Fortiflora is a probiotic given to dogs and puppies to support a healthy immune system and maintain digestive health. Stool quality is improved, and the intestinal system of the dog is balanced. Recovery time in studied dogs with acute GI symptoms reduced the time to resolution from 2.2 days to 1. 3 days. They were treated with 12 billion CFU’s of a multistrain probiotic. Probiotics must be able to survive inside the body for it to colonize the intestinal tract. This means that the product has to survive passage through the acid environment of the stomach and also not be degraded by bile. Contains a guaranteed level of a proprietary microencapsulated strain of viable probiotic (Enterococcus faecium SF68™) (5 x 108 CFU*/g). The microencapsulation process enhances stability, guaranteeing levels of live beneficial bacteria entering the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Probiotics nurture the health and immune function of the intestinal tract where a whopping seventy percent of the immune system lies. Probiotics enhance the mucosal health of the intestinal tract by displacing intestinal pathogens, producing antimicrobial substances and activating immune responses.

Pumpkin, honey and apple cider vinegar are not probiotics as they do not contain beneficial bacteria. However, they do contain fiber, oligosaccharides and pectins that promote the growth of probiotic bacteria which makes them prebiotics. Is there a downside to giving my dog a probiotic?

Product Overview

Your dog’s stomach only houses two primary bacteria strains. But there are more strains farther along the digestive tract in the small intestine. In fact, one study found 6 different phyla of bacteria in the first part of the small intestine. The second ingredient in FortiFlora for dogs is Enterococcus Faecium. It’s the only bacteria strain in the entire ingredient panel. Some dogs develop constipation or loose stools after receiving a probiotic or prebiotic. This typically can be resolved after adjusting the dose. When or whether your cat should be on a probiotic, and how long your kitty should stay on a product like FortiFlora, should be discussed with your veterinarian. But that doesn’t mean fermented foods without this aren’t good for your dog. They’re still prebiotic and postbiotic. And that means they help boost populations of good bacteria and provide health benefits to your dog.

Of the recommended probiotics listed, the brand with the fewest microorganism per dose (100 million) is Purina’s Fortiflora. This brand also has the fewest strains of bacteria of the bacterial probiotics listed: only a single strain. Enterococcus faecium is a microorganism not used commonly in humans as there is concern that some Enterococcus faecium can confer resistance to a powerful antibiotic, vancomycin. It so far is still considered safe in veterinary patients. Fortiflora is made with a hydrolyzed pork liver so it tastes very good.A 2018 article in Frontiers of Microbiology entitled “The Genus Enterococcus: Between Probiotic Potential and Safety Concerns—An Update” describes some of these characteristics. It’s true that some amount of cell death may still occur during a product’s shelf life, but this is one reason why such high levels of colony forming units (CFUs) are found in probiotics. FortiFlora contains 100 million colony forming units of Entercoccus faecium, which is a moderate amount. Some probiotics may contain billions of CFUs in different combinations. PURINA® PROPLAN® Canine FortiFlora® is a complementary pet food with live probiotic suitable for dogs of all ages, including puppies. It contains live "friendly" bacteria that help maintain intestinal health and balance, and a healthy immune system. FORTIFLORA® can be useful to help support digestive upsets or poor stool quality caused by imbalance in the intestinal bacteria. This can occur due to illness, stress, antibiotic therapy, dietary changes or just due to older age. Adding prebiotics such as metamucil to a dogs’ diet will increase the volume of stool they eliminate. Certain high fiber prescription GI diets such as W/D diet will also increase the amount of stool a dog produces. What foods contain natural probiotics? To make matters worse, before these ingredients get rendered they’re denatured. This means they get a coating of carbolic acid or cresylic disinfectant. These are both known toxins that will cause chemical burns and can even be fatal.

The authors of “The Genus Enterococcus: Between Probiotic Potential and Safety Concerns—An Update” discuss this as part of the risk/benefit assessment for using Entercoccus as a probiotic. The manufacturer also indicates that FortiFlora is manufactured using a proprietary microencapsulation process for enhanced stability to aid in passage through the GI tract. Any probiotic should be given 1 to 2 hours apart from antibiotic medications so that the antibiotics will work as intended. Allergic reactions and sensitivityProbiotics may be recommended for only a short period if a cat has a short, mild case of soft stool or diarrhea, or diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Dogs with parvovirus treated with Visbiome had an increased survival of 90% in the probiotic group vs 70% in the non-probiotic group. They also had a more rapid clinical course and improved white blood cell counts (lymphocytes). Fortiflora is available in both sachets (powder) and chewable tablets. Both are administered to puppies and dogs with digestive conditions. When pets have to travel or need a session of antibiotics, Fortiflora can set things right with the digestive system. Other zootechnical additives (improvement of gut conditions): Enterococcus faecium SF 68 NCIMB 10415 (4b1705): FORTIFLORA® can be given before and during anticipated gastro-intestinal stress periods, like travelling, to help maintain good faecal quality.