Probiotics and Your Pet

With a wide variety of food available for our four-legged family members, it’s important that pet parents do their research when looking for the most appropriate recipe for their pet’s specific dietary needs. Many of us are aware of the health benefits probiotics can offer for humans, such as improved digestion, but did you know that they can also benefit your pet? 

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits for dogs and cats when consumed in adequate amounts. Called microflora, each dog's and cat’s intestinal bacteria composition is unique and made up of different bacteria. Your four-legged family member can benefit from having probiotics in their diet, as some of these microorganisms can support digestive health by balancing the levels of bacteria in their intestines. 

The number of bacteria within a probiotic determines whether your pet will benefit from it. Regardless of the probiotic that is used within a pet food, it can only exert positive health benefits if it contains a substantial number of bacteria. Probiotics are most effective when they’re live, and unfortunately, most probiotics are not stable enough to survive the pet food manufacturing process or the storage conditions that follow. However, bacillus probiotics are robust, stable and well-suited to the moisture levels and storage conditions of typical pet foods.   

Studying probiotics for decades, Purina has become well-versed in the stability and vulnerabilities of these microorganisms and is excited to deliver their benefits to pets through select Pro Plan SAVOR formulas! Featuring the robust and stable bacillus probiotic, these select Pro Plan SAVOR formulas are fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health in your fur baby! With recipes available for both canine companions and feline friends, these formulas deliver advanced nutrition and a drool-worthy taste your pet will love, helping to keep them happy and healthy. If you typically mix your pet’s kibble with water or wet food and are worried about the effectiveness of the probiotic, don’t fret! As bacillus is robust and stable, it can survive even if water or wet food is added. 

While probiotics can offer health benefits to your dog or cat, if you’re considering switching up their meal routine it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before doing so.