Hedgerow K9 with S. boulardii: New Probiotic Support for Dogs
The yeast strain Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the most researched probiotic strains on the planet, and has become a very popular probiotic for dogs.
It is known for its benefits in managing GI tract issues, dysbiosis, and diarrhea. It is beneficial for IBS, and dental issues like periodontal disease and gingivitis. S. boulardii as a probiotic also provides immune support and can provide a level of steric hindrance to mucosa invasion by pathogens including Clostridium and E. coli.
Saccharomyces boulardii yeast
S. boulardii advantages over other probiotics
S. boulardii as a probiotic is considered one of the best choices for colonizing gut microbe populations, particularly during and after antibiotic therapy. Because it’s a yeast strain, it remains unaffected by antibiotics, unlike bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidus.
S. boulardii can survive the harsh environment of the stomach, arriving intact and alive when it reaches the intestines. The Lactobacillus and Bifidus strains must be micro-encapsulated or enteric-coated to pass safely through the stomach.
Stress and the gut-brain axis
Like other probiotic strains, S. boulardii produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which aid in maintaining integrity of the intestinal barrier, support mucus production, and provide protection from inflammation.
New research shows that SCFAs from the microbiota of the GI tract also play an important role in the development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS).1
Because of this communication between gut and brain, chronic stress can result in gut dysbiosis, diarrhea and other GI tract disorders in dogs. Even short-term stress such as from travel, vet visits, new routine, change in the home environment, pharmaceutical therapies, and stress of the owner can also result in GI tract issues in dogs.
In either case, S.boulardii provides essential probiotic support for dogs under stress.2
Hedgerow herbs
Hedgerows, most common in the UK between the 17th and 19th centuries, are making a comeback in England. Hedgerows traditionally are pasture hedges of bushes, planted with beneficial herbs that humans, dogs, horses, and livestock can eat and graze on.
Chamomile can help calm anxiety, reduce indigestion, relieve an upset tummy, and help support regulation of the GI tract’s inflammatory response.
Nettle is a wonderful green herb that provides fiber and chlorophyll to support a healthy GI tract.
A flowering hawthorn hedgerow, with red campion, cow parsley, buttercups, and crosswort
Additional GI tract support
In addition to S.boulardii and the prebiotic inulin, Hedgerow K9 is formulated with several other key ingredients:
Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides that promote growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Lion’s Mane has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for intestinal mucosal protection, bouts of gastritis, and IBS. It is considered gastro-protective.
Fermented turmeric, like other fermented foods, can help strengthen intestinal walls and prevent leaking. Fermented foods are also a source of friendly bacteria; consumption of fermented foods increases diversity of the microbiome. Studies have shown that fermented turmeric has a higher curcumin content compared to unfermented turmeric. 3,4
Pumpkin meal is a good source of soluble fiber to support the large intestine.
Bacillus subtilis is a member of the soil-based organism family found in healthy soil. B. subtilis is a spore-forming bacteria that can survive the harsh environment of the stomach to colonize the intestines. This soil-based organism can protect the intestinal epithelium against pathogens including Salmonella, E.coli, and Campylobacter species.5
Eggshell membrane collagen is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of intestinal walls. Eggshell membrane collagen provides specific amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, and proline to facilitate repair of the gut lining, allowing it to provide support for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in dogs.
Hedgerow K9 Boulardii
Hedgerow K9 Boulardii can be used every day, or as needed.
With 6 billion CFUs of S. boulardii, plus 18 billion CFUs of B. subtilis, Hedgerow K9 Boulardii is a unique supplement because it not only addresses the need for probiotic colonization in your dog’s GI tract, it also addresses the stress component that frequently imbalances the bacterial colonies. It’s an excellent support tool for overall maintenance of a healthy GI tract.
References
1 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025/full
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9414249/
3 https://www.jmb.or.kr/journal/view.html?doi=10.4014/jmb.1906.06032
4 https://bradfordrabinmd.com/fermented-foods-increase-microbiome-biodiversity-and-decrease-inflammation/
5 https://journals.lww.com/jcsm/fulltext/2016/02020/novel_insight_on_probiotic_bacillus_subtilis_.2.aspx
