Frequently Asked Questions – Fidobiotics

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live, naturally occurring bacterial ‘microorganisms' that help maintain gut microflora and helps support proper digestion and bowel health. Probiotics have a mutually beneficial relationship with the body, neither of which can live without the other. With 65% of your dog's immune system residing in the gut, probiotics support the immune system.

My Dog Has Allergies.  Can Probiotics Help?

Probiotics are great for maintaining a dog's healthy skin and coat, and may help with occasional or seasonal allergies. Probiotics are great to give pets or people with sensitive skin.

Does Age, Size, or Sex Dictate Which Kind of Probiotic My Companion Animal Should Take? 

Age, size, sex, and breed can all be factors on how your animal will respond to a probiotic.  Dogs and cats' metabolisms are similar in many ways to ours. All bodies respond differently depending on age, sex, breed, size, diet, stress, and environmental factors.

Where are Probiotics Found?  

IN THE BODY: The largest number of these special bacteria live in the colon, but billions also live in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, the skin, esophagus, around the gums, and in the pockets of our pleural cavity (surrounding our lungs). They dwell within the stomach, intestines, joints and vagina, around the rectum, under the armpits and toenails, between the toes, inside our urinary tract, and many other places.

IN FOOD SOURCES: Yogurt, Miso Soup, Natto, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kombucha, Kefir, Microalgae, Pickles, Tempeh, Poi, Sourdough bread.

What is the GI tract?  

The gastrointestinal tract is an organ system that runs from your mouth to your rectum. It is responsible for consuming and digesting foods, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste.  

How are Probiotics Sourced?

Most strains are directly harvested from a healthy person, animal and soil, then researched and produced in a certified manufacturing facility.  

What Are The Differences Between Prebiotics And Probiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fiber compounds (not bacteria) that nourish the current good bacteria in the body and also act as a carrier to the probiotics, enabling them to move through the upper part of the GI tract.  They keep the probiotics alive through the stomach and plant them in the upper and lower intestines. Prebiotics are the vehicle for the probiotics, both working together but have different health benefits.  

Does My Dog Have To Take Them Daily? 

Many studies have shown that your microbiota is determined in infancy. You can increase your probiotic profile and count by daily supplementation.  

    How Many Probiotic Strains Are Native To My Body?

    It is still unknown but scientists have found over 500 strains and are still researching and understanding the true complexities of these bacteria.  With the use of antibiotics that number can drop immensely.  

    What Are CFUs?

    CFUs (Colony Forming Units) are the number of viable bacterial per serving  

    How Can Probiotics Die?

    The two primary ways they can die are moisture and temperature. After ingestion, probiotics are vulnerable to antibiotics. If you or your pet are on an antibiotic regiment, be sure to supply the body with probiotics to make up for the loss of bacterial life.

    What Should I Look For When Buying Probiotics?

    Packaging: Packaging needs to be in a safely controlled package to reduce exposure to moisture and high temperatures. CFU: Claim of how strong the CFU per serving is (The higher the CFU count, the better). 

    Strains: The diversity of multiple strains will yield a greater health benefit

    For more on dog digestive problems or cat digestive problems

    For more on a dog calming aid and how probiotics and L-Tryptophan for dogs works

    For more on cat urinary health 

    For more on dealing with a cat with hairballs

     What is the NASC Quality Seal?

    Fidobiotics is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).  
    The NASC is a non-profit group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of companion animals (yes, this means your doggie and kitty cat). 

    Fidobiotics is both honored and privileged to provide the NASC Quality Seal and display it on all of our dog and cat probiotic products for the benefit of our customers and partners.

    We are happy to report that Fidobiotics and its manufacturing facilities have been audited and maintain a current status with the NASC and a recipient of their 2016 Visibility Award.

    For more on the NASC

    Other common questions:

    Are Mushrooms Safe For Your Dogs?

    How Do Dogs Get Yeast Infections?

    How to Calm Down A Dog?

    Can Dogs Have Ginger?

    Can Dogs Eat Coconut Oil?

    Dog Urgent Care - Maintaining An Emergency Kit

    Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

    Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

    Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

    Can Cats Eat Dog Food?