Why Your Dog Needs Probiotics, Prebiotics; and Digestive Enzymes – Not Just One
A healthy gut does more than just digest food; it’s the foundation of immunity, energy, mood, and overall wellness. Yet many pet parents still rely on probiotics alone when it comes to supporting digestive health. Probiotics are powerful, but they work best with their two essential teammates: prebiotics and digestive enzymes.
Here’s why all three matter and how they work together to provide optimal digestive support:
1. What Are Probiotics, and Why Do Dogs Need Them?
Probiotics are the “good” bacteria that naturally live in your dog’s gut. They support:
- Nutrient absorption
- Immune response
- Healthy stool quality
- Protection against harmful bacteria
Study Spotlight:
A study in Veterinary Microbiology (2012) found that probiotic supplementation helped rebalance gut flora and reduce diarrhea in dogs【1】.
However, probiotics can be delicate. They need fuel to thrive—and that’s where prebiotics come in.
2. What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics. Think of them as fertilizer for the good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Common prebiotics include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and chicory root.
Together, prebiotics and probiotics form a symbiotic relationship, becoming far more effective together than apart.
Study Spotlight:
A 2016 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that probiotics + prebiotics together improved the balance of gut flora and stool quality more effectively than probiotics alone【2】.
3. What About Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes (like protease, amylase, and lipase) break down fats, carbs, and proteins so your dog can absorb nutrients more effectively.
As dogs age, or due to poor diet or stress, their natural enzyme production can decline. That leads to:
- Gas and bloating
- Incomplete digestion
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Irregular stools
By adding digestive enzymes, you support:
- More efficient digestion
- Better absorption of key vitamins and minerals
- Less GI discomfort
Study Spotlight:
A 2014 study in J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr found that dogs receiving supplemental enzymes had improved nutrient digestibility and stool quality【3】.
Why a 3-in-1 Formula Beats Probiotics Alone
While many dog supplements offer only probiotics, an optimal gut health formula includes:
- Probiotics to introduce good bacteria
- Prebiotics to feed and sustain that bacteria
- Digestive enzymes to help actually digest food and absorb nutrients
It’s the complete digestive support system, with all three components working together to improve regularity, stool consistency, nutrient absorption, and immune health.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Gut = A Happier Dog
Gut health affects everything from your dog’s immune system to their energy, skin, and mood. That’s why probiotics alone just aren’t enough. Support your pup’s digestive health the smart way—with a complete 3-in-1 formula that gives their body the full spectrum of support it needs to thrive.
At Champ’s Armor, our 3-in-1 Digestive Support chews combine probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes in one tail-waggingly good formula—made in the USA and vet-formulated for dogs of all sizes and ages. Buy Champ’s Armor to help give your champ a strong gut and a happy belly.
References:
- Kelley RL et al. (2012). Effects of probiotic administration in dogs with acute diarrhea. Vet Microbiol.
- Schmitz S et al. (2016). Synbiotics and the canine intestinal microbiome. Front Vet Sci.
- Zentek J et al. (2014). Influence of enzymes on digestibility and fecal quality in dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr.