Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora Review #ChewyInfluencer

Astrid is here today to give our very first ever review as part of the Chewy.com Blogger Outreach Program!


When we got our first list of products from Chewy, I was so glad to see Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets FortiFlora on it. This probiotic supplement powder comes in both canine and feline versions. I requested the canine version, as Astrid is my only furbaby who has a history of a sensitive stomach and the occasional disgruntled intestines.

This is where probiotics come in very handy. According to the product description on the Chewy website, Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora is said to assist in the treatment of diarrhea, and is said to also offer the following benefits:
  • Helps reduce flatulence (gas) in dogs
  • Contains guaranteed amounts of live active cultures
  • Microencapsulated probiotics, which guarantees that they arrive alive in your pet's digestive tract
  • Proven to promote intestinal health and balance
  • Contains antioxidant vitamins E, C and beta-carotene which have been shown to support a strong immune system
  • Tastes great and has excellent palatability
  • May even increase a pet's desire to eat!
  • Easy to feed - just sprinkle on your pet's food
Now, before I move on to Astrid's testing of this product, I want to note that, although obtainable without a prescription, Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora probiotics are indicated as a "veterinary diet" supplement. The label indicates that these should be given "under the supervision or direction of a veterinarian". Astrid has a history of occasional intestinal issues, for which her veterinarian has examined her and approved the use of probiotics. Therefore, as recommended on the label of the Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora, should you have any concerns regarding your dog or cat's intestinal health or wish to use probiotics, consult your veterinarian if you have not already done so.

That all being said, the arrival of that wondrous Chewy box happened to coincide with one of Astrid's intestinal flare-ups. It was the perfect time for us to give the Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora a try. These probiotics come in a box of 30 packets, and the instructions advise that one packet be given daily.


Again, consult your veterinarian regarding probiotics if you have not already done so. In line with previous veterinary consultation, Astrid only receives probiotics when and as needed. Since she was indeed showing signs of intestinal distress, we poured the recommended one packet into some of her moist food.


I have before administered this sort of powdered supplement on dry food as well, so moist food is not a must. But, I have found it far easier to stir this sort of supplement into moist food.


Although she has received her fair share of probiotics, I had never before used Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora for Astrid. So, the next step was the taste test. I wasn't sure whether she'd notice or care about the addition of the probiotics to her food. So, what did Astrid think?


She gobbled the probiotic-endowed food right up!

What's more, whether we can wholly thank the packet of probiotics or not, by the next day Astrid's intestines seemed happy as could be and all was normal again. Therefore, we did not administer anymore of the Purina® Pro Plan® FortiFlora to her. But, we know we'll surely need it again in the future and are glad to have it on hand.

Wishing all of our furiends a wonderful Tuesday!


Disclaimer: As members of the Chewy.com Blogger Outreach Program, we received Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets FortiFlora as compensation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own. We only review products that we believe will be of interest to our readers, and we never recommend a product that we do not believe in.



***
Our Tip of the Day:
A dog or cat can manifest diarrhea for any number of reasons. For example, intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, could lead to diarrhea. Certain viruses, such as distemper or parvovirus in dogs, can also cause this symptom. Changes in diet, unhealthy table scraps, and ingestion of a toxin or foreign object are other potential causes. And, of courses, diseases such as pancreatitis and cancer can also result in diarrhea. If your furbaby develops diarrhea, especially if it persists, please consult your veterinarian. Diarrhea can potentially lead to dehydration and other complications if not treated properly, and complications can especially be of concern in very young or geriatric animals, or any animals compromised by existing conditions. Therefore, if your dog or cat has diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian. If an appointment is scheduled, be sure to take a fresh stool sample with you, so that the veterinarian can begin proper testing as soon as possible.

8 comments:

Marg said...

Great review and good to know about that food. I guess it comes in cat food too. I am feeding Ohs some of the powder probiotic right now since he has diarrhea all the time. Thanks for this info.

pilch92 said...

Excellent review! I am glad the probiotics helped Astrid's tummy. Excellent tip too, there are so many causes of diarrhea that a vet is needed to help figure it out.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

That's wonderful that it seemed to work so fast! I'm thinking of adding some to my cats' diets. Abbey has some digestion issues, and though we've had her examined by the vet for it, I have never talked to our vet about probiotics--I really need to do that.

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

That's fantastic news!!! And I'm so glad you joined the Chewy program. When I adopted Mudpie last summer she had terrible diarrhea (I think it was the stress of so much change). I gave her some probiotics and they worked wonders. I have a neighbor who swears by FortiFlora too!

The Island Cats said...

We've used this in the past. We're glad it helped Astrid. Great review!

Three Chatty Cats said...

Great review, thank you! I've used this before and found that the kitties were fine with it.

meowmeowmans said...

Great review! So glad that Astrid ate the food with the Fortiflora on it, and that it did the trick!

Pabel Ahmed said...

Thank you for sharing with us, I too always learn something new from your post.
Pet probiotics for dogs