What Are Probiotics – FAQs
Probiotics are beneficial or “friendly” bacteria that live in the digestive tract (gut) and play an important role in defending both humans and pets against disease and illness. They are found naturally within the gut, but may also be ingested as a dietary supplement.
Most probiotics consist of bacteria from the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium groups. Taking supplemental probiotics helps to populate the digestive tract with “good bacteria” and bring natural balance back to your pet’s intestinal flora. This helps promote digestive health and enhance immune system function in your pet.
When should my pet take probiotics?
To keep pets’ digestive systems balanced, you can give them probiotics every day to support their digestive and immune systems. You may also give pets probiotics during times of stress (illness, travel, new environment, new pets), when your pet’s diet changes, and during times of poor digestion (constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues) to get the gut functioning properly again. Probiotics are also recommended for pets if they have been on antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. They will help replenish the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is often reduced during antibiotic treatment.
How do they work?
Liv-Pro Probiotics for Pets is sprinkled on your pet’s food or water. Once ingested, the probiotics pass through the stomach and travel to the gut, where they multiply. As they multiply, they crowd out the “bad” bacteria in the gut to assist in promoting and maintaining wellness. Liv-Pro Probiotics for Pets contains seven (7) live active bacteria strains that are safe and effective for both cats and dogs.
Do probiotics have a taste?
Liv-Pro Probiotics for Pets does not have a taste or flavor and is very palatable. It is available in powder form in a 100g packet that’s ready to be measured and mixed with your pet’s food or water.
How are probiotics shipped?
All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail (2 – 3 day service) with both dry ice snow and an ice pack to keep the contents cool. Our internal testing has indicated the updated packaging methods to be effective, but it is difficult to replicate the additional heat stress the package may incur in the vehicles and when left in sunny locations by the delivery person. Please work with your local carrier to place the product in a shady place, or have a neighbor pick up, if you will not be home at the time of delivery.
All orders will be shipped with a temperature sensitive sticker applied to one of the Liv-Pro packets. These monitor the temperature of the product throughout shipment. Orders are packed and shipped to keep the Liv-Pro probiotic packets below 80 degrees F while in transit. Although the package may arrive with the dry ice dissipated, the sticker will confirm if the temperature has exceeded the point where product degradation can occur, and for how long that temperature has been exceeded.
How should probiotics be stored?
Liv-Pro Probiotics for Pets contains live bacteria that should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as your refrigerator or freezer. The microencapsulation process keeps the live microorganisms stable.