Last Updated: 18/08/2025
Could your dog benefit from a probiotic? Read our vet authored guide to learn more.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 22 minutes - medium 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. Dogs, much like humans, benefit immensely from the right balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion, bolstering the immune system, and ensuring overall vitality.
With an ever-expanding array of probiotic supplements flooding the market, choosing the best one for your furry companion can be a daunting task. There are now dozens of different probiotic supplements for dogs available in Australia, and a handful of pet foods containing probiotics also. With so many products available, many pet owners are left wondering: should I give my dog a probiotic? And if so, which dog probiotic is best?
In this article, we delve into the world of canine probiotics, exploring the science behind them, and evaluating the top contenders in the market.
Given the plethora of probiotics available, it's important to arm yourself with knowledge to know which one is the best for your dog's needs. Some are best suited for general health support, some for support following a gastrointestinal illness, while others are targeted towards reestablishing the normal gut bacteria after treatment with antibiotics. There are even probiotics specifically targeted towards maintaining calm behaviour in dogs.
Three reasons why it's important to choose the right probiotic for your dog are:
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.
Protexin Pro-Kolin+ offers comprehensive and rapid gastrointestinal support for pets, combining probiotics, prebiotics, kaolin, 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 pets 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
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."
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."
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."
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
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."
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."
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
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
There are several things to look for when it comes to choosing the best probiotic for your dog.
Look for products that contain clinically proven strains of probiotics that are specifically beneficial for the effect you're seeking.
A mix of both pre and probiotics can be beneficial, as not only are you introducing beneficial probiotics, but also feeding them at the same time, which will result in greater effect.
It's generally recommended to choose probiotics which have a CFU count of 100 million or more.
In their processing, some probiotic products add a protective coating to the strains. This helps them to survive the low pH of the stomach and bile acids, allowing them to have more effect in the intestinal tract where they are of most benefit.
Exposure to air, humidity and light can cause oxidisation and degradation of probiotic strains over time, so choose smaller pack sizes that your dog will consume more quickly.
Aside from dog-specific probiotic supplements, there are plenty of ways to promote the health of your dog's microflora. Certain fermented foods that us humans take to promote a healthy gut are also safe and beneficial for dogs, and there are even special dog foods designed with prebiotic and/or probiotic blends to promote the health of gut microbes, such as Pro Plan, Wellness Core, K9 Natural, Hills Perfect Digestion and Prime100.
Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome is a dog food designed specifically to support the gut microflora without the use of additional supplements. It is currently the only diet on the market which has been created for this purpose. It contains unique ActiveBiome+TM technology - a special blend of prebiotic fibres that works with and feeds the bacteria present in your dog's microbiome to support better digestive health.
Fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir have long been known to provide probiotic benefits. Thanks to the lactic acid-producing bacterial cultures used in their fermentation (namely, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus species), fermented dairy can promote a healthy gut microflora and provide powerful anti-pathogen and antiinflammatory properties.7
Yoghurt and kefir are only safe for dogs if they are:
- Low in fat (to prevent gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis)
- Free from artificial sweeteners
- Natural and unflavoured (plain is best)
- Only given in small amounts (1 teaspoon per meal for small dogs, 2 teaspoons for medium breeds, and 3 teaspoons for large breeds)
Some will advise against giving dairy products to pets, because cats and dogs do not digest lactose well. However, fermented dairy products contain very little lactose due to the bacterial cultures and their ability to feed on the sugars (including lactose) and produce lactase. This is why people with lactose intollerance can usually tolerate yoghurt and kefir well.8 However, if your dog is allergic to dairy protein (remember, being allergic to dairy is different to being lactose intollerant), yoghurt and kefir are not suitable.
Tripe is the muscle tissue from the stomach of animals like pigs, cows, and sheep. Green tripe - the raw, unbleached, uncooked variety - is becoming very popular in natural dog foods, particularly the ranges from Ziwi Peak and K9 Natural. Green tripe is available in different forms including raw, freeze-dried, wet food, and treats. Shop from our range of products containing tripe for dogs here.
Raw green tripe contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of bacteria that originates in an animal's gut. This is a lactic-acid producing bacteria - which as we discussed before, may improve gut health by controlling populations of harmful bacteria and promoting better gut immunity.
Many people like the idea of giving tripe as a probiotic, because it stays true to their dog's ancestral 'whole prey' diet. The idea goes that wild dogs would naturally consume the intestinal contents of prey animals, which contain fermenting fibrous vegetable matter and copious levels of bacteria-rich tripe.
Sauerkraut and kimchi are made from fermented cabbage, and may incorporate other vegetables such as carrots and fennel. Sauerkrat can produce up to 10 trillion colony-forming units (CFU) - to compare, many probiotic supplements only provide around 10 billion CFUs.
However, it's always important to check the ingredients and ask your vet about an individual product before giving it to your dog. Many sauerkrat products are safe as they are made with cabbage or cabbage-carrot mixes, however some products may contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Kimchi often contains garlic and can also contain chilli which dogs are sensitive to.
Certain vegetables have natural prebiotic properties thanks to their fibre type and content. Examples include artichokes, pumpkin, asparagus, bananas, flaxseed, and chicory root. You may wish to incorporate these into your dog's diet, but always make sure that vegetables are well cooked (as this helps with their digestion in the dog's shorter gastrointestinal tract) and that sugary fruits are given in moderation.
Usually taken for it's bulk-forming, anti-constipation effects, psyllium husk is also a powerful prebiotic. Psyllium has been demonstrated to increase microbial diversity and numbers, as well as their associated digestive enzymes.9 (Plus, it can help if your dog has anal gland issues!)
When giving your dog psyllium husk, always make sure to select a natural, unflavoured variety free from flavourings. Give one teaspoon per 10kg bodyweight, sprinkled on the food daily, and adjust the dose as needed.
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. Whether you choose to purchase an daily supplement or introduce prebiotics into their diet, every dog can benefit from a bit of extra care for their microbiome.
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Does grain free dog food cause heart disease?
What makes a 'quality' pet food?
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
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.
