Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dog Food?

Are prebiotics and probiotics worthwile food additives
in dog food?

Good question!

Probiotics are microorganisms that help tip the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract toward the types of bacteria that maintain a healthy internal environment in the gut. They are popular supplements in both the human and veterinary markets, and more dog food companies are adding them to their kibble.

Prebiotics are fibers that stimulate the growth and function of the good bacteria and also rank as popular additions to food and supplements.

According to most veterinarians, the problem with adding them to food is that they are hard to quantify. There is no way to know how many are in one diet versus another, or whether the bacteria have survived processing, storage, and stomach acid. Since the amount and efficacy of probiotics in food is hard to measure, pet owners who what to give their dogs probiotics may look to giving them in supplement form.

Sounds similar to our unregulated vitamins issue. How do you know what is on the vitamin label is what is in the bottle or in the right quantities as well as good quality?

Research from Nestle Purina suggest that probiotics boost immunity in young puppies and dogs under great stress, such as working and performance dogs in harsh climates.

Apparently, no one know for sure if the probiotics in dog food are effective.

Pet Insurance Without Age Discrimination

Insurance doesn't help you if you can't get it especially for older dogs.

I found an answer - PurinaCare® pet health insurance. A website that allows consumers to review pet insurance companies - www.petinsurancereview.com - currently has PurinaCare® pet health insurance rated 8.77 points out of a possible 10. Now here's the good news - there is no age limitation! PurinaCare offers policies to any pet, regardless of age or breed.

I was impressed with PurinaCare® for many reasons. Here are just a few:

1. Purina® is a name you can TRUST - it has been associated with high-quality pet care for more than 85 years.

2. Simple plan options - They tell you what they cover and what they don't.

3. Coverage for hereditary conditions - Certain breeds are more likely to have certain specific medical conditions. For example, Labs often get cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hip or elbow dysplasia. Yorkies often suffer from bronchitis, digestive disorders and spinal problems. If a condition is considered "hereditary" because it is commonly passed on through the gene pool of the breed, many insurance plans will not cover it - but PurinaCare will, as long as it is not present at the time of enrollment.

4. No benefits schedule for accidents and illnesses - this means there will be no preset cap on coverage for the treatment of certain surgeries or illnesses.

To me, these features are important options that every pet owner should consider when choosing a pet insurance plan. Find out for yourself by learning more at www.PurinaCare.com or by getting a free quote.