Prebiotics are a hot topic in the world of health and nutrition, but not every pet parent is familiar with the term. Today, let’s talk about what prebiotics are, what they do, and how you can incorporate more of them into your dog’s diet.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are foods containing fibers that are not digested when they pass through your dog’s GI tract. When this happens, those fibers are slowly fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as they work their way through your dog’s intestines. SCFAs feed the good bacteria in your dog’s gut and help his digestive system function optimally.
Prebiotics should not be confused with probiotics. While both are useful within the digestive system, prebiotics do not introduce new good bacteria to your dog’s system like probiotics do. Instead, they give the good bacteria that are already there the fuel they need to thrive.
Benefits of Prebiotics for Dogs
Incorporating prebiotics into your dog’s diet can bring your fur kid a number of valuable health benefits. Prebiotics:
- Support good digestive health
- Increase nutrient absorption during digestion
- Prevent dehydration by regulating digestive processes
- Reduce inflammation in the gut
- Control blood sugar spikes
- Minimize the risk of digestive diseases like constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea
Dogs who are fed prebiotics as part of their diet are much less likely to suffer from stomach issues than dogs who don’t get enough of these foods. They’re especially helpful for dogs with a history of tummy troubles.
What Foods Contain Prebiotics?
If you want to start feeding your dog more prebiotics, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many different ways to do it. Prebiotics can be found in:
- Fruits like apples and bananas
- Vegetables like artichokes, pumpkin, and asparagus
- Whole grains like oats, barley, bulgur, and rye
- Beans and other legumes
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
You can increase your dog’s consumption of these foods by feeding them to him directly as part of a raw diet. Adding a scoop of pumpkin or a few apple slices on top of your dog’s daily allowance of meat, bones, and organs will help maximize the nutritional value of those staple items.
Most premium pet food brands also contain quality prebiotics that you won’t find in grocery store kibble. You’ll see ingredients like oats, beans, fresh vegetables, and other high-fiber foods listed on their label right alongside the premium meats your dog craves. Don’t settle for food that replaces these nourishing ingredients with cheap fillers like corn! You’ll notice the difference in how your dog eats, poops, and behaves in his daily life.
Shop for Quality Dog Foods Rich in Prebiotics
With a new year starting up, there’s never been a better time to work on your dog’s diet. For Your Fur Kids has all of the prebiotic-rich pet foods you need to keep your dog’s gut bacteria in balance. Visit us today to browse our selection of raw, freeze-dried, and dry dog foods and find the right one for your dog’s needs.
