws responded to our age inquiry with, "For our probiotics and pill wrap, we recommend giving to their fur babies over the age of 1 years old, and fur baby under the age of 1 years old, we recommend looking into our puppy line!"
Their puppy multivitamin and probiotic has MSM and Glucosamine, which isn't really necessary for a young puppy, which you're typically paying more for. Once your dog reaches 1 year old, then you can add a joint supplement in addition to a probiotic.
Under the Weather products are veterinary-formulated and are made in the U.S.A.
In addition to probiotics, they have bland diets that are appropriate for dogs suffering from diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues.
Puppy and Kitten Safety: The founder of Under the Weather was kind enough to reach out with this response to our inquiry, "Probiotics are safe to be given to puppies and kittens early in life. As soon as they are born a puppy or kitten should get an adequate amount of colostrum from their mother.
On DAY 3 we can give probiotics. As you know, a baby’s gut is sterile at birth. When you introduce probiotics early in life, they get a better chance to colonize the gut with healthy microbials. This helps minimize diarrhea and related complications, maintain good appetite, digestion and growth.
Having said that, you have to be very careful in giving the product orally. Especially with kittens because they are so small. All you need is a tiny dab. You want to make sure the puppy or kitten swallows the product. Or to be safe, you can put the product directly on the mother's nipple, and they will get it when they suckle. Once the animal is bigger you can safely give it by mouth or add it to food."
This product is veterinary-formulated, made in the U.S.A., and USDA organic certified.
Puppy and Kitten Safety: Fera Pets said this when we asked the youngest age that their product can be safely given, "Our Probiotics with Prebiotics is for dogs and cats of all ages and sizes."
Find out how to switch your pet’s food in a way that won’t upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. And help ensure that you don't run out of food.
Did you run out of dog or cat food? Pet suffering from digestive issues? Here are homemade bland diet recipes and ready-made diets and supplements to try.
