Researchers tested a special supplement made from natural ingredients on dogs and cats with mild stomach problems like soft stools and gas. The supplement contained prebiotics (food for good bacteria) and postbiotics (inactive beneficial bacteria). After just 28 days, both dogs and cats showed significant improvement in their digestive health, with most pets feeling better by day 7. The supplement also changed the types of bacteria in their guts in healthy ways. Most pets happily ate the supplement mixed with their regular food, making it easy for owners to use.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a supplement containing prebiotics and postbiotics could help dogs and cats with mild digestive problems like soft stools, too many bowel movements, or gas.
- Who participated: 57 healthy dogs and 57 healthy cats with mild stomach issues. A smaller group (35 dogs and 27 cats) also had their poop tested to check their gut bacteria.
- Key finding: By day 7, both dogs and cats showed meaningful improvement in digestive signs. The supplement also changed which bacteria lived in their guts, increasing helpful types while keeping the overall bacterial community balanced.
- What it means for you: If your dog or cat has mild digestive problems, this supplement may help them feel better quickly and safely. However, this study was done on healthy pets with mild issues, so talk to your vet before using it, especially if your pet has serious digestive problems.
The Research Details
Scientists gave dogs and cats a special supplement for 28 days and tracked how their digestion improved. Pet owners filled out questionnaires at regular times to report whether their pets’ poop looked better, whether they had fewer bowel movements, and whether they had less gas. Before and after the study, the researchers analyzed poop samples from some of the pets to see what bacteria were living in their guts. This approach let them measure both what pet owners could see (better digestion) and what scientists could measure in the lab (changes in gut bacteria).
This study design is important because it combines two types of information: what pet owners actually observe (which matters most for real life) and scientific measurements of gut bacteria (which helps explain why the supplement works). By testing both dogs and cats, the researchers could see if the supplement works the same way for different types of pets.
The study included a decent number of pets (114 total) and measured results at multiple time points, which makes the findings more reliable. The fact that most pets accepted the supplement (94% of dogs, 91% of cats) shows it’s practical for real-world use. However, this study didn’t include a control group that didn’t get the supplement, which would have made the results even stronger. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication.
What the Results Show
The supplement worked quickly and noticeably. By day 7 (just one week), both dogs and cats showed significant improvement in their digestive signs. This improvement continued through the end of the 28-day study. The improvements were measurable and meaningful—pets had fewer soft stools, more normal bowel movement frequency, and less gas. The fact that improvements appeared so quickly suggests the supplement starts working right away in the digestive system. Pet owners reported these improvements through questionnaires, so these are real-world benefits that people could actually see and experience with their pets.
The supplement also changed which types of bacteria lived in the pets’ guts. In dogs, it increased helpful bacteria called Megamonas and Peptacetobacter. In cats, it increased Anaerotignum and Succinivibrio. Importantly, these changes happened without disrupting the overall balance of the gut bacteria community—the supplement didn’t create an imbalanced or unhealthy gut environment. This is important because a healthy gut needs diversity and balance, not just more of one type of bacteria.
This research adds to growing evidence that prebiotics and postbiotics can help pets with digestive problems. Previous studies have suggested these ingredients help, but this study is notable because it shows quick results (by day 7) and includes both dogs and cats. The finding that the supplement works in both species suggests it may have broad usefulness for different types of pets.
The study didn’t include a control group (pets that didn’t get the supplement), so we can’t be 100% certain the supplement caused the improvements rather than other factors. The study only looked at healthy pets with mild digestive issues, so we don’t know if it would work for pets with serious digestive diseases. The study was relatively short (28 days), so we don’t know if the benefits last longer or if pets need to keep taking it. The supplement was made by one company, so independent testing by other researchers would strengthen the findings.
The Bottom Line
If your dog or cat has mild digestive problems like soft stools or gas, this supplement appears to be worth trying. The evidence suggests it’s safe (most pets ate it without problems) and may help within one week. Start with the recommended dose and watch for improvements. Confidence level: Moderate—the study shows promise, but more research would strengthen the evidence.
Pet owners with dogs or cats experiencing mild digestive issues should consider this. Veterinarians may recommend it as part of managing mild GI problems. However, if your pet has serious digestive disease, severe diarrhea, or vomiting, see your vet first before trying supplements. This supplement is not a replacement for veterinary care when needed.
Based on this study, you might see improvements as early as day 7 (one week). Most benefits appeared within the 28-day study period. Give it at least 2-4 weeks to see full effects, but watch for early improvements starting around day 7.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your pet’s stool quality daily using a simple 1-5 scale (1=very soft/diarrhea, 5=ideal firm stool). Also note frequency of bowel movements and any gas/bloating. Record this in your app each morning for easy trend spotting.
- Set a daily reminder to give the supplement at the same time each day, ideally with a meal. Use the app to log when you gave it and take a quick photo of your pet’s stool quality to track changes over time.
- Create a 4-week tracking plan: Week 1-2 establish baseline, Week 2-4 watch for improvements. Set weekly check-in reminders to review trends. If no improvement by day 14, consult your vet. Continue tracking for 8 weeks total to see if benefits hold long-term.
This research describes a supplement tested on healthy dogs and cats with mild digestive issues. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your pet has severe digestive problems, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement. Always talk to your vet before giving your pet new supplements, especially if your pet is taking medications or has existing health conditions. Individual results may vary, and this supplement may not work for all pets or all types of digestive problems.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.