Finding the right probiotic supplement for your dog can be tricky, with so many choices and claims about effectiveness. Probiotics are key for your dog’s gut health, support their immune system, and can even help with issues like itching. That’s why choosing a supplement that works and offers good value is important. In this guide, we’ve done the research for you—testing various UK brands to bring you the top picks based on quality, effectiveness, and value, so you can confidently choose the best option for your dog.
Keep in mind, this list is updated as brands change their formulas and new ones appear. This guide is designed to make it easier to pick a reliable supplement for your dog’s needs.
Vet's #1 Pick: DogSuppy Probiotics
DogSuppy Probiotics are 100% natural, heart-shaped chews designed to relieve excessive scratching, paw licking, and yeast infections in dogs. With 3 billion CFU of prebiotics and probiotics per chew, they promote gut and immune health. Safe for daily, long-term use, 83% of customers report positive results within 6 weeks. These tasty chews make it easy to support your dog’s well-being. Also, it’s the only probiotic chew brand where 90% of the good bacteria stay alive, thanks to a special manufacturing process in Belgium that keeps temperatures below 38°C throughout.
Pros
Developed to relieve dogs from excessive itching
Supports gut health and the immune system
3 billion CFU prebiotics & probiotics per chew
Suitable for long-term use, safe and effective for dogs that need daily support
Processed below 38°C to ensure around 90% of the good bacteria survive.
Cons
The product is relatively new in the UK, but it’s already the highest-rated probiotic for dogs in the rest of Europe, especially in the Benelux region.
#2: Animigo Digestive Probiotics
Animigo Probiotics are formulated to support digestive health in dogs, with ingredients aimed at promoting gut wellness. While not specifically designed for itch relief, customers have shared mixed results, with some seeing benefits, but it’s important to note that outcomes can vary depending on the individual dog’s needs. Regular use is safe, but for targeted relief of itching or skin issues, Animigo recommends other specialized products in their range.
Pros
The probiotics come in a chewable form, making it easy to give your dog the right dose daily
Supports gut health and the immune system
Suitable for long-term use, safe and effective for dogs that need daily support
The probiotics help strengthen your dog’s immune system by balancing the gut microbiome, supporting overall health
Cons
Contains 2.5 billion CFU per dose, which is slightly below the ideal 3 billion CFU recommended for optimal digestive support
Next-day delivery for Animigo products in the UK costs £4.99
Some owners noted that it didn't fully address their dog's specific digestive issues, such as bloating or irregular bowel movements.
These probiotics are not designed to relieve itching
The development process does not specifically mention involvement from veterinarians
#3: NutriPaw
We’re hesitant to include NutriPaw in this top probiotics list because, while it used to be highly effective, the recent formula change has led to disappointing results. Many recent users have reported that it no longer delivers the same benefits, with some seeing no improvement in their dog’s digestion or coat health. Despite this, we’ve chosen to keep it on the list in the hope that NutriPaw will eventually revert to their original, more successful formula. However, at this time, it’s clear that the product is not living up to its past reputation.
Pros
If NutriPaw were to switch back to their original formula, the product could return to being highly effective for gut health and itch relief, as it was widely praised before the formula change.
Contains a blend of probiotics that promote overall gut health and digestion.
Cons
Effectiveness has reportedly declined since the formula change.
Contains only 2 billion CFU per dose, which is below the ideal 3 billion CFU recommended for optimal digestive support
The refund process can be slow and complicated for dissatisfied customers.
Expensive compared to more effective competitors.
Why Heating Matters
Did you know that 90% of dog probiotics are made in the same factory? This is something most pet owners aren’t aware of, but it matters because of how the probiotics are processed. Most brands heat their chews above 40°C, which can kill the beneficial bacteria, making the product ineffective. Ideally, probiotic chews should never be heated above 40°C to ensure around 90% of the good bacteria survive. If you don’t pay attention to this, it’s almost like not giving your dog probiotics at all. This is why choosing the right brand with proper manufacturing processes is key to seeing results.
Our Verdict
Choosing the right probiotic for your dog can be overwhelming, especially with hundreds of options available on the market. Most of these products are average at best, often offering similar formulations without standing out in terms of quality or effectiveness. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the clear winner and one notable mention. DogSuppy Probiotics takes the top spot with its 3 billion CFU per chew, delivering exceptional results for both digestive health and itch relief. Not only is the product superior, but the company also offers outstanding customer service, a money-back guarantee, and has the added credibility of being developed by veterinarians. While it may not be as well-known in the UK yet, DogSuppy is the #1 probiotic in Europe, making it worth trying risk-free.
We also want to highlight NutriPaw, not for its current performance, but to make dog owners aware of the recent issues. NutriPaw was once a strong contender, but after a recent formula change, its effectiveness has significantly dropped, and we no longer recommend it. We hope this overview helps you make a clear choice, avoiding the many average options out there.
FAQ’s
Is there anything specific I should watch for when introducing probiotics into my dog’s diet?
When adding probiotics to your dog’s diet for the first time, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on a few things. Your dog might have mild digestive changes, like loose stools or gas, as their system adjusts, but this should settle down within a week. Start with a smaller dose and gradually work up to the full amount to ease the transition. Also, watch for any allergic reactions, such as itching or digestive discomfort, just to make sure everything is going smoothly. It’s always helpful to observe your dog’s behavior and overall health during this period to see if the probiotics are making a positive difference.
How long does it usually take for probiotics to show results in dogs?
The time it takes for probiotics to start working in dogs can vary depending on the brand and the specific supplement you use. However, based on feedback from dog owners using some of the best probiotics on the market, such as DogSuppy, 83% reported seeing positive results within 6 weeks. This includes improvements in digestion, reduced itching, and better overall well-being.
What is CFU in probiotics, and how many strains should my dog’s supplement have?
CFU stands for Colony Forming Units, which refers to the number of live and active bacteria in the probiotic supplement. For dogs, a higher CFU count often leads to better results. Most experts recommend 3 billion CFUs per dose to effectively support gut health, digestion, and immunity.