Meet the best natural probiotics for dogs for yeast infections, kefir. Kefir not only improves your dog’s gut biome, it has so many outstanding benefits, you will be joining your dog in a daily dose of kefir! Read on to learn how it reduces anxiety, inflammation and fights cancer, in addition to curing digestion related health issues.
Can I Give My Dog Human Probiotics?
Human probiotics will not hurt your dog, however they are not optimized for canine gut flora. The canine intestinal tract is very different from the human intestinal tract. Dogs are able to eat and digest many things that make humans very sick including raw chicken bones, fur, feathers, and decaying flesh. You can give your dog human probiotics, but you will largely be wasting your money.
Dogs can have naturally occurring probiotics in kefir and yogurt, and receive many of the same benefits from them that humans do!
Should I Give My Dog Probiotics Every Day?
Yes. If your dog is suffering from recurring yeasty ear infections, hot spots or stomach up set, evidenced by bad breath, gas and loose stools, then a daily dose of natural probiotics for dogs is necessary to keep these conditions at bay.
Best Natural Probiotics for Dogs: Kefir
Kefir, the super cousin of yogurt, is easy to make at home and packed with additional benefits. It is a low-cost and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, and with over 30 probiotic strains, kefir is the ultimate natural probiotic for dogs. If your dog likes the taste of kefir, this is one human probiotic you can share with your dog.
Additional Outstanding Benefits of Kefir
- Antitumor
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Immunomodulation protection
- Anti-inflammatory
- Healing
- Antioxidant activity
Kefir Benefits: Natural Probiotic for Dogs and More
Dog Probiotic Advantages of Kefir Over Yogurt
While similar in taste, Greek yogurt and Kefir have different bacterial qualities. Yogurt’s bacteria is transient, meaning it temporarily adjusts the gut flora with one or two strains of bacteria. Kefir on the other hand actually colonizes the gut with between 30-50 strains of bacteria. You can purchase kefir grains and make your own, for a fraction of the cost of pricey Greek yogurt.
It is also rich in vitamins B12, B1, and vitamin K, promoting healthy skin, boosting energy, and promoting longevity. It is high in probiotics and excellent at rebalancing intestinal bacteria, boosting immunity, and correcting loose stool and diarrhea. Dogs and humans who have suffered from Lyme disease have seen boosts in overall health and energy when kefir is added to their diet.
Kefir the Best Natural Probiotics for Dogs with Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast naturally occurs in canine guts, but when it overgrows dogs can develop leaky gut syndrome.
Symptoms of leaky gut include:
- Ear infections (head tilts, scratching, and shaking)
- Greasy or smelly coats (Seborrhea)
- Hair loss (especially at the base of the tail and tail)
- Paw chewing
- Red hair between the toes
- Gas
- Bad Breath
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Seasonal allergies (chewing and scratching)
Yeast is normally kept in check by good bacteria in the gut. However antibiotics and too many carbohydrates in the diet can upset the balance, and then yeast begins to flourish. By adding good bacteria back to the gut, the good bacteria can do its job by competing with yeast for resources, thereby promoting proper digestion, skin and coat health, as well as the health of the nervous system.
In extreme cases, a diet change may be in order as well. Removing all carbohydrates from the diet will starve the Candida (yeast) infection, while the kefir rebalances the gut with good bacteria.
A raw diet or cooked meat diet with leafy vegetables can be done for two weeks. There are commercial diets, such as The Farmer’s Dog that can be used instead, just be sure it is low in starches such as rice, grains, potatoes, barley, carrots and peas.
A Natural Dog Probiotic That Also Reduces Canine Anxiety
Kefir also contains minerals and essential amino acids that help the body with its natural healing processes, including tryptophan, which is among these essential amino acids. Tryptophan is well-known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. We are all familiar with the effects of tryptophan in our turkey dinners and the desire to take a nap on Thanksgiving Day. In this same way tryptophan helps calm high-drive or highly anxious dogs.
Additionally, kefir contains calcium and magnesium, both of which are critical for healthy nervous system function. Studies have shown that this supplementation can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.
How To Make Kefir at Home
Kefir is made from “grains” that look like jellied cauliflower rice. The grains are essentially a yogurt starter. They can be purchased at a local health food store or online and are inexpensive. Use a mason jar to add the kefir grains and whole milk (you can use cow, sheep or goat milk) and the grains will ferment overnight to make the yogurt like substance. Kefir is slightly tangier and thinner than yogurt, although it will thicken the longer it is allowed to ferment. Strain to remove the Kefir grains, store them in milk in the fridge for the next batch.
You can add it to your morning smoothies, as well as your dog’s kibble.
Final Thoughts on Natural Probiotics for Dogs and Kefir
As kefir is antifungal, your dog will have fewer issues with hot spots and will experience improved coat health. Dog breeds who are prone to developing cancer, such as Golden Retrievers, will benefit from its antitumor properties. Adding kefir to your diet, as well as your dog’s diet is likely to improve both of your energy levels, longevity and quality of life!
Sources
- Diniz R., Garla L., Schneedorf J., Carvalho J. C. (2003). Study of anti-inflammatory activity of Tibetan mushroom, a symbiotic culture of bacteria and fungi encapsulated into a polysaccharide matrix. Pharmacol. Res. 47 49–52. 10.1016/S1043-6618(02)00240-2 [DOI]
- Chen Z., Shi J., Yang X., Nan B., Liu Y., Wang Z. (2015). Chemical and physical characteristics and antioxidant activities of the exopolysaccharide produced by Tibetan kefir grains during milk fermentation. Int. Dairy J. 43 15–21. 10.1016/j.idairyj.2014.10.004
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The gut is the key to all in the body. I take ‘seed’ and it has made a huge difference. Our animals benefit as well
You are correct! The gut seems to be the center of health for many species. Natural probiotics for dogs can cure so many ailments, improving our life with our dogs as well as their physical health.
To make the kefir at home, does the milk need to pasteurized or raw, or does it matter?
Hi Melissa: It does not matter whether it is pasteurized or not, however I would use the pasteurized version, since the bird flu is currently being passed on in several states via raw cow’s milk.