People take probiotics for their intestinal health, but dogs can benefit from them, too. When taken in the right amounts, these helpful bacteria can keep your dog’s intestinal microbiome healthy. The question is—can dogs take human probiotics? The short answer is yes. However, there are distinct advantages to giving your dog species-specific probiotics instead of sharing yours.
What are probiotics?
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Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms, which confer health effects to the host if administrated in sufficient amounts.” 1 To break it down, probiotics have good bacteria or yeasts. However, they’re bacteria or yeasts that are naturally found in the body. You’re not introducing something that’s not already perfectly at home in the intestines.
However, the digestive tracts of dogs and humans have some differences that make dog-specific probiotics a better choice than the human version. The differences start in the saliva. Dog saliva performs more antimicrobial functions, whereas the enzymes in human saliva function mainly to help break down food. 2 3 While both species have highly acidic stomachs, dog stomachs are more acidic than a human’s stomach in order to break down the meat chunks that make up their diet. Dog intestines are also shorter than human intestines for evolutionary reasons. Meat contains bacteria that quickly rots and becomes toxic. In the wild, a short digestive tract would help the dog digest meat before it went bad, making them sick. Comparatively, humans have a longer digestive tract, giving the body time to absorb nutrients from plants and seeds in addition to meat.
These key digestive differences create a unique gut microbiome for each species. A dog’s microbiome has to quickly break down chunks of meat, while a human’s microbiome has to break down plants and meat. Consequently, human probiotics aren’t harmful to and can be helpful to dogs, but they aren’t going to offer the same benefits as dog/carnivore-specific probiotic strains.
Does my dog need probiotics?
We’ve discussed how the gut microbiome helps digest food. However, it does more than that. The intestine’s natural microbial population also contributes to immune system support and influences everything from weight management to allergies. 4 Probiotics have been shown to benefit dogs prone to gastroenteritis, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and allergies. 5 Dogs who struggle with any of these issues are candidates for daily probiotics. However, consult your veterinarian to determine if a specific strain might work better than another.
Sometimes an illness or other change in diet can alter the gut’s bacterial balance, leading to stomach upset, constipation, or other digestive issues. For example, antibiotics can kill healthy bacteria, giving unfriendly bacteria free rein and slowing the dog’s recovery. Changes in the gut microbiome can also reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, making the dog more susceptible to pathogens found in their environment or food. Probiotics put the good (bacteria) guys back in control.
Last but not least, some breeds like Chinese Shar-Peis, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, and Shih-Tzus are prone to stomach and intestinal problems in general and may benefit from a daily probiotic.
Can dogs take human probiotics?
Yes, dogs can take human probiotics. The fact is that dogs and humans have coexisted together long enough that dogs often carry human strains of gut bacteria. 6 For example, h umans and dogs both have various strains of lactobacilli in their microbiome, and strains of canine and human bifidobacteria are found in the typical dog microbiome.
However, probiotics that are beneficial to humans may not be as beneficial to your dog as those designed for carnivores. Herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores have very different microbiomes to successfully break down and extract nutrients. Probiotics designed for dogs (and cats) are balanced for carnivores’ microbiome and nutritional needs. Dog probiotics of different strains are also designed to address specific problems like diarrhea or immune system support. You’ll get a better bang for your buck (financially and health-wise) by sticking with the animal variety.
When and How to Give Canine Probiotics
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A daily probiotic may be a good idea for your dog if:
he’s a breed that’s prone to stomach problems he’s a curious eater who’ll eat anything and everything he has a chronic digestive problem like IBD or frequent gastroenteritis he’s been on antibiotics he could use an immune system boost
However, if your dog suddenly develops severe digestive issues, a probiotic isn’t the solution. That’s when it’s time to call the veterinarian to make sure that a more serious problem isn’t at work. You also don’t need to give a separate probiotic if your dog’s food already contains probiotics.
Probiotics come in different forms, such as chews, powders, and gels. Picky dogs may need you to be a bit sneaky about giving probiotics by using a powder to blend them in with their food. Dog probiotics also come in different strains designed to target specific problems. Give a strain that addresses your dog’s specific needs, such as digestive health, immune system support, or behavioral issues like anxiety. However, too much of a good thing can cause diarrhea, bloating, and general discomfort. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to make sure the dog gets the right amount.
Final Notes
People probiotics aren’t a bad idea in a pinch. They certainly won’t hurt your dog. However, like most things, the people version isn’t the best choice for dogs. Probiotics designed for carnivores will offer the most benefits. If you’re unsure if your dog could use probiotics, talk to your veterinarian. Managing your dog’s health is a partnership between the two of you. He or she may even recommend a brand and strain most likely to target your dog’s specific health issues.
