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Probiotic & Prebiotic for Dogs

Vet-formulated. Helps with gut, immune, and anxiety support

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Probiotics vs Prebiotics for Pets Explained

Pet Care Tips 6 min read
A dog and cat eating together for the banner image of a blog about probiotics and prebiotics for pets.

The gut or the digestive system is responsible for doing so much more than just digesting and processing the food our pets need. When it comes to a furkiddo’s health, gut feelings matter. You might have heard about probiotics and prebiotics for pets and how they are beneficial for digestive health, but what do these terms actually mean? Are they the same thing? Does your furkiddo need them both?

Understanding why they need them can make all the difference in the world

The very short answer is yes. However, understanding why they need them can make all the difference in the world, particularly when it comes not only to digestive health, but throughout the immune system and overall vitality.

So, what is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, and how do they work in holistic harmony? How does adding them both to your fur kiddo’s routine help them thrive from the inside out?

Probiotics and Prebiotics for Pets: What Are They?

Basically, probiotics can be defined as good bacteria. Also referred to as microbiome, these microscopic creatures are found in a furkiddo’s gut, and they are responsible for good digestion and keeping the immune system in top shape by creating vitamins and other important nutrients.

The most common types of probiotics are lactic acid-based, such as Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus spp, and Streptococcus. Each of these resides in its own area of the gut; Enterococcus lives in the colon and has a focus on colonic health while aiding in the formation of healthy feces, whereas Bifidobacterium can be found in the small intestine and aims to keep up with digestive health.

On the other hand, prebiotics are the food that the probiotic organism needs to stay alive. They are categorized as non-digestible dietary fibers commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They are very commonly used in the composition of pet food; however, it is not common to see them listed as prebiotics, but rather as soluble fibers, which are dietary fibers that can be broken down, fermented, and turned into food for probiotics. This is in contrast to insoluble fibers, which cannot be broken down and fermented, instead passing through as roughage. Therefore, prebiotics for pets are a necessary part of the probiotic equation.

Do Pets Really Need Both?

A pet’s immune health is directly linked to its digestive health (as much as 80%). The beneficial probiotics keep the detrimental microorganisms at bay so that your furkiddo’s health is optimal. Several factors and conditions can lead to an imbalance in the bacterial environment, such as allergies, illness, age, stress, etc.

The harmful bacteria could affect your furkiddo’s digestion, and it can also affect their weight, hormones, mood, and susceptibility to infections. When probiotics in a furkiddo’s organism are not strong enough to keep those harmful microorganisms in check, a little furkiddo could experience wide-ranging symptoms such as:

  • Skin and coat issues
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Sensitive stomach (diarrhea, loose stool, regularity issues)
  • Bad breath or putrid-smelling stool
  • Sudden food sensitivities and/or allergies
  • Parasitic infections
  • Frequent vomiting or being finicky about food
  • Gas, bloating, and gas
  • Obesity problems

An NHV Holistic Approach

Since our little furkiddos do not regularly ingest foods such as bananas, tomatoes, pumpkin, or steamed asparagus (to name a few examples), we have to provide them with a good supplemental probiotic to support their gut health. NHV Probiotics + Prebiotics could provide this needed support; as a 100% natural supplement, NHV Probiotics + Prebiotics contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or chemicals, so it’s safe for pet consumption. It uses plant-based prebiotics such as pumpkin and carrot powder, which include vitamins A, K, and C, along with minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.

Some of the potential benefits of using probiotics in your furkiddo’s health are:

  • Reducing incidences of and/or shortening recovery time from diarrhea and reducing the need for antibiotics.
  • Help maintain the health of furkiddos with IBD
  • Aids the digestion of food substances that are difficult for furkiddos to break down
  • Furkiddos most likely to benefit from probiotics include those prone to gastrointestinal disease, those on antibiotics, or under high stress levels, and older seniors.

Far from acting just as food as probiotics, prebiotics are a health benefactor. Because prebiotics are not alive, they are much harder and can survive heat, cold, and stomach acids, so they are able to reach the intestines unharmed and work their healing magic. Some of their many benefits are:

  • Fermenting food faster in the digestive tract to maintain regularity
  • Regulates energy balance and glucose metabolism
  • Managing intestinal disorders
  • May increase bone density and strength
  • Reduces fecal odor
  • Enhance immunity in puppies when given to pregnant and lactating dogs

Additional Ways to Support Your Fur Kiddo

Aside from NHV Probiotics + Prebiotics, NHV also offers other options to support a furkiddo’s GI microbiome. Supplements like NHV TumFlora help improve the intestinal flora and are a safe and proactive approach to a healthy gut. It contains chamomile and fennel, which could help expel gas and relax the stomach from spasms, and licorice, which supports good digestion and a sensation of general well-being. Another proactive support is NHV Yucca, which might be helpful to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy, as it contains compounds that work on the intestinal membranes and help with the absorption of nutrients. On the other hand, NHV Multi Essentials may provide a nutritive support. NHV Multi Essentials may help pets with nutritional voids, aid in the digestion of nutrients that could keep the good flora in good health, and stimulate the metabolism.

Before giving your furkiddo NHV Probiotics + Prebiotics, please keep in mind the following things.

Your furkiddo’s health is an indicator.

Your veterinarian is the best person to advise if your little one could benefit from the use of probiotics, depending on your little one’s condition. Some furkiddos with may not be ideal candidates for using probiotics, and, in rare cases, others could be allergic to something in the composition. Always read the ingredients list, and check with your vet or consult one of our NHV Pet Experts.

Diet can play a significant role in a furkiddo’s health.

Be cautious with human foods. Some sweeteners and preservatives in yogurt with live cultures are unsafe for dogs and cats. Some furkiddos may be allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, which can cause diarrhea or upset stomach. Certain probiotic products have coconut water instead of coconut milk. Coconut water contains high levels of potassium, which isn’t safe for dogs. Pets who eat a diet high in carbohydrates may not have healthy microbiomes. Changing your furkiddo’s food and adding more protein could help. You could seek a more personalized nutrition assessment, and the advice from a nutritional expert could go a long way.

At NHV, you can a customized nutrition plan session with Dr. Amanda to work on a more personalized, holistic approach to your furbaby’s dietary needs.

Probiotics are sensitive to temperature, air, and moisture.

As probiotics are living organisms, exposure to air, temperature, and moisture extremes for long periods can kill the microbes and render them useless. They may need to be kept in the fridge once opened.

NHV Probiotics & Prebiotics are not an overnight cure.

Your furkiddo’s GI is a living ecosystem, and the benefits of a balanced gut microbiome may take some time to appear. It can take a few days or weeks of daily use before you see the benefits.

Final Thoughts on Probiotics and Prebiotics for Pets

With patience, consistency, care, and love, you’ll give their gut the gentle boost it needs

Supporting the balance of good bacteria through probiotics and prebiotics for pets is one of the kindest and most proactive things you can do for your furbaby’s well-being. This will not just be beneficial for their digestion, but for their immune response, their vitality, and even their emotional balance. While supplements like NHV Probiotics + Prebiotics for pets offer safe, organic, natural support, each pet is unique. Take the time to understand their individual and dietary needs. With patience, consistency, care, and love, you’ll give their gut the gentle boost it needs to thrive and live a long, healthy, happy life.

Dr. Yuvia Hernandez, DVM

Dr. Yuvia Hernandez, DVM

Dr. Yuvia Hernandez graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (Mexico) with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, and later got her Master’s Degree in Educational Strategies from the Universidad Regional del Norte. She has taken several courses throughout her career to train in the veterinary field, such as emergency veterinary care, animal nutrition, and holistic veterinary care. Dr. Hernandez shares her home with two adorable cats as she continues to learn about animal welfare and care.

Published: July 11, 2025

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