5 things to look for in a probiotic supplement for pets
There are plenty of probiotic supplements for pets on the market, but how can you tell whether a product is good enough to give to your pet? We’ve compiled a list of 5 things to look for when you are shopping for a probiotic supplement.
1. Does the product contain multiple strains of probiotics?
Many probiotic products for pets contain only 1-6 strains (species) of bacteria. Although these supplements may help your pet in small ways, they may not be complete enough to really help your pet long term with lasting effects. Look for a probiotic supplement with multiple probiotic strains, and then research why each strain is beneficial for your pet. You will find that a more complete product will offer a broader spectrum of health benefits.
2. Does the product deliver a potent formula?
Look for a product with an enzyme mineral delivery system. A delivery system will help ensure complete assimilation and digestion of the product, delivering the nutrients to the blood stream as quickly as possible.
3. Does the product contain live organisms?
The FDA requires probiotic supplement companies to print the manufacture date somewhere on the bottle. Take note of how many CFU’s (Colony Forming Units- or bacteria count) are in the product at the time of manufacture, and then locate the number of CFU’s alive at the time of expiration. If this information is not on the label, call the company and request it. If a company is not willing to or cannot provide this information, it most likely means the probiotic count is extremely low, or that they have not performed extensive tests to verify the potency of their probiotics. Either way, steer clear of the product, and opt for one that has a high number of CFU’s at expiration.
4. Does the product require refrigeration?
All probiotics will benefit from refrigeration. However, if your probiotic product contains live bacteria and states that refrigeration is not required, this is a sign of strong probiotics. If a product will maintain potency at room temperature, it has a better change of maintaining potency in the stomach and intestines.
5. Is the product human grade?
True, your pet’s supplements need to be formulated just for pets. There are many human supplements on the market that would be harmful if given to a pet. But most importantly, is the product human grade? This means that the product is made in a made at a GMP and NSF certified facility. The product must be safe to keep around the house, especially homes with small children. Read: What are “Human Grade” Pet Products?
Total-Biotics®
- Contains 12 strains of probiotic species. Click here for our complete list of probiotics and their benefits.
- Contains the L.E.A.D.S.® Live Enzyme Activated Delivery System®. Read: What is L.E.A.D.S.®?
- Contains 1.25 Billion CFUs of live probiotics per serving at time of manufacture, and can be stored at room temperature with this guaranteed amount of CFUs until 1 year after the date of manufacture. To extend the life of the probiotics past the expiration date, store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Are made at “Human Grade” facilities, with GMP and NSF certifications and third party testing.
Compare Total-Biotics® to the most popular probiotic supplements for pets.
If you have any questions about our unique formulas, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We know you won’t settle for anything less when it comes to your pet!
Visit NWCpet.com for more information.
