The Best Dog Probiotics

Just like us, our beloved dogs can benefit from taking a regular probiotic, which can improve digestion and aid the immune system. Most probiotics produce a specific type of fatty acid that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, resulting in a happier, healthier puppy. Probiotics can even help with dog allergies, though they usually work best in this fashioned when paired with a dog food designed for allergies.

We reviewed dozens of dog probiotics to discover the best of the best. We took into account customer reviews, cost effectiveness, ingredients, dosage, and safety when rating each product.

Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement
Made by a trusted brand dogs love, this probiotic supplement is the best on the market.

After some discussion, the Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement pushed its way to the top as the best dog probiotic supplement you can buy. It contains probiotics scientifically proven to promote and restore natural intestinal microflora, which boosts your pet’s immune system and can help settle their digestion.

The 5 Top-Rated Dog Probiotics

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallPurina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement4.6
Runner UpZesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs4.7
Best Budget BuyPet Naturals of Vermont4.7
Best Soft ChewsBayer Animal Health Lactoquil Soft Chews for Dogs4.8
Best Powder ProbioticPet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs4.6

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Our Top Pick: Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement

Not all probiotics are made equal. If you’re looking for a top-quality dog probiotic that is scientifically proven to work, the Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement is for you. This box of probiotic supplements contains 30 packets of probiotics, which is approximately a month’s supply. There are no complicated dosing instructions – just pour a packet into your dog’s food and you’re good to go. It contains a probiotic that is proven to promote intestinal microflora, which can help your pet’s immune system and digestion. Due to the special proprietary microencapsulation process, the formula inside each packet is incredibly stable and a guaranteed number of live active cultures.

Customers loved that this probiotic gets real, tangible results. Many were surprised by how easily some of their pet’s problems faded away by just supplementing their diet with this probiotic. This stuff works wonders for many dogs and is many veterinarian’s go-to probiotic. However, some customers did report that their particularly picky dogs would not eat the product after it was added to their food. If your dog is very picky, that might be something you want to keep in mind.

Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement Key Features:

  • Contains a probiotic proven to promote normal intestinal microflora
  • Easy to feed
  • Enhanced stability
  • #1 probiotic brand prescribed by veterinarians

Our Runner Up Pick: Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs

Runner Up
Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs
With both prebiotics and probiotics, this formula is a powerful choice.

The Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs is loaded with over 3 million CFU of prebiotics and probiotics, providing complete digestive coverage. They’re a wonderful choice for canines struggling with gas, bloating, and overall stomach discomfort. Each tasty chew contains Ganeden BC30 – a probiotic strain that can withstand stomach acid and promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria. It also includes On top of probiotics, this product also contains pumpkin and papaya. These ingredients can help the stomach break down antioxidants, further preventing stomach discomfort and gas. Designed for dogs of all ages, this probiotic is effective for all canines, whether they’re puppies, adults, or seniors.

This probiotic supplement is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility that is NSF and GMP certified, so you can be sure they meet the highest safety standards. Their chewable design makes it easy to give to your canines. Many will eat the tablets like their treats, taking a lot of the fuss out of giving your dog the daily dose.

Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs Key Features:

  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics
  • Designed for dogs of all ages
  • 3 billion total CFU per chew
  • Features pumpkin and papaya

Best Budget Pick: Pet Naturals of Vermont

Best for Budget
Pet Naturals of Vermont
For budget conscious pet owners.

If you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly, Pet Naturals of Vermont is a great choice. This daily formula contains both prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. It is designed to help with gassiness, bad breath, and elimination problems. If you need something to help your pet get regular, this is a wonderful option. It even promotes a healthy coat and can improve your pet’s immune system. It is specifically recommended for pets who suffer from environmental, breed-specific, or anxiety-induced digestive issues. This probiotic is also useful for those on antibiotics, since these medications can affect overall digestive health.

Free from corn, wheat, and artificial ingredients, this probiotic is suitable even for those who have sensitive stomachs or are allergic to a variety of ingredients. Each bottle contains 160 chews, so you’re really getting your money’s worth. Each chew is designed to be delicious in order to entice your dog to eat them. They’re designed to look and taste like treats.

This formula relies on GanedenBC30, one of the most effective probiotic strains for dogs. Each dosage contains 100 million CFUs, which should be enough for most pets. However, you will notice that this count is decently lower than some of our other top picks. So, if your pet has extreme digestive issues, you might want to invest in a high-quality probiotic instead. However, for the average dog, this probiotic will be plenty.

Pet Naturals of Vermont Key Features:

  • 160 tasty chews in a bottle
  • Features CanedenBC30
  • 100 million CFUs per chew
  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics

Best Soft Chews: Bayer Animal Health Lactoquil Soft Chews for Dogs

Best Soft Chews
Bayer Animal Health Lactoquil Soft Chews for Dogs
A perfect choice for owners who have tried other probiotics to no avail.

The Bayer Animal Health Lactoquil Soft Chews for Dogs features a special formula of live, probiotic bacteria. It contains nine different strains, making it the perfect choice for pet owners who have not had success with other probiotics. Every pet is different and responds to different probiotic strains differently. Having a probiotic with multiple strains in it is vital to increase the odds that it will work for your dog. This formula also contains the prebiotic inulin, which provides a food source for the probiotics and leads to long-lasting results.

This probiotic is specifically recommended for dogs undergoing stress, dietary changes, hospitalization, antibiotic treatments, deworming, older dogs, or canines with food sensitivities. However, if your canine is experiencing regular digestive upset, this probiotic is a good place to start. There is no age minimum or maximum for this product; it is appropriate for dogs of all ages.

The soft chews make this probiotic supplement very easy to give. Each bottle contains 75 chews that are designed to be given like a treat. All dogs under 60 pounds need one chew, while dogs over 60 pounds will need two. For most small and medium dogs, that means one box will last over two months.

Bayer Animal Health Lactoquil Soft Chews for Dogs Key Features:

  • Nine-strain formula
  • Appropriate for dogs of all ages
  • Earned the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal
  • Contains the prebiotic inulin

Best Powder Probiotic: Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs

Best Powder
Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs
For those extra-picky dogs.

Some dogs are just picky. They hardly eat most of the treats you purchase for them, and absolutely refuse to try chewy supplements – even those that look and taste like treats. If this sounds like your dog, you might want to give Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs a chance. It is a tasteless powder that dispenses in seconds. You can hardly see it and your dog will not be able to detect its presence, effectively eliminating the drama that comes with feeding them other supplements. All it takes is a tiny scoop each day to keep yoru dog health. No need to mess with pill packets or try to convince your dog to eat a “treat”.

This probiotic contains two million CFUs per scoop and many different species of bacteria. It contains nearly twenty-two different, carefully selected species and an enzyme for gassiness. Like our previous pick, this one is good for dogs who don’t respond to the probiotic strains usually found in probiotic supplements. There are plenty of bacteria species in this product, so at least one is bound to work for your dog.

Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs Key Features:

  • Two billion CFUs per scoop
  • 22 species and an enzyme for gas
  • Contains the prebiotic inulin
  • Tasteless powder

Who Should Buy a Dog Probiotic

It is vital for a dog to have a sufficient amount of good bacteria in their gut in order to be healthy and happy. Much of a dog’s immune system is contained in their gut, so it is essential that their gut be well taken care of. Luckily, most dogs naturally have the necessary bacteria in their gut. However, some dogs need a little help in this matter, while other’s might find their natural guy balance upset by environmental or dietary factors. Stress, antibiotics, sickness, dietary change, and other environmental factors can all significantly impact your dog’s gut health.

Whenever your dog’s gut is off balance, you can usually tell. Your dog might experience stomach upset, gassiness, constant itching, bad breath, excessive shedding, dry skin, loose stools, and other symptoms. If your dog has any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your vet to ensure that your dog is not otherwise sick. Once they give the all clear, starting your dog on probiotics is usually a great option. Of course, even if your dog isn’t experiencing any of these symptoms, it could never hurt to give their gut a little extra help.

Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement
Made by a trusted brand dogs love, this probiotic supplement is the best on the market.

Important Features to Consider

A probiotic for dogs should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a probiotic for your dog:

  • CFU count. A CFU is a “colony forming unit” and is used to estimate the number of bacteria in any given dose. Once a single CFU reaches the digestive tract of your dog, it will multiply very quickly. Your dog goes not actually need many CFUs in order to benefit from a probiotic in most cases. For general maintenance, your dog only needs about 1-4 billion CFUs. For pets with diarrhea, a lower count is usually better, while dogs with IBS need a higher count.
  • Species. There are tons of different gut bacteria species that might be included in a probiotic. Some species work very well together, while others compete. Not every dog will react the same to every species, which is why it is important to choose a probiotic with multiple species.
  • Dosage. You should check the dosage instructions before making a purchase. If you have a particularly large dog, you are probably going to need to purchase something that requires a lower dosage per pound. The last thing you want to do is run through half a box of probiotics in a week. On the other hand, if you have a small dog, you want a probiotic that will cater to their small size.
  • Form. Most probiotics come in either powder or chewable form. For the average dog, either would be fine, though the chewable form is usually more convenient for most. However, picky dogs will probably benefit more from a tasteless powder that goes into their food. That way, you don’t have to convince them to eat something they might not be interested in. There are also pill probiotics for dogs, but these are rarer and not as easy to give.
  • Prebiotic. Most probiotics will also contain prebiotics, which helps the probiotic bacteria thrive and survive. While it isn’t completely necessary to choose a formula with a prebiotic in it, this ingredient can make the formula more effective and longer lasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dog probiotics and how do they work?

A probiotic is a bacteria culture that lives inside a dog’s gut. These bacteria are very important for digestion and your dog’s immune system. Without them, your dog will have difficulty digesting their food properly, which can result in gassiness, stomach upset, and loose stools. Their immune system will also decrease in effectiveness, causing them to become sick more often.

A probiotic supplement works by introducing these good bacteria into their gut. If your dog has poor gut health, this can help fix their problems. At the same time, even if your dog isn’t necessarily having poor digestion, supporting their gut with a probiotic supplement can prevent problems in the future. Of course, their regular dog food is important too, which is why you should consider feeding an organic dog food.

Can I give my dog probiotics every day?

Most probiotic supplements are directed to be taken everyday. However, you should always check your supplement’s package for dosage information and follow the instructions accordingly.

Can a dog overdose on probiotics?

It is virtually impossible for your dog to overdose on probiotics. Probiotics are taken orally, so if your dog takes too much, the excess will simply pass through their gut and be expelled as waste. However, too many probiotics can upset your dog’s digestion instead of helping it, but these ill effects will usually pass within a day or two.

Are human probiotics safe for dogs?

Human probiotics are not necessarily harmful to dogs. Many of them contain the same bacteria strands as dog probiotics contain. However, many dog probiotics also contain strains that are specific to canines, while human supplements might contain bacteria specific to humans. It likely won’t harm your dog to give them a human probiotic supplement, but it won’t likely be as effective as giving them one for dogs in particular.

Other Dog Probiotics We Reviewed

Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement
Made by a trusted brand dogs love, this probiotic supplement is the best on the market.

We looked at 20 other probiotics for dogs. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best probiotics for dogs list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Best Puppy Probiotics

Amazing Nutritionals Probiotic Joint

Amazing Nutritionals Probiotic Joint

These chewable tablets are made in a Good Manufacturing Practice certified organic facility in small batches and are 3rd-party-tested for purity & correct dosage. The ingredients help to promote healthy joints, cartilage, heart, brain, and hepatic liver as well as improved immune support for dogs of all ages.

Key Features:

  • Small and easy to chew
  • No byproducts
  • Great-tasting bacon and liver flavor

Cost: $30

NutraPet Probiotics for Dogs

NutraPet Probiotics for Dogs

Customers say this product has greatly helped with their dog’s flatulence and skin conditions. The taste of real chicken liver also makes it enjoyable for them to eat.

Key Features:

  • Contains prebiotic
  • Up to four-month supply in one bottle
  • Grain and gluten free with added vitamins and minerals

Cost: $20

Paw Choice Daily Probiotics + Prebiotics For Dogs

Paw Choice Daily Probiotics + Prebiotics For Dogs

All ingredients in this soft chew are required to have a Certificate of Analysis before delivery and are tested again upon receipt in the company’s facility to ensure the best potency and safety.

Key Features:

  • Easy to feed and bite-sized
  • Does not contain wheat, corn, or artificial ingredients
  • Patented probiotic strain

Cost: $19

PetVialityPRO Probiotic Premium Plus

PetVialityPRO Probiotic Premium Plus

These duck flavored soft chews contain 20 active ingredients including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which help with overall health and vitality. The natural digestive enzymes also promote the absorption of vital nutrients.

Key Features:

  • Contains prebiotics
  • Healthy green superfood formula
  • All natural

Cost: $20

The Missing Link Original All Natural Omega Superfood Supplements

The Missing Link Original All Natural Omega Superfood Supplements

Even though it is meant for intermittent or supplemental use only, this cold processed supplement contains all of the vital nutrients your dog needs. It provides balanced omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, and superfood nutrition.

Key Features:

  • Can be used for cats and dogs
  • Vegetarian
  • No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or GMOs

Cost: $14

Best Non-Dairy Probiotics for Dogs

Elite Pet Nutrition Advanced Probiotic for Dogs

Elite Pet Nutrition Advanced Probiotic for Dogs

This formula is manufactured to prevent heat, air, and moisture from having an effect on the organisms. It also supports your pet’s production of B vitamins, especially folic acid, biotin, and vitamin K as well as produces lactic acid for support of digestive processes and colon pH balance.

Key Features:

  • All natural
  • Odorless and tasteless
  • Gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy free, soy free

Cost: $22

Hyperbiotics PRO-Pets Probiotic for Dogs & Cats

Hyperbiotics PRO-Pets Probiotic for Dogs & Cats

This product contains 6 targeted probiotic strains designed according to the specific needs of dogs and cats. It also has a patented delivery method where the probiotic organisms are released over an 8-10 hour period, so they bypass stomach acids and reach the intestinal tract alive.

Key Features:

  • Extended shelf life
  • Natural beef flavor
  • Free of GMOs, gluten, dairy, yeast, sugar, nuts, artificial flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives

Cost: $20

NWC Naturals Total-Biotics Powder

NWC Naturals Total-Biotics Powder

This powder supplies your dog or cat with 14 different species of live and stabilized probiotics as well as a prebiotic. It also contains a patented stabilized glutamine that actually heals the intestinal tract.

Key Features:

  • Live enzyme activated delivery system
  • Free of chemicals, gluten, soy, dairy, yeast, wheat, eggs, preservatives, artificial color, and flavor
  • Vegetarian

Cost: $18

Vetrinex Labs Probiotics for Dogs & Cats

Vetrinex Labs Probiotics for Dogs & Cats

This powder is ultra-concentrated with an even blend of 7 carefully selected strains to diverse bacteria for maximum effectiveness and added prebiotic for improved deliverability. Customers say it blends very well with their dog’s food.

Key Features:

  • Great value for the price
  • Odorless and tasteless
  • Free of grain, gluten, soy. fillers, dairy. and animal digest

Cost: $20

Vetri-Science Mega Probiotic

Vetri-Science Mega Probiotic

This formula is produced from an all-natural source of beneficial microorganisms with 8 different strains from non-dairy sources and is recommended for pets that suffer from food intolerances.

Key Features:

  • Contains a prebiotic
  • Guaranteed to contain 5 billion microorganisms per capsule
  • Can be used for dogs and cats

Cost: $20

Best Soft Chew Dog Probiotics

Deley Naturals Grain Free Probiotics for Dogs

Deley Naturals Grain Free Probiotics for Dogs

These gluten-free dog treats are formulated to be sure the natural vitamins for dogs are in perfect balance to maximize nutritional benefits. They also contain a proprietary blend of 6 enzymes to improve the digestion of food and nutrient absorption.

Key Features:

  • All ingredients sourced from the USA
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Contains a prebiotic

Cost: $28

Doggie Dailies Probiotics for Dogs

Doggie Dailies Probiotics for Dogs

This all-natural product contains five powerful strains of probiotics known to be most effective for dogs and puppies. Customers say the great taste allows them to give it to their dogs as treats or mixed with food.

Key Features:

  • Contains a prebiotic
  • Made with real duck
  • Grain and gluten free

Cost: $30

Glandex Soft Chews

Glandex Soft Chews

Even though these soft chews do not contain as much helpful bacteria as most probiotics do, its patented formula targets all of the underlying causes of anal gland problems. It is also formulated with natural key ingredients that work from the inside out to keep your dog’s anal glands healthy including pumpkin seed, anti-inflammatories, and digestive enzymes.

Key Features:

  • All-natural premium ingredients
  • Patented formula
  • Made with a unique high fiber blend

Cost: $30

Mighty Petz MAX Cranberry for Dogs

Mighty Petz MAX Cranberry for Dogs

This probiotic gets a unique boost for your dog’s urinary tract by including pure cranberry seed oil, grapefruit extract, and d-mannose (a natural sugar). It also helps prevent kidney stones!

Key Features:

  • Prevents and treats UTIs
  • Promotes kidney and bladder strength
  • Naturally extracted ingredients

Cost: $24

Zesty Paws Multivitamin for Dogs

Zesty Paws Multivitamin for Dogs

This product supports many aspects of your dog’s health and does not contain any artificial preservatives or flavors. It is also grain, corn, and soy free.

Key Features:

  • Cardiovascular support
  • Promotes hip and joint function
  • Over 35 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients

Cost: $26

Best Powder Dog Probiotics

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics for Pets

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics for Pets

This potent formula contains 58 billion good bacteria per scoop that support your pet’s production of B vitamins, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin K and help enhance the immune system by removing harmful toxins.

Key Features:

  • 14 beneficial bacteria strains
  • Improves breakdown of fats, carbs, and proteins
  • Helps differentiate between nutrients and waste more effectively

Cost: $31

TummyWorks Probiotic

TummyWorks Probiotic

This product contains 10 probiotics as well as 6 digestive enzymes. Customers report that the formula has helped with many various ailments in both dogs and cats.

Key Features:

  • No additives or preservatives
  • Contains a prebiotic
  • Tasteless and odorless

Cost: $25

Probios Dispersible Powder

Probios Dispersible Powder

Customers trust this product with many species of animals including their dogs. The small serving sizes and good bacteria per serving size make it a very affordable option.

Key Features:

  • Can be used for multiple species of animals
  • Helps maintain a healthy appetite
  • Great value for the price

Cost: $11

NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotics Supplement

NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotics Supplement

This probiotic-infused enzyme formula has a source of alpha-Amylase which can hydrolyze starch, protease which can hydrolyze proteins, cellulase which can break down cellulose, and lipase which can hydrolyze triglycerides.

Key Features:

  • Helps support diet change
  • Important enzymes help break down food for optimal utilization of nutrients
  • Great for food transitioning and sensitive stomachs

Cost: $16

Nusentia Miracle Dog Probiotics

Nusentia Miracle Dog Probiotics

The tiny dosage size of this powder makes it undetectable in your pet’s food and offers more servings. It is comprised of 6 stables strains of good bacteria and can last up to a year stored at room temperature.

Key Features:

  • Up to 360 servings per container
  • No byproducts, sugar, soy, wheat, rice, gluten, GMOs, or dairy
  • Odorless and tasteless

Cost: $40