Dog owners are always faced with tons of options when researching probiotics and other supplements online. Shopping for the best or most individually appropriate probiotic can be stressful, especially when they’re not sure what to purchase with all the overwhelming brands and types. As probiotics and the research involving them have progressed, there is now a more natural option for those looking to use a probiotic that is dairy-free and organic.
Choosing the soil-based probiotic, Safe Guard focuses on utilizing natural ingredients found in the ground of the earth and has its own unique way of promoting a healthy stomach and immune system.
Natural probiotics: soil-based organisms
Soil-based organism probiotics (SBOs) are a supplement with bacteria that are naturally derived from dirt and soil. This healthy bacteria has been a part of the gastrointestinal tract of man and dogs (all creatures for that matter) for many millennia. They differ from traditional probiotics that use dairy-based bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
Safe Guard is an SBO probiotic that includes two types of bacteria; Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis (B. coagulans and B. subtilis). Both strains will work a little differently but will join forces to achieve similar results.
- subtilis is already a natural part of our guts microbiome and is best known for its effectiveness with constipation and bloating as well as its noticeable increase in the body’s gastrointestinal motility compared to other probiotics or laxatives alone. B. coagulans will help to crowd out any unwanted or unhealthy bacteria in the gut and is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, making it one of the best bacterial strains to use in dogs with known irritable bowel syndrome or other inflammatory conditions.
Other non-soil-based probiotics use the common bacterial strains called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are derived from dairy. Many pets that suffer from lactose intolerance or other dairy sensitivities would not do well to use this type of probiotic.
How does an SBO work?
A probiotic works by introducing new, good bacteria to the gut’s natural microbiota, which will help to create metabolites and a health-promoting microbiome. This interaction with the gut’s pre-existing microflora will improve the gastrointestinal tract’s ability to digest food and nutrients and most importantly, have healthy bowel movements. There is evidence that shows that having a healthy GI tract will only increase your body’s overall health and mental happiness.
Soil-based probiotics like Safe Guard will also work similarly, but they are much stronger. They are spore-forming and have a hard outer shell that allows them to last longer in their journey through the gastrointestinal tract, also withstanding heat and stomach acid which would normally kill other traditional bacterial strains. The extended shelf life is also appealing to distributors since other probiotics need to stay cool and do not last nearly as long.
Soil-based probiotics with Fulvic and Humic acid
When choosing an SBO probiotic that also utilizes the powerful duo Fulvic and Humic acid, Safe Guard is your safe bet! Many other probiotics don’t talk about the use of this robust and also soil-derived pair of complex molecules. They compliment the effectiveness of the natural soil-based organisms and promote an even healthier gut flora than with a traditional supplement.
Fulvic acids are actually a humic substance that is found in soil where organic matter has decomposed. Fulvic acid and its minerals have been found to be extremely beneficial when added to a daily diet. It will provide your body with a boosted immune system, increased brain function, decreased inflammation and fatigue as well as aid in iron absorption.
Humic acids are complex molecules found in soils, oceans, and freshwaters. They have long been used to increase the health of soil and plants but have recently been added to some probiotics. When taken as a supplement by dogs or people, it can be used as a detoxifier and an antioxidant, helping to purify the body’s system and balance the gastrointestinal tract. Some smaller studies have shown there is some effect of regulating the body’s immune cells, potentially preventing them from attacking healthy cells while undergoing some treatments like radiation therapy. Humic acid is also a fabulous source of minerals, including some more rare and trace minerals that are difficult to obtain through a commercial dog food diet.
Other natural sources of probiotics
There are certainly other sources of natural probiotics, such as foods like yogurt and kefir. While owners can add these foods to their dog’s daily diet and see if they obtain good results, but they will likely not receive the healthy amount of good bacteria that their pet’s body truly needs. Foods with natural probiotics are still beneficial and don’t hurt to feed, even when supplementing with a probiotic treat or capsule. But be sure to check the label of the products that you purchase, especially with yogurt since it can contain harmful artificial sweeteners that can kill dogs.
Supplementing with Safe Guard
Thanks to our dogs eating commercial dog food and being indoors most of the time, they are not being exposed to the earth’s natural soil-based organisms. Even the most researched homemade diets are missing the added benefits of soil-based probiotics. When dogs lived outdoors and ate off the ground, they were ingesting healthy probiotic organisms from the soil that naturally appeal to the guts microbiome. This doesn’t mean that letting dogs eat dirt will solve any gastrointestinal issue or boost their immune system, but incorporating Safe Guard will render the results owners are looking for.