This 69-second animation introduces your dog’s gut microbiome, a community of bacteria and other microbes, and explains probiotics and prebiotics.
The garden’s fruit and vegetables are imaginary, not feeding suggestions.
What lives in the gut garden?
Bacteria are part of this community, alongside other microbes. Many help break down food and interact with the gut and immune system. The garden picture simplifies a complex ecosystem: microbes are not all simply “good” or “bad,” and their effects depend on the circumstances. AAHA’s microbiome overview explains these connections.
Probiotics and prebiotics play different roles
Probiotics are live microbes that may help in appropriate circumstances. Their effects depend on the particular strain or combination, the product and the dog’s needs. One probiotic’s results cannot be assumed to apply to every other product.
Prebiotics nourish helpful microbes, like food for the garden. They do not add live microbes themselves. Your dog’s usual food may already provide prebiotic ingredients; using a probiotic does not automatically mean a separate prebiotic supplement is needed. See the companion note below for examples. Merck Veterinary Manual describes both approaches and their limitations.
Supporting the garden through change
Illness, diet and medicines can change the microbial community. Antibiotics can be necessary, but may also affect helpful bacteria. Follow your veterinarian’s directions; do not stop or change prescribed treatment on your own.
Recovery varies from dog to dog. A probiotic is not an instant reset or a promise that new microbes will stay permanently. Ask your vet whether a diet change or probiotic is appropriate for your dog, rather than assuming every dog needs one.
Companion note: prebiotic ingredients and your dog’s diet
Prebiotic ingredients include inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Plain canned pumpkin contains fibre, but the amount and type limit its usefulness as a fibre source. It is not a substitute for a formulated prebiotic or veterinary diet. Ask your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
This note is separate from the narration and captions. It is educational information, not a feeding plan or treatment recommendation.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual: prebiotic examples; Tufts veterinary nutrition guidance on pumpkin. Sources checked 24 October 2026.
Video transcript
Imagine a garden inside your dog’s gut. Not real fruit and vegetables - tiny living things called microbes. This community is part of the gut microbiome. Many help break down food and support the gut.
Sometimes, illness disrupts this community. Some microbes become fewer; others more numerous.
Antibiotics can be necessary treatment, but can affect helpful bacteria too. Follow your vet’s directions. Don’t stop or change prescribed treatment on your own.
Your vet may suggest probiotics: live microbes that may help in certain situations. Benefits depend on the particular probiotic and the dog. They’re not a guaranteed fix.
Prebiotics are different: they nourish helpful microbes, like food for our garden. Your dog’s usual food may already contain them.
Recovery takes time and varies from dog to dog. With suitable food and veterinary care, the garden may gradually find its rhythm again.
Created by Marpole Dog Walking & Boarding Service.