Bravo Packing Performance Dog
We normally like raw pet food because most of these are free from fillers and the meat included are in their purest forms, free from processing of any kind. However, in the case of Bravo Packings raw diet, wed have to rethink this.
Bravo Packings Performance Dog and all of Bravo Packings other raw diets have undergone a recall this year.
Although no deaths or illnesses have been associated with the food, it is troubling that the brand has once again been involved with a recall.
From 2011 to 2015, Bravo had 7 recalls, which included expanded recalls.
There was another in 2018 and another in 2019 before the one for 2021. All of the past recalls were due to the possible presence of Salmonella or Listeria.
Recall Info: On March 3, 2021, Bravo Packing, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of two of their raw pet food products for possible cross contamination after samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The brand expanded the recall on March 16 to include ALL of its pet food and bone products of all sizes. No lot code or date code has been provided for the recent recall so assume, for the safety of your pets, that all are possibly contaminated.
Can You Use Probiotics For Dog Diarrhea
Yes, probiotics can be used to improve dog diarrhea caused by:
-
Stress colitis from boarding, moving, or any disruption in routine
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Sudden changes to your dogs diet, like eating a new or unusual food
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A bacterial imbalance from long-term antibiotic use
Infections that cause a bacterial overgrowth may clear with probiotic use as well.
Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Grilled Steak & Vegetable
This dog food is billed as providing complete nutrition for adult pups and even includes an optimal content of omega fatty acids for shiny hair.
It also proudly boasts that it is made of the finest ingredients. Looking closely at the label, however, we see a different story.
The first ingredient of the meal is ground whole grain corn. The third ingredient is also corn while the fifth is soybean meal.
So in the first five slots, you get three corn and legume ingredients, which means that this is not a meat-based dish at all. Here, the meat acts as support only and not the other way around, and there are too many grains.
The second thing we dont like about this recipe is that it uses unrecognizable animal ingredients. Were talking about the meat and bone meal.
Meat meals are usually okay provided that the animal the meat comes from is named. For example, chicken meal or lamb meal. But meat and bone meal? Which animal meat was used? Is there more than one kind of animal? And then, which parts?;
Lastly, while the brand says that the recipe does not contain artificial flavors or sugar, it does contain artificial colors. There are four we could see, and theyre listed midway in the list, having more volume than the added nutrients the food contains.;
Problem Ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 2, Yellow 5
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Solid Gold Mighty Mini
Packing a punch of probiotic goodness in small, mouth-friendly bites, this is a great option for tiny pupperinos.
About:Solid Gold Mighty Mini With Sensitive Stomach Probiotic Support gives your small breed doggos belly a helping hand. Packed with plenty of produce for healthy fiber and mixed probiotics, this digestion-friendly kibble can aid in regularity.
Features:
Chicken, Chicken meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Pea protein…,
Chicken fat, Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Dried eggs, Ocean fish meal, Ground flaxseed, Natural flavor, Dicalcium phosphate, Carrots, Salt, Salmon oil, Potassium chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement, Biotin, Folic acid, Choline chloride, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Copper sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Zinc proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Copper proteinate, Sodium selenite, Calcium iodate, Dried chicory root, DL-methionine, Rosemary extract, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product
Protein Content : 30%
- The limited number of bag sizes offered is a bummer.
- Solid Gold doesnt offer any grain-inclusive options.;
Benefits Of Probiotics For Dogs
A healthy balance of bacteria is important for healthy dogs. Probiotics for dogs have benefits that can help your dog digest food, make and absorb vitamins and minerals, and keep a strong immune system. Some research shows that giving friendly bacteria to your dog can help improve the following:
- Bad breath
- Allergies
Its important to know that while there is research on using probiotics in humans, there isnt a lot of research on using probiotics in dogs. More studies are needed to know how probiotics might help your dog.
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Probiotics From Pet Ultimates
Pros
- Powder form
- Expensive
Another probiotic in powder form, Pet Ultimates, is a solid choice to give your dog probiotics.
Its very similar to Probiotic Support from NomNomNow in that it contains minimal ingredients and no flavor.
But unlike Probiotic support, this one contains inulin as its first ingredient for prebiotics.
You will often hear that prebiotics is necessary for probiotics, but no study has shown this to be the case in dogs.
Too much inulin can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping in dogs.
It is unclear the exact amount of inulin in this formula, and it may not be something to worry about but something to keep in mind.
This dog probiotic is an excellent choice by a reputable dog brand.
- Contains yeast
Rounding out our list is FortiFlora from the well-known dog brand, Purina.
If you have done any prior research on probiotics for dogs, you have probably come across it.
It is probably the most familiar probiotics for dogs product on the market, and for a good reason because it works.
Unlike the other two powdered form probiotics on our list, this one contains liver flavoring, which can be more palatable for dogs.
However, unlike Probiotic Support from NomNomNow and Probiotics from Pet Ultimates, this one is not minimal in ingredients.
Except for yeast, which is known to cause some issues in dogs, all the other ingredients are acceptable.
One packet a day in your dogs food is all they need to get the beneficial bacteria in their bodies.
What To Expect When Changing Your Dogs Food
When switching any dog food, we recommend you introduce it to your doggy gradually over 7-10 days. Keep your feeding routine the same but add in some of the new dog food with each meal, eventually phasing the old food out altogether.;
As with any transition, you may notice a change in your dogs poo and it isnt uncommon to see some loose stools during this period. This can be a sign that you are transitioning too quickly or overfeeding so take it slow and watch how your dog responds. These symptoms should go away after a couple of weeks. Be sure to keep an eye out and if the problem persists it may be worth reverting or consulting with your vet.
Read Also: How To Spice Up Your Dog’s Food
Dog Foods With Digestive Enzymes
A dog food formula may include;digestive enzymes;like protease to aid in the absorption and breakdown of proteins. Similarly, alpha-amylase breaks down starches, and cellulase breaks down plant fibers, scientifically known as cellulose.;
Its worth noting, though, that a report by the;Journal of Nutritional Science;states that for most dogs, the pancreas makes enough digestive enzymes, and a supplement containing additional digestive enzymes is nonessential.;
The supplementation of a maintenance canine dry diet with recommended doses of exogenous digestive enzymes, plant or animal origin, does not result in improvements of digestibility of protein, fat or energy in healthy adult dogs. Thus, the routine use in;healthy;pets is not recommended.
Digestive enzymes are effective in the treatment of dogs or cats with EPI or other pancreatic illnesses. Suppose your vet has diagnosed your pet with malnutrition or insufficient release of digestive enzymes. In that case, you can try some;Holistic Select Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which contains Protease, Alpha-amylase, and Cellulase.
Human Food with Natural Digestive Enzymes
Raw food diets;for dogs are rich in digestive enzymes and can be a natural way to support your dogs wellness. Uncooked organ meat and certain non-GMO, organic fruits can also be great digestive aid snacks for your dog or cat. Just make sure you know which human food to avoid.;
Probiotics For Dogs From Tails N Tummies
Pros
- 1 billion CFUs per tablet
- Great price & free shipping
- Unavailable on Amazon
- Large dogs will need two bottles
If you are the type of dog parent who cares about what goes inside your dog, as we do, then this is the one for you.
Made with minimal ingredients and containing a proven strain of beneficial bacteria, Probiotics for Dogs from Tails N Tummies takes the top spot on our list.
Allow us to emphasize this point finding a probiotic with the fewest ingredients possible is no easy task!
Because it only contains a few, we think it is the best choice for dogs with food sensitivities as it doesnt have problematic ingredients.
Your dog will have no gas, bloating, cramping, or any other side effects that generally come with probiotics.
The tablets are small and mix easily with food, so giving them to your dog should not be a problem.
Because the tablets are time-release, only one dose a day is needed to work around the clock.
The only negative we found was that you would need two bottles for a months supply if your dog weighed over 50 pounds.
But at the lower-end price of $24.95 per bottle, as of this writing, that may not be an issue.
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Castor & Pollux Organix Dry 35058
If you value organic food traced to natural sources, then the Castor & Pollux Organix Dry food is a good choice for your dog. This product uses fresh ingredients such as free-range chicken, does not contain any grains, and is packed nutrients from organic sources. With this dry food, you can ensure a holistic approach to your dogs diet and enable it to stay healthy and happy.
This product uses only natural ingredients such as chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas. These provide the bulk of your dogs nutritional needs. In addition to these, the food is also rich in other organic ingredients, from fish oil to blueberries and also essential microelements, vitamins, and minerals.
Your dog will also benefit from the added probiotics which are actually beneficial bacteria that normally grow in your dogs gut. These help break down food and control other microorganisms that might otherwise grow too much and cause digestive problems.
This certified product is made in the US and it does not contain any added growth hormones, artificial preservatives or antibiotics.
Pros
This is an organic product that can greatly benefit the health of your furry companion. The use of USDA-certified organic, free-range chicken will help reduce digestion problems, allergies, itchy skin, and overall health.
It is made with a nutrient-packed superfood blend that includes flaxseed, blueberries, and coconut oil. They are all organic and will give all the nutrients your dog requires to thrive.
Cons
Understand The Science Of Probiotics
None of us likes to think that our dogs are hosting microbes. But they are hundreds of different kinds! And according to Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD, an internationally recognized leader in probiotic microbiology, thats a good thing. In the canine gastrointestinal tract, probiotics promote health by piggybacking on the important relationship between the normal immune system and microbes, says Sanders.
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More specifically, Sanders suggests that probiotics increase the activity or numbers of immune cells or cytokines, whose job it is to attack invading pathogens. When the immune system senses these microbes in the gut, it launches a response. Probiotics can also produce antibacterial compounds called bacteriocins, which directly inhibit the bodys tolerance of pathogen growth. The plain-English version: probiotics are the good bacteria that kick out the bad, and then make it harder for the bad actors to get back in the door. Probiotics help your dog digest her food, increase her absorption of nutrients and boost her immune system, too.
Also Check: Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Dog Food
Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food
Specifically designed for senior dogs, this kibble has an assortment of good bacteria to help our old friends feel young.
About: Support your pups gut into maturity withMerrick Senior Dry Dog Food, a probiotic-rich kibble with plenty of fiber and protein for energy and healthy digestion. Containing four culture types,;real meat, and healthy grains, this recipe takes a multi-bacteria approach to improving digestive flora.
Features:
Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Brown rice, Oatmeal, Barley,…,
Turkey meal, Chicken fat, Quinoa, Natural flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon oil, Potassium chloride, Salt, Apples, Carrots, Sunflower oil, Organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, Choline chloride, Iron amino acid complex, Zinc amino acid complex, Zinc sulfate, Sodium selenite, Manganese amino acid complex, Copper amino acid complex, Potassium iodide, Cobalt proteinate, Cobalt carbonate, Taurine, Yucca schidigera extract, Mixed tocopherols, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin A acetate, d-calcium pantothenate, Thiamine mononitrate, Folic acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Citric acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
Protein Content : 27%
Pros
Cons
Pro Plan Dog Food With Probiotics
At Pro Plan, we believe pet food with probiotics is so beneficial that weve added guaranteed live probiotics to almost every dog formula we make. The specific strain chosen is known to be both robust and stable, guaranteeing it arrives alive to your dogs bowl. And, it can support both digestive and immune health. Discover the difference Pro Plan dog food with probiotics can make for your dog.
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How To Choose A Dog Food With Probiotics
First and foremost, your dog needs different probiotics than your cat. Do not share dog food with your cat, and vice versa. Choose a food formulated for your doggy and their life stage.;
Here are some of the determining factors to choosing good food for your pup:
High CFU Count
When choosing a probiotic dog food product, you want large colony forming units . You can find out this information by checking the product label to see what their CFU count is. A product with high colony forming units is more likely to be effective when compared to a product with low CFU levels.
Weight Control
Your dogs weight is an essential factor in their health journey.;Obesity;can trigger a range of health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems. You want food for your dog to keep them fuller for longer and sustain them for the day. If you are looking for food that will aid weight loss, speak to your vet.;
Good Ingredients
Next, pet parents want a dog food that has good, organic ingredients. Diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, or allergy symptoms are unwelcomed, not to mention messy and smelly. The best foods are rich in protein, sometimes even using alternative protein sources for pets who do not tolerate certain meat.;
A good product will be free of grains, dairy, meat by-products, preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, or fillers.;
Vitamins and Minerals
Prebiotics
Dogs like it!;;
Do Your Research
Why Buy A Dog Food With Probiotics
Your dog deserves the very best food. Offering them something cheap and poorly made will only damage their body and lead to health issues down the road. Veterinarians have many reasons for suggesting the addition of probiotics for dogs. Have a conversation with your vet to assess which probiotic brand will be best for your dogs health needs.;
Here are the top two reasons why youd be wise to reach for a dog food brand that has added probiotics to its unique formula.;
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Nutrisource Dog Food
Diamond Naturals 418439 Dog Food
The Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food is a probiotic dog food that features 100% beef protein and rice. There is no corn, wheat, or soy in this product. Its enhanced with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and includes several superfoods to help increase the foods antioxidant properties.
While we were reviewing this brand, we noticed that it often gave our pets gas. Some of our dogs did not like this food, and those that do like it will occasionally not eat it. We have also noticed several inconsistencies between the bags that we purchase. Sometimes the food is lighter in color, and it also has a different smell from time to time, leading us to believe that the quality control needs improvement.
The Taste of the Wild High Protein Premium Dry Dog Food is a grain-free brand that can help promote weight loss and lean muscle growth. This brand features plenty of exotic flavors for your pet to try out like roasted bison, venison, alligator, and deep-sea fish. Real meat is the top ingredient, and the rest are all high-quality.
The problem we had with this brand is that the protein percentage is too high for many dogs. This food is best for dogs with a little weight on them that you would like to take off. The FDA has also released a statement that diets high in peas like this one can lead to chronic heart disease in dogs.
- Some dogs dont like it
Diy: Probiotics For Dogs
The contents of my cabinets stocked with maca, goji berries, coconut water and the like confirm it: Im a sucker for food trends. So, when my social network lit up with talk of probiotics for dogs, I took cautious note. No harm, no foul if I want to get wacky nouveau with the things I eat, but what about my dog, whose nutritional needs Im responsible for meeting?
Probiotics, a broad group of over 400 microorganisms that support a robust, disease-free body, are a longstanding favorite in the human supplement world. Now they are suddenly omnipresent in pet-supply stores as well.
But are probiotics suitable and safe for;dogs? To get to the bottom of these questions, as well as to better understand the fundamental mechanics and benefits of probiotics for dogs, I dug right in to get the lay of this microflora landscape. The result of these investigations? Four self-education steps that will help you map this molecular jungle, and safely separate the fish oil from the snake oil.
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