Benefits of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics for Dogs

Did you know that your dog’s digestive system needs just as much care and attention as your own? Like us, your pup’s gut controls all aspects of its overall health and wellness. That means both humans and dogs can benefit from digestive support—especially from supplements that contain prebiotics and probiotics. These two work hand-in-hand to naturally produce postbiotics within the body!

But if you’re new to digestive health in general, you may not be aware of what the difference is between the three or exactly how they benefit digestive health.

Keep reading to learn more about all the ‘biotics’—and how your dog may benefit from adding the right ones to their health regimen.

Probiotics - Microflora For A Happy Gut

Probiotics are the more known of the three. They’re known as the “good” bacteria. The term probiotic itself means “promoting life.” Just like humans, dogs have a gut microbiome that needs vital nutrients to sustain a healthy, normal environment. 

However, gut microbiomes can also house “bad” bacteria. Probiotics work to promote the “friendly” microflora in your pup’s belly by warding off the bad guys that can make your pup sick, plus help to break down and digest food.[2,5,6]

Prebiotics - Fuel & Backbone Of Probiotics

Prebiotics are the food that probiotics like to chow down on for fuel. They are typically soluble, fermentable fibers that break down to release essential short-chain fatty acids and fall under the umbrella term complex carbohydrates (like inulin and other fructooligosaccharides). 

Similar to probiotics, prebiotics help to support your pup’s immunity by limiting harmful microbes. Prebiotics are so important that they increase probiotics' chance of survival and activity in the GI tract.[4,5]

Postbiotics - Product Of Well-Fed Probiotics

Postbiotics are lesser known in the supplement world, especially for your pup. But don’t get it twisted—this ‘biotic’ compound is just as vital. Also known as postbiotic metabolites, postbiotics are naturally produced when probiotics break down prebiotics during fermentation in the gut. They are jam-packed with benefits for Fido’s digestion, immune system function, and overall health. 

Postbiotics contain health goodies like amino acids, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids that can influence the gut microbiome, the functioning of the gut lining, and even metabolism for healthy weight control and growth.[1,2,3]

Should Dogs Have a Combination of All Three?

Absolutely—but with a caveat. Because postbiotics are the natural result of combining prebiotics and probiotics, your dog doesn’t need to ingest them directly. Instead, supporting their body with high-quality pre- and probiotics is the most effective way to promote postbiotic production from within.

Together, these bioactive compounds support your dog’s “good bacteria,” discourage harmful pathogens, and promote digestive and immune health. A balanced gut is a happy gut—it’s that simple.

As always, talk to your vet before introducing any new supplement to your dog’s diet. A vet can determine your pup’s gut health with a simple fecal sample and help assess whether they could benefit from digestive support.

Why Your Dog Should Try a Digestive Supplement

As a pawrent, you want the very best for your four-legged friend. That’s why a targeted digestive supplement containing prebiotics and probiotics—like ours—is the smartest choice. Unlike kibble (which can’t always support live cultures), supplements offer effective delivery of what your dog’s gut needs to function at its best.

When prebiotics and probiotics are combined, it’s called a “synbiotic.” And while many dog supplement brands stop there, they often don’t explain that postbiotics come naturally from this pairing—no extra ingredient necessary.

So, where can you find a digestive supplement that’s done right? Right here!

PupGrade’s meat-flavored Digestive Support Soft Chews are a healthy treat designed to support your dog’s gut from the inside out. With a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and functional ingredients like pumpkin powder, your dog will enjoy a balanced gut and a stronger immune system.

Searching for more ways to level up your dog’s healthy lifestyle? Look no further than right here. We’re all about real benefits rather than just a tasty, empty-calorie snack. Help your best friend feel like a puppy again with our naturally derived supplements, made with only the highest quality ingredients! Shop all our products here.

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

Resources: 

1. Kieler, I.N., Shamzir Kamal, S., Vitger, A.D., Nielsen, D.S., Lauridsen, C. and Bjornvad, C.R. (2017), Gut microbiota composition may relate to weight loss rate in obese pet dogs. Vet Med Sci, 3: 252-262. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.80 
2. Salminen, S., Collado, M.C., Endo, A. et al. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 18, 649–667 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-021-00440-6 
3. Żółkiewicz J, Marzec A, Ruszczyński M, Feleszko W. Postbiotics-A Step Beyond Pre- and Probiotics. Nutrients. 2020 Jul 23;12(8):2189. doi: 10.3390/nu12082189. PMID: 32717965; PMCID: PMC7468815. 
4. Everard, A., Lazarevic, V., Gaïa, N., et al. Microbiome of prebiotic-treated mice reveals novel targets involved in host response during obesity. ISME J 8, 2116–2130 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2014.45 
5. Markowiak, P., Śliżewska, K. The role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in animal nutrition. Gut Pathog 10, 21 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13099-018-0250-0 
6. Sivamaruthi, B. S., Kesika, P., & Chaiyasut, C. (2021). Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on Health Status of the Dogs: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(23), 11384. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app112311384