Prebiotics and Probiotics in dogs and cats
THE PERFECT COMBINATION FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Like humans, animals can also benefit from prebiotics and probiotics to maintain optimal digestive health. In this sense, numerous studies indicate that good digestive health and a healthy microbiota are closely linked to a strong and healthy immune system. Digestive and immune health are the axis that will make your dog or cat achieve homeostasis, or in other words, the state of balance between all the body systems necessary to survive and function properly.
But what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? These compounds play a crucial role in balancing the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving digestive function in pets. In this article, we will explain the differences between prebiotics and probiotics for animals and how they can help maintain a healthy and strong intestinal flora.
WHAT ARE PREBIOTICS?
Prebiotics are nondigestible compounds that act as food for beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These compounds, such as agave pectin and inulin present in FiRM UP! Pumpkin and GI Balance are not absorbed in the small intestine and reach the colon intact, where they stimulate the growth of “good” bacteria in the digestive system.
As we said before, FiRM UP and GI Balance They are prebiotics without any type of coloring, preservative or additive that will help naturally regulate the digestive system of your dog or cat, in addition to providing numerous vitamins and iron.
BENEFITS OF PREBIOTICS FOR DOGS AND CATS
Prebiotics offer multiple benefits for animal health:
- Improved digestion: Prebiotics promote a healthy intestinal environment by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria that help break down nutrients and improve nutrient absorption.
- Strengthening the immune system: A balanced intestinal flora is essential for a strong immune system. Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that strengthen the body's defenses and help prevent diseases, viruses and parasites.
- Relief from digestive disorders: Prebiotics can help relieve symptoms of common digestive disorders in animals, such as diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, reflux, and flatulence.
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria in foods that help your dog or cat's gut microbiota stay healthy and function properly. So, the prebiotics mentioned above would be the food for these good bacteria. Thanks to a healthy intestinal microbiota, your pet will digest food regularly and without major problems.
Furthermore, these same good bacteria present in the digestive system are the ones that will fight with the bad ones that try to damage your pet's stomach, causing it to get sick. Thanks to probiotics, you get good intestinal bacteria to protect your digestive system and avoid problems such as intestinal dysbiosis (alteration of the balance of the microbiota that increases the risk of suffering from digestive diseases).
In summary, with a balanced intake of prebiotics and probiotics you will ensure that your dog or cat enjoys good digestion and will reduce the possibility of them getting sick. We can find probiotics in yogurt, kefir or some microalgae.
BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS FOR DOGS AND CATS
Probiotics offer several health benefits to animals:
- Restoration of intestinal balance: Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiota after an imbalance caused by factors such as stress, antibiotic use, or dietary changes.
- Improved digestive health : Probiotics promote healthy digestion by aiding in the breakdown of food and improving nutrient absorption. They can also relieve common digestive problems such as diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
- Strengthening the immune system : Probiotics stimulate the body's immune response, which can help prevent diseases and improve resistance to infections, viruses and parasites.
- Reduction of stress and anxiety: Some probiotic strains have been shown to have positive effects on managing stress and anxiety in animals, which can be beneficial in stressful situations such as travel or changes in environment.
PERFECT COMBINATION: PREBIOTICS + PROBIOTICS
Both prebiotics and probiotics can be beneficial for the digestive health of dogs and cats. However, the choice between prebiotics and probiotics may depend on the individual needs and circumstances of each animal.
In general, prebiotics are useful for promoting a healthy intestinal environment and stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria naturally. They are particularly beneficial when looking to strengthen the immune system and improve digestion.
On the other hand, probiotics are useful when rapid and direct colonization of beneficial bacteria in the intestine is needed, such as in cases of microbial imbalance or after treatment with antibiotics.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine which option is most appropriate for the animal in question, as there may be specific considerations depending on the species, age, and individual health conditions.
We could conclude that both prebiotics and probiotics play a fundamental role in the digestive health of animals. Prebiotics for dogs and cats (such as FiRM UP either GI Balance) act as food for beneficial bacteria, while probiotics introduce live microorganisms to the gastrointestinal tract. Both can help maintain a healthy balance of the microbiota, improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.