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As dog lovers, we are increasingly turning to supplements for added canine nutritional benefits.
Our dog's digestive health powers their physical wellbeing, from metabolism and digestion to our dog's mood and behaviour they are all interlinked.
Inconsistent stools, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach upsets are among the most common signs of digestive discomfort in dogs. This can be significantly improved with the addition of a probiotic supplement.
Probiotics contain "good" bacteria meant to improve your dog’s gut health. They have a variety of claimed beneficial effects, such as reduced gas and firmer stools.
We take a closer look at five of the most popular probiotic supplements available on the UK market and help you to match them to your dog's needs.
UPDATE : JANUARY 2025 - After a new round of testing, we've added GWF Nutrition's Digestive Aid for Dogs as a top pick. |
You can use the links below to skip to the relevant section - or read on for every last detail to help you find the perfect probiotic for your dog.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Picks of the Best Dog Probiotics
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 :-
🐾 Look for several bacteria strains
There are many different strains of beneficial bacteria, and each one offers different benefits. For example, some strains can help with digestion, while others can help boost the immune system.
A good probiotic will contain a variety of strains to provide your dog with the most comprehensive benefits.
🐾 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.
🐾 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
To save 20% OFF Pooch & Mutt's entire range,
simply enter SMARTBARK20 at checkout
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 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
3. 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
Buying Options
Subscribe to save 50% OFF your first 2 months
using discount code SAVENOW then 30% OFF for life
4. 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
🎈Celebrate Buddy & Lola's Birthday Sale 🎈
20% OFF with discount code BIRTHDAY20
5. Best Probiotic Bundle
Pets Purest
At Smart Bark, we're big fans of the recently rebranded Pets Purest products. Their extensive range of products are formulated using completely natural, hypoallergenic ingredients so are perfect for dogs with allergies.
You won't find additives, fillers or anything dodgy in their products.
Their natural Prebiotic & Probiotic Powder is 100% natural (wheat, grain and gluten free) and is formulated to help keep the balance of good bacteria within your dog's gut.
Regular use will help to:
⭐️ Reduce the risk of constipation
⭐️ Avoid irritating anal gland issues
⭐️ Strengthen your pet’s immune system
It contains micro-pearled thermally protected yeast to create the best environment for the good bacteria to thrive and help maintain optimal gut health.
When used in combination with their Tummy Settler and Digestion Aid functional treats, it offers a comprehensive approach to fortifying your dog's digestion.
Better still, Pets Purest offer all three products together in a money-saving Digestive Bundle.
It's worth mentioning that this is a great solution for multi-pet households as all three products are safe for use with both dogs and cats.
Our Verdict - We are big fans of Pets Purest money-saving bundles and their 'Go With Your Gut' Bundle offers both short and long term probiotic solutions for your dog. |
Form : Powder
Quantity: 200g (lasts 10-25kg dog a month)
Reasons to Buy
+ Natural ingredients
+ Easy to add to current food
+ Available in a money-saving bundle
Reasons to Avoid
- Powder trickier to add to dry dog food
Buying Options
Pets Purest are offering 10% OFF their entire range.
Enter discount code WELCOME10 at checkout
Our Verdict
The Bottom Line (see what we did there), is that if your dog suffers with gut or butt troubles, a probiotic supplement can certainly help tackle those digestive difficulties.
All five of the probiotics we feature, are from top quality brands, formulated with the finest ingredients and offer excellent value for money.
All brands offer a money-back guarantee, making them a very low risk option.
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 high in both calcium and protein. It also can act as a probiotic, which can be good for your dog's digestive system. If you feed your dog yogurt, we'd suggest choosing one which is plain and free of any added sweeteners.
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 several days to a couple of weeks 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.
