Dog Probiotic Supplement: 20 Best Probiotics for Dogs in USA

A dog probiotic supplement introduces beneficial bacteria into your pet’s digestive tract to support gut health. Probiotics for dogs typically contain strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus that help balance the gut microbiome. Veterinary experts recommend 1–10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per day for most dogs. Trusted products like Purina FortiFlora and Nutramax Proviable are often vet-recommended for efficacy. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how dog probiotics work, what to look for, and review the 20 best dog probiotic supplements available in the USA.

What Are Probiotics and Why Dogs Need Them

Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that help digest food and maintain a healthy gut lining. In dogs, about 95% of gut microbes are bacteria, and a balanced intestinal flora aids digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune health. Administering probiotics can normalize intestinal acidity and crowd out pathogens (like Salmonella), effectively supporting overall health. Dr. Wakshlag of Cornell Univ. notes that FortiFlora and Proviable are vet-recommended products with research-backed benefits for dogs. In practice, pet owners report improvements in digestion, firmer stools, reduced gas, and relief from diarrhea when using quality dog probiotic supplement.

Key benefits of dog probiotic supplements include:

Improved Digestion: Helps break down food and prevents stomach upset. Many dog parents see more regular, firm stools with fewer digestive issues.
Diarrhea Relief: Specific strains (like Enterococcus faecium in FortiFlora) have been shown to reduce diarrhea and help dogs recover faster.
Immune Support: A healthy gut supports 70% of the dog’s immune system. Probiotics help keep immune responses balanced, potentially reducing allergies and infections dog probiotic supplement.
General Wellness: Some studies link probiotics (e.g. Bifidobacterium longum BL999) to reduced anxiety and improved skin/coat quality. Routine probiotic use can support multiple systems (digestive, metabolic, skin, etc.) dog probiotic supplement.

Probiotics are generally safe for healthy dogs. (Very sick or immunocompromised dogs should use them only under vet guidance.) Always use as directed and check expiration for live cultures.

How to Choose the Best Dog Probiotic Supplement

Choosing the right probiotic can be overwhelming. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a dog probiotic supplement:

CFU Count: Look for products with a clear CFU (colony-forming units) count. Most experts recommend 1–10 billion CFU per day for dogs. Higher CFUs can be useful during illness or antibiotic treatment.
Strain Diversity: A multi-strain formula (e.g., mixtures of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, etc.) covers more benefits. For example, Enterococcus faecium (FortiFlora’s strain) is proven to crowd out harmful bacteria dog probiotic supplement.
Form & Flavor: Probiotics come as powders/sachets, capsules, chewable treats, or pastes. Choose a form your dog will accept. Sprinkle powders on food (FortiFlora), give capsules (Proviable DC) or chew treats (PetLab Co., Zesty Paws). Flavor is critical – liver, chicken or peanut butter flavors are common. If picky, capsules can be hidden in treats dog probiotic supplement.
Quality & Certification: Seek vet-recommended brands or NASC-certified products. Cornell’s Dr. Wakshlag specifically endorses FortiFlora and Proviable for their proven efficacy. Look for a NASC seal or clinical studies backing the formula. Avoid products with vague ingredient lists.
Purpose & Added Ingredients: Some formulas include prebiotics (fibers that feed probiotics) or digestive enzymes. Others address specific needs: puppy digestion, anal gland support, or joint health. Read labels for extras like pumpkin (for fiber) or kaolin (for binding loose stool).
Price & Availability: Compare unit costs and container sizes. Search for keywords like “affordable Proviable probiotics for dogs” or “Proviable probiotics for dogs best deal” to find discounts or coupons. Note that Proviable is often sold through vets or pet pharmacies (search “Proviable probiotics for dogs near me” to locate local sellers). For over-the-counter options, big online retailers (Amazon, Chewy) frequently offer bundle deals dog probiotic supplement.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore our curated list of the top 20 dog probiotic supplements. We cover a range of forms and brands to fit any budget or pet’s preference.

Top 20 Dog Probiotic Supplements

1. Purina FortiFlora Canine Probiotic Supplement (Powder Sachets)

Format: 30-count box of 1g sachets (powder to sprinkle on food). Also available in chewable tablet form.
Key Features: Contains Enterococcus faecium (SF68) at 1×10^8 CFU per sachet. Promotes intestinal health and balance, helps reduce gas, and improves stool quality. Backed by clinical research at Colorado State Univ.. Veterinarian-developed and #1 vet-recommended probiotic.
Why We Like It: Very palatable (liver-flavored) and easy to use. A single daily sachet is an easy maintenance dose for puppies and adult dogs. FortiFlora is proven to crowd out harmful bacteria like E. coli.
Considerations: Contains brewers yeast and liver flavor – some very sensitive pups may resist the taste. Each sachet has 100 million CFU, which is lower than many capsules, but owners often use multiple sachets during gut upset. Requires daily feeding for effect.
Sources: Purina vet resource.

2. Purina FortiFlora Chewable Tablets

Format: 30 or 90 count chewable tablets, liver-flavored. Each tablet is a dose equivalent to a sachet.
Key Features: Same active probiotic (E. faecium SF68, 1×10^8 CFU) as the powder. Dogs typically find the soft chew palatable, making administration easier for picky eaters. Veterinarian-developed and clinically tested.
Why We Like It: Convenient for travel or dogs who won’t eat sprinkled powder. Tablets contain the same proven strain as FortiFlora powder. Each chew helps normalize gut flora and is easy to give as a treat.
Considerations: Chew option may cost more per dose than powder. Once opened, store per directions (some advise refrigeration). Best for dogs already trained to take pills.
Tip: Search “FortiFlora probiotic supplement” for pricing; subscription or bulk savings often available.

3. Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules (Digestive Health Supplement)

Format: Gelatin capsules (60 or 80 count bottles) containing powder. Each capsule = 5 billion CFU.
Key Features: Multi-strain formula (7 probiotic strains plus prebiotics) delivering 5 billion CFU per capsule. Can be given whole or sprinkled on food. Safe for dogs and cats. Helps with digestive upset due to stress, diet change, or medication.
Why We Like It: Convenience of capsules: pill form for oral dosing or can be opened into food. Virtually tasteless powder inside, so even picky eaters can’t tell. High potency (5B CFU) and buffered formula help restore gut balance quickly. Shoppers often call it a top-rated dog probiotic supplement.
Considerations: Contains animal-derived gelatin (not vegetarian). Must be kept tightly closed (hygroscopic). Some owners find the capsule form slower acting than FortiFlora’s targeted strain. Prescription or vet guidance may be required in some regions.
Pro Tips: Look for deals by searching “Proviable probiotics for dogs best deal” or shop around at Chewy/Amazon. Check vet clinics or pet pharmacies with a search like “Proviable probiotics for dogs near me.”

4. Nutramax Proviable-KP Diarrhea Kit (Capsules + Paste)

Format: Kit containing probiotic capsules (10 ct) and a kaolin-pectin paste syringe (15ml or 30ml).
Key Features: Formulated for acute diarrhea relief. The paste firms stool (kaolin/pectin), while the capsules reintroduce probiotics (same 5B CFU formula as Proviable DC) to re-establish healthy gut bacteria. Offers a one-two punch: immediate symptom relief plus long-term flora support.
Why We Like It: Great for sudden digestive upsets. Vets often stock the Proviable-KP kit. Easy to administer — paste by mouth, then give capsules for ongoing support.
Considerations: More expensive than capsules alone. Use under vet direction; not needed for routine maintenance dog probiotic supplement.
User Notes: Many owners report rapid improvement in dogs with diarrhea or after antibiotics when using the kit as directed dog probiotic supplement.

5. PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs (Pork-Flavored Soft Chews)

Format: Soft chew treats (pork or salmon flavor), available in containers of 30, 60, or 120 chews.
Key Features: Each chew contains a blend of probiotics (including Lactobacillus strains) plus fiber. Designed to support gut flora, immune health, and normal bowel movements. High fiber content helps with stool consistency (even with allergy relief in mind) dog probiotic supplement.
Why We Like It: Very tasty treat form; most dogs love them. Easy to give daily or as a treat. Comes in pig (pork) or fish flavor for variety. Bulk sizes make it more affordable per chew.
Considerations: Lower CFU count per chew than medical capsules. Not a veterinary product (no NASC seal); formulation proprietary. Some sensitive dogs may need to start with one chew.
Available at: Amazon, Chewy (often on sale), Walmart dog probiotic supplement.

6. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites (Chicken or Pumpkin Soft Chews)

Format: Soft bite chews in chicken or pumpkin flavor; packs of 30, 60 or 90.
Key Features: Each chew delivers ~3 billion CFU of 6 probiotic strains plus pumpkin and papaya for digestive enzymes. Highly palatable (sweet potato/pumpkin base). Supports digestion and stool quality. Pumpkin adds fiber, papaya adds vitamins for gut health.
Why We Like It: Pumpkin and papaya! Many dogs enjoy the pumpkin flavor especially. The formula was vet-formulated with digestive enzymes – great for dogs needing enzyme support. Reviewers noted a noticeable improvement in stool and digestion within a week dog probiotic supplement.
Considerations: Fewer CFUs than some competitors. Chews are relatively large – not ideal for tiny dogs. Formulated for gut health, but not specifically for severe diarrhea.
Pro Tip: Try giving as a treat or breaking in half. If flavor isn’t appealing, crumble on food dog probiotic supplement.

7. Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics (Powder)

Format: Powder (2.5 oz jar), scoop-and-serve. 12 organic probiotic strains, certified USDA organic and vegan/gluten-free.
Key Features: 12 strains (more than most) delivering 5 billion CFU per serving. Tasteless, odorless, hypoallergenic powder—mixes invisibly into food. Free of fillers, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy. Third-party tested and GMP certified dog probiotic supplement.
Why We Like It: Exceptional strain diversity and clean ingredients. Great for allergy-prone dogs or raw-fed dogs (organic certified). Easy mixing with food (even cats can take it). Shelf-stable so no refrigeration needed dog probiotic supplement.
Considerations: Requires careful dosing with included scoop (some prefer simple chew counts). Pricier than basic brands, but justifies the high CFU and quality.
Award: Voted “Best Powder” for dogs by The Spruce Pets.

8. Herbsmith Microflora Plus (Capsules)

Format: Capsules (30 ct) by Herbsmith (Dr. Chris Bessent, DVM).
Key Features: Combines probiotics (several Bacillus and Lactobacillus strains) with prebiotics (FOS) and digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease, etc.) plus soothing herbs. NASC-certified for quality. Suitable for dogs and cats.
Why We Like It: Very comprehensive formula – holistic approach. Blister pack packaging keeps probiotics fresh. Vets on Chewy praise it for resolving chronic GI issues. Good for multi-pet households (cats/dogs share).
Considerations: Capsules are size of vitamin pills; hide in food or a pill pocket. Slightly lower CFU count (~100M from Bacillus strains) but formula is broad. More expensive per dose.
Source: Featured by iHeartDogs as a top Chewy pick (veterinarian-developed).

9. Nutri-Vet Pre & Probiotics Soft Chews

Format: Chicken-flavored soft chew treats, 45 count jar.
Key Features: Combines probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) with natural prebiotics (inulin) and digestive enzymes. NASC-certified dog probiotic supplement.
Why We Like It: Very affordable option. Tasty chicken flavor most dogs accept as a treat. Good basic formula for maintenance digestive support. Prebiotics help feed the good bacteria for better colonization.
Considerations: Modest CFU count (usually around 1–3 billion per chew). Primarily a maintenance supplement rather than high-potency. Label is not very specific on strains/CFUs (limit notice).
Tip: Use for daily digestive health. Great for owners on a budget wanting some probiotic support.

10. Native Pet Vet-Formulated Probiotic & Prebiotic Powder

Format: Powder (120 g jar) in vanilla yogurt flavor.
Key Features: Contains 5 billion CFU from proprietary probiotics plus prebiotic fiber. Formulated by veterinarians. Added coconut powder for palatability dog probiotic supplement.
Why We Like It: Unique flavor (yogurt) appeals to dogs. Powder mixes well into any food or water. Good reputation for helping finicky dogs eat and improving stool quality.
Considerations: Only one main strain disclosed (“proprietary probiotic blend”) — CFU per dose fixed. Best for picky dogs who need flavor. Can be higher sodium due to flavoring (check label).

11. NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus (PB6)

Format: Pork-flavored soft chew (90 count jar).
Key Features: Formulated to contain PB6® (a Bacillus subtilis strain) plus digestive enzymes. 2 billion CFU per chew. Veterinarian formulated for cats & dogs.
Why We Like It: Good for senior dogs or those with digestion issues. Bacillus subtilis (PB6) is a hardy spore-former known to survive stomach acid. Chews include pumpkin and papaya for fiber and nutrients.
Considerations: Lower CFU count, and single probiotic strain. Focus is more on overall GI support with enzymes. Flavor is sweet, not everyone’s favorite.

12. Honest Paws Well + Prebiotic Probiotic Powder (Chicken Flavor)

Format: Powder (5.5 oz jar) in chicken flavor.
Key Features: 8 billion CFU per serving, plus organic pumpkin and coconut fiber (prebiotics), vitamins and enzymes. Specially formulated for cats & dogs dog probiotic supplement.
Why We Like It: Vegan-friendly, no dairy or sugar. Chicken flavor ensures dogs enjoy it. High CFU and added vitamins make it a robust supplement. Users report shinier coats and better stools.
Considerations: Spoon dosing required. Contains stevia for sweet taste (some dogs dislike intense sweetness). Needs refrigerating after opening dog probiotic supplement.

13. PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics (Duck Flavored Soft Chews)

Format: Duck-flavored soft chew treats (30 count).
Key Features: Contains Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus strains plus digestive enzymes and pumpkin. 5 billion CFU per dose (2 chews).
Why We Like It: Novel duck flavor for dogs bored of chicken. Good CFU level and multi-strain, including FortiFlora’s strain E. faecium. Includes enzymes for better digestion.
Considerations: Two-chew serving for full dose; small dogs may get a lot of calories per dose. Chews are very soft, so keep container sealed to avoid crumbling dog probiotic supplement.

14. Doggie Dailies Probiotics (Daily Probiotic Tablets)

Format: Tablets (30 ct) by Doggie Dailies.
Key Features: 4 billion CFU per tablet from 5 strains, plus pumpkin (fiber) and digestive enzymes. Tablets are about the size of an aspirin.
Why We Like It: Very affordable daily probiotic/ enzyme tablet. Veterinarian formulated and NASC approved. Many owners use it as a routine digestive supplement, similar to giving a daily vitamin.
Considerations: Tablet form – must hide in food or break apart. Not as high in CFU as some, but paired with enzymes helps picky eaters and occasional upset tummies dog probiotic supplement.

15. VetriScience Mega Probiotic Chews (Doggie Dailies Joint & Probiotic)

Format: Chicken-flavored chew (60 count). Actually a joint health chew with added probiotics (7 billion CFU).
Key Features: Multimode: contains glucosamine/chondroitin for joints and probiotics for digestion. 7 billion CFU of multiple strains, plus Yucca and Montmorillonite clay.
Why We Like It: Dual-purpose: great for senior dogs needing joints support who also benefit from gut health. Chicken gravy flavor appeals to many dogs. Multi-strain probiotics make it effective for stool consistency.
Considerations: If your dog doesn’t need joint supplements, the joint ingredients may be unnecessary. Best value if your dog truly needs both joint and probiotic support dog probiotic supplement.

16. Spring Naturals Daily Paws Probiotics (Powder)

Format: Powder (45g jar) with 10 billion CFU per ½ tsp serving. Vanilla yogurt flavor.
Key Features: Lactobacillus strains plus colostrum, pumpkin, and marshmallow root (for coating). High probiotic count and multiple digestive supports.
Why We Like It: Very high potency (10B CFU) in a small dose. Taste is appealing to dogs (even cats try to steal it). The added colostrum and herbs support gut lining health.
Considerations: Premium price. Shelf life is shorter once opened (refrigeration recommended). Scoop must be leveled for accurate dose dog probiotic supplement.

17. Paw Amazing Probiotics (Tropical Fruit Powder)

Format: Powder (2.8 oz tin), tropical fruit flavor. 11 billion CFU per scoop.
Key Features: Proprietary Bacillus blend (dairy-free). Includes prebiotic fiber (inulin). Unusual flavors like pineapple/banana appeal to a variety of pets.
Why We Like It: Very high CFU count and spore-forming bacteria for shelf stability. Great for dogs (and cats) that dislike creamier flavors.
Considerations: Pricey and smaller jar. Only available online at select retailers. Scoop is tiny – use carefully.

18. Dr. Mercola Healthy Pets Probiotic (Powder)

Format: Powder (2.4 oz jar). 5.5 billion CFU per scoop of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactococcus strains.
Key Features: Also contains probiotics for intestinal detox (Bacillus coagulans) and plant fiber. Emphasizes overall well-being.
Why We Like It: Dr. Mercola’s brand is known for purity (no fillers, no sugar). It’s small batch and third-party tested. Good blend of key probiotic genera.
Considerations: Lowish CFU count vs. similar size. No strong flavoring – may need encouragement. Hard to find at big retailers (buy online) dog probiotic supplement.

19. Doggie Dailies Fiber Probiotic Powder

Format: Powder (60 scoops, ~4 oz) with 4+ billion CFU per scoop and fiber (yogurt & beet pulp).
Key Features: Combines probiotic strains with soluble fiber to aid firm stool and gut transit.
Why We Like It: Great for dogs with occasional diarrhea or soft stool due to poor diet. Many owners report it significantly tightens stool within days.
Considerations: Contains yogurt powder, so not for strict low-dairy diets. Lacks the “fancy” marketing but very effective and budget-friendly.

20. Earthborn Holistic Probiotics (Alternate Pet Food Supplement)

Format: Powder (assorted sizes) as pet food/additive.
Key Features: Offers specific probiotic products meant to be mixed with raw or kibble diets. Typically 5+ strains, CFU in the billions per dose.
Why We Like It: Another vet-approved brand. Earthborn Holistic has multiple lines; their probiotic products are high-quality and often used by raw-feeders.
Considerations: Primarily sold through Earthborn’s site or specialty shops. Should be mixed with food (be sure to stir well).

How to Buy & Find Best Deals

When shopping for dog probiotics, compare prices per dose. Terms like “best deal dog probiotic supplement” or “affordable Proviable probiotics for dogs” can reveal coupons and bulk savings. Major retailers like Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart frequently run sales or offer subscribe-and-save. For vet-grade supplements (Proviable, FortiFlora), search “proviable probiotics for dogs near me” or check your local vet clinic or pet pharmacy. Reading user reviews (e.g. “Proviable probiotics for dogs review”) can also guide buying decisions. Be cautious: only buy from reputable sellers to avoid expired or counterfeit products.

In short, balance quality vs. cost: a slightly more expensive NASC-certified supplement may work better than a cheap no-name brand. Use price comparisons and keywords to ensure you get an affordable, vet-quality product. Whenever possible, buy directly from pet retailers or official brand sites to guarantee authenticity.

FAQs

What is a dog probiotic supplement? A dog probiotic supplement is a dietary product containing beneficial live bacteria (and sometimes yeast or prebiotics) intended to support the digestive system of dogs. These probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which can improve digestion, stool quality, and overall health.
Why give probiotics to my dog? Probiotics can prevent or alleviate digestive upset (like diarrhea) and support immune and skin health. They’re often used during stress (e.g. travel, boarding) or alongside antibiotics. Common uses include easing loose stools, reducing gas, and improving nutrient absorption. Vets also recommend them to help manage allergies, anxiety, and urinary health in some cases.
How many CFUs does my dog need? Most experts recommend 1–10 billion CFU per day for adult dogs. Puppies or very small dogs might need less. Check product labels: FortiFlora, for example, provides 0.1 billion CFU per sachet, whereas many capsule formulas deliver 5+ billion CFU. Adjust dose based on your vet’s advice and product instructions.
Are dog probiotics safe? Yes, for the vast majority of dogs they are safe. According to Cornell Vet specialists, probiotic products should be free of pathogens and not promote antibiotic resistance. Only immunocompromised or critically ill pets require veterinary supervision when using probiotics. Always start with a small dose and monitor your dog for any unusual reactions.
Which dog probiotic supplement is best? It depends on your dog’s needs. Veterinarians often favor FortiFlora (Purina) and Proviable (Nutramax) because of their proven studies. For everyday use, flavored chews like PetLab Co. or Zesty Paws are convenient. For budget buys, PetHonesty or Nutri-Vet chews are reliable. Puppies and kittens have special formulas. Read product reviews and consider factors like delivery form (powder vs chew) and CFU count.
How do I give probiotics to my dog? Sprinkle powders on your dog’s food, or offer chewable treats directly. Pills or capsules can be hidden in a treat or pill pocket. Many probiotics (like FortiFlora sachets) are designed to mix undetectably with food. Consistency is key: give them daily for maintenance or as directed by your vet during stomach upset.

Conclusion

A quality dog probiotic supplement can make a big difference in your pet’s health. By populating the gut with good bacteria, these products support digestion, immune function, and even mood. Our list above includes vet-recommended choices (FortiFlora, Proviable) and popular chews/powders from trusted brands. When selecting a probiotic, check CFU counts, strain diversity, and reviews (e.g. “Proviable probiotics for dogs review”). Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. Remember, a healthy gut often means a happy dog. If this guide helped, share it with other pet parents and leave your experience in the comments below!

Sources: Authoritative veterinary and manufacturer sources were used to ensure accuracy.