The Best Dog Probiotics (Vet reviewed and Recommended)
Join Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS as she explores the best dog probiotics, explains what to look for in a probiotic for dogs, and recommends her favourite options!
Choosing the best dog probiotics can feel overwhelming. With so many products on the market, all claiming to support gut health, it’s hard to know which ones actually work. Not all probiotics are created equal – some products contain bacteria that may not survive long enough to benefit your dog, while others contain a helpful mix of prebiotics or even postbiotics to further benefit your dog. Confused about the difference? Check out our article on prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.
As a vet, I often recommend probiotics for dogs with sensitive stomachs, after antibiotic treatment, or during times of stress. But finding a high-quality, effective dog probiotic is key. In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for when choosing a probiotic and share vet-recommended probiotic products to help you find the right one for your dog.
The Best Dog Probiotics: Vet-Recommended Products
Here are three of the best dog probiotics that meet our high standards. Each of these products has been vet-reviewed and recommended based on:
- Reputable manufacturers, research, and science
- Clear strains and high CFU counts
- Prebiotics or postbiotics for further benefits
You can find out more about these, and how they might impact your choice of dog probiotic, in our buyer’s guide below.
Now, let’s look at my favourite dog probiotics:
P.S You’ll notice I’ve linked out to several websites – that’s because it’s more important that your dog gets the right probiotic than I receive a commission. That said, if you do decide to buy some of these dog probiotics, some links may earn me a small commission, at no cost to you. This doesn’t impact which products we recommend. Read more about why we suggest products here.
Best dog probiotic for dogs overall: Biome9 ‘Regular Gut’
Biome9 are a revelation. They offer several probiotic varieties, allowing you to tailor to your dog’s needs, but their ‘Regular Gut’ Duo are one of the best dog probiotics I’ve ever used. One of the bags has 7 species of bacteria, while the other contains a prebiotic mix. They undertake research into the canine microbiome, and they even offer microbiome testing and personalised advice so you can see what your dog needs.
Best dog probiotic for dogs with diarrhoea: YuMOVE Digestive Care Plus
The team at Lintbells (aka YuMOVE) make some fantastic products, but one of my favourites is the Digestive Care Plus. I’ve been using this for my terrier, Pixie, ever since she first moved in with us, and I love having a couple of sachets in the cupboard ‘just in case’. It’s a powder, so it’s easy to give, and it’s great at firming the stools. It’s not suitable for long-term use though!
Best dog probiotic for fussy dogs: Purina FortiFlora
The team at Purina have been creating incredible pet diets, backed by science, for a long time. Their Fortiflora sachets are stocked by many vet practices as an easy-to-give probiotic. As a sachet, they’re just mixed in with the food, so there’s no fighting to give them. Not that you’d need to – they’re really palatable, so they’re great for fussy dogs – in fact, many vets sprinkle them on dog food to encourage dogs to eat!
Dog Probiotic Buyer’s Guide: What to look for in the best dog probiotics
Not all dog probiotics are backed by research, and some contain bacteria that won’t survive the journey through your dog’s digestive system. To make sure you’re choosing an effective, science-backed product, here are the key things to look for.
1. A Clear List of Probiotic Strains
A good probiotic should list the specific strains of bacteria it contains, not just vague terms like “live cultures” or “proprietary blend.” Some of the most beneficial probiotic strains for dogs include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – Supports digestion and helps prevent harmful bacteria from taking over.
- Bifidobacterium animalis – Can help with diarrhoea and overall gut health.
- Enterococcus faecium – A strain known for improving stool consistency.
- Saccharomyces boulardii – A probiotic yeast that may help manage diarrhoea and support gut balance.
If a product doesn’t list its strains, it’s difficult to know if it will actually benefit your dog.
2. Guaranteed CFU Count
CFU stands for colony-forming units, which tells you how many live bacteria are in each dose. The best dog probiotics will guarantee this number until the product’s expiration date—not just at the time of manufacture.
Look for a probiotic with at least 1–5 billion CFUs per serving. Lower amounts may not be effective, while extremely high doses may cause temporary bloating or gas.
3. Survival Through the Digestive System
For a probiotic to work, it needs to survive stomach acid and bile to reach the intestines, where it can start doing its job. Some strains, like Enterococcus faecium, are naturally resistant to stomach acid. Others may need an enteric coating or be included in a formulation that helps them survive the digestive process. If you’re unsure about the probiotic you’re considering for your dog, you can always call the manufacturer to hear more about how they guarantee their product is suitable.
4. Added Prebiotics for Extra Gut Support
Some probiotics include prebiotics, which are fibres that feed the good bacteria and help them thrive. These are called synbiotics and can be even more effective than probiotics alone. High fibre is also good for acute diarrhoea – so if your dog is prone to regular upset stomachs, look for a high fibre blend.
Common prebiotics include:
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Inulin
- Beta-glucans
While prebiotics aren’t essential, they can help probiotics establish a healthy gut environment more effectively by looking after the ‘good’ bacteria as they establish in the digestive tract.
5. Formulation That Suits Your Dog
Probiotics come in different forms, and the best one for your dog depends on their preferences:
- Powders – Easy to mix into food, great for picky eaters.
- Chews – Convenient, but flavourings mean they aren’t suitable for all
- Capsules – Ideal for dogs who take pills easily.
- Probiotic-enriched food – A simple option, though not always as concentrated as supplements.
Choosing a format that your dog will actually eat is just as important as finding a high-quality formula.
Final Thoughts
The best dog probiotics can make a real difference to dog gut health, but it’s important to choose a high-quality, research-backed product. Look for probiotics with clearly listed strains, a guaranteed CFU count, and a formulation that suits your dog’s needs. I love the ‘Regular Gut’ Duo from Biome-9, and their other products are also great too. If your dog has diarrhoea, it’s always best to check with your vet before starting a new supplement.
Did you like this article? You might also be interested in hearing about dog microbiome testing or caring for a dog with diarrhoea.
- Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics – What’s the difference? - February 28, 2025
- The Best Dog Probiotics (Vet Reviewed and Recommended) - February 26, 2025
- Dog Probiotics: What You Need to Know (According to a Vet) - February 24, 2025