Probiotics are live microorganisms that project a health benefit on the host. More specifically, they are bacteria that are beneficial for the digestive system. They’re quantified by colony forming units (CFUs), a term that describes the viability of the probiotic based on its ability to reproduce and form a colony. For reference, a reasonable probiotic supplement for a 50 pound dog should have at least 10 billion CFUs per dose.

• Bacillus, Lactobacillus

A prebiotic is a long-chain sugar that feeds bacteria. It’s role in a digestive supplement is to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria (i.e. – probiotics) in the digestive tract. The most common type of prebiotic is the long-chain sugars or fibers called (ready for this?) fructooligosaccharides, or FOS. These prebiotics avoid digestion in the first part of the GI tract, making their way completely intact to the colon. The colon is the area where beneficial bacteria live and produce gut-derived vitamins, digest fibers, eliminate waste, and absorb fluids from the food previously ingested.

“Good bacteria” (probiotics) compete with “bad bacteria” (like salmonella, for example) to eat the prebiotics. This is why its important to only administer prebiotics alongside probiotics to ensure the right bacteria will eat them. This is also why its important to have a probiotic with a high number of CFUs, so that it can easily beat out the bad bacteria in eating the prebiotics.

• FOS (fructooligosaccharides), Inulin

The role of digestive enzymes is to break down the nutrients your pet eats. Large molecules like proteins, fats, starches, and cellulose need to be broken down into smaller, usable substances in order to be utilized effectively by the GI tract – Digestive enzymes do just that! Different types of enzymes specialize in different types of nutrients. For example, protease, bromelain, and papain break down proteins into their smaller units, amino acids. Amylase breaks down starches into absorbable sugars. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids.

By adding a supplemental source of digestive enzymes, you can help your pet fully utilize the food it takes in. If a carnivore is receiving plant-based proteins as its primary protein source (i.e. – if a dog’s diet consists of food with ingredients similar to the above), he may not have enough amylase or cellulase to fully utilize the nutrition. For this dog, a digestive supplement that includes digestive enzymes is especially important.

• Protease, Bromelain, Papain, Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase

Herbs that support digestion are a natural way to soothe your pet’s tummy from gastrointestinal upset. They help probiotics and enzymes in supporting digestive function without getting in the way.

Ginger is great for soothing already-existing gastrointestinal issues. Cinnamon helps to warm and stimulate the digestive system, keeping it from becoming stagnant. Licorice can help increase the flow of bile, which is important for the elimination of toxins and waste.

• Ginger, Cinnamon, Licorice