This month, we're working with Finn, a direct-to-consumer pet wellness company, to shed some light on an important part of your dog's overall health and well-being... probiotics! Here's everything you need to know about probiotics for dogs:

dog with fi collar, dog with probiotics, probiotics for dogs

Q: What Are Probiotics?

A: Probiotics are microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. The term “probiotics” refers to a class of bacteria that often naturally live inside of animals, and that play a role in improving or maintaining health. Other types of microorganisms, such as yeasts, can also be probiotics.

Billions of these bacteria (and some yeast) live in the gastrointestinal system of animals. These healthy gut bacteria balance the internal environment by helping to break down food, producing certain vitamins and nutrients, and fighting off potential pathogens.

There are many strains of probiotics, but the most common and readily available are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Some strains you may see on a label include Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium animalis (B. animalis).

Q: Why Are Probiotics So Good For Dogs?

A: Probiotics are most impactful in supporting your pup’s gastrointestinal and digestive issues! But in addition to aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy balance in the gut, probiotics help to:

  • Boost the immune system
  • Respond to stress and allergies
  • Promote inflammation management
  • Fight against harmful bacteria
  • Aid in nutrient absorption

These all support healthy bowel movements, decreasing diarrhea and flatulence (yay for healthy poops!).

fi collar, dog with probiotics, probiotics for dogs

Q: How Can Dog Owners Incorporate Probiotics Into Their Dog's Diet?

A: It’s important to note that dogs do have naturally occurring probiotic bacteria in their stomach and may have probiotics in their dog food, but a supplement is an easy and convenient way to incorporate probiotics into your dog’s diet to ensure they’re getting proper nutrients.

There are capsules and pill formats, though soft chews are the easiest to administer and your dog will love them (they’re treats!). We recommend finding a formula that includes several different strains, in order to cover all the benefits for the digestive and immune systems.

Finn’s Multivitamin is a great way to incorporate Probiotics into your dog’s diet, as it is formulated with a blend of 6 probiotic strains (including L. acidophilus, L. casei, and B. bifidum). The supplement also provides complementary all-around benefits including joint and skin health.

Q: How Do I Know If My Dog Needs Probiotics?

A: Probiotics are helpful to incorporate into your dog’s diet as a general wellness supplement, and can support their long-term health. More urgent indicators of a need for probiotic support though may include excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.

Some other occasions when probiotics can help:

  • If you’re changing diets, to help adjust and aid digestion
  • During times of stress or illness, to support the immune system
  • After a course of antibiotics or medication, to help restore positive gut bacteria

It is worth noting that sometimes, pet parents report upset stomachs in their dogs after starting to administer probiotics. But, this is common with any major adjustment in diet, so ease into using probiotics and allow time for your dog’s internal system to adjust. Always consult your vet before giving your pup any medications or supplements.

Q: Tell Us More About Finn!


A: Finn offers premium soft-chew supplements, with no unnecessary fillers or artificial preservatives. We’re creating a happier world where our dogs are as healthy as humans can be. They give us so much love and happiness, so helping them live their fullest lives is the least we can do in return :)

All of our supplements are endorsed by vets and formulated with real, natural, and organic ingredients. Our supplements are manufactured in the USA, and produced through cold-press extrusion to maximize the ingredients’ potency and efficacy.

Kickstart your dog's wellness journey by entering our giveaway with Finn to win supplements and a Fi GPS collar for your dog!