What Are Postbiotics for Dogs?

A Simple Guide for Pet Parents Who Want the Real Science

Postbiotics for dogs are shelf-stable, targeted, gentle compounds produced during the natural fermentation process of beneficial bacteria. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics aren’t alive, making them more stable, consistent and reliable in pet foods and supplements.

For dogs, postbiotics can be used to support oral health and fresh breath, by helping reduce odor-causing compounds, disrupt biofilms linked to plaque, and support a healthier microbiome without relying on live bacteria to survive processing, storage or digestion.

Most pet parents have heard of probiotics. Some have heard of prebiotics. But postbiotics are a newer category in pet wellness, and they’re gaining attention because they offer stable, targeted support without relying on live bacteria.

Let’s dive deeper into what postbiotics are, how they work, and the science behind why postbiotics are used in dog dental health products to support fresh breath and oral health.

Why Postbiotics Are Found in Pet Products

Because postbiotics aren’t alive, they’re often easier to formulate into pet supplements and food. Live probiotics can be affected by heat, moisture, processing, storage and time, especially in products that need shelf stability like pet food and supplements. In contrast, postbiotics are: 

• Stable and Consistent: Postbiotics don’t rely on live organisms surviving manufacturing, sitting on a shelf, or making it through the digestive tract. That can mean more predictable performance from dose to dose.
• Targeted: Postbiotics can be designed to support specific health goals, like oral function and fresh breath
• Gentle by Design: Since postbiotics don’t need to colonize or “take hold” as a live culture, they can be a practical option for daily routines.

How are postbiotics different from probiotics and prebiotics?

Think of probiotics like tiny factories, prebiotics like fuel, and postbiotics as the finished products your dog’s body can actually use. Here’s the simplest way to understand the three “biotics”:

Postbiotics are not alive. They’re made from non-living microbes and/or the helpful components those microbes produce. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines a postbiotic as a preparation of “inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.”

In other words, postbiotics deliver the “good stuff,” without needing live bacteria to survive.

Quick Quiz, Pet Parent Edition

1. Which one is live beneficial bacteria?
   A) Prebiotics B) Probiotics C) Postbiotics
2. Which one is food that helps good bacteria thrive?
   A) Prebiotics B) Probiotics C) Postbiotics
3. Which one is the helpful compounds bacteria make (and doesn’t need to be alive)?
   A) Prebiotics B) Probiotics C) Postbiotics
4. Bonus question: If your supplement has to survive heat, shipping, and storage… which category tends to be the most stable?
   
   

 Answers: 1 - B Probiotics; 2 - A Prebiotics; 3 - C Postbiotics; Bonus - Postbiotics

Can postbiotics support oral health in dogs? 

Yes, postbiotics can support oral health in dogs at the microbial level by helping:

• reduce VSC production (the compounds behind bad breath)
• disrupt biofilms (the sticky “glue” behind plaque)
• support a healthier oral microbiome balance

Bad dog breath is usually a symptom, not the real problem. In many dogs, the odor is driven by unwanted oral microbes that produce VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds), the compounds that create that rotten/sulfur/garbage breath smell.

Those same microbial communities can also contribute to biofilms (the sticky matrix that becomes plaque), which can harden into tartar over time. Postbiotics target the true cause of bad dog breath and support canine oral health over time. 

Is the science on dog postbiotics solid?

Dinovite Dental Chews use a clinically studied Canine Oral Health postbiotic designed specifically for dogs and oral health. Here’s what research on this ingredient found:

1. Clinically shown to reduce bad-breath compounds (VSCs): In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial:
   1. Dogs receiving the postbiotic saw a 22% reduction in VSCs within 7 days
   2. Overall, VSC levels were 27% lower than placebo
       
2. Supports the oral microbiome (not just the smell): Because the goal isn’t to “perfume” the mouth, it’s to support a healthier environment where odor-causing microbes don’t thrive.
3. Lab testing shows strong performance against odor + biofilm: In-vitro testing found:
   1. 85% average reduction in bad breath compounds
   2. 98% disruption of oral biofilms (outperforming common oral health ingredients like zinc, brown algae, spirulina, and zeolites in that lab model)
4. Designed for daily use: The ingredient is made from AAFCO-listed microbial strains and formulated to be shelf-stable, making it a practical fit for everyday routines.

Are postbiotics safe for dogs?

Yes, postbiotics are generally considered safe for dogs when they’re made from well-studied microbial sources and used as directed. In clinical and in-lab research evaluating canine oral health postbiotics, these ingredients have been shown to support oral health without relying on abrasion or broad microbial “kill” approaches, which can disrupt balance.

As with any supplement, pet parents should follow label directions and consult a veterinarian if their dog has underlying health conditions.

 Are postbiotics safe for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs?

Yes, postbiotics can be appropriate for dogs of all life stages, including puppies, adults, and seniors, when formulated specifically for canine use. Because postbiotics are non-living, shelf-stable and designed for consistent performance, they can be a practical option across different ages and sensitivities. 

This makes them especially useful for senior dogs or dogs that may not tolerate live probiotics well, as well as puppies who are still developing healthy routines. That said, puppies should always be supervised with any chew or supplement, and dogs with advanced dental disease or medical concerns should be evaluated by a veterinarian before starting new products.

Are Postbiotics “Worth It” for Your Dog?

Postbiotic support is worth considering if your dog has:

• bad breath
• plaque/tartar buildup
• a hard time with brushing
• pet parents focused on proactive, prevention-first care

If you want something that’s easy to use daily and doesn’t involve wrestling your dog with a toothbrush, a dental chew format can be a simple win.

Final Takeaway: Postbiotics Aren’t Just a Buzzword

Postbiotics are a smart, science-forward way to support your dog’s health, especially when it comes to dental health. 

For bad dog breath and dental care, the best approach isn’t masking. It’s supporting what’s happening at the source.

Want to see postbiotic oral health support in action? Try Dinovite Dental Chews for dogs, where mechanical cleaning meets microbiome science. So you can support fresher breath and a healthier mouth for your dog!

*All information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the expert advice of a veterinarian or veterinary practitioner.