While tummy rubs and playing fetch play an important role in keeping your furry friend healthy, there’s more to it than that! Your dog relies on you to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need for a long, happy, energetic life by your side.
Probiotics play an essential role in keeping your dog’s digestive system healthy, but it’s important to understand when and how to use these supplements. So, what time of day should I give my dog probiotics? Is there a best time of day to give dog probiotics?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the best time to give dog probiotics to your pup. Rather than using your probiotics blindly, this info will help you make sure you’re making the most of every dollar you spend on probiotics, and your dog enjoys every last benefit that these crucial supplements can bring.
Stay tuned - we’ll also show you where you can find the best dog probiotics for your pup!
Is There Really a Best Time of Day to Give Dog Probiotics?
So, what time of day should I give my dog probiotics, and is there really a best time to give dog probiotics? Let’s take a look at what the science tells us.
The Science Behind Probiotic Absorption
Probiotics, which contain live beneficial bacteria or yeast strains, function best when they survive the journey through your dog's digestive system and reach their gut alive. This is where timing becomes important.
Research suggests that administering probiotics when the stomach environment is less acidic may enhance their survival rate. This means that mornings, when your dog's stomach tends to be less acidic due to fasting overnight, might be the best time for probiotic intake.
The type of probiotic strain, its coating or encapsulation, and your dog's unique gut environment might also contribute to absorption. Some studies suggest that dividing the dosage throughout the day might result in a more steady, sustained delivery of beneficial microbes in the gut.
Interactions with Food and Medication
When your dog eats, they produce stomach acid to help break down food and aid digestion. This means that your dog’s probiotics might get broken down faster if they’re given at the same time as food, making them less effective.
However, other experts think that it’s better to give your dog their probiotics along with their regular food, as the food acts as a buffer for the stomach acid, allowing more probiotics to make it through the stomach and into the intestines, where they can get to work.
Giving your dog their probiotics with food may also help to minimize potential gastrointestinal upset - some dogs can experience this when taking probiotics on an empty stomach.
It’s also important to factor in any medications your dog is taking. For example, if your dog is on antibiotics, it might be best to administer the probiotics and antibiotics separately, as antibiotics may kill the probiotics, just as they would for harmful bacteria.
What Time of Day Should I Give My Dog Probiotics?
So, what time of day should I give my dog probiotics? Let’s take a look at some of the different times of day that pet parents administer their dogs’ probiotics, and the pros and cons of each.
Should Dogs Take Probiotics in the Morning or At Night?
One of the first things to decide is whether the best time to give dog probiotics is in the morning or at night. Many people favour morning administration, because your dog’s stomach acid levels are lower, and as a result, the probiotics may survive better.
However, for dogs with sensitive stomachs or irregular routines, giving probiotics at night might work better. If you’re giving probiotics along with your dog’s regular food, you can also factor in their appetite. If they normally eat more in the evening, the probiotics may be absorbed better at that time.
Before or After Meals?
Some vets recommend giving probiotics alongside meals to provide a buffer against stomach acid and improve their passage to the intestines. However, others suggest administering them before meals to allow for better absorption.
Consistency is Key: Finding a Routine That Works and Sticking to it
At the end of the day, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer when it comes to the best time to give dog probiotics. Every dog is different, so it might be a case of finding what works for you and your pup. Don’t be afraid to try a few different things, and consult your vet if you need any help.
Should I give my dog probiotics every day? Yes! Once you’ve found something that works, stick with it! Consistency is key when it comes to giving your dog their probiotics. Just like you try to feed your dog their regular meals at the same time each day, set up a schedule for your dog’s probiotics.
More Tips on Giving Your Dog Probiotics for Safe Supplementation
Understanding the best time to give dog probiotics isn’t the only thing you need to think about when it comes to protecting your dog’s digestive health. Here are some of the other factors to keep in mind when administering your dog’s antibiotics.
Understanding Important Probiotic Strains for Pets
If you’re wondering how to choose the right supplements for your dog, select probiotics containing strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium animalis (also known as B. lactis).
These strains play a crucial role in digestive health, immune support, and your dog’s overall well-being. Prioritize probiotics formulated with these beneficial strains to get the best results for your dog’s health.
Can you give a dog human probiotics? No - although we can benefit from probiotics just like our furry friends, the bacterial strains our digestive systems require are quite different. Human probiotics won’t work for dogs, as they need canine-specific strains.
Gradual Introduction
If you notice the signs your dog needs probiotics, it’s essential to add them to your dog’s diet the right way. Just like any changes you make to your pup’s diet, it’s important to introduce probiotics slowly to reduce the chances of any dog probiotics side effects or digestive issues.
Start with a small dosage and gradually increase it over a few days to allow your dog's digestive system to adjust. This approach minimizes the likelihood of gastrointestinal disturbances and helps your dog adapt to the new supplement regimen more comfortably.
Monitoring for Reactions
Probiotics for dogs are considered safe, and almost never result in side effects. However, it’s still important to keep an eye on your dog after you start giving them probiotics. Some dogs might experience diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in their appetite or behaviour.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, stop using probiotics and talk to your vet. Monitoring your dog's bowel movements, energy levels, and overall attitude can give you an idea of how well they're tolerating the probiotics.
Invest in Your Pet’s Health and Happiness With Mighty Munch Dog Probiotics!
If you’re looking for a quality probiotic to add to your dog’s diet, you’re in the right place! At Mighty Munch, we have the best dog probiotics for Aussie pups. Our natural blend of probiotics is carefully formulated to promote optimal gut health and digestive balance in your dog.
Made of three essential strains, our tasty probiotic mix is a simple meal topper that can easily be sprinkled over your dog’s wet or dry food. No more worrying about your dog spitting out capsules or not eating the supplements you’ve spent your hard-earned money on!
What age can I give my dog probiotics? Mighty Munch probiotics are safe for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, so it’s never too early to start your dog on a daily probiotic to promote good digestive health and give their immune system an essential, natural boost.
The ingredients in our probiotics are important, but what we’ve left out is every bit as important. You’ll never find artificial flavours, colours, fillers, or unnecessary additives in Mighty Munch products, including our best joint supplement for dogs and best collagen for dogs.
Whether you’re looking for the best multivitamin for dogs in Australia, or wondering where to buy dog supplements, fish oil for dogs, dog joint supplements, or collagen supplements for dogs, you can find the best quality, safest, Aussie-made supplements at Mighty Munch!
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Give Dog Probiotics
So, what time of day should I give my dog probiotics? Ultimately, it’s up to you (and your pup) to find a schedule that works and stick with it. Some people prefer to give their dog probiotics in the morning, while their stomach is less acidic, while others prefer evening administration.
Regardless of when you choose to give your dog probiotics, you can find premium, safe, powerful probiotics and other dog supplements in Australia here at Mighty Munch. Our vet-backed formulations and key ingredients make our supplements the most potent you’ll find.
Whether you need joint pain relief for dogs or the best dog bed in Australia, Mighty Munch has you covered! Our probiotics are made from premium ingredients sourced in Australia, while our calming dog bed is the key for a peaceful night’s rest for your pup.
Invest in your dog’s wellness with effective, powerful, natural probiotics from Mighty Munch!
