Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics for Dogs: What They Are and Why They Matter for Gut Health

You’ve probably heard the terms “probiotic,” “prebiotic,” and maybe even “postbiotic” tossed around in conversations about dog health, but what do they actually mean? 

And more importantly, do they really make a difference to your dog’s digestion, energy, and overall well-being?

The truth is, your dog’s gut is a busy ecosystem. And just like us, when their gut is happy, everything else, from their immune system to their mood, runs more smoothly. That’s where probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics come in.

We’re cutting through the noise to explain what each of these does, why they matter, and how they work together to support your dog from the inside out.

Gut Health in Dogs

If your pup has ever had a sensitive tummy, struggled with diarrhea, itchy skin, or just seemed “off,” you’ve likely gone down a rabbit hole of gut health research. Maybe you've tried switching foods, adding yogurt to their bowl, or considering supplements, only to feel more confused than confident.

You're not alone. 

More pet parents are beginning to realize that many common canine issues, from inconsistent stools to low energy or food sensitivities, can often be traced back to one key area: the gut. But with so much conflicting advice out there, it’s tough to know where to begin.

That’s why understanding the gut microbiome and how probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics fit into the picture isn’t just helpful, it’s empowering. When you support your dog’s digestive system correctly, you’re setting the stage for long-term wellness and vitality.

Why Gut Health Matters

Within your dog’s digestive tract resides a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and microbes known as the gut microbiome. When this system is in balance, it acts like a well-trained team: digesting food, absorbing nutrients, producing essential vitamins, and defending against harmful invaders.

But when that balance is off, due to stress, antibiotics, poor diet, or even environmental toxins, things can quickly go downhill. You may notice:

• Loose stools or constipation.
• Bloating and gas.
• Itchy skin or dull coat.
• Recurrent ear infections.

Over 70% of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut! That’s why gut health is closely tied to disease prevention, allergy reduction, and even mood regulation. 

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are the good guys of your dog’s digestive system, live microorganisms (beneficial bacteria and yeast) that balance the gut microbiome and support overall health. 

Think of them as reinforcements that help restore harmony when things go out of whack, whether from stress, illness, antibiotics, or a diet that's not quite right.

In a healthy gut, probiotics do more than just aid digestion. They actively support:

• Nutrient absorption, including key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
• Vitamin production, particularly B-complex vitamins and vitamin K.
• Immune defense: Over 70% of your dog’s immune system resides in the gut.
• Inflammation control, keeping harmful bacteria and gut irritation in check.
• Mood regulation by producing serotonin, a key feel-good hormone.
• Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, essential for colon health and reducing gut pH.

Probiotics are beneficial for dogs with chronic digestive issues, immune dysfunction, skin problems, or after a course of antibiotics, which often wipe out both good and bad bacteria.

4 Best Probiotics for Dogs

Some strains are better suited for canine health than others, and different strains serve different functions:

• Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium
  Commonly found in fermented dairy, these are the best-known strains and help with digestion, immune support, and maintaining a balanced gut flora.
• Saccharomyces boulardii
  A powerful probiotic yeast that’s particularly effective for dogs dealing with acute or chronic diarrhea. It’s also antibiotic-resistant, making it an excellent choice during or after antibiotic treatments.
• Bacillus strains (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans)
  These are spore-forming, soil-based probiotics known for their durability and anti-inflammatory properties. They survive stomach acid and reach the intestines intact, ideal for dogs with sensitive guts.
• Akkermansia muciniphila
  A newer and highly promising strain that helps maintain the GI mucosal lining and supports healthy motility in the digestive tract. Great for dogs with IBS-like symptoms or recurring loose stools.

When choosing a probiotic for your dog, look for high-quality supplements with clearly listed strains and CFU (colony-forming units). 

What are Prebiotics?

While probiotics get a lot of attention, prebiotics are just as essential because without them, those beneficial bacteria wouldn’t survive for long.

Prebiotics are indigestible plant fibers that make their way through the digestive tract without being broken down. Instead of feeding your dog directly, they act as food for the probiotics living in the gut. Think of prebiotics as the fuel that powers a healthy microbiome.

By nourishing the good bacteria, prebiotics help:

• Strengthen the composition and diversity of gut flora.
• Reduce inflammation throughout the digestive tract.
• Improve the absorption of key minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Support immune function by stimulating beneficial microbial activity.

5 Key Prebiotic Compounds for Dogs

Prebiotics come in many forms, but the most beneficial are those naturally found in whole foods and functional plants. These sources provide the key fibers and compounds that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and enhance your dog’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Here’s a breakdown of the most valuable prebiotic compounds and where they naturally occur:

• Inulin: A well-studied soluble fiber that promotes the growth of good bacteria. Found abundantly in chicory root, garlic, burdock root, dandelion greens, and other root vegetables.
• Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS): Derived from fruits and vegetables, FOS help regulate the gut microbiome and support mineral absorption. Common sources include bananas, asparagus, apples (with skin), and chicory.
• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS): Found in legumes, dairy, and some root vegetables, GOS targets specific strains of beneficial bacteria and supports immune modulation.
• Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS): Extracted from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MOS is known for supporting immune defense and limiting pathogen growth in the gut.
• Functional mushrooms: Varieties like reishi, shiitake, maitake, turkey tail, lion’s mane, and chaga are rich in prebiotic fibers and also provide additional immune-regulating properties.

What are Postbiotics?

If probiotics are the good bacteria and prebiotics are their food, postbiotics are the powerful byproducts they leave behind, and they’re just as crucial to your dog’s health.

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced when beneficial bacteria ferment prebiotic fibers in the gut. These compounds include enzymes, peptides, organic acids, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), all of which play critical roles in gut and immune function.

Unlike probiotics (which must survive the digestive tract) or prebiotics (which require fermentation), postbiotics are ready-made, making them incredibly stable and effective as therapeutic agents.

Why Postbiotics Matter for Dogs

Postbiotics are at the forefront of microbiome science because they directly influence the health of the gut lining and the body's response to microbes. In dogs, they help:

• Strengthen the intestinal barrier, reducing the risk of leaky gut.
• Regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
• Improve nutrient absorption.
• Promote a balanced pH in the gut.
• Support healthy microbial diversity by creating a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria.

Emerging therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), are forms of postbiotic treatment, relying not only on live bacteria but also on the complex community of microbial metabolites that support gut repair and balance.

Gut Health Supplements for Dogs

Volhard Digestive Enzymes

Modern dog diets, especially kibble, are often cooked at high temperatures, sometimes multiple times, which destroys the natural enzymes present in raw ingredients. This means the digestive process falls entirely on your dog’s own enzyme production, which can lead to overload or deficiency over time.

Dogs with fewer copies of the AMY2B gene (which governs amylase production) may also struggle with digesting carbohydrates properly. 

Enzyme deficiency can manifest as:

• Gas, bloating, or inconsistent stools.
• Food sensitivities and allergies.
• Poor nutrient absorption.
• Leaky gut or chronic inflammation.
• Low energy or frequent infections.

Supplementing kibble diets with digestive enzymes helps relieve this strain and optimizes your dog’s ability to thrive, especially when paired with high-quality, species-appropriate nutrition.

Volhard’s Digestive Enzymes go beyond basic enzyme support. 

Formulated with a strategic blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and Pancreatin (a compound that aids pancreatic function), this supplement is designed to enhance digestion at every stage of your dog’s life. It's especially effective for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal distress or eating diets low in naturally occurring enzymes.

5 Key Benefits of Volhard’s Digestive Enzymes

• Enhances digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Supports dogs with GI issues, pancreatitis, or enzyme deficiencies.
• Reduces inflammation and the risk of leaky gut.
• Aids in managing urinary issues.
• Works in synergy with probiotics and prebiotics for total gut support.

The Four Core Enzymes in Volhard’s Digestive Enzymes Formula

Each enzyme in the blend plays a vital role in breaking down specific nutrients:

• Amylase: Converts carbohydrates into simple sugars for energy.
• Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids for tissue repair and immune function.
• Lipase: Digests fats for skin, coat, and brain health.
• Cellulase: Aids in fiber digestion (not naturally produced by dogs and must be supplemented).

Adored Beast Probiotic Products

Adored Beast’s probiotic line is known for its clean formulations, species-specific strains, and targeted support for digestive and immune health. These blends go beyond generic probiotics by addressing the root causes of gut imbalance, whether it's from processed food, antibiotics, or chronic inflammation.

Here’s a closer look at each of the five Adored Beast probiotic supplements offered through Volhard Dog Nutrition, along with who they’re best suited for:

1. The Wolf

Designed specifically for raw-fed dogs, The Wolf supports the natural biodiversity of the canine gut microbiome, ideal for dogs thriving on a species-appropriate, raw diet. This blend promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain microbial balance in dogs that don’t consume processed food.

Best for:

• Dogs on raw diets.
• Strengthening natural microbiome diversity.
• Maintaining gut balance without synthetic additives.

2. Healthy Gut

Healthy Gut combines digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics in one powerful formula. It not only supports microbial balance but also improves the breakdown and absorption of nutrients while repairing the gut lining, a key issue in dogs with leaky gut or chronic digestive issues.

Best for:

• Dogs with nutrient absorption issues.
• Dogs with chronic diarrhea, gas, or bloat.
• Supporting recovery from gut inflammation.

3. Love Bugs

A gentle yet highly effective option for daily probiotic support. Love Bugs contains six probiotic strains along with a prebiotic blend that helps beneficial bacteria thrive. It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those new to probiotic supplementation.

Best for:

• Sensitive dogs or first-time probiotic users.
• Mild digestive issues or routine maintenance.
• Supporting immune health and daily gut balance.

4. Fido’s Flora

The first probiotic blend formulated specifically with canine-origin strains, meaning the bacterial strains are native to the dog’s own gut ecosystem. Fido’s Flora also includes a soil-based probiotic and keystone species to help re-establish a healthy microbiome after antibiotics, medication, or chronic gut stress.

Best for:

• Dogs recovering from antibiotics or illness.
• Strengthening long-term gut resilience.
• Repopulating native gut flora after disruption.

5. Gut Soothe

Gut Soothe goes a step further by combining therapeutic herbs (like slippery elm and licorice root) with probiotics and prebiotics to calm inflammation, repair the gut lining, and support immune balance. It’s a go-to for dogs with IBS-like symptoms, leaky gut, or skin and allergy issues linked to poor gut health.

Best for:

• Dogs with leaky gut, chronic diarrhea, or IBS.
• Food sensitivities and gut-related allergies.
• Anti-inflammatory digestive support.

Support Your Dog’s Gut from the Inside Out with Volhard Dog Nutrition!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our other blogs, too!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches offer online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, you can do so by utilizing our Live Chat feature or scheduling a consultation.

References

1. Pinna, Carlo, and Giacomo Biagi. "The utilisation of prebiotics and synbiotics in dogs." Italian Journal of Animal Science, vol. 13, no. 1, Jan. 2014, p. 3107, https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2014.3107. Accessed 14 July 2025.
2. Sivamaruthi, Bhagavathi Sundaram, et al. "Influence of probiotic supplementation on health status of the Dogs: A Review." Applied Sciences, vol. 11, no. 23, 1 Dec. 2021, p. 11384, https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311384. Accessed 14 July 2025.
3. Wilson, Sofia M, and Kelly S Swanson. "The influence of 'biotics' on the gut microbiome of dogs and cats." Veterinary Record, vol. 195, no. S2, Nov. 2024, pp. 2–12, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4914. Accessed 14 July 2025.
4. Wynn, Susan G. "Probiotics in Veterinary Practice." AVMA, American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 Mar. 2009, avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/234/5/javma.234.5.606.xml. Accessed 14 July 2025.