Similar to humans, dogs have friendly bacteria in their stomachs. This good bacteria makes it possible for them to digest food, fight infections, and reduce inflammation. It also strengthens their immune systems. And just like humans, dogs need to maintain a balance of these good bacteria in order to remain happy, healthy, and strong. That’s where homemade probiotic dog treats can help. Common ingredients like yogurt, kefir, kale, and carrots can all contribute to a healthy gut biome for your dog.
Homemade probiotic treats are a delicious way to maintain your dog’s health.
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What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are the unsung heroes of the digestive tract. These microorganisms consist of live bacteria and yeasts, and they are either “good” or “friendly” bacteria for a reason. They are essential to a healthy gut, helping both dogs and humans alike. Probiotics are crucial to your canine’s health, and if they aren’t getting enough in their daily diet, they might need supplemental help.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, gas, bloating, bad breath, or obesity, probiotics can remedy unbalanced gut bacteria. They can also help dogs have regular bowel movements and alleviate allergies.
Signs of Unbalanced Bacteria
There are a number of reasons your dog might need probiotics, like if they were recently on antibiotics or you changed their food. Parasites, infections, and spoiled food can also upset your dog’s gut biome, as well as stress, poor diet, and certain types of illnesses. If your dog is suffering from constipation, diarrhea, gas, or allergies, it’s possible they may have an unhealthy gut biome.
How can you tell if your dog’s gut bacteria is a little off? Aside from the digestive problems mentioned above, your dog might also have an unbalanced gut biome if their coat looks dull. Their skin might be dry and flaky, or you might notice your dog itching excessively. Other signs are foul body odor and/or breath, and ear infections — which are a sign of yeast overgrowth. If your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it’s possible they may need a probiotic supplement.
Consult your veterinarian before giving your dog probiotics.
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Of course, it’s important to first consult your veterinarian before giving your dog probiotics. But if your vet also thinks it’s a good idea, you can actually create your own homemade probiotic treats. They are easy to make, and they’re healthy for your dog.
Be aware that it is possible to change your dog’s gut bacteria too much, which can result in a condition called Dysbiosis, which is essentially leaky gut syndrome. So, while your dog might love these probiotic treats, be careful not to give them too many. Ask your veterinarian about the proper dosage for your dog to achieve a balanced gut biome.
Probiotic Treats
You can make homemade probiotic treats from ingredients found in your very own kitchen. Common household staples like yogurt and kefir can be used to supplement your dog’s diet, giving them a healthy dose of healthy gut bacteria. You can also use specialized powders to make probiotic treats.
These are just a few common foods that can help balance your dog’s gut bacteria:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Goat milk
- Green tripe
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Fermented vegetables
- Pumpkin
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cottage cheese
- Bananas
- Sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal
Recipes
You can use any of the above ingredients to make homemade probiotic treats. It’s easy and fun, and you can get really creative. Unless your dog has a sophisticated palette, it’s likely they’ll enjoy anything you make. But if you’re short on ideas, here are a few tried-and-true recipes your dog is sure to wag his or her tail for.
1. Yogurt Treats
- 1 cup plain, unflavored yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 banana
- Vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or seaweed.
In a small bowl mix together the yogurt and honey. Then, mix in mashed bananas or vegetables. Add a dollop to your dog’s daily meal.
2. Goat Milk Popsicles
- 2 cups goat milk
- 1 banana
- 1 cup blueberries
- Handful of kale
Combine goat milk with mashed bananas, blueberries, and kale. Pour into an ice cube tray and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze.
3. Probiotic Apple Sauce
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup kefir
Using a food processor, grate the apples until they become a fine mash. Add enough kefir until the consistency turns into a smooth paste.
4. Pumpkin Biscuits
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup kefir or plain, unflavored yogurt
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- 2 cups flour
Mix together the pumpkin puree, the kefir or plain yogurt, flaxseeds, and two cups of flour. Roll and cut out cookies, and bake them at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
5. Peanut Butter Bites
- 1 cup plain, unflavored yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 cup oat flour
Combine the plain yogurt with two tablespoons of peanut butter. Add the honey and oat flour. Roll into small bites and refrigerate for two hours.
