Why do we need a pet formulation for probiotics?
According to Dr. Becker, you are certainly not harming your pet by using human probiotics, but dogs are scavengers. They lick their butts and eat poop. Gross but true. Their "normal flora" contains strains such as E. Faecium (the poop strain) which human probiotic products do not contain.

Pets also do not continue to nurse (and not from another species, as most adult humans do by consuming dairy), so dairy related strains are  unnecessary for them. Pet-specific probiotics are geared for the flora found in their GI tracts, not ours.

How do I decide what pet probiotic product is best?
Trust us, all pet probiotics are NOT created equal. We found ourselves in the same predicament but were happy to see Dr. Becker respond to this issue. Overall, you’re looking for how many (strands) and how much (bacteria per gram), as well as a product that is produced in a GMP compliant facility.

Check out Dr. Becker's answers below to the common questions raised:

Probiotic potency is critical so knowing how many beneficial bacteria per serving it has will potentially tell you how effective it can be. Let’s take a quick look at a human example to make the point: As you know, a multivitamin can contain numerous vitamins and minerals, right? But if any of these ingredients are not included in at least the daily recommended allotment, their value may be limited. So you can see that, even if your probiotic contains numerous strands of beneficial bacteria, you need to make sure it also contains a sufficient number of bacteria per serving.

Many products today contain between 1 and 3 million beneficial bacteria per serving. This is okay. Any amount of probiotics can be helpful. However, in my opinion, if you really want to make sure you’re promoting optimal health and wellbeing, you can do far better. Ideally, I believe you’ll want to find a probiotic formulas with 20, 30, 40 million or more beneficial bacteria per serving.
 

Research shows many probiotics do not live up their labels. In 20+ types of probiotics tested in one study, researchers found instances of products that:
   ► Didn’t contain at least 10 strains of bacteria
   ► Were contaminated with such things as mold
   ► Had misspellings of the bacteria included
   ► Misidentified the bacteria included with outdated names and/or “nonexistent” strands
   ► Had no live bacteria organisms – which are needed to be considered a probiotic at all –
        and/or did not include the number of live bacteria expected to be contained based on expiration date

So, how do you assess a probiotic product's viability, potency & purity? In my opinion, the best way is to find a probiotic that is manufactured in a facility that has received the International certification for meeting or exceeding GMP Requirements (GMP Requirements in NSF/ANSI Standard 173, Section 8 for Dietary Supplements). GMP, or Good Manufacturing Practice, regulations require that a manufacturer take proactive steps to help ensure their product is safe, potent, and pure, and that their manufacturing process is technologically adequate to avoid contaminations or errors. Having a GMP certification from an independent testing organization like NSF International helps ensure that a product is sufficiently potent to be effective and safe.

But, how can you determine if a probiotic has a GMP certification? Such information is not usually found on a label, so further research will be needed to be sure that your selected probiotic has received this certification.

Contains multiple strains of good bacteria?

YES – Many probiotics contain one or two strains that, on their own, may not be able to do enough. Other products also have competing strains that fight for the same resources, so you may not see the full benefit of the probiotics.

Many probiotics contain one or two strains that, on their own, may not be able to do enough. Other products also have competing strains that fight for the same resources, so you may not see the full benefit of the probiotics.

Delivers a potent formula?

YES –Some probiotic formulas may contain only a few billion beneficial bacteria.

Some probiotic formulas may contain only a few billion beneficial bacteria.

Manufactured to deliver live, viable organisms?

Many "bargain" products are manufactured without consideration of exposing delicate organisms to heat, air or moisture -- factors that can damage or destroy them.

GMP certified?

Many products do not receive this certification, so you can never be sure if your pet is really getting what you think. At best, you’re just wasting money on an ineffective product. At worst, potential harm can result.

Beneficial bacteria reach the small intestine?

YES – Not all supplements include live organisms, or clearly explain the way to take them for best results. Some acidophilus-based products actually may not survive your pet’s stomach acidity.

Not all supplements include live organisms, or clearly explain the way to take them for best results. Some acidophilus-based products actually may not survive your pet’s stomach acidity.

Easy to store?

YES – Many require refrigeration, making them impractical or inconvenient to store where you feed your pets.

Many require refrigeration, making them impractical or inconvenient to store where you feed your pets.

Meets the criteria for a beneficial probiotic?

YES – Many probiotics aren't as beneficial in that they don't deliver on all of the criteria. Whether it's the strains they contain, the way they are manufactured, or the fact that some just don't survive the rigors of your pet’s stomach acid, it's important for you to be aware -- so you know your pet is getting the "true" value of probiotic supplementation.

Many probiotics aren't as beneficial in that they don't deliver on all of the criteria. Whether it's the strains they contain, the way they are manufactured, or the fact that some just don't survive the rigors of your pet’s stomach acid, it's important for you to be aware -- so you know your pet is getting the "true" value of probiotic supplementation.

You Deserve Only the Best… You Have Dr. Karen Becker's Promise
Dr. Becker sought to create a probiotic that met her highest expectations, as well as exceeded all others on the market today, in her opinion. Working with leaders in the industry, she has created a product that has a special blend of 10 beneficial bacteria strains with over 58 billion active units per serving when used by the expiration date printed on the package, and is certified as GMP Compliant by NSF International for NSF/ANSI Standard 173, Section 8 for Dietary Supplements.

Karen Becker DVM NMD, one of Chicago's Top Ten Vets, according to Chicago Magazine, graduated from the Iowa State School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, opened the Natural Pet Animal Hospital in 1999, and became a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor in 2003.

She is a member of the following organizations: American Veterinary Medical Association, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association,  Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Wildlife Veterinarians,  International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Association of Veterinary Acupuncturists, Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. She is a frequent lecturer on wildlife rehabilitation and holistic pet care.