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probiotics-hype or not hype?
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CMH7054 posted:
I have been reading a lot lately about the benefits of giving my Yorkie a probiotic supplement. She will be taking another course of antibiotics, but everything I read seems to be an advertisement for some company selling them! Should I purchase some for her? Or is this just another one of those things that's just "the next new thing" to get pet owner's money?
(p.s. She has had food allergies and is on a food trial. Would a supplement be a bad idea in this case anyway?)
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:probiotics-hype or not hype?I have been reading a lot lately about the benefits of giving my Yorkie a probiotic supplement. She will be taking another course of antibiotics, but everything I read seems to be an advertisement for some company selling them! Should I purchase some for her? Or is this just another one of those things that's just "the next new thing" to get pet owner's money?<br />(p.s. She has had food allergies and is on a food trial. Would a supplement be a bad idea in this case anyway?)
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Violets_are_Blue responded:
If your pet seems to have trouble with antibiotics, then trying the probiotics (which increases the good gut flora so antibiotics can't kill them all) wouldn't hurt. If she seems to handle them well (i.e. her stool seems the same), then it could be just a waste of money. Many dog foods now incorporate probiotics/prebiotics so you may be already paying for some (check your bag, most are Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium species).

Probiotics could be detrimental in a food trial if the way they come is flavored or has any ingredient you want to cut out.
Report This| Share this:probiotics-hype or not hype?If your pet seems to have trouble with antibiotics, then trying the probiotics (which increases the good gut flora so antibiotics can't kill them all) wouldn't hurt. If she seems to handle them well (i.e. her stool seems the same), then it could be just a waste of money. Many dog foods now incorporate probiotics/prebiotics so you may be already paying for some (check your bag, most are Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium species).<br /><br />Probiotics could be detrimental in a food trial if the way they come is flavored or has any ingredient you want to cut out.
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CMH7054 replied to Violets_are_Blue's response:
Thank you-that is very helpful. I will go check the dog food bags. I pay $$$ for my dog food. She has been on antibiotics before and I never noticed anything different, except she might get a bit constipated.
Report This| Share this:probiotics-hype or not hype?Thank you-that is very helpful. I will go check the dog food bags. I pay $$$ for my dog food. She has been on antibiotics before and I never noticed anything different, except she might get a bit constipated.
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CMH7054 replied to CMH7054's response:
SAdly, neither food had probiotics, although one has a prebiotic. I'm still not going to get any. She's taking the antibiotic and there really has been no problems with it before. I think the pet care industry plays on our emotions to get our money. I think they have enough of my money for now.
Report This| Share this:probiotics-hype or not hype?SAdly, neither food had probiotics, although one has a prebiotic. I'm still not going to get any. She's taking the antibiotic and there really has been no problems with it before. I think the pet care industry plays on our emotions to get our money. I think they have enough of my money for now.
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EmmaSunshine44 responded:
Not hype! My dog's food has prebiotics and since putting them on a natural grain-free kibble about a year ago, none of them have had diarrhea or constipation. Their stool is always regular and consistant and I thank the Natural Balance Alpha dog food for this. One of the ingredients is also psyllium seed husk, which is in Metamucil, so that makes sense that this and the prebiotics would help my doggie's tummies.
Report This| Share this:probiotics-hype or not hype?Not hype! My dog's food has prebiotics and since putting them on a natural grain-free kibble about a year ago, none of them have had diarrhea or constipation. Their stool is always regular and consistant and I thank the Natural Balance Alpha dog food for this. One of the ingredients is also psyllium seed husk, which is in Metamucil, so that makes sense that this and the prebiotics would help my doggie's tummies.
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