Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s best for your dog?

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GUT MICROBIOME?

Imagine a tiny, bustling city living inside your dog’s digestive tract – trillions of bacteria, yeasts, and other microbes all working around the clock to keep things running smoothly. Each microbe has its own job: some help break down food, others produce vitamins, and many act as defenders, stopping harmful bugs from taking over. It’s a delicate ecosystem, and when it’s in balance, it supports everything from digestion to immune defense to mood. These microbes thrive in the nutrient-rich environment of the gut, feeding on fibers and compounds the body can’t digest on its own. And in return, they give back in several important ways: producing short-chain fatty acids, keeping inflammation in check, and even helping the brain stay calm and focused.

This internal ecosystem helps with:

• Nutrient absorption – making sure they get the most out of their food
• Immune function – about 70% of the immune system hangs out in or near the gut
• Skin health – yes, really!
• Mood and behaviour – because of the gut-brain axis (yes, dogs have one too)

When your dog’s microbiome is balanced and diverse, they’re more likely to be happy, healthy, and energetic. But when it’s out of whack? Cue the itchy skin, loose stools, bad breath, and unpredictable behaviour.

PREBIOTICS 101: FUEL FOR GUT BACTERIA

So, what are prebiotics?

In simple terms, they’re special types of non-digestible fibres that act as food for the good bacteria already living in your dog’s gut. Think of them as fertiliser for that microbial garden – without them, those beneficial bugs can’t flourish.

Why they matter:

• They help maintain balance in the microbiome.
• They support digestion and immune health.
• And they lay the groundwork for probiotics to work well.

Some natural prebiotics you might spot in high-quality dog food:

• Burdock root
• Jerusalem artichoke
• Apples
• Sweet potato

Herbie Wilde heroes? Chicory extract (a rich source of MOS and FOS), apple fibre, alfalfa, and more. These gentle, plant-based fibres keep your dog’s gut bacteria fuelled and thriving.

PREBIOTICS 101: THE FRIENDLY BACTERIA

And now for the other piece of the puzzle – probiotics.

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that you can introduce into your dog’s gut, often through supplements or specially made treats. They’re like sending in reinforcements when your dog’s gut needs a helping hand.

When can probiotics help?

• After a course of antibiotics
• During stressful periods (travel, moving house, new puppy at home)
• During or after a bout of tummy upset

But here’s the thing: probiotics are a bit… delicate. They don’t always survive the manufacturing process of dry kibble, and many need refrigeration to stay alive. That’s why shelf-stable probiotic supplements or fresh, dog-specific strains are usually your best bet if your dog genuinely needs them.

PREBIOTICS VS PROBIOTICS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Here’s a quick side-by-side to make it easy:

So, do dogs need both? Sometimes. But if your dog’s already eating a gut-friendly, fibre-rich diet, you might not need to supplement with probiotics every day.

NATURAL GUT HEALTH – THE HERBIE WILDE WAY

At Herbie Wilde, they’re pretty obsessed with gut health. It’s why their plant-powered recipes are packed with 39 different ingredients. Not to pad out the label – but to feed the microbiome with the diversity it needs.

Our ingredients like:

• Chicory
• Sweet potato
• Apples
• Blueberries
  

 … aren’t just tasty – they’re doing serious work behind the scenes to balance your dog’s gut bacteria and support overall wellbeing.

And because they only use clean, ethically sourced ingredients, there’s nothing in there to upset the gut or cause inflammation.

WHEN PROBIOTICS MIGHT STILL BE HELPFUL

There are times when a little boost from probiotics can make all the difference:

• After antibiotics – because antibiotics can wipe out both good and bad bacteria
• During big life changes – like moving, new pets, or holidays
• Tummy trouble – diarrhoea, gas, or digestive upset

Look for products with dog-specific strains (like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis) and avoid anything that doesn’t clearly list the strains and amounts.

And always opt for vet-approved options – your dog’s gut isn’t the place to guess.

THE TAKEAWAY – IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

At the end of the day, good gut health doesn’t have to mean expensive powders or endless supplements.

Start with a diverse, high-quality diet rich in natural prebiotics and you’ve already laid a brilliant foundation. For most dogs, that’s enough to keep their microbiome humming along nicely.

And if you do need to bring in probiotics occasionally? That’s fine too – just make sure they’re the right kind, at the right time.

Because behind every tail wag is a gut that’s working hard to keep your dog feeling their best.