What are probiotics for dogs and how are they important? What are probiotics for dogs and how are they important? Have you heard the word probiotics but are unsure what probiotics are? Probiotics are live “good” bacteria that live in the digestive system and aid in the digestive process. They keep harmful bacteria like e-coli and salmonella in check by decreasing pH. Acidophilus and bifidus are non dairy probiotics that occur naturally in raw foods such as tripe (stomach) and yogurt, but they can also be given as a supplement. Puppies and older dogs, dogs under stress, nursing bitches, and animals undergoing a diet change are good candidates to have probiotics for dogs added to their diets. Dogs receiving antibiotics need to be supplemented with probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that are destroyed, along with the disease causing bacteria. For diarrhea and stomach upset, increase the probiotics for dogs using a simple fermented salad, found in this dog food recipe. Place green leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and dandelion leaves, in your food processor along with some probiotics and a sprinkle of digestive enzymes. Process until the mixture is very fine. Let it sit and ferment for 15 minutes, and then feed the “salad” to your dog. This combination will settle diarrhea and improve digestion in no time.