Do You Want the Healthiest, Happiest, Longest Life For Your Pet? Probiotics Help!

By Sonia Manning

There’s a common question among pet owners interested in making sure their pets stay as healthy as possible. That question is about how important probiotics are for pets. What are they and does your pet really need them or is this a ploy to get you to spend more money? Of course, you also want to know which ones you should be supplementing in your pet’s diet and if they are safe.

Understanding Probiotics

A common treatment when pets become sick is to administer antibiotics which kill bacteria. Unfortunately, along with destroying the bad bacteria, good bacteria is destroyed as well.

Probiotics are direct-fed microbial (DFM). They are defined as being live supplements that benefit the pet by improving the microbial balance in the body. These microorganisms include fungi, yeast and bacteria that can allow recovery of endogenous, microorganisms by pushing back pathogens. This process stimulates the immune system which allows the animal’s body to fight infection more effectively.

If antibiotics have been administered, probiotics are essential to restore the beneficial bacteria needed for the immune system to act effectively. A variety of the microorganisms found in probiotics are necessary to restore the gaps left by the antibiotic treatment.

Why Do Pets Need Probiotics? Because they do the following:

Boost the immune system

Control yeast overgrowth

Improve digestion

Remove toxins from the body

Promote proper elimination

Assist in producing B vitamins

How to Store Probiotics

A freeze-dried process is used in order for the probiotics to retain full potency and viability. This is necessary because some bacterial strains will go dormant if environmental conditions are not favorable to allow growth. The manufacturer of the probiotics will recommend the best method of storing on the packaging. Some brands may be kept in a dry, cool, dark location; others may need to be refrigerated for the longest life.

Recommended Concentrations

Probiotics basically fall into 3 different categories:

Concentrated – Fed once daily or more to a sick cat until healthy eating habits have been restored. Concentrated varieties are available as a liquid or paste.

Intermediate – Offered daily for digestive problems and chronic stresses. Available as a powder.

Maintenance – These are fed daily for general everyday stresses in the form of granules or powder.

Recommended Probiotics

Acidophilus DDS-1Strain – Called the sticker strain because it has the ability to cling to the cat’s intestinal wall where it eats disease-causing bacteria. It reduces diarrhea and constipation, alleviates skin and coat conditions and increases nutrient uptake.

B.bifidum – Allows good bacteria to grow by removing yeast that lowers pH levels. This protects against radiation damage, controls diarrhea and wards off liver problems.

B.infantis – This wards off some E.coli strains and inhibits gastroenteritis. It also produces compounds that can help prevent the growth of solid tumors.

B.longum – Cleanses and improves the health of the liver and colon and can inhibit the breast, liver and colon cancer growth.

L.Casei – It can induce an immune response to offer protection from feline STDs. A potent defender from the Listeria bacteria.

L.plantarum – Breaks down usable nutrients in the large intestine.

L.rhamnosus – Used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and promotes resistance of infections.

L.salivarius – Produces high levels of lactic acid which helps to inhibit growth of H.pylori and reduces the risk of peptic ulcers.

S.thermophilus – Repairs free radical damage associated with stress, aging, chlorinated water and antibiotics.

L.lactis – Needed to maintain normal intestinal flora.

L.helveticus – Used in promoting an anti-tumor immune response.

As you can see, there is an extensive list of benefits that your pet receives when these essential ingredients are included in his diet. At any level, maintenance, intermediate or concentrated, it is never too early or too late to offer them to your pet.

Is your cat is suffering from Cat Health Issues? Is your dog scratching? Get answers at Dog Allergies.

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