FortiFlora is a probiotic additive in dog food. The manufacturer claims that it is guaranteed to restore the intestinal microflora and, thereby, normalize the functioning of the digestive system and strengthen the immune system. Some dog owners agree with this statement, while others note that the product is a dummy.
In this review, we’ll look at whether Fortiflora is really effective, what makes it work, how to use it, and whether there are better and cheaper analogues. At the end of the article you will find real reviews, answers to your questions and recommendations for using the drug.
Release form and composition
FortiFlora for dogs (FortiFlora) is a dietary supplement (BAA) to improve digestion. It is produced by the pet food company Purina.
The product is a probiotic feed additive in the form of a brown powder. Packaged in 1 g sachets. Sold in packs of 30 sachets (average price 1,650 rubles), or individually (for 50-55 rubles).
The main active ingredient of the dietary supplement is lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus faecium SF68. Their minimum content is 5×108 CFU/g. This is the amount necessary to normalize the functioning and intestinal microflora.
In addition to the probiotic SF68, FortiFlora includes a digest of animal origin - meat and its processed products, thanks to which the product smells pleasant to animals and increases the palatability of feed. Additionally, the dietary supplement contains stabilizers of intestinal microflora and biologically active substances:
| Active substance | Content (ml per 1 kg) |
| Iron | 2 230 |
| Iodine | 28 |
| Copper | 445 |
| Manganese | 920 |
| Zinc | 3 760 |
| Selenium | 2,6 |
| Vitamin E | 6 000 |
| Vitamin C | 4 375 |
| Taurine | 500 |
Guaranteed indicators of the feed additive:
| Squirrels | 54% |
| Fats | 19% |
| Crude fiber | 1% |
| Raw ash | 10% |
| Metabolic energy | 3.9 kcal/g |
Storage period and conditions
The medicine “Fortiflora” helps people solve many health problems for their patients. That is why veterinarians believe that the drug should be in every home where a cat lives (after all, scientists have adapted the new product for).
Of course, the supplement will not harm if it does not expire
It is important to check the release date before use. From this moment on, the product is allowed for use for 3 years.
Opened cardboard packaging should be placed in a dark place, away from children and food. It is advisable that the cat also has limited access to a tasty-smelling additive.
It is very important that the air humidity in the room is at 50 percent. Otherwise, dampness will spoil the product.
Also, it should not be placed in kitchen cabinets with glass doors, since ultraviolet rays have a bad effect on the quality of the drug.
Important! If a cat is prescribed antibiotic therapy, then Fortiflor should be given to him a few hours after taking the medicine, but not simultaneously with it.
Probiotics do not allow pathogenic microorganisms to linger in the intestines for a long time. They also neutralize and destroy toxins and take an active part in almost all processes occurring in the body.
If you care about the health of your purring ward, then you should start with the immune system and digestive tract.
Many experienced breeders know that dogs are still “sissies” in terms of the stability of the intestinal microflora. That’s why these animals often have cases of digestive disorders that are caused by... Medicines called probiotics can help combat these problems. These include Fortiflora for dogs.
This is the name of a special food supplement for dogs that belongs to the class of probiotics. The last group of drugs contains colonies of symbiotic intestinal bacteria, and therefore such drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of dysbiosis of various etiologies.
A special feature of Fortiflora is the large amount of nutrients and vitamins in its composition, which is why it can be used in the treatment of weakened pets with severe signs of vitamin deficiencies, as well as for diseases caused by a lack of micro- and macroelements.
The medicine is produced, which guarantees its high quality and excellent effectiveness.
What does the drug contain?
Since the medicine belongs to the group of probiotics, its composition is quite specific:
The “active substance” is colonies of microorganisms Enterococcus faecium, strain SF68. These microorganisms are symbionts, i.e. capable of mutually beneficial existence with the dog in its digestive tract. They improve and normalize the digestion process, promote better absorption of nutrients, and dead and digested bacteria serve as an additional source of micro- and macroelements for the dog itself.
In addition, the medicine contains lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
It contains vitamins E and C. They are natural antioxidants and also help restore the intestinal epithelium.
Finally, Fortiflora contains the essential amino acid taurine.
In addition, in the production of this dietary supplement, the manufacturer actively uses brewer's yeast. They are a unique natural source of B vitamins. These compounds are vital for the functioning of the nervous system, hematopoietic system and others.
The medicine contains protitamin A, organic compounds of zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, inorganic sodium salts, iron. As a production basis, the manufacturer widely uses high-quality meat and processed products (they have a pleasant taste for animals).
Analogues of the drug
Are there any analogues for this drug? Yes, and there are quite a few of them:
- Bifidumbacterin.
- Kanigest.
- Regular kefir, finally.
The drug can also be prescribed in cases of other digestive disorders, including those of unknown etiology.
The drug is especially recommended for puppies transitioning from breastfeeding to “adult” food options. With a sharp change in nutritional characteristics, it can develop even in an adult dog, but in this case a puppy can face long and exhausting diarrhea (quite capable of leading to death).
If you regularly add Fortiflora to your baby’s food, such sad consequences can be easily avoided. The same applies to doggies, whose digestive system itself is characterized by excessive sensitivity and “tenderness”.
Indications for use
FortiFlora is indicated for any pathologies of the digestive system and for their prevention. It is used for:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an imbalance of intestinal microflora;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- gastroenteritis;
- defecation disorders: diarrhea, constipation;
- stressful situations that can cause digestive problems: moving, traveling, change of owner, etc.;
- changing your diet;
- low appetite;
- decreased immunity.
FortiFlora is also recommended for bottle-fed puppies or when transitioning from mother's milk to adult food. The supplement is especially useful if children are underweight, have abnormal stools, or are bloated.
What is it used for in dogs' diets?
"FortiFlora" is recommended in the following cases:
- Diarrhea due to antibiotics, unfamiliar foods, or stress.
- Gastroenteritis and dysbiosis against its background.
- Acute enteritis.
- Stool disorders in puppies.
- Preventing stomach disorders.
- Flatulence.
- Other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
The supplement should be used by puppies weaning from their mother's milk. Due to such changes, they may experience an upset stomach. Dogs sometimes lose their appetite and refuse food. The probiotic prevents these symptoms, and the baby soon gets used to the change. It is used for preventive purposes against the listed pathologies, to eliminate them and normalize intestinal function.
The product does not pose a danger to animals, therefore it is used to prevent pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract under circumstances due to which they usually occur (stress, traveling in a car, changing place of residence). It should be given when using antibiotics.
How it works
Thanks to the content of SF 68 probiotics, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, the dietary supplement has a multifaceted beneficial effect on the body. When taking it:
- intestinal microflora is restored;
- the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves;
- the dog’s immunity and resistance to infections increases;
- digestive tract disorders are prevented or eliminated;
- the absorption of biologically active substances improves;
- the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms is prevented;
- the body is cleansed of toxins;
- regenerative processes improve;
- the functioning of the thyroid gland is normalized.
The effectiveness is due to the unique shell of the powder granules. It is multilayered, due to which biologically active substances are not dissolved by gastric juice, but enter unchanged into the intestines, where they begin to act.
Storage period and conditions
The medicine “Fortiflora” helps people solve many health problems for their patients.
That is why veterinarians believe that the drug should be in every home where a cat lives (after all, scientists have adapted the new product for). Of course, the supplement will not harm if it does not expire
It is important to check the release date before use. From this moment on, the product is allowed for use for 3 years.
Opened cardboard packaging should be placed in a dark place, away from children and food. It is advisable that the cat also has limited access to a tasty-smelling additive.
It is very important that the air humidity in the room is at 50 percent. Otherwise, dampness will spoil the product.
Also, it should not be placed in kitchen cabinets with glass doors, since ultraviolet rays have a bad effect on the quality of the drug.
Important! If a cat is prescribed antibiotic therapy, then Fortiflor should be given to him a few hours after taking the medicine, but not simultaneously with it.
Probiotics do not allow pathogenic microorganisms to linger in the intestines for a long time. They also neutralize and destroy toxins and take an active part in almost all processes occurring in the body.
If you care about the health of your purring ward, then you should start with the immune system and digestive tract.
Today, many people take probiotics to support their health. The relevance of the use of such drugs is directly related to the deterioration of food quality, the environment, and increased emotional stress. The above problems also apply to pets. After all, they are much more sensitive to air pollution by gases and toxic waste from industrial facilities, and electromagnetic radiation emanating from gadgets. Therefore, probiotics are also relevant for dogs. One of them is the drug Fortiflora from the company Purina. Let's take a closer look at this veterinary remedy.
Instructions for use and dosage
Using the feed additive from Purina is simple: sprinkle the powder on a portion of any food: natural, dry, wet. Give 1 sachet per day, regardless of the age, weight and breed of the dog.
Make sure your pet eats the entire bag at once: the effectiveness of the dietary supplement depends on this. But usually animals eat the granules with pleasure, so you won’t have to persuade your pet to eat the supplement.
How many days to give depends on your goals:
- for prophylaxis, the product is used for 3-5 days;
- for gastrointestinal disorders - at least 7 days;
- if the dog has serious digestive disorders, dysbiosis, gastroenteritis, dietary supplements are given for a month, regardless of when the improvement occurs.
When using FortiFlora simultaneously with antibiotics, the medications should be separated as far in time as possible. For example, give antibiotics in the evening and a feed additive in the morning.
How to properly give probiotics to adult cats and kittens
Regardless of the age or weight of the animal, the daily dose is 1 g - 1 sachet. The duration of use depends on the complexity of the disease, but most often veterinarians recommend continuing the course for 10 days.
Mode of application
Some owners mix the probiotic with their usual food or even buy another wet food. But in reality there is no such need - just sprinkle the powder on regular cat food.
When Donut (my sister’s cat) developed dysbiosis after using antibiotics, he was prescribed many different drugs, including Fortiflora. The vet advised giving the probiotic for a week. The packaging seemed expensive to us, so we bought 7 bags. These sachets do not have a cut for easy opening, so our bag broke. The powder spilled right into the cat's bowl. He knew that his favorite food was in the dish, so he started eating almost immediately (he never noticed the catch, although he was squeamish about foreign odors).
Most cats eat the supplement with pleasure, so there will be no problems with its use.
Contraindications and side effects
The dietary supplement has no contraindications: it is approved for dogs of any breed, of various ages, weights and conditions: puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches, elderly and malnourished dogs. Except for 2 points:
- possible food allergies;
- feeding the kitten with maternal colostrum without signs of weight gain.
FortiFlora is well tolerated by animals; stool disturbances and increased intoxication are only occasionally possible. We'll talk more about this in the final section.
Contraindications for use
There are no contraindications to the use of the Fortiflora supplement, since it is not a medicine and does not contain harmful or artificial chemical ingredients that can be harmful to health. The drug can be used by any cat, regardless of its age, breed, gender, lifestyle and other factors. It is very rare, but still there are pets who are intolerant to some components of the food complex due to the individual characteristics of the body; of course, they do not need to take fortiflora.
Fortiflora helps normalize the activity of the stomach and protect the animal from problems such as gastroenteritis or diarrhea. A high-quality additive suitable for any type of feed. It has a pleasant taste, so it will help improve your pet's appetite.
The veterinary product can be used in conjunction with any cat food - both dry and wet food, for example, Purina or Proplan brands. The additive helps improve the taste of the main food. Your pet will completely eat the food and ask for more food or porridge. And due to the improved appetite, the animal will receive maximum energy and feel cheerful, which will help the cat restore activity and improve its mood.
According to the instructions, the supplement is perfect for adults, cats bearing kittens and nursing offspring. Small kittens will also like it. The supplement is recommended for use during the transition of young pets from breastfeeding to familiar adult food. The supplement facilitates a more simplified process of getting used to environmental changes.
For cats and kittens, an active supplement will not only help achieve positive results from treating microflora in the gastric tract, but will also help avoid any problems with the intestines and their diseases.
Fortiflora will be an excellent medicine for a pet that has problems with stool, while taking antibiotics and after them, in the process of changing the intake of certain foods, the owner and the climate zone where they are located. Even in the event of a routine move to another location, this specialized supplement will help reduce the risk of a stressful situation. The supplement can also be used on cats after long trips.
According to the instructions, the drug must be given to the cat one sachet per day, pouring the contents onto any type of food. The package can be used immediately or divided into several equal doses. The manufacturer does not limit the period of use of the drug, so you can give it to your pet for a long time without taking breaks. According to practice, pets happily consume food sprinkled with this powder.
Analogues of the drug
There are no complete analogues. But there are a number of similar drugs. I have listed the most popular ones to replace FortiFlora with:
| Analogue | Differences | average cost |
| Pro-Colin | A combined drug containing the probiotic Enterococcus faecium and the prebiotic Preplex. Also supplemented with kaolin and pectin - protect the intestinal mucosa. Available in the form of a paste, packaged in dispensing syringes of 15, 30 and 60 ml. | 800 rub. for 15 ml. |
| Kanigest | The composition and release form is similar to Pro-Colin. Also contains a complex of pro- and prebiotics with kaolin and pectin. It is most often used in kittens during the period of diet change, growth, and vaccination. | 850 rub. for 15 ml. |
| Evitalia Vet | A preparation based on skimmed milk powder. Contains probiotic cultures of living cells of lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria, as well as prebiotics inulin and lactulose. Promotes the growth and development of normal intestinal microflora. | 520 rub. for 30 tablets. |
| Lactobifid | Russian drug based on skimmed milk powder. Contains bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, streptococci. Restores the balance of intestinal microflora, prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, stimulates the immune system. | 85 rub. for 20 tablets. |
| Lactoferon | Another feed additive from. In addition to the complex of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and streptococci, it includes a phytocomplex of medicinal herbal extracts. Additionally, it has a hepatoprotective effect, neutralizes pathogenic microflora not only in the intestines, but also in the lungs, nasopharynx, and genitourinary system. | 95 rub. for 20 tablets. |
| Vetom | Probiotic, contains bacteria Bacillus subtilis DSM. Available in the form of powder, capsules, drops. Normalizes intestinal function by secreting antibiotic-like substances, enzymes and biologically active substances by BS bacteria. Additionally, it increases dogs' resistance to viral and bacterial infections. | 720 rub. per package of 50 capsules, 500 g of powder or 10 ml of drops. |
Table comparison of Fortiflor and its analogues
| Name | Compound | Indications | Contraindications | Price |
| Fortiflora | Enterococcus faecium; proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins C and E, taurine | Intestinal dysbacteriosis; violation of the consistency of feces in kittens; as part of the treatment of pathology of the digestive system; diarrhea caused by poor diet, taking antibacterial drugs or stress | 1460 for 30 sachets (1 sachet per day) | |
| Lactobifid | Lyophilisate of cultures of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, streptococci; powdered milk, lactose | During periods of increased stress on the body - during stress, decreased immunity, after taking antibacterial drugs, previous infectious diseases, surgical interventions, vaccinations; when changing the type of diet; during pregnancy, as well as after childbirth; to improve the elimination of toxins in liver failure; during the recovery period after severe blood loss, burns | Individual hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition | 88 for 20 tablets (one tablet per day) |
| Prokolin | Enterococcus faecium, fructooligosaccharides, acacia extract, pectin, dextrose, kaolin, soybean oil | For acute poisoning, infectious diseases, antibacterial therapy, helminthiasis, stool disorders due to stress or changes in diet | Individual hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition | 800–1000 per 30 ml (1–2 ml per day) |
In the article I will describe the need to use fortiflora for cats and dogs and the indications for this. I will tell you what is included in the drug, what dosages need to be followed and the method of using the probiotic product. I will explain why Fortiflora can be used by kittens, lactating and pregnant cats, including the expiration date and proper storage of the medicine.
The main active ingredient of the drug is considered to be a probiotic that synthesizes antimicrobial substances: peroxide, organic acids and bacteriocins. To increase effectiveness, the probiotic is microencapsulated.
Proplan Fortiflora additionally includes: yeast, vitamins of various groups, iodine, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. The supplement consists of 45% protein, 0.5% fiber, 15% fat. As additional components: taurine, tocopherol and ascorbic acid.
The product is produced in the form of encapsulated organisms, hermetically preserved in a thin shell. The package contains 30 sachets of the drug, which is enough for a full course of treatment for gastrointestinal problems.
Owner reviews
Lika: “My dog developed bloody diarrhea. After the main treatment, the veterinarian recommended FortiFlora. I added it to food (we are on natural food): the dog ate better, the food was digested well, the output was a bang."
Ksenia: “My sneeze ate it during the period of natural feeding, constant diarrhea, colitis and antibiotic treatment. The veterinarian prescribed FortiFlora. Although I also gave other probiotics at different times: there was no difference, except for the smell and price. There’s nothing special about the drug.”
Nikita: “An excellent probiotic. Restores and regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in a couple of days. I have repeatedly tested its effectiveness on my dogs. Especially suitable for babies when changing their diet.”
Sasha: “I gave it to puppies during the recovery period after enteritis: dysbacteriosis developed while taking antibiotics. I didn’t notice any effect, although I took the course according to the rules. The babies were treated with other drugs.”
Alina: “I have a 10-year-old golden retriever girl. While walking, she ate something: the next day she refused to eat or drink and had repeated diarrhea. On the second day the picture did not improve, so we went to the clinic. After treatment, my health improved, but the gastrointestinal disorder remained. The veterinarian prescribed FortiFlora for 10 days: after 3 days, the diarrhea went away, the dog became happier and stronger every day.”
Advantages and disadvantages
Fortiflora is an effective feed additive with a probiotic effect, which has a number of advantages over analogues:
- attractive taste for cats;
- convenient release form for mixing with food or liquid;
- wide spectrum of action;
- can be used over a long period of time;
- it is permissible to use in pregnant and lactating cats;
- has no contraindications or side effects.
The only disadvantage of the drug Fortiflora, which is noted by cat owners, is the high price.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Can cats be given FortiFlora for dogs?
No, there is a separate version of this probiotic for cats with a different concentration of active ingredients.
Is it possible to solder the product? And how to dilute the powder?
No you can not. The dietary supplement is specially designed in dry form: this way it will penetrate the intestines and will act there. If you dilute the powder, the integrity of the granules will be compromised and their effectiveness will approach zero.
Does your dog eat a different brand/natural food? Is a Purina food supplement suitable for her?
Yes, FortiFlora is suitable for all dogs, regardless of diet.
Is it possible to divide a single dose of powder into 2-3 doses?
It is not advisable to do this, because... this will reduce the effectiveness of the drug: it is important that the dog eats a portion at a time. But the approach is acceptable for small breeds with underweight or if you are using dietary supplements only to improve the taste of food and increase palatability.
Overdose
Cases of negative reactions with a significant increase in the rate of the mixture practically do not occur. There are some mentions of allergic reactions. To prevent unpleasant manifestations, you need to give the food supplement according to the instructions, after consulting a veterinarian.
How long does the treatment last?
The supplement with lactobacilli FortiFlora is suitable for long-term use. The initial course is 1 month; as prescribed by the veterinarian, the use of the product is extended or the course is repeated at a certain interval. A visit to the veterinary clinic for a possible increase in the duration of the course of treatment is mandatory.
Storing a Probiotic Supplement
Rules for storing this probiotic include the following points:
- temperature range from +5 to + 25©;
- no exposure to sunlight;
- low humidity coefficient;
- absence of strong-smelling or toxic substances in the room.
You should not store Fortiflora next to ready-made feed in order to prevent accidental feeding of the drug to the animal in large quantities.
The feasibility of using probiotics
Since the discovery of probiotics, there has been ongoing debate about their usefulness and the need for use to restore intestinal microflora during a course of antibiotic therapy or after poisoning.
Numerous questions arise about how bacteria remain viable while passing through the acidic environment of the stomach, and then withstand the “attack” of bile and pancreatic enzymes in the duodenum?
It remains unclear how they manage to multiply to such an extent as to suppress the development of pathogenic microflora. Users are interested in how to detect changes in the quantitative composition of microorganisms inhabiting the intestines after taking probiotics in order to prove their effectiveness. This list can be continued for a very long time, since many answers confirmed by experimental data do not exist.
But it cannot be argued that the need to take probiotics is just a clever marketing move. Despite many contradictions and the lack of reliable facts, there are statistics showing numerous cases of improvements in the animal’s condition after taking the drugs presented. It is inappropriate to talk about the placebo effect here, since this phenomenon is unique to humans.
Another argument against taking probiotics is the assertion that a dog’s body is able to recover on its own after an illness or poisoning. Proof of this is the millions of wild, stray and “backyard” animals that do well without medications and nutritional supplements.
But here it can be argued that many pets are kept in city apartments, where there is an increased level of gas pollution and noise, ready-made dry food and canned food, stress factors from traveling in transport or walking along noisy highways.
We should also not forget that many breeds were bred artificially, taking into account certain quality traits, which negatively affected their immune system.
This is due to the presence of allergic dermatitis, eczema, problems with the condition of the coat and excess weight in domestic dogs. The statistics are frightening, indicating an increase in the number of animals suffering from cancer, urolithiasis, and cardiovascular pathologies.
