Return to News Page

03/07/2007

Probiotics In Health And Disease Of Dogs And Cats

This study presents an overview of the literature on the effects of probiotics in dogs and cats. Probiotics survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract, diminish proliferation of Clostridia and stimulate the immune system. Probiotic administration in the form of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Enterococcus faecium at a daily dose of 10⁹ colony-forming units may be an effective adjuvant in the treatment of infectious diarrhea and may also prevent the development of diarrhea.

It is suggested that administration of probiotics is beneficial in dogs and cats under stressful conditions such as weaning, change of home and situations of high animal density and variable group composition such as occurring in large colonies, kennels and pet shops. Literature reviewed here indicated that administration of probiotics has no adverse effects. No definite conclusion from the literature can be drawn as to the type, mixture and dose of probiotics that will be most beneficial. It is likely that multi-species probiotics will be more effective than a monostrain probiotic consisting of one strain of a certain species.
Source: Beynen, A.C., 2007. Literature review. (Pet Food Industry, March 06, 2007 Volume 7, Number 5)

Nature's Logic Dry Diets and All Food Fortifier Supplement provide in excess the daily recommended colony-forming units of probiotics suggested in this study.