Probiotics?

prophecy · 08-31-2008, 06:07 PM

I have heard so much about the use of probiotics with dogs.... i know some of you use probiotics....what benifits have come from probiotic use? is there a downside to using probiotics? do you need enzymes along with probiotics?

any experiances,product info,and stories on the line of probiotics/enzymes would be great. pos or neg.
thanks!

michael327 · 08-31-2008, 07:33 PM

I have been using Flying Basset Organics supplements available form their online site. I have noticed a reduction in doberfarts which makes me happy. I am not an over supplementer as I believe they and us should be getting what we need from a good fresh diet-- add to their food once in a while in case I am missing something since I feed mostly raw and home cooked. My bitch was always giving me scares with bouts of diarrhea but since the switch to whole foods and supplements that has stopped. Do your research and do what is comfortable for you.

jatango · 08-31-2008, 07:47 PM

I like using kefir for that, cheap and easy to make! All you have to do is find someone with kefir "grains" (lumps of good bacteria), get some, and add some milk to them in a mason jar in a cabinet for 24 hours. Instant probiotic that only costs as much as the milk!

Rauschund · 08-31-2008, 09:31 PM

Since probiotics are only "good bugs", they are very helpful if you are giving antibiotics, especially to puppies. Whenever I have had to put mom or pups on antibiotics i give them probiotics, the antibiotics kill off bacteria, the probiotics replace some of the good bacteria so you don't end up with a "dead stomach". good for dogs or people, can be found in tube form, or as simple as live yougurt. I use the tube form for pups, but always give all my dogs a spoonful of yougurt once a day too.

**LuvMyDobes** · 09-01-2008, 08:12 AM

I feed a combo of raw and kibble. Mine get BRAVO blended patties in the AM and Viand kibble and 85/15 raw burger in the PM. I use a probiotic and a digestive enzyme. My little twelve pound Boston Terrir bitch has a sensitive stomach and since I started using the probiotic she has a better appetite and has gain the weight she needed to gain.

bgianotti9 · 09-03-2008, 01:16 PM

Can I just say I have been searching for the answer to this question for a long time. My dobe had explosive diahrea until i found a good that was more wholistic. The diarhea has subsided but i am left with gas that will seriously knock you out and its quite frequent. What can we do to eliminate gas????

Linda H · 09-03-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgianotti9

Can I just say I have been searching for the answer to this question for a long time. My dobe had explosive diahrea until i found a good that was more wholistic. The diarhea has subsided but i am left with gas that will seriously knock you out and its quite frequent. What can we do to eliminate gas????

What are you feeding your dog? I would think a dog with explosive diarrhea, now gone, and continuing gas would be eating a food that does not agree with its system.
Have you tried other brands of foods?

**azdobes** · 09-03-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgianotti9

Can I just say I have been searching for the answer to this question for a long time. My dobe had explosive diahrea until i found a good that was more wholistic. The diarhea has subsided but i am left with gas that will seriously knock you out and its quite frequent. What can we do to eliminate gas????

Your dog food must have a high fiber content, probably coupled with a lot of processed grains. That is a good recipe for gas. Investigate feeding raw.

robinb · 09-03-2008, 09:36 PM

My dogs get probiotics during antibiotic treatment, food changes, stressful situations but not on a daily basis. However, I always keep them on-hand.

**dobermansrule** · 09-03-2008, 09:48 PM

those that use probiotics - what type/brand/form? Purina has something called Fortiflora that our vet had us use. But I assume there are probably better products out there.