When I remember,I sprinkle on Pooch & Mutt's Bionic Biotic, which claims to reduce itching and scratching, promote coat growth and healthy skin, and promote solid stools and healthy digestion. It's a powder, and they don't seem to notice it at all. As a change I sometimes give them a dollop of live yogurt.
Mine have a dollop of natural yoghourt or kefir on their evening meal and sometimes Bryndza a probiotic goat's cheese from Slovakia which they're particularly fond of. They always eat the "topping" first so I can only assume they like it!
Not as routine but I do give Natural Live Goats Milk Yogurt if they have dodgy tum or have been on antibiotics, no probs giving it.
I have cut back on some of Eddie's supplements, as I don't want anything to interfere with his thyroid / calcium / cholesterol blood test readings. (See the thread, Eddie's Ongoing Health Problems) - Sigh! However, he still has Actimel with Protexin, and Azz's invaluable suggestion, rejuvelac for his breakfast, and the sauerkraut (from which it is derived), with mixed veggies and Omega 3/6 on his main meal at lunchtime. Merry really didn't know what to make of this when she came, but was soon saying, 'I want some of that too!'. We are due for a new set of blood tests this week. I'll update the lad's health thread when I have the results.
One of my dogs became very ill because she lost the good bacteria in her stomach and intestines. She will be on probiotics for several months per my vet as she could die from this.
Pereg always had Green Dog Naturals, Whole Dog Daily, but because of her epilepsy medication she needed extra supplements. She also had bio yoghurt and being raw fed I gave her whatever supplements I thought she might be missing. Tiny puppy Tikva is now weaned and is two thirds on raw, so I have just started giving her supplements - she has a quarter of the Whole Dog Daily probiotic and so far she chombles it happily. I did give her bio yoghurt once but she threw it up so have not tried it again. Yet.
Might be worth seeing if she likes goat's yogurt. Supposed to be easier for them to digest. Can't stand it myself - nor goat's cheese or milk - but the dogs don't seem to mind!
That is an idea - the macolet now sells goats milk and yoghurt - I think they also have goats cheese. Tikva was just so young and had not been weaned, so it is very much "try it and see" now she is mostly on raw. Seems to suit her though so I am not arguing. She is just so tiny.
Seeing as I am as old as dirt...From an age before milk substitute for humans or dogs had been invented....When I had pups that needed to be hand reared I made formula from goats milk and honey just like was done for human babies back then. They thrived on it. Since then I have fed it to puppies, kittens, raccoons, squirrels, a prairie dog, pretty much any mammal, with great success. Oh, and one newborn harbor seal that was rejected by it's mother. It took almost a week to find a sanctuary willing to take her.