Pre- and Post-biotics: Why They Are Both Important for Your Dog
What Are Pre- and Post-biotics?
Gut health has become a growing focus in the human health industry—so why should it be any different for dogs? While many pet foods overlook the importance of a well-balanced gut, we know that prebiotics and postbiotics play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. That’s why ButcherBox For Pets carefully formulates our line of Premium Nutrition dog food with key gut-supporting ingredients to help dogs thrive.
At ButcherBox For Pets, we go beyond basic gut health by formulating Premium Nutrition Dog Food lines with gut-health ingredients like Fructooligosaccharides (a powerful prebiotic) and EpiCor yeast culture (a clinically studied postbiotic-read here and here). In addition, many of our whole food ingredients—like chickpeas, whole oats, and dried kelp—naturally contain pre- and post-biotics, further supporting digestion and immune health. These gut-supporting ingredients, combined with pasture-raised beef and other whole foods, help dogs thrive by promoting optimal digestion, reducing inflammation, strengthening their immune system, and supporting better nutrient absorption for increased energy, healthier skin, and a shinier coat.
Prebiotics: Fuel for Your Dog’s Healthy Gut
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Unlike probiotics (which introduce new bacteria), prebiotics nourish the existing good bacteria, helping them thrive and multiply.
Why Are Prebiotics Important?
- Support Digestion: Pre-biotics help balance gut bacteria, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Boost Immunity: A healthy gut microbiome strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of illness.
- Promote Regularity: They support regular bowel movements and reduce the likelihood of digestive issues.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): The Super Prebiotic in Our Dog Food
One of the standout ingredients in our Premium Slow-Cooked Nutrition and Premium Puppy Nutrition is Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic that has been shown to:
- Encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria to support digestion.
- Reduce gas and stool odor by promoting a balanced microbiome.
- Enhance nutrient absorption, leading to better overall health.
Other Natural Pre-biotic Sources in Our Food
Our formulas also contains additional pre-biotic ingredients, including:
Chickpeas – A fiber-rich legume that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestive regularity and a balanced microbiome. They are also a great source of plant-based protein, folate (for cell function and growth), and iron (for oxygen transport in the blood), contributing to overall energy and well-being.
Whole Oats – A gentle, nourishing fiber source that supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. They are also packed with beta-glucans, which help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health, along with essential minerals like manganese and phosphorus for bone strength and metabolism.
Sweet Potatoes – A rich source of dietary fiber, plus essential nutrients like vitamin A (for immune support and vision health), vitamin C (for antioxidant benefits), potassium (for muscle and nerve function), and manganese (for metabolism and bone health), all of which contribute to better digestion and overall well-being.
Dried Kelp - A natural source of iodine, which supports thyroid function and metabolism, along with prebiotic fibers that promote healthy gut bacteria. It also contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron that contribute to strong bones, improved digestion, and overall wellness.
Postbiotics: The Powerful Byproducts of Good Bacteria
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced when good bacteria (probiotics) digest prebiotics. These include enzymes, peptides, and organic acids that contribute to a healthy gut and immune system.
Why Are Postbiotics Important?
- Aid Nutrient Absorption: They help the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
- Support a Strong Immune System: Postbiotics contribute to a well-balanced gut microbiome, which plays a major role in immunity.
- Reduce Inflammation: They help reduce gut inflammation, leading to improved digestion and overall well-being.
EpiCor Yeast Culture: The Advanced Postbiotic in Our Slow-Cooked Formulas
We’ve taken postbiotics a step further with EpiCor yeast culture, a postbiotic backed by research for its incredible health benefits. EpiCor has been shown to:
- Support immune function by providing essential compounds that nourish gut health.
- Improve digestion by reducing gut inflammation and balancing microbiota.
- Enhance skin and coat health, making your dog’s fur shinier and reducing itchiness.
Other Natural Postbiotic Sources in Our Food
In addition to EpiCor yeast culture, our food naturally supports post-biotic production through whole food ingredients, like:
Salmon Oil – Rich in Omega-3s which work alongside postbiotics to reduce inflammation and support digestion.
Pasture-Raised Beef & Organ Meats – Nutrient-dense proteins that provide essential amino acids and work with postbiotics for optimal gut health.
Chicken & Organ Meats – A high-quality protein source that supplies essential amino acids and naturally occurring peptides, which can aid in digestion and work alongside postbiotics to promote gut health and overall wellness.
How to Choose the Best Food for Your Dog’s Gut Health
When selecting a dog food, look for:
- Pre-biotics like Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), chickpeas, and whole oats to fuel beneficial gut bacteria.
- Post-biotics like EpiCor yeast culture and salmon oil to support immune function.
- High-quality, ethically sourced proteins like pasture-raised beef and organ meats for optimal nutrition.
- Minimally processed, whole-food recipes that preserve natural benefits and make digestion easier.
At ButcherBox For Pets, we’ve crafted a Premium Slow-Cooked Nutrition formula that checks all these boxes—so your dog gets the best, naturally. Our Premium Nutrition line includes yeast culture, a key postbiotic that supports gut and immune health, while our Puppy formula features Fructooligosaccharides (a powerful prebiotic) to promote a healthy gut microbiome and digestion
Final Thoughts From the Bowl
Pre- and post-biotics are key to your dog’s health, working together to nourish gut bacteria, support digestion, and boost immunity. While many pet food brands overlook these essential nutrients, ButcherBox For Pets ensures that every bowl of Premium Slow-Cooked Nutrition dog food is packed with Fructooligosaccharides and EpiCor yeast culture for maximum gut health benefits.
Want to give your dog the best in nutrition? Let us help you create the perfect custom plan for your furry family member today.