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8 Best Probiotics for Dogs to Improve Digestive Health, According to Veterinarians

These pet supplements will keep your dog's gut in tip-top shape.

Headshot of Rebecca NorrisBy Rebecca Norris
a small dog, a miniature poodle, is handed one blue pill
Varvara Druhzinina

Have you ever been sitting next to your dog, only to notice that they're quite gassy? Or perhaps you've taken them on a walk and taken note of a change in stool appearance. In either event, a weakened gut could be the cause. And if that's the case, probiotics for dogs can help.

Just like with humans, probiotics benefit dogs by boosting the good bacteria in their gut. “Having good bacteria in the digestive tract is a direct correlation to your dog’s immune system and overall health,” says veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, who is the founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. In addition to boosting the good bacteria, probiotics discourage the growth of harmful, illness-causing bacteria. “Probiotics help maintain an appropriate balance,” Dr. Richter adds. “They help to keep the immune system healthy which can lower inflammation and pain.” It’s because of this that adding probiotics to your dog’s diet is highly encouraged.

The best probiotics for dogs in 2023:

  • FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs

    Best Overall Dog Probiotics

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs

    $31 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement

    Best Powder Dog Probiotics

    Native Pet Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement

    Read more
  • Proviable-DC Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs

    Best Multi-Use Dog Probiotics

    Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs

    Read more
  • Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews

    Best Value Dog Probiotics

    Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews

    Read more
  • Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement For Dogs

    Best Dog Probiotic Flavor

    Finn Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement For Dogs

    Read more

To save you from searching all over the Internet for the best probiotics for dogs, we chatted with Dr. Richter, along with veterinarian and writer at Native Pet, Dr. Juli Goldstein, to uncover the benefits of probiotics for dogs, which dogs are the best candidates, and which probiotics vets and dog parents swear by. Keep reading to learn more.

Best Overall Dog Probiotics

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs

Amazon’s Choice
FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs
Best Overall Dog Probiotics

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs

$31 at Amazon$31 at Walmart$31 at Tractor Supply Co
Credit: Purina
Pros
  • Comes in easy-to-use sachets.
  • It's liver flavored, which is appetizing to most dogs.
  • It's formulated with protein and fiber.
Cons
  • As a powder, it has the potential to be messier.

The Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs are beloved by over 30,000 Amazon shoppers — and vets love them, too! "This is a trusted veterinary brand that's heavily researched for efficacy," Dr. Juli tells us. "It's easy to store and distribute, as it comes in single serving packets."

Best Powder Dog Probiotics

Native Pet Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement

Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement
Best Powder Dog Probiotics

Native Pet Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement

Credit: Native Pet
Pros
  • It's made with minimal ingredients.
  • It includes both pre- and probiotics.
  • It's rich in fiber.
Cons
  • It's a powder, so it's not as convenient.
  • You have to measure out each serving.

Over 1,500 Amazon shoppers agree: The Native Pet Vet-Formulated Probiotics & Prebiotic Dog Supplement is a pooch fave. "This powder is veterinary formulated and unique in that it has added prebiotic fiber to help prepare your pup's gut and make it more hospitable to healthy bacteria," says Dr. Juli, who is a writer at Native Pet. "It’s also organic with clean ingredients, which is especially helpful for pets with sensitive stomachs or food allergies."

In addition to being the best powder dog probiotic supplement, this Native Pet Probiotic is also the most artfully designed, making it less of an eyesore if you choose to keep it out on your counter.

Best Multi-Use Dog Probiotics

Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs

Proviable-DC Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs
Best Multi-Use Dog Probiotics

Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs

Credit: Nutramax
Pros
  • The multi-strain probiotic supplement is clinically researched.
  • It's formulated with both pre- and probiotics.
  • It comes in capsule form.
Cons
  • The capsules are made with animal byproduct.

The Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules are unique in that they can be fed in capsule form or split open to be sprinkled on as a powder. It's partially because of this that over 8,500 Amazon shoppers have awarded the capsules their 5-star seal of approval — and Dr. Juli has too. "Another trusted veterinary brand, [these capsules] contain seven bacteria strains and are helpful for dogs who are not a fan of powders," she says. Though, if your pup also doesn't eat capsules freely, you may want to add a bag of the Greenies Peanut Butter Capsule Pockets to your cart, too.

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Best Value Dog Probiotics

Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews

Best Seller
Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews
Best Value Dog Probiotics

Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites Pumpkin Flavored Soft Chews

Credit: Zesty Paws
Pros
  • The bites are made with digestion-supporting pumpkin.
  • They're made with six probiotics.
  • A jar includes 250 bites.
Cons
  • Not all dogs enjoy the taste of pumpkin.

If your pup isn't a fan of powders or capsules, you can trick them into taking their daily supplement with the Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites, which are designed with a tasty pumpkin flavor. In addition to being ripe with good bacteria, these probiotics are plentiful. A jar contains 250 bites and if you have a dog that weighs 25 pounds or less, that means the container will last for over eight months. Needless to say, it's no wonder over 21,000 Amazon shoppers have given them a 5-star review.

Best Dog Probiotic Flavor

Finn Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement For Dogs

Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement For Dogs
Best Dog Probiotic Flavor

Finn Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement For Dogs

Credit: Finn
Pros
  • They're formulated with a tasty beef liver flavor.
  • A jar includes 90 soft chews.
  • They're formulated with probiotics, as well as prebiotics and fiber.
Cons
  • They have a pumpkin base, which not all dogs will love.

The Finn Digestive Prebiotic & Probiotic Supplement is formulated with a mouthwatering beef liver flavor that your pup won't be able to resist. When purchased on Amazon, shoppers can Subscribe & Save to make the most of the 90-count jars.

Best Inconspicuous Dog Probiotics

Fera Pet Organics Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats

Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats
Best Inconspicuous Dog Probiotics

Fera Pet Organics Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats

Credit: Fera
Pros
  • It's organic.
  • It's flavorless and odorless.
  • It's a great value.
Cons
  • It's a powder, so it's less convenient.

If your dog is particularly picky, you'll want to be as inconspicuous as possible. The Fera Pet Organics Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats is the best option, as it's flavorless and odorless, so their meals will seem like business as usual. Plus, if you hold ingredient standards on a pedestal, these dog probiotics are pretty much as good as it gets. They're even considered Climate Pledge Friendly on Amazon, meaning that they're made with highly sustainable manufacturing practices.

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Best Dog Probiotic Chews

PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs

Probiotics for Dogs
Best Dog Probiotic Chews

PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs

Now 41% Off
Credit: PetLab Co.
Pros
  • They're pork flavored to be extra enticing.
  • They're made with eight strains of healthy bacteria.
  • They're made in the USA.
Cons
  • They're only for dogs six months or older.

Best for pups who go hog wild over treats, the PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs are designed with a tantalizing pork flavor that your pooch will swoon over. The only downside is that they're specifically designed for dogs over six months of age, so they're out of the question for puppies.

Best Clean Dog Probiotics

Wild One GUT

GUT
Best Clean Dog Probiotics

Wild One GUT

Credit: Wild One
Pros
  • They're made without any artificial flavors, colors, or fillers.
  • They're made in the USA.
  • A jar lasts a long time for small dogs.
Cons
  • They're not flavored, so may not intrigue all palettes.

Last but not least, we have the Wild One Gut Probiotic & Digestive Aid. These probiotic dog chews are made with just four ingredients, making them great for pups with more sensitive tummies.

What to look for in dog probiotics

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✔️ The Number of Bacterial Strains Present: Probiotics for dogs are only as beneficial as the number of bacterial strains within them. While many supplements have one or two strains (which Dr. Juli says can be helpful), she recommends opting for those with four or more to achieve optimal gut health.

✔️ Formulas Rich in Fiber: According to Dr. Richter, probiotics are even more effective when paired with prebiotics and digestive fiber. “[It gives the bacteria] something to feed on and replicate, continuing to create healthier bacteria and thus making the probiotic more effective,” he explains.

✔️ Potency Per Serving: Even with multiple strains of probiotics in a supplement, it could lack potency. “Probiotics are measured by CFUs or colony forming units — the optimal daily range for dogs is between 1 billion and 10 billion CFUs per day,” Dr. Juli says, noting to prioritize probiotics for dogs that offer billions of CFUs

✔️ A GMP-Certified Facility: You want your pup’s probiotic supplements to be made in a facility with good manufacturing practices (GMP). “These facilities take steps to ensure that the products are safe, potent, and pure,” Dr. Juli says. “Often this is not included on the label, so a call to the manufacturer may be needed to gather this information.”

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FAQ

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  • Which dogs benefit from probiotics? While all dogs can benefit from probiotics, given they can help with everything from digestion and chronic pain to joint issues and a sleek coat, Dr. Richter says that those with stomach issues experience the most noticeable improvement post-probiotic.
    Dr. Juli adds to this, noting that she frequently recommends probiotic supplements for any of her patients who are experiencing any type of gastrointestinal distress, especially diarrhea. “But probiotics have numerous benefits for dogs in a variety of situations, especially overall immune health because more than 70 percent of your dog’s immune system is in their gastrointestinal tract,” she adds. “Other situations where I may recommend a probiotic include pets with anxiety, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, or other immune disorders.”
  • What are the benefits of probiotics for dogs? As previously mentioned, probiotics boost the healthy bacteria in your dog's gut, which in turn boosts their overall health and prevents gastrointestinal issues, among other common ailments, like joint pain.
Headshot of Rebecca Norris
Rebecca Norris
Freelance Writer

Rebecca Ravee Norris is a full-time freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not working, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, adventuring with family and friends, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows. 

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