Probiotics are one of today’s most commonly recommended health supplements. From babies to athletes, to your own household pets, it seems as though healthcare professionals are pushing this button pretty hard. So what is all the fuss about?

What IS a probiotic, and how can it make my pet’s quality of life better?

First, it’s important to understand that the animal body (human and pet alike) produces many different types of bacteria – both good and bad. The “good” stuff is what helps your body function well, like the flora found in your gut. These microorganisms work hard, helping to break down food and keep things moving. Matter of fact, your intestines contain more bacteria than there are cells in the rest of your body. Take a moment to process that.

A probiotic supplement like ProbiotaMax contains high amounts of these “good” bacteria. The supplement, combined with the bacteria already present in your pet’s body, creates a more favorable ratio and balance of those bacteria. Adding these healthy microorganisms to your pet’s diet promotes better health, healing and happiness.

Physical Well Being

Keeping a healthy balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body is essential for all organs and systems to function well. When there are not enough good bacteria present in the stomach and intestines, it can lead to an array of health problems.

The primary system affected by the balance of these bacteria is the GI system. An imbalance of good and bad bacteria will often lead to diarrhea, constipation and indigestion. Your pet’s digestive system processes food less effectively, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients.

Poor nutrition (either from unhealthy diet or ineffective digestion) is a leading cause of skin problems, weight gain or loss, illness and innumerable other health conditions. Introducing healthy microorganisms through a probiotic supplement can help your pet’s body fight back against these problems.

Fighting Disease

Healthy bacteria found in probiotics helps your pet build a strong immune system. Probiotics can help your pet’s body to build compounds, like lactic acid, that are naturally antagonistic to harmful bacteria, yeast and viruses. Rather than fighting these bad microorganisms directly, a probiotic helps your pet’s body build its own defenses.
Some studies even show that the presence of certain healthy gut flora directly affects the body’s response to melanoma. When sufficient “good” bacteria is present in the body, your pet is more likely to be able to successfully fight disease. Their immune system and other vital systems are likely to be stronger and healthier than they would be without the help of “good” bacteria. Normal, well balanced gut flora is necessary for the body to respond to immunotherapy treatment and fight cancer.

Overall Happiness

Keeping healthy bacteria in the gut is also important for maintaining mental and emotional health. You already know that when your body feels healthy and strong, it’s easier to feel good about yourself. Feeling physically well is the best way to help your pet lead their happiest life.

In a study where gut flora from depressed mice was transferred to healthy mice, the healthy mice soon became depressed as well. This just goes to show that your pet’s physical well being has a direct effect on their happiness, after all. Probiotics supplements promote the presence and growth of healthy bacteria that help your pet feel good, inside and out.

Better Gut Health Means a Better Life

If you are concerned about your pet’s gut health or overall health, the best way to help them feel better is to take a look at what is going into their stomach. Healthful, nutrient-dense foods (like those in The Original CrockPET Diet) are the strongest foundation for your pet’s health. Giving them the additional support of balanced gut flora will help them make the most of these nutritious foods. While many foods naturally contain high levels of healthy probiotics (yogurt, for example), those foods are not always good for our pets to eat.

Adding a probiotic supplement to your pet’s diet is a great, safe way to ensure your pet’s body has enough “good” bacteria to function as efficiently as possible. If you want to learn more about optimizing your pet’s gut health, check out the Gut Instincts Course. You’ll learn more about optimizing your pet’s GI health, and the many ways that will improve their quality of life.

Always remember, Your Pet’s Best Health Begins in the Bowl.