Best Probiotics for Dogs: Improve Gut Health Naturally

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As devoted dog lovers, many of us are turning to supplements to give our furry friends an extra boost of nutritional support.

A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of a dog’s overall wellbeing, influencing everything from metabolism and digestion to mood and behaviour, all closely connected in a delicate balance.

Common signs of digestive discomfort in dogs include inconsistent stools, diarrhoea, constipation, and tummy upsets. Fortunately, these issues can often be eased by adding probiotics to their diet.

Probiotics are made up of “good” bacteria that help improve gut health. They offer a range of benefits such as reducing gas, promoting firmer stools, and supporting a happy, well-functioning digestive system.

By nurturing the gut, probiotics can help your dog feel healthier and happier from the inside out.

We’re taking a closer look at five of the most popular probiotics for supporting your dog’s gut health.

We’ll break down how they’re delivered (chew, tablet, powder, food additive), how tasty they are, what’s inside them, and ultimately help you find the best match for your dog’s specific needs.

UPDATE : SEPTEMBER 2025 - After a new round of testing, we've added Zesty Paws Probiotic Chews as a top pick.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Buying Advice for Probiotics for Dogs

Our Picks of the Best Dog Probiotics

1. Best Overall Dog Probiotic - Pooch & Mutt

2. Best Value Probiotic - GWF Nutrition

3. Best Probiotic Chews - Zesty Paws

4. Best Probiotic Tablets - YuMOVE 

5. Best Probiotic Range - Buddy & Lola

Our Verdict

FAQ's

Buying Advice for Probiotics for Dogs

A quick word about supplements for dogs.

We've found that supplements can be a very confusing area to investigate. Many of the supplements and their ingredients have real theoretical benefits.

However, we've found that whilst independent research is still limited, there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence to help dog lovers select a product.

Here are some general guidelines to bear in mind when you are choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog :-

🐾 Know the difference between probiotics and prebiotics ?

Probiotics and prebiotics are often misunderstood. Probiotics (sometimes called microbiotics) are foods or supplements that contain a source of live, beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics, provide sustenance to these bacteria. Many of the products we feature contain a combination of both.

🐾 Choose a palatable option

Do you have a picky pup ? Our review of dog probiotic supplements includes a range of tablets, powders and chews so you can decide which is most palatable for your dog - because you know them best!

🐾 Select a probiotic with a money-back guarantee.

That way, you can try the supplement and see if it works for your dog without any risk. All the products in this review offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.

🐾 Chat to your vet

We recommend talking to your vet about which probiotic is most suited to your dog's needs.

All the brands featured in our review can be bought as a one-off purchase or you can take advantage of their subscription service to make substantial savings.

Our Picks of the Best Dog Probiotics

1. Best Overall Dog Probiotic

Pooch & Mutt

Pooch & Mutt is one of the UK's most award-winning premium pet food brands. Their focus is on natural, functional products and their first ever product - Bionic Biotic features in first place in our review.

Bionic Biotic is one of their best sellers, so let's take a closer look at why so many dog lovers swear by it.

A vet recommended probiotics for dogs, it's packed full of natural ingredients and designed to be sprinkled over your dog’s food.

Perfect if your dog dislikes taking tablets, as it's super easy to incorporate into your dog’s normal feeding routine. If you feed kibble then you can mix the powder with salmon oil before adding to dry food to help it 'stick'.

The main reason we've awarded it top place in our review is because it's a multipurpose supplement with a comprehensive range of benefits for your dog including -

⭐️ Improves digestion & solid stools

⭐️ Prevents itching & scratching

⭐️ Improves skin & coat health

So ultimately, by adding this one supplement to your dog's diet, you can address several common problem areas at once.

In testing over the course of 2 months, we found a marked improvement in our testers stools. All poop throughout the day was solid and the frequent scooting stopped.

Bionic Biotic contains chicory root which is an excellent fibre source. This natural fibre helps increase the size and weight of your dog's stool whilst softening it to make it easy to pass. So it can relieve constipation, diarrhoea and end that dreaded scooting !

Another key ingredient, Salmon Oil, is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids which can help lessen inflammation caused by allergies or other skin issues.

Ultimately, Pooch & Mutt are so confident in Bionic Biotic that they offer a money back guarantee for online purchases.

It's worth mentioning that Pooch & Mutt also offer a range of three meaty probiotic dog treats and have recently launched Peanut Butter Probiotic Treats. These vegan, grain free treats contain dietary fibre, Tapioca which benefits pooches with allergies and sensitivities, and Probiotics to help digestion and nutrient uptake.

Our Verdict - With many lovers seeing a difference within 3 weeks and countless 5 ⭐️ reviews talking about digestive problems disappearing, we think Bionic Biotic is a great all-round super supplement.

Form : Powder

Quantity: 200g (lasts 10-25kg dog a month)

Reasons to Buy

+ Multipurpose health supplement

+ Natural ingredients

+ Easy to add to current food

Reasons to Avoid

- If you're looking to treat a specific health issue

Buying Options

Use our exclusive discount code for 20% OFF

SMARTBARK20

View on Pooch & Mutt

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2. Best Value Probiotic

GWF Nutrition

Calling all picky pups and exasperated dog lovers out there !

GWF Nutrition is a well-respected UK-based manufacturer of specialist animal feeds and supplements. With over 50 years of experience, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality products that support the health and well-being of dogs, cats and horses.

We've already reviewed and featured their Joint and Raw Aid supplements so were keen to take a look at their highly popular probiotic & prebiotic - Digestive Aid for Dogs.

Designed for dogs struggling with digestive issues, including poor stools (constipation or diarrhoea) and dogs who are struggling to absorb essential nutrients in the diet.

To be honest, we are constantly concerned about the quality of our dog's poo. On a raw diet, he rarely scoots, but his poos can range from hard to runny within one dog walk! We were keen to try adding probiotics and prebiotics to his diet to see if we could improve his gut health and the resulting output!

So what makes Digestive Aid for Dogs unique ?

⭐️ Probiotics and prebiotics: To nurture beneficial gut bacteria.

⭐️ Anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and acid buffers: To promote a balanced digestive system.

⭐️ Verm-X: A veterinary-approved herbal blend for optimal gut hygiene.

⭐️ Oatinol® Delivery System: To ensure maximum nutrient absorption.

⭐️ High levels of Omega-3: To support overall health and performance.

Not only does it contain a comprehensive blend of nutrients designed to support your dog's gut health, it uses a unique delivery system Oatinol® - a concept developed by GWF Nutrition to help the absorption of active ingredients, vitamins and trace elements.

So what did we think in testing ?

Here at Smart Bark, we love supplements that you can add directly to your dog's food, seriously we're in favour of anything to make life that little bit easier.

The resealable bag comes with a handy measuring scoop and the recommended amounts based on the size of your dog are clearly printed on the packaging.

What we particularly like about Digestive Aid for Dogs is that it comes in the form of tiny pellets only 2mm wide, which are perfect for mixing with wet or raw food - ideal for the fussiest of dogs.

We've been testing Digestive Aid for Dogs for a month now and have noticed a positive difference in our dog's poos. In general, they are more consistent, easier to pick up and not too watery.

As the consistency of your dog's poop is an indication of their overall health, we're very happy.

Of course, the dosage and value for money varies depending on your dog's size:

• Small Dogs (under 15 kg): Just 1/2 measure a day, a 500g pack will last a 100 days

• Medium Dogs (16–30 kg): 1 measure a day, a 500g pack will last a 50 days

• Large Dogs (31–45 kg):  2 measures a day, a 500g pack will last 25 days

• X–Large Dogs (Over 45kg): 3 measures a day, a 500g pack will last 17 days

Larger breeds will require a larger daily dose of Digestive Aid. While only available in one pouch size, it still offers fantastic value for money, regardless of your dog's size.

GWF Nutrition are so confident in all their products that they offer a full Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee on products in their pet range (excludes Equine and Alpaca products).

Simply follow the feeding recommendation and if there is no change in your dog whatsoever after the pack has been used, they will refund the purchase cost, minus any postage costs (if applicable).

Our Verdict - GWF Nutrition's Digestive Aid is a highly effective and affordable supplement. Easy to use and packed with beneficial probiotics and prebiotics, it's a fantastic addition to your dog's daily routine.

Form : Pellets

Quantity: 500gm

Reasons to Buy

  + Probiotic & Prebiotic

  + Very palatable

  + Great value

  + Unique delivery system

Reasons to Avoid

  - If you prefer treats or chews

Buying Options

Get 10% OFF with discount code SMARTBARK

View on GWF Nutrition

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3. Best Probiotic Chews

Zesty Paws

Ready for tails to wag? Say hello to Zesty Paws, a US pet supplement superstar with over 350,000 five-star reviews and their range is now available in the UK.

Not only are they a fan favourite, but their B Corp certification proves they’re serious about doing good for pets, people, and the planet.

Zesty Paws’ supplements are the work of a team of vets, scientists, and nutritionists, tackling everything from tummy troubles and itchy skin to struggling joints and calmer pups.

Best of all? These tasty chews are designed to win over even the pickiest eaters, so there’s zero need for stealthy pill-hiding missions. That’s why Zesty Paws has earned a paws-up in our review.

Zesty Paws Probiotic Chews are designed to nurture gut health, boost natural defenses, and keep things moving regularly. Their special triple-action blend features EpiCor®, Calsporin®, and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), yes, it sounds a bit like a science class! But all you really need to know is that these powerful ingredients work together to boost your dog’s immune system, support a happy gut, and keep digestion on track.

So, what did we make of the testing?

The Probiotic Chews come in a tub of 90 adorable little heart-shaped bites. These chews were incredibly palatable, and even our notoriously picky Cockapoo couldn’t get enough of them!

Alright, now onto the not-so-glamorous topic of dog poo (feel free to skip this if it’s not your cup of tea). Our tester noticed that their dogs poos were often a bit runny by the end of the day and needed firming up. After 10 days, they definitely saw a positive change with poos becoming more consistent and regular.

Of course, how much you give your dog, and how long a tub lasts, depends on their size:

• Small Dogs (under 15 kg): 1 chew a day, making a 300g tub last about 90 days

• Medium Dogs (15–30 kg): 2 chews a day, so a 300g tub will last around 45 days

• Large Dogs (over 31 kg): 3 chews a day, meaning a 300g tub lasts roughly 25 days

You can also grab a smaller resealable pouch with 60 chews or try out a handy trial bundle with three packs of 10 chews each. Perfect for testing the waters, but just a heads up, it does work out a bit pricier per chew compared to the bigger tubs.

It's worth mentioning that both Zesty Paws and Amazon offer a money-saving Subscribe & Save option to keep the chews coming without breaking the bank!

Give it at least four weeks to see the best results. And here’s the cherry on to, it’s totally risk-free! If the chews don’t deliver the results you hoped for, or your dog’s not a fan, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.

Our Verdict - We have been really impressed with these tasty chews, so easy to add to your daily routine. Treats and Chews are often a more expensive option, but Zesty Paws offer really good value for money.

Form : Dog Chews

Quantity: 300g

Reasons to Buy

  + Probiotic, prebiotic & postbiotic

  + Tasty treats

  + Great value for most dogs

Reasons to Avoid

  - Expensive for dogs over 30kg

Buying Options

Use discount code SMARTBARK15 for 15% OFF

one-time purchases (not subscriptions)

View on Zesty Paws

View on Amazon

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4. Best Probiotic Tablets

YuMOVE

The UK’s no.1 veterinary joint supplement brand YuMOVE have been researching supplements for more than 15 years. Their popular probiotic - Digestive Care is made specifically for dogs.

YuMOVE Digestive Care is a daily supplement tablet containing a variety of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria specifically developed to support your dog's digestive health.

It's specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive tummies to -

 ⭐️ Support digestive health

 ⭐️ Maintain firm stools

 ⭐️ Reduce excessive wind

Formulated with their ActivBio™ complex, the active ingredients work together to maintain a healthy natural balance in your dog's digestive system to keep their tummies on track.

It also contains added probiotic bacterial strain Enterococcus faecium. This has been shown to alleviate symptoms of intestinal inflammation in human clinical trials and animal feed supplementation studies.

In tablet form, you can add it to your dog's food or it can be taken by hand. If you struggle with a picky eater then the tablet can be crushed over their food. The tablets are available in 120's or 300's.

It's worth noting that YuMOVE offer a 6 week money back guarantee with all their supplements.

Our Verdict - YuMOVE are the largest company to feature in our review and as a global leader in pet health care they support over 2 million dogs ever year. Their Digestive Care tablets are a very good value probiotic, so if your dog is happy to eat tablets, then YuMOVE could be the option for you.

Form : Tablet

Quantity: 120 or 300 count (11-25kg dog 2 tablets daily)

Reasons to Buy

  + UK’s no.1 joint supplement brand

  + Designed specifically for dogs

  + 6 week money back guarantee

  + Excellent Subscribe & Save offers

Reasons to Avoid

  - Tablet form not ideal for picky dogs

  - Most expensive option in our review

Buying Options

Subscribe to save 50% OFF your first 2 months

using discount code SAVENOW then 30% OFF for life

View on YuMOVE

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5. Best Probiotic Range

Buddy & Lola

Buddy & Lola offer a wide range of health and wellness supplements for dogs aimed at some of the more common health concerns including joint mobility, digestive issues, dental health, anxiety and allergies.

Their best-selling product is Super Tummy Daily which is adored by dog-lovers and receives rave reviews.

Available as a powder to sprinkle over food or alternatively as a daily chew. We love that Buddy & Lola provide an option so if you have a super fussy dog, you can chose the form that you think will be most palatable.

Super Tummy combines beneficial bacteria, digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics in the optimal blend to heal your dog's digestive system and to maintain a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.

Regular use will help to:

⭐️ Boost beneficial gut bacteria

⭐️ Supports healthy ears & paws

⭐️ Maintain firm, healthy stools

⭐️ Support digestive health

In testing, the chews went down a treat ! They are plant based which is a great choice if you have a dog with sensitivities, but cleverly they are crafted with the alluring aroma of bacon, which was a massive hit.

Price-wise, the chews work out slightly cheaper than the powder, particularly if you have a large dog.

The third Buddy & Lola product we want to slip into this review is one for your dog First Aid kit.

Of course, the first thing to be said about Super Tummy Instant is that it's not a probiotic, Super Tummy Instant is a supercharged, veterinary-strength poop support for those times where you need instant results.

All dogs suffer with diarrhoea and upset tummies from time to time and Super Tummy Instant (as the name suggests) offers a short term solution which can then be followed up with their probiotic Super Tummy Daily on an ongoing basis.

For a full list of active ingredients in all their products and how they can help your dog, take a look at the Buddy & Lola website.

If you're interested in exploring more, why not take a look at our review - Buddy & Lola's Dog Supplements Review : Nourish Your Dog's Wellbeing

Our Verdict - With all-natural nutrients, approved by vets, a 30 day no fuss money-back guarantee, free delivery with orders over £30 plus a great value subscribe & save option including a free supplement storage tin, (take a breath) Buddy & Lola are definitely worth a closer look.

Form : Powder or Chews

Quantity: Powder - 120g | Chews - 60 (both will last a 10-18kg dog a month)

Reasons to Buy

+ Natural ingredients

+ Choice of powder or chews

+ Can be used in conjunction with Super Tummy Instant

Reasons to Avoid

- Exceptionally picky dogs may not like the chalky texture of the powder

Buying Options

Fancy trying Buddy & Lola ?

Enter discount code SMARTBARK15 for 15% OFF

 (first time purchases only)

View Super Tummy Daily on Amazon

View Super Tummy Instant on Amazon

Our Verdict

In a nutshell, if your dog is dealing with gut or digestive issues, a quality probiotic supplement can be a great way to help ease those problems.

Each of the five probiotics we reviewed comes from reputable brands, packed with top-notch ingredients, and offers solid value for your money.

Plus, all of them provide a money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.

Just keep in mind that probiotics usually take time to work—plan on giving them at least four weeks to see noticeable improvements. We'd recommend keeping a diary during this period as this can be a helpful way to track how your dog is responding.

FAQ's

Is there anything I should look out for when I first add a probiotic to my dog's diet?

Like any dietary change, adding a probiotic supplement can occasionally cause a mild digestive upset. If necessary, stop the supplement, let the digestive system settle down and reintroduce again, starting at a very low amount and gradually building up to the label amount.

Is yogurt a prebiotic for dogs?

Yogurt is rich in calcium and protein and can act as a probiotic, which may benefit your dog’s digestive health by supporting good gut bacteria. If you choose to give your dog yogurt, opt for plain varieties without added sweeteners, as these are safer and healthier for dogs.

How long does it take for prebiotics to work in dogs?

Probiotics and prebiotics won't be an overnight cure for your dog's digestive problems. To rebuild the gut flora, the benefits of a balanced gut microbiome will take time. The products featured in our article will take a couple of weeks to a month of daily use before you can gauge if they're helping your dog.

We only review products we genuinely believe in. Most of the products featured in this article were sent to us at our request, allowing us to thoroughly test and evaluate their effectiveness.

We hope this review helps you find the perfect probiotic supplement for your dog.