As the importance of gut health becomes increasingly recognized, many veterinarians are recommending probiotics for dogs. This has led to an overwhelming array of probiotic supplements on the market. However, one type of probiotic offers unique benefits not found in others: soil-based probiotics. Derived from soil-based organisms (SBOs), these probiotics can be particularly effective in addressing specific health concerns in dogs.
What Exactly Are Soil-Based Probiotics?
Soil-based probiotics are formulated using soil-based organisms (SBOs), which are naturally occurring bacterial organisms found in soil and water. These SBOs play a crucial role in supporting plant life by breaking down organic matter, fighting pathogens, and providing essential vitamins that help both plants and animals thrive.
Historically, these beneficial organisms were a regular part of the human diet. Fresh vegetables grown in healthy soil and unprocessed meats were consumed without extensive sanitization. This ensured a regular intake of healthy SBOs, which in turn supported the beneficial bacteria in our guts, bolstering our bodies’ resistance to disease.
However, modern agricultural practices, including the widespread use of crop chemicals and herbicides, along with food processing and pasteurization, have significantly reduced the presence of SBOs in our modern food supply. This is true for our canine companions as well.
Dogs, with their natural inclination to explore their environment by rolling in the dirt, digging, and even drinking from puddles, seem to instinctively understand the benefits of interacting with the earth. While allowing your dog to engage in these natural behaviors is beneficial, there are also ways to supplement these benefits directly.
Fortunately, you can replenish these lost organisms by supplementing your dog’s diet with soil-based probiotics. These play a vital role in maintaining your dog’s overall health. The most common bacteria found in soil-based probiotics are species of Bacillus. These Bacillus strains have been scientifically shown to support the microbiomes of both humans and animals.
Top Reasons Dogs Benefit from Soil-Based Probiotics
Here are ten compelling reasons to consider incorporating soil-based probiotics into your dog’s diet:
#1 Support for a Healthy Gut
Gut health is fundamental to overall well-being, and this holds true for dogs as well. SBOs offer robust support for your dog’s microbiome – the complex community of beneficial bacteria residing in their gut. By feeding your dog soil-based probiotics, you help cultivate strong bacterial colonies within their digestive system. Given that approximately 90% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gut, these colonies form the bedrock of their immune defense, protecting them against illness.
Beneficial bacteria act as gatekeepers, effectively managing and controlling “bad” bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. They function much like bouncers in your dog’s gut, preventing detrimental elements from disrupting the delicate internal balance.
#2 Management of SIBO
Soil-based probiotics are particularly well-suited for managing conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). In cases of SIBO, bacteria proliferate in the small intestine, leading to digestive distress for your dog. Unlike other probiotic types that can exacerbate SIBO by feeding the bacteria in the small intestine, SBOs offer a different approach.
SBOs are spore-forming bacteria. They are encased in a protective, seed-like shell that allows them to survive virtually any environment. In fact, scientists have documented Bacillus subtilis surviving in space for extended periods. This protective shell ensures that SBOs remain dormant until they reach the colon, preventing them from feeding the bacteria in the small intestine.
This unique characteristic makes soil-based probiotics the ideal choice for effectively managing SIBO in dogs.
#3 Support for Brain Health
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to its profound influence on cognitive function. Research increasingly supports this connection, explaining why individuals with chronic gut conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often experience depression or anxiety. Emerging research also confirms that Bacillus species have the capacity to produce neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby supporting healthy brain function.
Therefore, by supporting your dog’s gut health with soil-based probiotics, you can also contribute positively to their behavior and cognitive well-being.
#4 Strengthening the Immune System
Beyond balancing the microbiome, Bacillus strains within soil-based probiotics play critical roles in immune function. These strains possess valuable properties, including:
- Potent antibacterial action
- Effective antioxidant effects to repair cellular damage
- Immune cell regulation
Supplementing with soil-based probiotics also aids the immune system in building antibodies. Studies indicate that SBOs can increase the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), a crucial antibody that helps repair pathways and protect the gut lining. In the livestock industry, Bacillus has been observed to enhance immune function in pigs by improving intestinal mucosa structure and the integrity of tight junctions. This suggests that soil-based probiotics can help prevent “leaky gut,” a condition that compromises immune function.
Soil-based probiotics are especially beneficial following antibiotic treatments or vaccinations. They are also recommended during periods of stress, such as travel or competitive events.
#5 Fighting Superbugs
When bacterial infections occur, antibiotics are often prescribed. However, these medications can indiscriminately eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiome and weakening the immune system. This can leave your dog vulnerable to subsequent illnesses.
Fortunately, there’s a way to mitigate this risk. Research indicates that Bacillus strains can be effective against diarrhea, even when caused by challenging pathogens like C. difficile. Crucially, these probiotics reinforce beneficial gut bacteria while simultaneously combating detrimental ones.
#6 Reducing Antibiotic Damage
If your dog requires antibiotics, soil-based probiotics like Bacillus stand out as the optimal choice for safeguarding their gut health. The resilient spore structure of Bacillus protects them from the damaging effects of antibiotics. This means they can be administered concurrently with antibiotics, without concerns about interference between the two.
#7 Managing Yeast Overgrowth
SBOs can be instrumental in helping dogs who suffer from yeast overgrowth. Yeast issues often stem from previous antibiotic treatments or vaccinations that depleted beneficial gut bacteria. For dogs struggling with persistent yeast infections, introducing SBOs can help restore the necessary microbial balance.
#8 Antioxidant for Cellular Repair
The antioxidant support provided by Bacillus assists your dog’s body in combating cellular damage caused by oxidation. While oxidation is a natural metabolic byproduct, uncontrolled oxidation can lead to a cascade of problems.
Oxidation generates free radicals – cells that are missing an electron, which they attempt to steal from other cells. This can result in further cellular damage and potentially harm your dog’s DNA. Environmental toxins can also exacerbate the effects of oxidation.
This process contributes to premature aging and a weakened immune system. SBOs, however, can aid in repairing damaged cells. Scientific studies have demonstrated that specific Bacillus strains can promote intestinal tissue repair and enhance antioxidant activity.
#9 Controlling Inflammation
Soil-based probiotics are powerful allies in the fight against inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural healing response. However, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term health issues for your dog. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. If your dog experiences persistent inflammation anywhere in her body, she is at an increased risk for conditions such as autoimmune diseases or cancer. SBOs can help regulate your dog’s inflammation levels.
Research suggests that Bacillus strains can prevent and manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, Bacillus significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory immune cells, indicating that SBOs can prevent the body from overreacting to stressors, allowing for healing without excessive inflammation.
Common chronic inflammatory issues in dogs include:
- Allergies
- Leaky gut
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Autoimmune diseases
Regularly feeding soil-based organisms can help alleviate your dog’s inflammation and discomfort.
PRO TIP: Incorporating prebiotics can further enhance gut healing by providing nourishment for probiotics, allowing them to function optimally. Combining both ensures your dog receives the maximum benefits from her SBOs.
#10 Assisting in Cancer Defense
The immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties of soil-based probiotics contribute to your dog’s defense against cancer. Furthermore, they can actively combat cancer cells through other mechanisms.
Researchers have identified anti-cancer effects in numerous Bacillus strains. One study revealed that novel Bacillus strains inhibited ovarian and colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that Bacillus bacteria hold promise as anticancer agents against various cancer types.
Bacillus probiotics secrete a compound known as surfactin, a lipopeptide with demonstrated anti-cancer activity. Bacillus subtilis has also shown an ability to inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells. Soil-based probiotics have been found to enhance the efficacy of other nutraceuticals when administered concurrently, ensuring your dog derives the utmost benefit from all her cancer-fighting supplements.
Purchasing Soil-Based Probiotics for Your Dog
Finding soil-based probiotics for dogs is becoming increasingly convenient, with options available in both retail stores and online. When selecting a product, carefully review the ingredients. Opt for organically sourced ingredients free from added fillers.
Remember the crucial role of prebiotics, which nourish probiotics and support their proliferation. Studies have shown that prebiotics, when administered alongside Bacillus coagulans, can help reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore, prioritize products that include prebiotics in their formulation.
Dosage of Soil-Based Probiotics for Dogs
For a soil-based probiotic, a dosage of 1 to 2 billion CFU (colony-forming units) is generally sufficient for your dog. Unlike other probiotic types such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus species require fewer CFUs due to their spore-forming ability, which protects them from the acidic digestive environment and ensures their safe passage to the colon. Many other probiotic species are delicate and have a low survival rate through the digestive tract.
Administering soil-based organisms to your dog can be a powerful strategy in supporting her health and combating disease. And don’t forget the simple joy of letting her play in the dirt – a natural way for her to obtain truly organic SBOs.
