Fera Pet Probiotics Review 

Hidden within your pet’s gut is a thriving network of microorganisms that work together to keep your cat or dog healthy, balanced, and resilient. Some of these interactions are obvious, for example, gut microbes can help digest and metabolize nutrients, while others are less straightforward. One of the host systems most prominently impacted by the gut microbiota is the immune system, which is now known to be modulated and attenuated by the populations of microbes inhabiting the gut. 

Given the impacts of pathogenic and beneficial microbes on gut and immune health, it is no surprise that probiotics (live microbes intended to have beneficial effect) and prebiotics (specific fibers that serve as a food source for microbes) for dogs and cats have become a daily staple in preventative care. No two pets (or their microbiomes) are alike, and the same goes for probiotics. Fera Pets, a vet-created company focusing on clean-label and transparent pet supplements, offers a USDA Organic Probiotic with Prebiotics for dogs and cats supplement  that introduces beneficial microbes along with key prebiotics that help to nourish them and enhance their staying power in the gut. 

This review will focus on evaluating the safety, formulation and real-world efficacy of Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics supplement.

Fera Pet Probiotics: The Details 

Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics is a powdered supplement containing only natural active ingredients and no artificial additives, flavors or carriers. This pre- and probiotic for dogs and cats is formulated by Dr. Michelle Dulake, a holistic veterinarian and one of the co-founders of Fera Pets. Dr. Dulake formulated this particular pet probiotic to contain 5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of 12 clinically studied strains in each small scoop, along with acacia, fructooligosaccharides and inulin to provide a fermentable substrate to feed healthy gut microbes. 

It could be termed a ‘synbiotic’ product, because it contains both probiotics (viable microorganisms) and prebiotics (the fermentable substrates that feed them). The label of this pet probiotic bears the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal, demonstrating Fera Pets’ commitment to quality, showing they have passed independent third-party audits and ongoing compliance with quality control measures and product testing, and the product is made with good manufacturing practice (GMC)-certified standards. 

My Review of Fera Pets Probiotic

Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics is an easy-to-use powdered supplement with potential applications for a wide variety of dogs and cats. The product is clearly labeled with dosing instructions, comes with a measuring scoop and requires no refrigeration. The powder is quite concentrated, so the dose is small and the powder mixes right in and disappears in wet food. With dry food, a little powder may be left in the bottom of the bowl, especially for small dogs and cats with very small food quantities, so adding just a tiny bit of water or broth to help it stick to the kibble could be useful.

I tried out this product with two dogs: an 11-year-old Miniature Fox Terrier mix (4.5 kg) and a 5-year-old Cane Corso. The terrier has a history of upper gastrointestinal discomfort, manifested by excessive licking, and bilious vomiting; the mastiff has a history of paw licking and chewing to the point of self-trauma. Both dogs took the supplement on their food regardless of whether they were fed kibble or wet food. 

The terrier had no episodes of bilious vomiting during the period of observation (2 weeks) and his licking was subjectively considered to have decreased. The mastiff’s paw chewing was completely resolved with no issues for the period of observation. For both dogs, dosing was easy and convenient and both dogs took the supplement well, but it is worth noting that neither has been considered to be a particularly fussy dog, so they were not the most discerning of taste testers. 

Key Benefits and Ingredients of Fera Pets Probiotics

The canine and feline gut microbiomes consist of a diverse array of microbes, making a multi-strain approach more robust than some single-strain products. The Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics contains 5 Lactobacillus species, 4 Bifidobacterium species, Bacillus coagulans, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. 

Lactobacilli are probably the most common bacteria you’ll see in probiotics for dogs and cats. These beneficial bacteria are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract and are considered anti-inflammatory and can help to suppress populations of potentially harmful microbes. 

Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that can help balance the gut microbiome, support the digestive tract, produce beneficial compounds and enhance immune function. These bacteria may be particularly beneficial during stress (that can be physical, like high levels of exercise or work, as well as psychological, like showing or travel) or during and after antibiotic administration. 

Streptococcus thermophilus is not a native inhabitant of the canine or feline microbiome, but contributes to gut health by aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. 

Saccharomyces boulardii is the only non-bacterial microbe in the Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics supplement. S. boulardii is a yeast, which can put some pet parents off thinking that this could contribute to yeast infections or skin issues, but this could not be further from the truth. S. boulardii has been demonstrated to have many beneficial effects in the body, most notably it helps to stimulate the immune system and can actually help to reduce populations of potentially pathogenic (harmful) yeasts. 

In addition to the viable microbes, this probiotic for dogs and cats also contains prebiotic fibers for a synergistic approach to probiotic gut support. Together, these pre- and probiotics can help to shift the composition of the gut microbiome to favor beneficial microbes that stimulate the immune system and provide nourishment for the gut while reducing the populations of potentially harmful microbes that can contribute to loose stool, flatulence and systemic inflammation. Because there are no other additives in the Fera Pets Probiotics with Prebiotics, this product is likely to be well tolerated by pets with allergies or sensitivities. 

How to Use Fera Pets Probiotics Safely

Probiotics are quite safe and generally well tolerated, but the benefit of the Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics is that the product was formulated by a veterinarian, Dr. Dulake, who specifies daily dosing on the label. Measuring out individual doses is easy using the scoop enclosed in the product. The product is recommended for dogs and cats of all ages and is considered to be safe for use with puppies and kittens.   

As with most natural products, it is unrealistic to expect instant results. Pet probiotics work by contributing viable beneficial organisms to the gut microbiome, but this is an enormous community and it takes time to see shifts in the balance. While some benefits in some pets may be fairly quick, results can usually take at least  2-4 weeks of consistent daily use. 

Some probiotic products require refrigeration, but Fera Pets Probiotics with Prebiotics is conveniently shelf-stable, so the only specific storage instructions are to store in a cool, dry place. 

Always consult a veterinarian before starting a new supplement, especially for pets with chronic GI issues or immune conditions

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Vet-formulated 
• Multi-strain probiotic formula with organic prebiotics
• Third-party tested for purity, potency and contamination – results from each batch can be tracked on the website
• USDA Organic Certified
• Clean, transparent ingredient list — no artificial additives
• Easy to mix into wet food
• Shelf-stable, no need for special storage
• No animal-based ingredients – suitable for dogs and cats with dietary sensitivities 
• Suitable for both dogs and cats

Cons:

• Powder may be harder to mix into dry foods without adding a little water or broth
• Although there is barely any detectable odor to a human nose, dogs and cats have much stronger senses of smell and some picky eaters may resist the aroma or flavor
•  Possible cross-reactivity risk for dogs or cats with mold allergies due to the presence of yeast probiotic

Final Verdict on Fera Pets Probiotics 

Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics stands out as a vet-driven, multi-strain pre- and probiotic for dogs and cats. Fera Pets are a reputable organization committed to quality and transparency from production through to batch testing and tracing. Being a product with no artificial additives and no animal ingredients, this pet probiotic is suitable for dogs and cats with dietary sensitivities or allergies, gastrointestinal compromise or potentially immune challenges. It may be priced higher than some other products on the market, but it is well worth the investment for the quality, potency and strain diversity. 

The product is ideal for pet parents prioritizing holistic preventative care and willing to invest in long-term gut health. Interested pet parents are recommended to trial the product consistently for at least 2-4 weeks before determining whether it appears to be effective for their pet or not. Fera Pets USDA Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics is a quality product with demonstrated safety and transparency, making it a top-tier choice for proactive pet wellness.