The unknown connection between prebiotics, probiotics and dog (and cat) health.

What do we mean when we talk about prebiotics and probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually beneficial bacteria, found in the intestines of animals and humans. These good bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora, preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria that can cause digestive problems and other ailments.
Some specific examples of beneficial probiotics for dogs and cats are: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis AND Enterococcus faecium. Each of these has specific roles in maintaining gut health.

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Improve digestion: Lactobacillus acidophilus helps break down lactose and other sugars, which can be helpful for pets who are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting certain types of food.
• Synthesis of vitamin K and B complex vitamins: this bacterium contributes to the synthesis of vitamin K and other B complex vitamins, essential for blood clotting and the general health of the animal.
• Strengthen the intestinal barrier: Lactobacillus acidophilus helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, preventing pathogens and toxins from entering the blood.
• Fight gastrointestinal infections: This strain can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli AND Salmonellathus helping to reduce the risk of intestinal infections.

2. Bifidobacterium animalis

• Regulation of intestinal transit: Bifidobacterium animalis is known for its ability to help regulate intestinal transit, preventing both constipation and diarrhea. This is especially useful for animals suffering from chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
• Reduced Intestinal Inflammation: This strain has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation of the intestinal lining, which can be beneficial in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
• Immune System Support: Bifidobacterium animalis helps stimulate antibody production and activate immune cells, which helps strengthen your pet’s immune response.
• Promotion of nutrient absorption: This strain promotes the efficient absorption of nutrients from food, including fatty acids and vitamins, thus contributing to the overall health of dogs and cats.

3. Enterococcus faecium

• Balancing intestinal microflora: Enterococcus faecium helps maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in the intestine, preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.
• Resistance to adverse conditions: This strain of probiotic is highly resistant to acidic conditions of the stomach and bile salts, making it extremely effective at colonizing the intestine and competing with harmful bacteria.
• Support efficient digestion: Enterococcus faecium produces digestive enzymes that help break down nutrients, facilitating optimal digestion and absorption.
• Prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Using the probiotic Enterococcus faecium can help prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatments, which tend to kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut.

On the other hand, prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers that serve as food for probiotics. They stimulate the growth and activity of these good bacteria, thus contributing to a healthy intestinal flora. As sources of prebiotics we can mention inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS).

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How do these compounds work?
The role of probiotics is to colonize the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria, aiding digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. A healthy balance of these bacteria can prevent diarrhea, constipation and other digestive problems. Additionally, probiotics help strengthen the immune system, which is essential for pets’ overall health.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not digested by the host but are used by probiotic bacteria to grow and multiply. By stimulating the growth of good bacteria, prebiotics help maintain a healthy microbial balance and prevent dysbiosis, a condition in which harmful bacteria become predominant.

See also material How can supplements help the immune system and disease resistance in cats?

The benefits of prebiotics and probiotics for dogs and cats
1. Improve digestion: One of the main benefits of probiotics and prebiotics is improving digestion. They help break down food and absorb nutrients effectively, thus preventing gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Stimulation of the immune system: intestinal flora plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system. By maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, probiotics help strengthen the immune response of animals.
3. Prevention and treatment of digestive disorders: The administration of probiotics can be useful in the prevention and treatment of digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation and intestinal inflammation. They can also help with animals undergoing antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics can kill both bad and good bacteria.
4. Reduce stress and anxiety: Recent research suggests that there is a link between the gut microbiota and emotional state. Therefore, a healthy balance of intestinal flora can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs and cats.

How to introduce prebiotics and probiotics into your pet’s diet
To ensure that your pet benefits from a healthy balance of intestinal flora, it is important to introduce prebiotics and probiotics into their diet. There are several ways to do this:
– Commercial foods: Many dog ​​and cat foods on the market already contain added prebiotics and probiotics. Be sure to check labels to choose a high-quality product.
– Supplements: there are specific supplements that contain prebiotics and probiotics. They are available in the form of capsules, powders or liquids and can be added to the animal’s daily diet.
– Fermented foods: Some fermented foods, such as natural yogurt (without sugar and additives), can be a good source of probiotics for dogs. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.

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In summary, we can say that prebiotics and probiotics play an essential role in maintaining intestinal health and the general well-being of dogs and cats. By supporting the balance of intestinal flora, they help improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and prevent common digestive disorders. Be sure to talk to a specialist about the best way to introduce prebiotics and probiotics into your pet’s diet to give him the best chance at a healthy, happy life.

Read the article too The essential role of supplements in the daily diet of cats.