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The Best Gastrointestinal Supplements for Dogs: Supporting Digestive Health

Published on December 20 by Julia

As a pet parent, you want your dog to be as healthy and comfortable as possible, which includes ensuring their digestive health is in tip-top shape. Whether your dog suffers from occasional digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or more chronic gastrointestinal issues, gastrointestinal (gastro) supplements can play a vital role in supporting their digestive system and promoting overall wellness.

In this article, we’ll cover the best gastrointestinal supplements for dogs, how they work, and the top products on the market that can help ease digestive issues and improve your dog’s gut health.

Why Do Dogs Need Gastrointestinal Supplements?

Like humans, dogs can suffer from various digestive issues, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Food Sensitivities

Gastrointestinal supplements are designed to support the gut by improving digestion, soothing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These supplements often include a combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and other soothing ingredients like ginger or slippery elm.

Here are some key benefits of gastro supplements for dogs:

  1. Support Healthy Gut Flora: Probiotics and prebiotics help balance the gut microbiome, supporting good bacteria that assist with digestion and overall immune health.
  2. Aid Digestion: Digestive enzymes help break down food more efficiently, preventing gas, bloating, and discomfort.
  3. Relieve GI Issues: Soothing ingredients can help calm an irritated stomach and promote smoother bowel movements, reducing the occurrence of diarrhea or constipation.
  4. Boost Immune Function: A healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system, as a large portion of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut.

Top Gastrointestinal Supplements for Dogs

Here are some of the best dog gastro supplements available, each with unique features tailored to various digestive concerns:

1. FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement for Dogs

Best for Digestive Health and Immune Support

  • Type: Probiotic Supplement
  • Main Ingredients: Enterococcus faecium (Probiotic), Vitamins C & E
  • Best For: Dogs with occasional digestive upset, diarrhea, or food sensitivities

FortiFlora by Purina is a top-rated probiotic supplement known for supporting digestive health and improving stool quality in dogs. It contains a strain of Enterococcus faecium, a probiotic that helps restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, especially after a round of antibiotics or digestive upset. It can also help support immune function, as a large part of your dog’s immune system is tied to the gut.

FortiFlora is easy to administer as it comes in single-serving packets that you simply sprinkle over your dog’s food. It’s a popular choice for managing diarrhea and promoting healthy digestion.

Pros:

  • Supports gut health and immune function
  • Helps with diarrhea and loose stools
  • Palatable and easy to administer

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for dogs with dairy allergies (contains milk proteins)

2. VetriScience VetriMega Probiotic

Best for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

  • Type: Probiotic Soft Chews
  • Main Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Best For: Dogs with chronic digestive issues, sensitive stomachs, or after antibiotic use

VetriScience VetriMega Probiotic offers a powerful blend of live probiotics, prebiotics, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which support digestion and skin health. The combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum is ideal for rebalancing the gut microbiota, helping with common issues like diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence.

These soft chews are not only effective but also highly palatable, making them a great option for dogs who are picky eaters. The added Omega-3s support your dog’s skin and coat, providing an all-around health boost.

Pros:

  • Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
  • Comes in a chewable format that dogs love
  • Supports both digestion and skin health

Cons:

  • On the pricier side for long-term use

3. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites for Dogs

Best for Digestive Regularity and Immune Support

  • Type: Probiotic Soft Chews
  • Main Ingredients: Bacillus coagulans, Prebiotics, Pumpkin
  • Best For: Dogs with constipation, irregular bowel movements, or digestive discomfort

Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites are designed to promote digestive health, regularity, and immune function in dogs. These chews contain the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans, which is known for supporting healthy digestion and gut balance. They also include pumpkin, a natural ingredient well known for regulating bowel movements and soothing an upset stomach.

The prebiotics in these chews help feed the probiotics, ensuring that they work effectively. Plus, these chews are delicious, making them a great option for picky dogs.

Pros:

  • Supports digestive regularity and gut balance
  • Contains soothing pumpkin for digestive comfort
  • Tasty and easy-to-administer chews

Cons:

  • Some dogs may not enjoy the flavor

4. NaturVet Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics & Probiotics

Best for Dogs with Food Sensitivities or Poor Digestion

  • Type: Digestive Enzyme Supplement
  • Main Ingredients: Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics, Probiotics
  • Best For: Dogs with food sensitivities, poor digestion, or those in need of digestive enzyme support

NaturVet Digestive Enzymes with Prebiotics & Probiotics is a comprehensive supplement that helps break down food and aids the absorption of nutrients. This supplement is perfect for dogs that have difficulty digesting certain types of food or have food sensitivities. The blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics promotes proper digestion and reduces bloating, gas, and discomfort.

It’s available in soft chew form, making it convenient for daily use. This supplement is especially helpful for dogs who are transitioning to a new diet or who have sensitive stomachs.

Pros:

  • Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Contains both enzymes and probiotics
  • Helps reduce bloating and gas
  • Easy-to-administer soft chews

Cons:

  • Some dogs may not like the taste of the chews

5. ProSense Digestive Health Soft Chews

Best for Occasional Digestive Upset

  • Type: Probiotic & Digestive Enzyme Soft Chews
  • Main Ingredients: Enterococcus faecium (Probiotic), Digestive Enzymes, Pumpkin
  • Best For: Dogs with occasional digestive upset, bloating, or irregular bowel movements

ProSense Digestive Health Soft Chews are a cost-effective and practical option for supporting your dog’s digestive health. These chews contain a blend of probiotics (Enterococcus faecium) and digestive enzymes that work together to improve digestion and alleviate issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

The inclusion of pumpkin also helps soothe the stomach and supports regular bowel movements, making these chews a great option for dogs who have occasional gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pros:

  • Great for occasional digestive issues
  • Contains soothing pumpkin
  • Affordable and effective
  • Tasty and easy to administer

Cons:

  • May not be potent enough for dogs with chronic GI issues

6. Solid Gold Leaping Dog Probiotics

Best for Active Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

  • Type: Probiotic Powder Supplement
  • Main Ingredients: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Amino Acids, Pumpkin
  • Best For: Active dogs, those with sensitive stomachs, or dogs with occasional digestive upset

Solid Gold Leaping Dog Probiotics is a powdered supplement that contains five strains of probiotics, prebiotics, and pumpkin, which work together to promote digestion and soothe the stomach. This supplement is particularly beneficial for active dogs or dogs that experience digestive disturbances due to exercise or travel.

You can easily sprinkle the powder on your dog’s food, and it helps regulate digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and improve overall gut health.

Pros:

  • Ideal for active or traveling dogs
  • Contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotics
  • Includes soothing pumpkin
  • Easy-to-use powder form

Cons:

  • Some dogs may not like the powdered form if they are picky eaters

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Gastrointestinal Supplement for Your Dog

When it comes to supporting your dog’s digestive health, choosing the right supplement can make a significant difference in their comfort and well-being. Here’s a quick summary:

  • For Probiotic Support: FortiFlora and VetriScience VetriMega Probiotic are excellent for promoting gut health and balancing the microbiome.
  • For Digestive Regularity: Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites and NaturVet Digestive Enzymes are perfect for dogs with constipation or irregular bowel movements.
  • For Sensitive Stomachs: Solid Gold Leaping Dog Probiotics and ProSense Digestive Health Chews are great options for dogs with occasional digestive upset.
  • For Comprehensive Digestive Support: VetriScience VetriMega Probiotic and NaturVet Digestive Enzymes work well for overall digestive support and nutrient absorption.

By addressing your dog's specific needs, you can help ensure a healthy gut and improve their overall well-being. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen to make sure it’s the right fit for your pet.