Probiotics are extremely important in our practice and key to keeping our patients wildly healthy! Today we are sharing Dr. Royal recommendations from her book “The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy about probiotics –
- Probiotics should always be used during a food change or while using antibiotics
- I recommend regular use of probiotics for many animals.
- Bacillus Coagulans, a beneficial probiotic bacteria, can be added to pet food to support the flora in the distal intestine, and it is useful during a diet change. After being ingested, it can survive the low pH of stomach acid in the dog and cat and can colonize the lower intestines to help avoid loose stool.
- Other strains of probiotics are helpful in different circumstances. Because the foods we feed tend to be so carefully packaged to avoid bacterial pathogens, it may be difficult for animals to obtain proper bacteria for their GI tract. A periodic probiotic supplement provides those bacteria.
- Probiotics come in many forms. Dairy-free versions are available for sensitive animals. Pets that are already accustomed to dairy products can be given good-quality yogurt from most supermarkets or health food stores.
- Probiotics meant for humans can be used as a pet supplement if you can’t find the B. coagulans.
- Look for good-quality products from respected companies. Generally, a dairy-free probiotic is the most effective.