Fortiflora, a probiotic made by Purina, is a supplement designed to improve digestive health in dogs and cats. It promotes intestinal health and achieves balance in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in animals with diarrhea.
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Probiotics
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Probiotics consist of beneficial, live microorganisms that are taken orally. Because they act in the intestines they are packaged in protective capsules designed to withstand stomach acid. Once in the intestines, they restore balance and create byproducts that nourish the cells of the intestines and immune system.
Fortiflora - A Probiotic for Dogs and Cats
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Fortiflora consists of Enterococcus faecium SF68 as well as various proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It comes in two varieties, each specifically formulated for the canine and feline intestinal tract.
Indications for Use
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Fortiflora is most commonly given in cases of diarrhea, but can also be helpful with enteritis (inflammation of the intestines) and poor stool quality.
Instructions for Use
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Fortiflora is a powder that is sprinkled over food once daily. It will readily stick to canned food; dry kibble can be moistened to help the powder stick. Most dogs find the taste agreeable, and pet owners rarely have problems administering it.
Efficacy
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Probiotics are not regulated as drugs by the FDA. They are only required to be safe, not effective. That being said, Fortiflora has anecdotally been shown to help many dogs and cats.
Safety Concerns
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The bacterial group Enterococci can actually cause disease, though this is much more common in dogs that are already ill or compromised. In addition, Enterococci are notorious for developing resistance. There are some gaps in the available safety data and more studies are needed.
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