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 plays an important role in overall wellness. That means both humans and dogs may benefit from digestive support that helps maintain a balanced gut environment. These two work hand-in-hand to naturally produce postbiotics within the body.

But if you’re new to digestive health, you may not be familiar with the differences between the three or exactly how they support digestive balance.

Keep reading to learn more about all the “biotics”—and how your dog may benefit from adding the right ones to their wellness routine.

Probiotics - Friendly Microflora For A Happy Gut

Probiotics are the most widely recognized of the three. They’re often described as the “good” bacteria. The term probiotic itself means “promoting life.” Just like humans, dogs have a gut microbiome that relies on beneficial microorganisms to help maintain a healthy digestive environment.

However, the gut microbiome contains a mix of different bacteria. Probiotics help support a balanced gut microbiome and normal digestive processes.[2,5,6]

Prebiotics - The Fuel for Probiotics

Prebiotics serve as the nourishment that beneficial bacteria use for fuel. They are typically soluble, fermentable fibers that break down into beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids and fall under the umbrella of complex carbohydrates (including ingredients like inulin and fructooligosaccharides).

Similar to probiotics, prebiotics help support digestive balance by encouraging the growth and activity of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, prebiotics can help support the survival and activity of probiotics within the gut environment.[4,5]

Postbiotics - The Result of a Well-Fed Microbiome

Postbiotics are less widely discussed, especially when it comes to pet supplements. However, they play an important role in the digestive ecosystem.

Also known as postbiotic metabolites, postbiotics are compounds produced during the metabolic activity of beneficial microbes in the gut.

These compounds can include amino acids, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids that help support the balance of the gut microbiome and normal digestive function.[1,2,3]

Should Dogs Have a Combination of All Three?

Often, yes—but with an important note. Because postbiotics are the natural result of combining prebiotics and probiotics, your dog does not necessarily need to consume them directly. Instead, supporting their digestive system with high-quality prebiotics and probiotics helps encourage the body’s natural production of postbiotics.

Together, these bioactive compounds help support beneficial gut bacteria and maintain balance in the digestive and immune systems. A balanced gut plays an important role in overall wellness.*

As always, talk to your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your dog’s routine. A veterinarian can help evaluate your dog’s digestive health and determine whether additional digestive support may be appropriate.

Supporting Your Dog’s Digestive Wellness

As a pawrent, you want the very best for your four-legged friend. That’s why many pet parents choose targeted digestive supplements containing prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. Some pet parents choose supplements as a convenient way to include consistent digestive support in their dog’s routine.

When prebiotics and probiotics are combined, it’s called a synbiotic. And while many dog supplements focus on this pairing, it’s helpful to know that postbiotics are naturally produced as a result of this process—no additional ingredient required.

So where can you find a digestive supplement designed with these principles in mind?

Right here!

PupGrade’s meat-flavored Digestive Support Soft Chews are a healthy soft chew bite designed to support your dog from the inside out. With a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and functional ingredients like pumpkin powder, it helps support normal immune system function as part of overall wellness.*

Searching for more ways to support your dog’s healthy lifestyle? Look no further than right here. We’re focused on supplements designed to support everyday wellness.*

Shop all our products here.

We've also included a 10% OFF coupon below—use code BLOG10 in the store and give your pup the support they deserve.

 

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. Pilla, R., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2020). The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 498. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00498
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. Oba, P. M., Roberts, L. J., Geary, E. L., Suchodolski, J. S., & Swanson, K. S. (2025). Effects of diet type on the core fecal bacterial taxa and the dysbiosis index of healthy adult dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1572875