Three Outstanding Probiotic Choices for Your Cat's Digestive System
**Article Title: Unleashing the Benefits of Probiotics for Cats: A Comprehensive Guide**
In the realm of pet health, probiotics have emerged as a popular supplement for felines. These 'good' bacteria support overall gut health, offering a host of benefits for our feline friends.
Probiotics, found in fermented foods, supplements, and even dairy products, can now be disguised as treats, such as VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday for Cats, which comes in a bag of 60 bite-sized duck-flavoured chews [1]. Another widely recommended pet probiotic is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora.
These treats can offer several advantages for cats. For instance, they help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, crucial for digestion and preventing issues like diarrhea and constipation [1][3][5]. By introducing beneficial bacteria, probiotics can also boost the cat's immune system, potentially preventing diseases [3][5].
Moreover, a balanced gut microbiome is linked to reduced anxiety and stress in cats due to the gut-brain connection [1][3]. Probiotics can even help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats by restoring gut flora balance [5].
While probiotics are generally safe, it's essential to consult a veterinarian before starting them, especially if your cat has specific health conditions or is taking other medications [1][4]. Choose a high-quality probiotic specifically formulated for cats, as human probiotics may not be suitable [2][3].
Follow the recommended dosage and ensure the probiotic is administered correctly, such as mixing it with food [1]. Monitor your cat for any adverse reactions, such as increased gas or digestive upset [4].
It's worth noting that supplementing with a high-quality probiotic may benefit the health of pets, according to Dr. Sarah Wooten, a small animal veterinarian based in Colorado. Probiotics can be beneficial for cats with diarrhea, stomach gurgling, bad gas, trouble keeping weight on, anxiety, and after a round of antibiotics [7].
The global pet probiotics market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7 percent during 2021 to 2028, according to a DataM Intelligence report [8]. With this growth, we can expect to see more probiotic options tailored to the needs of our feline companions.
However, it's not recommended to give probiotics to any animals that are severely ill or have a compromised immune system [6]. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best course of action for your cat's health.
References: [1] VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday for Cats. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vetriscience.com/products/probiotic-everyday-for-cats [2] Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.purinavet.co.uk/products/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/fortiflora [3] YouGov Analysis Institute. (2018). The Pet Food Market in the U.S. Retrieved from https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/xk50xz7yqw/The-Pet-Food-Market-in-the-US.pdf [4] Nutramax Proviable Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/proviable [5] Wooten, S. (2019, October 25). Probiotics for Pets: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/probiotics-pets-what-you-need-know [6] Common Probiotic Strains for Humans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-probiotic-strains [7] Supplementing with a High-Quality Probiotic May Benefit the Health of Pets. (2021, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/common-cat-diseases/probiotics-cats [8] DataM Intelligence. (2021, February 4). Global Pet Probiotics Market to Reach $1.8 Billion by 2028, Growing at a CAGR of 7% During 2021-2028. Retrieved from https://www.datamintelligence.com/reports/pet-probiotics-market
In the realm of health-and-wellness for cats, probiotics, which are found in science-backed supplements tailored for felines, can serve a dual purpose of fostering overall gut health and maintaining a balanced microbiome, thus helping prevent issues like diarrhea and constipation. Furthermore, these supplements, such as VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday for Cats, can strengthen the cat's immune system, potentially warding off diseases.