Last Updated: 24/08/2026
Best Probiotics For Dogs In Australia
Could your dog benefit from a probiotic? Read our vet authored guide to learn more.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 11 minutes - short read
In the realm of pet health, understanding the significance of a balanced digestive system is paramount, and probiotics have emerged as a powerful ally in promoting canine well-being. With dozens of probiotic products now available in Australia, choosing the right one for your dog can be daunting, in this guide we review the top contenders.
New to probiotics? Read our full explainer on prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, or if you're not sure whether your dog needs daily support or something for a short-term flare-up, start with our guide to when your pet needs extra gut support. Got cats too? Check out our vet picks of the best probiotics for cats.
Why is choosing the right probiotic important?
Three reasons why it's important to choose the right probiotic for your dog are:
- Digestive Health: probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, and can help manage conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Immune Support: a significant portion of a dog's immune system resides in the gut, and probiotics help strengthen its defences.
- Behavioral and Emotional Well-being: probiotics can influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are linked to mood and behaviour. A balanced gut flora may contribute to a calmer and less anxious demeanour in dogs.
In this article
- Best for sudden or acute diarrhoea
- Best high strength
- Best for puppies
- Best for immune support and recovery
- Most clinically studied probiotic
- Best probiotic for multi-pet households (dogs, cats, horses and birds)
- Best everyday probiotic for dogs and cats
- Best probiotic for stress and anxiety
- Best for use alongside antibiotics
How We Review Our Products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Probiotics for Dog in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
What's the best probiotic for sudden or acute diarrhoea?
Protexin ProKolin Advanced
Pros
- Provides comprehensive gut support for quick relief from acute gastrointestinal issues, via a combination of probiotics, prebiotics, a natural binding agent (kaolin), and pectin to firm up stools
- Highly palatable paste
- Available in a range of syringe sizes
- Graduations on syringe make dosing easy
- Suitable from 8 weeks of age, including pregnant and lactating pets
Cons
- Should be used under your treating vet's direction
- Ideal only for short term gastrointestinal support (though ADM Protexin have a long term option also - ProKolin Enterogenic)
Protexin Pro-Kolin Advanced for dogs offers comprehensive and rapid gastrointestinal support for dogs, combining probiotics, prebiotics, kaolin, montmorillonite clay, psyllium husk and pectin in a highly palatable, easy-to-dose paste. Its convenient syringe format with clear graduations ensures precise administration, and it's safe for most dogs including pregnant and lactating animals, with no refrigeration needed and a long shelf life. However, it's primarily for short-term use, and should ideally be used under your vet's direction. It's important to remember it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
For longer term gastrointestinal issues, ADM also offer ProKolin Enterogenic, which contains ingredients to reinforce the mucosal barrier, modulate the immune system, normalise the microbiota and support normal cobalamin levels, which are often low in pets with chronic gastrointestinal issues.
For general gut support, Synbiotic DC is another product from ADM Protexin which combines a single strain probiotic with prebiotics in capsule form, which can be opened and sprinkled onto food.
What our customers say: "This product was recommended to me by my veterinarian for my six-month-old toy cavoodle, "Pixie," when he experienced severe diarrhea that did not respond to a bland diet for three days. After administering the second dose of Prokolin, Pixie's condition began to improve, and his stool became more consistent, he took it for 4 days and he was fine, it was tasty as when he sees me holds the tube he runs to have it. I highly recommend this product." - Maryan
What's the best high-strength probiotic (highest CFU count)?
Big Dog Probiotics for Dogs
Pros
- Contains 4 billion CFU per gram in 6 strains of probiotic , as well as one prebiotic ingredient, as well as digestive enzymes
- Available in a powder for sprinkling on the food
- Australian owned and made
- Suitable for cats also, making it useful in multiple pet households
Cons
- Available only in one size of 150g bottle, not individual servings
Big Dog Probiotic powder is a high strength supplement, containing the highest number of colony-forming units (CFU) of our range. It contains 4 billion CFU per gram, as Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Big Dog Probiotic also contains a prebiotic (green banana powder), as well as digestive enzymes to aid in nutrient digestion.
The Big Dog Probiotic comes in just one size - a 150g bottle - which may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotic with time, as it is exposed to oxygen. This product is ideal for multiple pet households, as it is also suitable for cats, and where it will be used more quickly once opened.
What our customers say: "I started my dog on this about a week ago. She has been having skin problems - according to vets, allergic reaction to something causing her to scratch and scoot alot. Have taken her to vet to get anal glands expressed - but nada, empty - so I did my research and started her on probiotics - read this product has so many benefits so decided to give it a shot. 1 tsp for my very large dog. It has only been a week and wounds from licking started healing, fur started growing back and noticeable alot less scooting, scratching and licking. Didn't realise how great this is, I might start using probiotic for myself too."
What's the best probiotic for puppies?
ZamiPet Dog High Strength Probiotics Plus Gut Protect
Pros
- High strength probiotic, containing 1.7 billion CFU per gram in 7 strains of probiotic, a prebiotic along with a postbiotic
- Available in single serve sachets
- No need to store in the fridge
- Made in Australia
- Completely grain and gluten free to prevent digestive upset in cats sensitive to these ingredients
- Manufactured in cGMP/TGA certified facility
Cons
- Only suitable for dogs
Along with a high CFU count of probiotics, the Zamipet High Strength probiotic supplements contains inulin as a prebiotic, as well as a postbiotic. Postbiotics are the breakdown products, or 'metabolites' from probiotics, following their digestion of prebiotics. Many of the benefits of pre and probitics actually come from the actions of the postbiotics that are produced.
The Zamipet High Strength probiotics comes in single serve sachets, which avoids the risk of oxidisation and degradration associated with larger multi-serve products. It also does not need to be kept in the fridge - it remains stable at room temperature.
Suitable for use during and after antibiotic treatment, as well as for puppies from 8 weeks of age, the Zamipet High Strength probiotics are ideal for young dogs suffering from digestive upset. It is also tasteless, making it well tolerated by dogs. Not only that, but it comes in a relax and calm probiotic formulation, containing Bifidobacterium longum, a bacteria shown to help dogs cope with stressful events.
What our customers say: "Work well and easy to serve, since it's packed per dose. This is my 3rd pack."
What's the best probiotic for immune support and recovery after illness?
EAC Animal Care In-Sideout Pre and Probiotic Nutraceutical Supplement
Pros
- Contains 350 million CFU per gram in 5 strains of probiotics as Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus oryzae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium as well as 3 prebiotics
- Uniquely contains digestive enzymes to enhance nutrient digestion, especially important in gut recovery after illness
- May help to minimise lawn burn
- Australian-owned business
- Available in multiple pack sizes
Cons
- Separate formulations for dogs and cats
- Not available in single serve packs
EAC is an Australian-owned company committed to manufacturing science-backed nutraceutical products for cats, dogs and horses. They commit a percentage of their turnover each year to research and development to ensure they are producing the most up to date, effective products, and support innovation in the animal health industry.
The EAC Animal Care In-Sideout Pre and Probiotic Nutraceutical Supplement has been developed in conjunction with an immunologist, so the product has a significant focus on immune system support and health support following illness. It also contains Yuccaschidigera extract, which helps to bind nitrogen in urine (the culprit which leads to lawn burn), so may help to reduce those ugly brown patches on your grass!
Available in a range of pack sizes, the supplement is available as a powder suitable for mixing in or sprinkling on top of your dog's food. However, it is not available in single serve packs.
What our customers say: "Our Jack Russell recently suffered from some type of severe bacterial gut issue (Vet still unsure of exact cause). He was given a short term probiotic by Vet to assist. I bought this product to continue the good work that the probiotic has started. This has kept him in good health and his stools have never been better....has pre and probiotics, made in Australia too."
What's the most clinically studied probiotic?
Pro Plan Fortiflora Canine
Pros
- Contains 100 million CFU per gram in 1 strain of probiotic as Enterococcus Faecium
- Contains prebiotics, as well as extra vitamins for gastrointestinal care
- Flavoured with liver for high palatability
- Clinically proven to resolve stress diarrhoea, promote a strong immune system in puppies, improve the speed of recovery from diarrhoea and reduce flatulence in dogs
- Single, shelf stable serves
- Can be used to encourage appetite due to it's high palatability
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons
- Contains only 1 probiotic strain
- Recommended for use under direct veterinary supervision
- Separate formulations for dogs and cats
Pro Plan Fortiflora contains one strain of probiotic, however this one strain, Enterococcus faecium is the most studied probiotic strain in veterinary medicine, with clinically proven benefits. These benefits include improving immune function and improving vaccine response, helping to resolve stress related diarrhoea, reducing flatulence and improving the speed of recovery from diarrhoea (including antibiotic related diarrhoea).
One of the features of an ideal probiotic is that is survives the low pH of the stomach and bile acids, so that is arrives in the gut live and effective. The E. faecium in Pro Plan Fortiflora is microencapsulated, protecting it against temperature, moisture and abrasion and allowing it to withstand handling, manufacture and storage. The capsule resists stomach acidity, allowing the bacteria to arrive viable into the intestinal tract.
Pro Plan Fortiflora comes in single serves, which are shelf stable and do not need to be kept in the fridge. It is liver flavoured, which helps with palatability and can help to encourage appetite in fussy eaters or those with reduced appetite due to illness.
What our vets say: "Fortiflora is a probiotic supplement designed to support dogs with gastrointestinal issues and restores the normal balance of gut microflora. It is a helpful aid for dogs with diarrhoea, and is easy to use - simply add one sachet into their food each day as needed." - Dr. Michelle
What's the best probiotic for multi-pet households?
Pron8ure (formerly Protexin)
Pros
- Liquid formulation contains 180 million CFU per mL and the Powdered formulation contains 60 million CFU per gram, in 7 strains of probiotics, as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. delbrueckii, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus salivarius
- Suitable for use in multiple pet households as it can be used in dogs, cats, horses and birds
- Special protections in the formula help maximise the number of live bacteria that arrive in the gut
- Available in 2 different pack sizes
- Made in Australia
- Does not need to be refridgerated
Cons
- Pron8ure should not be used in conjunction with Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Tetracyclines, Avoparcin, Gentomycin, Lincomycin, Streptomycin, Tiamulin or Tylosin, but may be used immediately following these antibiotics.
- Not available in single serve packs
- Does not contain any prebiotics, postbiotics or additional ingredients
Pron8ure (formerly Protexin) contains 7 strains of probiotics which work synergistically for maximum effect. Special protections in the formula help maximise the number of live bacteria that arrive in the gut. It is the only probiotic registered in Australia that is suitable for use in a wide variety of animals including birds, making it ideal for multi-pet households.
Pron8ure is available through Pet Circle in a powdered formulation, as well liquid form, to suit your preference.
What our customers say: "I've been giving this to my 12 years old dog for two years, and his digestion is perfect, less rumbling from his stomach. Also, his skin is improved (he has an allergy), not to mention his overall well-being. Highly recommended."
What's the best everyday probiotic for dogs and cats?
PAW Blackmores DigestiCare
Pros
- Contains 30 million CFU per gram in 7 strains of probiotics as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L.delbrueckii, L.plantarum, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus salivarius
- Also contains a wholefood fermented powder blend of prebiotics including grains, seeds, quinoa, spiruline and legumes
- Can be used in both dogs and cats so ideal for multi-pet households
- Quality tested
Cons
- Should not be used in conjunction with penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, avoparcin, gentamycin, incomycin, streptomycin, tiamulin or tylosin, but may be used immediately following these antibiotics.
- Only available in larger jar sizes, not single serves, which may increase risk of oxidisation and degradation of the product with prolonged exposure to air
PAW Blackmores Digesticare is a well loved and quality tested pre and probiotic supplement suitable for both dogs and cats. It contains a lower CFU count than other supplements in this guide, however, it does derive these probotics from multiple strains (thereby having multiple effects, as well as packing a punch in terms of prebiotic ingredients. It calso contains vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids to support gut health.
The powder is highly palatable, meaning is well tolerated and accepted by pets, and can be sprinkled on the top or mixed through the food. It can be used at double the dosage for maximum effect for the first 5 days of treatment, and is suitable for puppies as well as adult dogs (and kittens and adult cats).
What our customers say: "We look after our own guts and I never thought about my dog's until he was suffering from upset tummy, indigestion and discomfort after 2 courses on antibiotics. Have just bought my second lot of probiotics and combine it with home cooked food. Have seen an improvement of up to 90% after one course.. hope to get him to 100% soon with this second course."
What's the best probiotic for stress and anxiety?
PRO PLAN Veterinary Calming Care
Pros
- Contains 1 billion CFU in 1 strain of probiotic as Bifidobacterium longum
- High strength supplement to reduce anxiety
- Clinically proven to reduce anxious behaviours such as barking, jumping, spinning and pacing, as well as reduce cortisol levels and lower heart rates
- Highly palatable, liver flavoured
- Single serve sachets
Cons
- May take up to 6 weeks to see results
- Separate formulations for dogs and cats
- No added prebiotics or additional ingredients
- Suitable for use only under the guidance and supervision of your veterinarian.
Pro Plan Veterinary Calming supplement is a innovative probiotic designed specifically to help reduce stress and anxiety. It has been shown to help dogs cope with external stressors like separation, unfamiliar visitors, novel sounds, and changes in routine and location. It has also been shown to blunt the cortisol response to anxious events.
Available in shelf stable, single serve sachets, the Pro Plan Veterinary Calming Supplement is easy and practical to feed, and tastes great (my own dog can attest to that!), which is helpful in increasing the appetite of anxious dogs.
This product is backed by research and clinical trials, however it should only be used under the guidance and supervision of your dog's treating veterinarian.
What our vets say: "Gut health plays a vital role in a pet's overall health and well-being but did you know the gut also shares a connection to the brain? For dogs who struggle with anxiety, Pro Plan have come out with a unique probiotic formulated to help in managing stress, anxiety, and fear. The Pro Plan Calming Care contains the bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum, which have been shown to lower anxiety-like behaviours and reduce cortisol response to anxious events. It comes as a delicious liver-flavoured powder in convenient sachets for easy dosing." - Dr. Tony
What's the best probiotic to use alongside antibiotics?
PAW Blackmores DigestiCare SB
Pros
- Contains 10 billion CFU per gram in 1 strain of probiotic yeast as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii)
- Suitable for use alongside antibiotics to reduce the duration of antibiotic related diarrhoea
- The only probiotic available in the Australian veterinary market not affected by antibiotics
- Also ideal for use in dogs diagnosed with symptoms or chronic gastrointestinal disorders and require long term probiotic administration
Cons
- Safe use in pregnant or lactating animals has not been established
- Only suitable for use under direct veterinary guidance and supervision
PAW Blackmores Digesticare SB is a veterinary product suitable for use alongside antibiotics, to reduce the duration and occurrence of antibiotic related diarrhoea by helping to reestablish the normal beneficial gut microbiome. It contains a high strength probiotic yeast which is unaffected by antibiotics.
While this product provides excellent gut support, it is not an alternative to veterinary treatment in acute gastrointestinal conditions, and we would always recommend a check up with your vet if your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal illness.
What our customers say: "Our dog has a sensitive digestive system and is prone to upsets. Our vet gave us these for her and they seem to help a lot. She gets the other Digesticare probiotic + whole food powder daily, and these capsules added when she has an upset. She's much better than she was previously."
What our vets say: "Antibiotics are the only way to effectively treat bacterial infections in our beloved pooches but they can have a deleterious effect on the good microbes in the digestive system. PAW by Blackmores Digesticare SB contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast and is the only probiotic available in Australia that is not affected by antibiotics. I recommend using PAW by Blackmores Digesticare SB with antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian to maintain good gut health." - Dr. Maree
What should I look for when choosing a dog probiotic?
Look for safe, registered strains with clinical evidence behind them, a mix of pre and probiotics for greater effect, a CFU count of 100 million or more, protected strains that survive stomach acid, and smaller pack sizes to reduce oxidisation over time.
When should I give my dog a probiotic?
Any dog recently treated with a course of antibiotics may benefit from a probiotic supplement, as may dogs with chronic gastrointestinal, skin or allergic conditions. Many owners report improvement with sensitive stomachs, recurrent diarrhoea, bloating and gas, and chronic allergies; probiotics are generally considered safe to try.
All in all, probiotics are a safe and simple way to promote the everyday health of your dog, and may be particularly beneficial for any dog with allergies, gastrointestinal problems, or chronic diseases. If your dog's tummy trouble sounds more like an occasional flare-up than an everyday issue, our guide to common causes of diarrhoea in dogs is a good next read.
References
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De Vadder F, Grasset E, Manneras Holm L, Karsenty G, Macpherson AJ, Olofsson LE, et al. Gut microbiota regulates maturation of the adult enteric nervous system via enteric serotonin networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. (2018) Vol 115: 6458-63.
Garcia-Mazcorroa J.F, Minamotob Y. Gastrointestinal microorganisms in cats and dogs: a brief review. Arch Med Vet. (2013) Vol 45, 111-124
Pila A, Suchodolski JS. The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Health and Gastrointestinal Disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. (2020). Vol 6: 10.3389
Collado M.C., Grzeskowiak Å. & Salminen S. Probiotic strains and their combination inhibit in vitro adhesion of pathogens to pig intestinal mucosa. Current Microbiology (2007a). Vol 55, 260-265.
Saarela M., Mogensen G., Fonden R., Meatto J. & Mattila-Sandholm T. Probiotic bacteria: safety, functional and technological properties. Journal of Biotechnology. (2000) Vol 84, 197-215.
Adolfsson O., Meydani S.N., Russell R.M. Yogurt and gut function. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (2004). Volume 80, Issue 2, 245-256
Savaiano DA. Lactose digestion from yogurt: mechanism and relevance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (2014) May; 99:1251S-5S
Jalanka, J., Major, G., Murray, K., Singh, G., Nowak, A., Kurtz, C., Silos-Santiago, I., Johnston, J. M., de Vos, W. M., & Spiller, R. The Effect of Psyllium Husk on Intestinal Microbiota in Constipated Patients and Healthy Controls. International journal of molecular sciences. (2019). 20(2), 433.
Chandler, M.L. Probiotics: Not All Created Equal World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings 2018
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu Mar 28 2024
Written by Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
