8 Best Probiotic Dog Foods, According to Our Pet Expert

Probiotics help dogs feel better

We’re all about feeding our dogs the healthiest foods possible. And probiotics in dog food influence your dog’s health on many levels. Dogs normally have a balance of good and bad bacteria and yeast in their intestines. Sometimes the “bad” bugs overpower the good ones, but antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, too. Intestinal parasites, illness, or stress can also knock out the good bugs and lead to nasty side effects, from diarrhea and bad breath to allergies and obesity.

Probiotics (found in many natural dog foods) are friendly bacteria that help battle infections, strengthen the immune system, synthesize vitamins and nutrients, and assist in the digestion process. They reduce gut inflammation that leads to digestive upset, gas, and constipation. They can increase your dog’s energy levels and even improve bad breath. If your dog recently had a bout of diarrhea, took antibiotics, or just could use some energy and improved health, probiotics might be the solution.

What to look for when buying probiotic dog food

Not all dogs need probiotics, but they still may benefit from them. While you should always check with your vet for dog food and health advice, probiotics are considered safe. You can also safely add probiotics to your dog’s regular food as healthy treats. Foods like non-flavored plain yogurt, kefir, or raw organ meats contain healthy probiotics. Another option is to offer your dog commercial probiotic supplements, pills, or powders like Purina Fortiflora. But probiotic dog food is the easiest and most convenient way to help your dog feel better.

Look for these fancy Latin names of probiotics. Find them alone or in combination toward the end of the food ingredient list on the dog food label:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus casei
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Enterococcus faecium
• Bifidobacterium lactis

To keep friendly bacteria healthy, foods also must contain plant fiber nutrients called prebiotics to feed the bacteria to help them grow. A probiotic dog food should also include prebiotics. Look for fruits, vegetables, or whole grains on the ingredient list. Most times, you won’t see “apple” or “dandelion greens” listed, though. Instead look for these prebiotic terms:

• Galactooligosaccharides
• Fructooligosaccharides
• Oligofructose
• Chicory fiber
• Inulin

Bacteria are sensitive to temperature, air, and moisture, so follow storage instructions. The quality of food and probiotics changes depending on the manufacturing process, how probiotics get added, and the type of food (wet, dry, freeze-dried).

Live probiotics work best, but you probably won’t find those in commercial dog foods, as they require refrigeration. Also check expiration dates on the food, as the effectiveness wanes after the use-by date expires. I always recommend you ask your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food.

Best overall probiotic dog food

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics

Formerly known as “Savors,” the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food offers a fantastic overall value for a probiotic dog food. Choose from five protein sources and flavors (salmon, lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey). The product has both crunchy kibble, and a shredded, softer texture mixed through the food. The ingredients help produce a shiny coat, and the natural prebiotic fiber helps promote digestive health.

Pros

What we like about Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics:

• Includes both live probiotics and prebiotics
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Several bag size options
• Money-back guarantee
• Over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon

Cons

What to consider about Purina Pro Plan:

• Some reviewers mentioned food crumbles that left a mess

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Best splurge probiotic dog food

Taste of the Wild Roasted Bison & Venison High Protein Real Meat Recipes

Taste of the Wild High Protein Premium Dry Dog Food promotes a grain-free recipe to keep dogs lean. Choose from several exotic flavors, from alligator and venison to fish and bison. Meat tops the list of ingredients, and accounts for the higher cost. But isn’t your dog worth it?

Pros

What we like about Taste of the Wild

• 32 percent protein
• Includes both live probiotics and prebiotics
• Vitamins sourced from real fruit with Omega 3 fatty acids for skin health
• Formulas for adults or puppies
• Available in both grain or grain-free formulas

Cons

What to consider about Taste of the Wild

• FDA cautions linking pea/legume ingredients to canine heart disease (check with your vet)

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Best probiotic food for small dogs

Solid Gold Mighty Mini with Sensitive Stomach Probiotic Support

Solid Gold Holistic Dry Dog Food targets the little dogs in your life. The kibble, sized to fit small mouths, works best for puppies and small adults and claims to be the smallest in the market. It comes in a variety of flavors that include cage-free chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, salmon, and bison.

Pros

What we like about Solid Gold Mighty Mini

• Includes both live probiotics and prebiotics
• Safe for toy and small breeds
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for improved skin and coat health
• Grain free

Cons

What to consider about Solid Gold Mighty Mini

• High calorie content needed for puppies may pack on pounds for adult dogs
• Not for giant or larger breeds

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Best raw probiotic dog food

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Kibble + Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food costs more than many other dog foods, but the raw component adds to the probiotic benefit. Since it’s freeze-dried, the risk of spoilage is reduced. The food includes freeze-dried raw chicken meat, duck, beef, or salmon at the top of the ingredient list. It combines grain-free kibble with the raw, freeze-dried meat mixed throughout, almost like a built-in organic dog treat. Ingredients include whole fruits and vegetables.

Pros

What we like about Instinct

• Contains probiotics
• Contains whole vegetables and fruits for prebiotics and vitamins
• Grain free
• Raw ingredients

Cons

What to consider about Instinct

• Pricier than competitors because it’s freeze-dried

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Best probiotic dog food for senior dogs

Evanger’s Super Premium Game Bird Recipe

Evanger’s Game Bird Recipe lists duck and turkey as the first two ingredients, offering your dog a taste of the wild with every bite. It’s made with real fruits and vegetables for natural prebiotic and vitamin sources, including dried cranberries, blueberries, kale, spinach, and carrots. The food excludes ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, like corn, soy, and wheat. It also includes ingredients that help with achy joints senior dogs often suffer.

Pros

What we like about Evanger’s Game Bird Recipe

• Pea-free recipe to avoid potential heart issues (especially important in older dogs)
• Contains both prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion
• Chicken, corn, soy, and wheat-free for dogs with sensitivities
• Includes coconut oil to improve skin and coat health
• Has turmeric for natural anti-inflammation properties

Cons

What to consider about Evanger’s Game Bird Recipe

• Small kibble size may not be best for big dogs
• Zip-lock seal doesn’t work well

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Best budget probiotic dog food

Wysong Adult Canine Formula Dry Diet Dog Food

Formerly called Maintenance, the Wysong Adult Canine Formula has stood the test of time, feeding dogs since 1979. Design by a veterinarian, the Wysong brand offers several formulas. This dog food includes both prebiotics and probiotics, using fresh whole ingredients, and a combination of fresh, frozen, and dried meat sources. This food works well for all ages and sizes of dogs, with a good nutritional balance and one of the most economical prices.

Pros

What we like about Wysong

• Organic chicken, turkey meal, and brown rice to help with food sensitivities
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics
• Good price point
• Climate Pledge Friendly sustainably manufactured

Cons

What to consider about Wysong

• Kibbles are hard to chew for dogs with teeth issues
• Made in China

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Best probiotic dog food for puppies

Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food with Grains

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food uses lamb as its top ingredient, along with fish meal. All ingredients are natural, including preservatives. The recipe includes apples, carrots, and blueberries, which serve in part as prebiotics and sources for natural vitamins. This dog food is made in the United States, with formulas specifically for puppies.

Pros

What we like about Wellness

• Formulated for puppy development
• Proper levels of glucosamine and calcium support joint health
• Prebiotics and probiotics aid digestion
• Comes in both grain-free and grained formulas
• Available in lamb, chicken, salmon, or white fish

Cons

What to consider about Wellness

• Reviewers said the bag doesn’t reseal well, which affects freshness
• Pricier than other brands

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Best probiotic dog food for large dogs

“I and Love and You” Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food

A new dog food to me, “I and Love and You” by Nude Superfood caught my attention by the name. A closer look reveals they do dog food and fun advertising right. The food comes in three flavor varieties of Poultry Palooza, Red Meat Medly, and Simply Sea Recipe, and all include superfoods of flaxseed, coconut oil, and turmeric. No grains here. Instead, the food includes garbanzo beans, lentils, and sweet potatoes. Ingredients are shaped into cute heart-shaped kibbles. The food is designed for both small pooches and as food for large dogs.

Pros

What we like about I and Love and You

• Formulated for large dogs
• Grain-free formula with no fillers
• Prebiotics and probiotics included
• Made in Boulder, Colorado with ingredients mostly sourced in the U.S.A. and Canada
• Superfood ingredients

Cons

What to consider about I and Love and You

• Enzymes added for digestibility may not be suitable for all dogs
• Some reviews noted a strong odor

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