Supplements questions

[u/GearZ_13]

Hello everyone, I have some questions about probiotic supplements.

We give our Jenna (8 months) once a day a sachet of probiotic Purina pro Fortiflora PRO, sold only at our vet for ~$65CAD/box, since 5-6 months.

We bought the famous Bernie’s perfect poop and my girlfriend started giving him a small teaspoon during dinner to see if her poop would be better and possibly pivot to it.

Question 1: is it ok to give both probiotics at the same time?

Question 2: is Bernie’s « better » than fortiflora PRO? Is it the same thing?

Question 3: while searching on Amazon, I came across the non-pro version of the fortiflora, but half the price. Is it the same, better or worst?

What probiotic do you give to your dogs?

Thanks

[u/r0ckithard]

Pick one and use it, not both. I think Bernie’s even has a warning about not being used with other probiotics (you could end up causing looser stool)? Whichever one you find gives you better stool consistency. Fortiflora is the Vet go too of course, I’ve heard of Bernie’s not working for some dogs. Olewo’s carrots are another famous addition for helping with stool quality (without being a probiotic). I think you could try the non-pro Fortiflora, it has always worked for firming stool up just fine for me

Not to be weird but what are the poops like with no probiotics?

[u/Look_Watch_Browse]

Question 1: Probably not giving them at the same time especially if they contain the same strains. I tried to find research to back up the thought that too much of a good thing is not necessarily good but came up short. I use Proviable DC and get them off Amazon, about the same as Fortilora.

Question 2: Bernie's Perfect Poop is a combination of fiber, pumpkin, two probiotics, and enzymes. Fortiflora is a single probioti and psyllium. So they are not the same. The additional fiber and pumpkin act as prebiotics, the enzymes supposedly aid in food absorption. But you can bypass Bernie's and use the Fortiflora PRO and add some and pureed pumpkin for about the same cost or less.

Question 3: No PRO and "regluar" are different, but that extra cost is for 1g psyllium fiber per sachet. Again, adding some plain psyllium husk fiber to the Amazon brand might be cheaper.

[u/Ishouldntlaughatthat]

We have the FortiFlora on a monthly shipment with Amazon (as much as I hate them) for $29.44 for 30 packets. Using it and keeping chicken off the diet has improved her poops.

[u/BGPu]

We give our guy Bernie’s with his morning food, and Fortiflora with his evening food. Apart from the occasional reaction to a greasy bone they keep him mostly regular

[u/Wrigleyville-Brit]

Out of curiosity, do you give your boy probiotics daily as a preventative measure or only when he has loose stools?

We have only turned to probiotics in the event of loose stools. He's now 4.5 yo and I'd say we've rarely had the need to use probiotics in the last 3 years.

We just buy probiotic soft chews from Amazon, which have served us well.

[u/soscots → u/Wrigleyville-Brit]

I give mine as a preventative mornings and nights

[u/soscots]

I give a probiotic and Bernie’s perfect poop supplements to my dogs meals per day.

I use dogzymes probiotics. This is my favorite supplement that I use and I’ve not seen any issues in the last 10 years giving this product to my dogs.

[u/PermitSpecialist9151]

When you say “poop to be better?” An occasional GI upset should be just that, occasional. There should be no issues daily.

Weekly issues a sign of something that needs to be investigated further. If this has been ongoing for months there could possibly be a food allergy. I highly recommend doing a process of elimination starting with processed treats. If issue continues then it may be the kibble. Fortiflora & Bernie’s Better Poop both are bandaids.

I do not give probiotics as I provide whole foods with the staple kibble. I use beef/pea protein (no grain.)

Whole foods: Fresh.. Blueberries Apples Strawberries Romaine Russet Potatoes Sweet Potatoes *Always check reference for canine safe foods. I provide these for added nutrition and healthy gut biome. They also make incredible high value treats and help keep breath and teeth fresh and clean.

[u/Don_MayoFetish]

Chicken feet and cod liver oil