Canine Digestive Support

The Importance of  Probiotics for Dogs The bacteria that reside in the small intestine and colon of the dog and cat play an important role in their overall health. These bacteria constitute a metabolically active system that acts as a significant barrier to infection by pathogenic microorganisms. DNA-based microbiology that has identified and enumerated these microorganisms provides insight as to how the bacteria that live in the gut prevent disease affect nutrient absorption and impact the immune systems of our pets. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the body’s number one barrier against disease. The bacteria that reside within the gut can be classified as either protective or potentially harmful. The balance of these bacteria is critically important to the overall health of all animals. The GI tract of the dog and cat is essentially a long unsterile tube that runs from one end of the animal to the other. It is also the largest immune reactive surface in your pet’s body. How we feed our pets and the various stresses we place on them can alter the balance between the good gut microflora and those that can cause disease. It can also alter the defense mechanisms that occur in the lining of the GI tract. Diet can potentially be the cause of inflammation, which can increase or decrease gut permeability, thereby altering nutrient absorption and overall health. When your dog or cat’s GI tract is healthy, it allows for the absorption of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, while at the same time preventing the entry of disease-causing substances. Learn More