The Best probiotics for Cats 2023 - #1 is the cats MEOW
Most people think that probiotics are only for humans, but did you know that our feline friends can benefit from them, too? Here are the 3 best probiotics for cats
Cats can benefit from probiotics the same way humans do
With a probiotic supplement, your cat can feel better, have a healthier digestive system, and less allergies.
Keep reading to find out ChucksChoice for the best feline probiotic
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We love simplifying your shopping experience! It's so much fun for us (and satisfying) that we can’t stop! We love providing you with the best product options and make your choice an easy one! What can we say… we love doing research! Go ahead, call us nerds, geeks, Trekkies (ooh, Trekkie has a nice ring to it) but we’re doing our passion - and that’s good news for you! So we won’t waste your time (or money for that matter) giving you gobs of needless info or lists and lists of products. Nope! we’ll keep it to the most helpful information and simplify it to the top 3-5 best options. After all, we have to stay true to our name… this is ChucksBest - Shopping Made Easy.
How We Chose The Best Probiotics For Cats
Our team has read through thousands of reviews and performed hours of research to put together the BEST list of probiotic brands, so your cat can have a happier and healthier life!”
We narrowed it down so that choosing is as EASY as buying. Everything from products that your wallet will love, to premium products at a higher price point. There’s something here for everyone!
If you are also a dog lover, then you may want to check out our article about the Best Probiotics for Dogs (aka: mans best friend)
BUYERS GUIDE
so you can make a better purchase decision today!
So what are pet probiotics after all? How do they help your cat? Are they different from human probiotics and do cats really need them?
These are just some of the questions that my be going through your mind right now. Not to worry, we will answer these and many more for you. You can also 'take a scroll' (ha! see what we did there?) down the page to our FAQ's and Buyers Guide for even more helpful info.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the good bacteria that already live in your gut. When you take them as supplements, they can help improve gut health.
So what does that mean for you as a pet owner? When you feed your cat good probiotic bacteria, it does more than simply improve their digestive health. It replaces what most pets are missing in todays average lifestyle - the microbiome of other animals. In other words, birds and mice, which cats would consider their prey.
See, as gross as it may sound, that sort of diet is how cats traditionally ingested healthy bacteria (good and bad bacteria) by eating the microbiome of their prey. You would probably agree that most house pets don't get this kind of "healthy bacteria" often - if ever (insert uncomfortable chuckle here).
Charles Allred
So to maintain good immunity, they have to get it from somewhere else, (cue drumroll) and that's where probiotics come into the picture!
So now that we've answered the what, let's talk about the why There are a few reasons why cats need probiotics. The first reason is that probiotics help cats keep the digestive tract healthy. They do this by keeping the good bacteria in the gut balanced. This can help prevent constipation and other digestive issues like diarrhea.
They can also help with reducing inflammation in the gut and boosting the immune system. A strong immune system can help keep your cat free from infections. In addition, probiotics can help to detoxify the gut and reduce stress levels.
Finally, probiotics can also help with skin and coat health. They do this by keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness. They can also help reduce shedding and promote a shiny, healthy coat.
But you are probably still asking yourself: "are there special probiotic bacterial strains meant just for felines (or other pets)?". The answer is no. In fact most of what we know about probiotics for pets, comes from years of study and research of probiotics for humans.
Not too surprisingly, the same strains that help the human digestive tract, are the same kind of probiotic (or bacteria) that live animal microbiomes. The difference is that pet probiotics are packaged specifically to be palatable and easy to feed to pets. Now that makes sense.
Charles Allred
Finally, you may wonder if fermented foods can supply needed probiotics for your pet. Although it's true that some things like raw milk contain live probiotic bacteria, it is almost never concentrated enough to meet the supply that your feline's complicated microbiome requires to keep healthy. Here are some of the most common probiotic strains for animals:
- Bifidobacterium lactis.
- Enterococcus faecium.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- Lactobacillus plantarum.
- Bifidobacterium longum.
- Lactobacillus reuteri.
The easiest way to introduce probiotics into your cats diet is through supplementation. Animal Probiotics can be used strictly as a preventative measure. Giving your animal probiotics on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy and prevent disease.
When it comes to cats, the amount of probiotics they need is relatively small. So, you don't need to worry about giving them too much. Just look for a formula that contains at least 100 million to 5 billion CFUs (colony forming units) per serving. The higher the CFUs (usually) the better.
Depending on your feline, more species (probiotic bacteria strains) doesn't always mean it's better. Some cats have more sensitive digestive tracts than others. So if your cat is less sensitive to foods and isn't effected by allergies, then they might do well with a high species count.
Try a small amount of supplement to begin with, allowing your cat to adjust and give you time to observe your cats reaction to the new addition to their diet.
RECOMMENDATIONS
So without further ado, here are the best overall probiotic for cats
Why we like it
With an overwhelming 13,000 customer reviews and a 93 percent 4 and 5 star (combined) rating, it's easy to see that cats love the flavor of this probiotic. We read review after review that rave about how much their cats love it and how beneficial this product has been.
This probiotic comes with some added immune support for your cat. Along with it's effective and clinically tested strain, it also contains Vitamin C, E, and Zinc Proteinase supplements.
Purina has their own proprietary microencapsulation process which enhances the stability and longevity of the live microorganisms.
What You Should Know
This product is designed to help manage the diets of kittens and adult cats who have diarrhea.
Many users report that Purina Fortiflora specifically helped to reduce vomiting
It comes with 30 sachets that are shelf stabile and do not require refrigeration.
Why we like it
The USDA has certified that this product is organic. It's also made in the USA and contains 5 Billion CFUs (good bacteria in the form of live microbes) per scoop.
This flavorless powder is perfect for picky cats who turn their noses up at other foods. Simply mix it into their regular food and they'll never know the difference!
Comes with 50 servings, almost double the amount of many other brands.
What you should know
FERA Probiotics also contains prebiotics, which is a big deal. Prebiotics are essentially food for probiotics, and without them, probiotics wouldn't be able to do their jobs as effectively.
This probiotic is free of wheat, corn, soy, gluten, and dairy, making it a great option for animals with food sensitivities.
This probiotic is pure and natural, containing no additives, fillers or preservatives. It's also vegan-friendly, and free from wheat, corn, soy, gluten or dairy. So you can trust that you're getting a high quality product.
By the way, if you also have a dog in the family, be sure to check out this article about how to keep their joints and hips strong and healthy
On the off chance that you're a cat, dog AND horse lover, well... we've even got something for that too. Check out this article about the Best Joint Supplements for Horses.
Why we like it
This high potency formula contains at least 5 billion CFUs per serving which provides your cat with plenty of support for a healthy gut microbiome and maintain digestive balance.
PetUltimates is infused with 20 species of beneficial gut bacteria that help improve your pet's digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
Unlike most other brands, this probiotic will provide you with a whopping 120 servings. That's 3 MONTHS worth of additional servings. Your wallet will thank you by day 32 (insert GRIN here)!
What you should know
100% MADE IN THE USA - This product is made right here in America in a GMP-certified facility. That means you can trust that it's of the highest quality.
This probiotic is in an EASY-TO-SERVE POWDER form and can be sprinkled over your cat's regular food.
It's especially good at reducing known cat allergies and that pesky litter box smell.
FAQ's - Cat Probiotics for Digestive Health
You know what they say... "knowing is half the battle". This is especially true when deciding which is the best product to buy. If you have a burning question you need answered, well, there's a good chance you will find that answer right here, so you can finally put your mind at ease. We've put together a list of the top questions about probiotics for cats, which means the hard part is done. We'll leave the easy part to you! Enjoy.
Q. What is the best overall probiotic for cats
A. May brands of probiotics contain multiple stains. For cats choose ones that include Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis. These strains of bacteria can help with digestive and immune health, respectively.
Q. Can I give my cat probiotics daily?
A. Yes, you can give your cat a daily probiotic. Probiotics benefit kittens and adult cats, and are a great way to keep your cat's digestive tract system healthy and can help with various gastrointestinal issues.
Do Cats need probiotics with beneficial bacteria?
Most felines do not get the needed (good) bacteria from their cat food or other sources. So cats may suffer side effects like constipation. Probiotic supplements can benefit cats of all ages
Q. Are there side effects of probiotics for cats
A. Probiotics are generally considered safe for cats, but there are a few potential minor side effects to be aware of. These include digestive upset, diarrhea, and gas. These cases are quite rare since probiotics have been proven to relive those same symptoms instead of cause them. If your cat experiences any of these side effects, stop giving them probiotics and talk to your vet. It may be that some cats are not as tolerant to specific probiotic bacterial strains and require testing to find out which strain is best for them.
Q. Are probiotics good for cats with diarrhea?
A. some vets recommend giving probiotics to cats with diarrhea in order to help restore their gut flora. Probiotics can also help with other digestive issues like vomiting and constipation. If you're considering a probiotic supplement, talk to your vet first to see what the right probiotic option is for your pet.
Q. Are human probiotics good for cats?
A. Cats have a microbiome just as humans do. Many human specific probiotics contain the same strains as do probiotics for cats and dogs. The major difference is that pet probiotics are prepared in a way that will appeal to the animal's pallet and packaged in an easy to feed form.
Q. Are probiotics good for cats with kidney disease?
A. There is some evidence that probiotics can be helpful for cats with kidney disease. Probiotics should help improve gut health and reduce inflammation, which may help improve kidney function. However, probiotics should be used with caution in cats with kidney disease. Speak to your veterinarian before giving your cat probiotics.
Q. Are probiotics good for cats with digestive constipation?
A. There is some evidence that probiotics will be helpful for cats with digestive constipation. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve gut health. They may help to increase the amount of good bacteria in the gut and decrease the amount of bad bacteria. This can help to improve digestion and make it easier for your cat to pass stool. If your cat is having difficulty passing stool, talk to your veterinarian about whether probiotics are a helpful treatment option.
Q. What type of probiotics for your Cat is safe?
A. There are a few different types of probiotics that are safe for cats. The most common ones are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These probiotics can definitely help improve your cat's digestion and help them absorb nutrients better.
Q. Are probiotics for dogs and cats the same?
A. No, probiotics made for cats and dogs are not the same. Although they can safely take the same probiotic, and some brands do market a single probiotic for both dogs and cats, they may not get the full benefit, as probiotics for dogs are formulated to meet the specific needs of dogs, while probiotics for cats are formulated to meet the specific needs of cats. Dog probiotics may contain different strains of bacteria than cat probiotics, and they may be in different proportions and flavors.
Q. Can Cats Have Too Many Probiotics or digestive enzymes?
A. There's no such thing as too many probiotics, as long as your cat is tolerating them well. Some cats may have sensitivities to certain probiotic strains, so it's always best to start with a small dose and increase gradually as needed.
Q. How long does it take for probiotics to work in cats?
A. It can take a few days to a week for probiotics to start working in cats. Some probiotics may work faster than others, so it's important to consult with your veterinarian to find the best one for your cat. Probiotics can help with digestive issues, skin problems, and other health concerns.
Q. How often should you give cats probiotics?
A. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency of probiotic supplementation will vary depending on your cat's individual needs. However, as a general rule of thumb, it's generally safe to give your cat probiotics once day. If your cat's digestion is sensitive, you may want to start out slowly at every other day and keep to that schedule for the first week or two. then try increasing if your cat responds well.
Q. What is the best probiotics for cats with ibd?
A. There are a few different probiotics that can be helpful for cats with IBD. Some good options include Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora, Fera probiotics for cats and dogs, and PetUltimates probiotics for cats.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, probiotics are a safe and effective way to improve your feline's health and well-being, and can help your kitten or cat be happier and full of life. No matter which of our top 3 recommended probiotics you choose, you’ll find one to meet your needs.
And that’s it! Now you can feel more confidant as you shop and make a purchase decision today! It gives us great satisfaction to simplify the shopping experience and make it more enjoyable for you! Thank you for visiting our site!