If you’re proactive about your health, then no doubt you’ve heard about prebiotics and probiotics. These are the ‘good’ bacteria that can help us digest our food better and enjoy better digestive health. Given all their associated benefits, it’s no wonder they’re becoming all the rage.
If you’re proactive about your health, then we bet you’re proactive about your dog’s health too, especially as they start to get older. Perhaps you hadn’t considered prebiotics and probiotics for them, but they can be a powerful tool to help your senior dog manage aging, too.
Ultimately, your older dog needs a complete and well-balanced diet to help maintain their health, and prebiotics and probiotics can help them, just like they can help us.
Why Gut Health Is Important For Dogs
Dogs are just like us in so many ways, and their gut health is no different. And when everything is running ‘smoothly,’ they’ll be much healthier and much happier. Learn more about immune and digestive health for mature dogs here.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract in mammals is made up of bacteria and microbes, which are called the microbiome. Your dog will have his own unique microbiome, which helps his immune system, protects against harmful pathogens, and provides other nutritional benefits.
Especially as dogs age, they may struggle with digestion, which can make it hard for them to absorb nutrients from their food like they used to. So helping to support and improve their gastrointestinal and immune systems can mean they can keep visiting other dogs and enjoying new foods and treats, just like when they were younger.
By now, most of us understand that eating an overly processed ‘Western’ diet isn’t good for us. It’s no different for our best friends, which is why many concerned dog owners are now turning to supplements to support their health.
Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs
Prebiotics and probiotics provide the same type of support to our dog’s microbiomes as they do for ours.
Prebiotics are soluble fibres that feed good bacteria. It’s funny to think about, but our microbiomes are alive, and the more we support them with the right ‘food’ the healthier they’ll be. Some healthy foods that include prebiotics are oatmeal, sweet potatoes, apples, and canned pumpkin. They can also be found in pumpkin seeds, which is one of the reasons why we include pumpkin seed meal in our digestive health supplements for dogs.
Probiotics are the good bacteria that make up the microbiome. They keep your gut healthy, and they help you digest and absorb food and nutrients properly.
Ultimately, prebiotics and probiotics are a team, working together to help our bodies (and dog bodies!) function optimally. And adding clinically-proven supplements can be a safe and efficient way to support the microbiome of your older dog.
We designed our proprietary Senior Immunity Omega™ blend, including our Shield Again formula, to support normal digestion, gastrointestinal health and a healthy immune system in mature and senior dogs. It’s the first brand of Veterinary Health Products in Canada containing DE-111 Probiotic*, a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis. DE-111 Probiotic has been tested in randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrating significant effect modulating a positive gastrointestinal and immunomodulatory response in healthy dogs and humans.
We’ve also included lots of other healthy ingredients designed to support an older dog’s immune system and gut health, like Omega 3 fatty acids, pomegranate, blueberries, and Vitamins E & C. And it’s in a powder formula, making it easy on the gums and teeth of older dogs, too.
We have so many ways to help our best friends live longer, healthier lives. Always speak to your vet about specific concerns, and remember to keep a healthy diet at the top of your list.
*DE-111 Probiotic is trademark of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Inc.
