The development of veterinary medicine has made it possible for us to confirm the multiple advantages of probiotics for our pets today. While there are commercial supplements that can provide this probiotic action, natural probiotic substances, such as kefir for dogs, are always seen to be preferable choices for our animals.
Kefir is a naturally occuring fermented beverage made from a microflora primarily made up of good bacteria. This fermented beverage was once frequently used to help cure stomach disorders or tuberculosis.
This naturally fermented probiotic beverage has recently acquired popularity in the human diet and won the endorsement of experts. West Asia’s Caucasus Mountains are where kefir first appeared.
If kefir is beneficial for humans, then someone would wonder if it’s also good for their pets. Because of this, we set out to address the issue, Can Your Dog Eat Kefir? by defining kefir, going over its characteristics, and outlining its advantages.
Why are probiotics crucial for canines?
Similar to us, our dogs have an intestinal flora made up of a variety of helpful bacteria that are necessary for carrying out good digestion. But this microbiota also affects our dogs’ immune, metabolic, and metabolic systems in addition to their digestion.
This is because microbiota makes sure that important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are assimilated.With probiotics, we can give our dogs a type of good bacteria that is naturally present in their gut flora, like lactobacillus.
By adding these microorganisms to our dog’s diet, we may support their natural defences, stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts, improve nutrient absorption, and stop gastrointestinal discomfort like excessive gas production and diarrhoea.
Probiotic supplements are available in natural goods shops and even some veterinary clinics, as we’ve already mentioned. However, we advise giving your dog natural probiotics. Kefir, several soft cheeses, buttermilk, and yoghurt are some foods that naturally contain probiotics. However, before giving your dog any new probiotic, it is crucial that you speak with your doctor.
Describe kefir?
Kefir, a naturally occuring probiotic food, is made by fermenting tiny grains that have a bacterial microflora (bacteria, fungi and beneficial yeasts).Granules of kefir clearly include advantageous yeasts and fungi. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida inconspicua, and Kluyveromyces marxianus are some of these fungi.
Which is healthier for dogs, milk or water kefir?
Depending on the country you are in, milk kefir goes by a number of various names.Unquestionably, milk kefir is the most widely used and consumed kefir in the world. This may be because of how much it resembles ordinary yoghurt in terms of flavour and texture.
However, water kefir’s characteristics and microbiota are nearly comparable to those of milk kefir’s, and it has similar health benefits.The culture media, in which the microflora grows and performs its natural fermentation process, is the key distinction between water kefir and milk kefir.
Water, fruit juice, or coconut water are frequently used to make dairy-free water kefir. On the other hand, milk keffir contains dairy but no other flavourings.
Water, milk, and kombucha, often known as tea kefir, are the three most popular varieties of kefir. However, kombucha actually needs a unique kind of fermentation that incorporates various microorganisms and calls for a particular procedure. As a result, there are only two varieties of kefir: milk kefir and water kefir.
Kefir for dogs – benefits
Kefir is a fantastic ally in the fight to attain good digestion because it is a natural probiotic. This organic probiotic promotes intestinal transit and guards against a host of digestive annoyances or issues, including constipation, food intolerance, and gas.
Its advantageous bacterial strain enables gut flora to maintain its integrity and enhance digestion. Additionally, it enhances the absorption of vital vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. As a result, kefir is also regarded as a powerful natural supplement that can help in boosting immunity and preventing a wide range of illnesses and health issues, including:
#1 Dietary deficiencies and malnutrition.
#2 Infectious and inflammatory processes.
#3 Problems of the digestive system, such as gastritis.
#4 Skin ailments and allergies.
#5 Respiratory allergies and asthma.
#6 Arthritis.
#7 Cancer.
Can I give kefir to my dog?
Yes! Dogs can really benefit from kefir’s beneficial qualities! Before making any dietary modifications for your dog, you must, however, speak with your vet. When it comes to the administration of natural probiotics for dogs, a professional can also provide you with advice.
They can determine the right dosage for your dog based on its size, weight, age, and overall health.
Despite the fact that kefir milk is more well-known, water kefir has similar advantages to lactose-intolerant or lactose-allergic dogs. Dairy products are one of the main food allergies for dogs, so we advise giving your dog water kefir as a result.
The greatest probiotic choice for your dog, in our opinion, is water kefir. Granules of water kefir also have the benefit of being reasonably easy to maintain, which makes them more convenient to store.
Where can I find grains for kefir?
Kefir beverages are now available in various supermarkets and natural food stores (in some countries). Additionally, you may buy kefir water or milk online. Joining a kefir donation website is an additional choice.
Kefir producers frequently share their creations, which is why there are online forums where kefir grains and cultures can be shared.
Although kefir has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, it was one of the first dairy products that people ate. Kefir is mentioned in traditional Muslim culture, where it was utilised as a drink that was both sacred and therapeutic.
Kefir was exclusively grown at this time by the Muslim community, and its recipe was kept a secret. This is due to the notion that followers of other religions were not permitted to eat this holy dish.
Having mentioned this probiotic in some of his writings, it is believed that Marco Polo was the first Westerner to express a particular interest in kefir’s benefits. Finally, kefir entered Western medicine in the nineteenth century.
Since there was no known cure for tuberculosis at the time, it was utilised as a natural therapy to treat the disease’s symptoms.
Knowing the history of kefir is essential to comprehending why kefir donation is encouraged rather than its commercialisation. The practise of donating this cultured and fermented milk creates a learning circle that ensures the survival of this cultural custom. For this reason, utilising a kefir donor network is the most effective way to get water or milk kefir nodules.
