Have you ever noticed your pets looking up at you resentfully as you down supplements for better health, while all they get to eat is a bowl of dry kibble? If so, there could be a way to win back their affection—the Wall Street Journal reported that companies are increasingly offering probiotic products for pets. Some of these companies even have a few studies showing that probiotics can prevent or ease diarrhea in cats and dogs, especially in stressed animals. For example, a small study presented in 2011 found that dogs given probiotics for stress-related diarrhea recovered two days earlier than dogs receiving a placebo. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the science on the use of probiotics for pets lags behind the research on probiotics for humans; therefore, according to scientists, it is not necessarily advisable to give probiotics to pets for general health maintenance. Additionally, not all products are created equal—some do not contain the ingredients stated on the label, while other labels fail to clearly list the ingredients. This makes it especially important to find a trusted brand, or even better, to consult with a veterinarian before making a purchase.

Source: The Wall Street Journal