Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: July 26, 2023 by Crystal Uys
I consider probiotics one of the most important supplements for cats. They are crucial to promoting good intestinal health. A healthy gut is critical for a strong immune system, healthy body weight and composition, and even mental health, and minimizes the risk for numerous diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms, also knows as “friendly bacteria,” that reside in the digestive tract. They promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which is important for complete digestion and absorption of nutrients.
A healthy gut has plenty of these friendly bacteria. Problems begin when they are challenged or outnumbered by anything from use of prescription drugs, especially antibiotics, an inadequate diet, a compromised immune system, or stress. Additionally, environmental toxins such as pesticides or chemical pollutants can also damage intestinal health. Even natural events such as the aging process can impact the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Benefits of probiotics
Probiotics restore natural gut health. They can be beneficial for problems ranging from diarrhea to constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergies. More importantly, probiotics contribute to keeping your cat’s immune system strong. Probiotics can help avoid side effects of antibiotics when given concurrently with antibiotics, since antibiotics destroy healthy gut flora.
How to add probiotics to your cat’s diet
In an ideal world, the best way to provide probiotics for your cat would be through a minimally processed, species-appropriate diet. The more processed a diet is, the more nutrients are lost. For that reason, I recommend a good probiotic supplement, to be given daily with every meal.
NomNomNow Full Spectrum Probiotic for Cats
This probiotic was formulated by NomNomNow’s veterinary nutrition and microbiology team. Made with human grade ingredients in FDA registered facilities, each batch is independently tested to ensure product integrity. It contains 20 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) and four full spectrum probiotic strains per serving.
All probiotics require a powder to dilute the active bacteria in. NomNomNow uses maltodextrin, a polysaccharide used as a food additive. There are no known contraindications to maltodextrin at the dose used in this product in dogs or in cats. Maltodextrin is absorbed as glucose, and while it’s highly unlikely that these small amounts will cause any issues, I would advise caution for diabetic cats.
Putting NomNomNow Full Spectrum Probiotic to the test
The product had no discernible flavor to me. It comes with a little scoop, so it makes dosing super easy. I mixed it in with Allegra and Ruby’s regular meal, and they had no issues with it, so I’m guessing it had no discernible flavor or scent to them, either.
For more information and to purchase, please visit NomNomNow.com.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
