Can Older Dogs Take Digestive Supplements?

Yes, of course!

A combination of digestive enzymes, probiotics and fibre often provides the broadest support to the older dogs. But different dogs have different needs.

For sensitive stomach, the UK vets recommend to choose multi-strain probiotics or slippery elm. For Loose Stools, dog owners look for pumpkin or psyllium. After Antibiotics treatment, prioritise high-quality probiotics and prebiotics.

Let's consider some beneficial ingredients in more details.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of nature's best digestive ingredients. Its soluble fibre helps regulate bowel movements whether stools are too loose or too firm. As explained in previous posts, it's the Swiss Army knife of dog digestion :-)

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark forms a soothing gel within the digestive tract. Many owners use it to support dogs with:

• Sensitive stomachs
• Mild irritation
• Occasional diarrhoea

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium provides gentle fibre that helps regulate bowel movements and supports healthy stool consistency. For example, the product GastroBalance Constipation relief for dogs contains an important quantity of Psyllium Husk powder.

Kaolin & Bentonite Clay

These natural clays can help bind excess water during occasional digestive upsets. They're commonly found in fast-acting digestive pastes.

Ingredients to Avoid:

Some cheaper supplements contain unnecessary fillers. Be cautious of:

• Excess artificial colours
• High sugar content
• Low probiotic counts
• Proprietary blends with undisclosed amounts
• Artificial preservatives where avoidable

Transparency is usually a sign of a reputable manufacturer.