As a dog owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. But when digestive issues arise, it can be frustrating trying to find a solution. Many pet parents turn to probiotic supplements like Proviable Forte and Proviable DC to help improve their dog’s gut health.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your pup?
This comprehensive guide will compare Proviable Forte and Proviable DC side-by-side, looking at key factors like ingredients, uses, effectiveness, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to choose the best probiotic for your dog’s needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Proviable Forte | Proviable DC |
| Key Ingredients | Enterococcus faecium SF68 (single strain) | Blend of 5 strains |
| Uses | Acute diarrhea, IBD, IBS, nutrient absorption | Diarrhea, diet changes, boarding, gas, constipation |
| Effectiveness | Faster relief for acute diarrhea; proven efficacy | Broad prevention and regulation |
| Safety | Excellent safety record | Excellent safety record |
| Dosage | Capsules by weight | Scoops by weight |
| Cost | $0.40 per capsule | $1.25 per scoop |
An Overview Of Proviable Forte And Proviable DC
Both Proviable Forte and Proviable DC are veterinarian-recommended probiotic supplements used to help regulate gastrointestinal (GI) function in dogs. They contain beneficial live microorganisms called probiotics that can help repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria, a crucial component of overall digestive health.
Proviable Forte contains a single probiotic strain called Enterococcus faecium SF68. This strain has been clinically studied in dogs for over 50 years and has been shown to help treat diarrhea and other GI issues.
Proviable DC contains a proprietary blend of 5 probiotic strains, including Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus casei. This variety of strains provides broader coverage to help regulate GI health.
Now let’s take a closer look at how these two popular probiotics stack up.
Key Ingredients
The key difference between Proviable Forte and Proviable DC lies in their probiotic strains:
Proviable Forte
- Enterococcus faecium SF68 – extensively studied single strain with proven effectiveness for diarrhea, IBS, and gut health.
Proviable DC
- Enterococcus faecium
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Pediococcus acidilactici
- Lactobacillus casei
Proviable DC contains a blend of 5 complementary strains that work synergistically to promote gut health. Some pet owners prefer single strains like in Proviable Forte, while others like the broad-spectrum approach of Proviable DC.
Both products contain high CFU (colony-forming units) counts in the billions to deliver maximal potency.
Intended Uses
Proviable Forte and Proviable DC can both be used to help regulate GI function, but they have some differences in their intended uses:
Proviable Forte Uses
- Acute diarrhea
- Chronic diarrhea
- Antibiotic-responsive diarrhea
- IBS
- IBD
- Improving nutrient absorption
Proviable DC Uses
- Acute and chronic diarrhea
- Changing food or diet
- Boarding or kenneling
- Stress-induced diarrhea
- Irregularity/constipation
- Gas and flatulence
While both can treat diarrhea, Proviable Forte is often preferred for more severe or chronic cases of diarrhea and bowel diseases. Proviable DC has a broader range of uses for both diarrhea and maintaining regularity.
Effectiveness
Both Proviable Forte and Proviable DC have been shown to be effective probiotics, but some key differences emerge:
- Proviable Forte – Its single strain Enterococcus faecium SF68 has over 50 years of clinical research demonstrating its efficacy for treating diarrhea. It has been proven effective at colonizing the gut and crowding out bad bacteria.
- Proviable DC – Contains a proprietary blend not used in other products. Multiple studies show its 5-strain blend is effective at regulating stool consistency, reducing diarrhea, and managing IBS symptoms.
- Diarrhea Relief – For acute diarrhea cases, Proviable Forte provides faster relief, often within 1-3 days. Proviable DC typically takes 5-7 days to fully regulate stool consistency.
- Chronic Diarrhea/IBD/IBS – For long-term gut disorders, Proviable Forte’s single strain offers targeted action. But some research suggests multi-strain Proviable DC provides greater coverage.
- Prevention – For dogs prone to diarrhea when boarding, traveling, or changing diets, Proviable DC is often the better choice for preventative care.
So while both deliver proven probiotic benefits, Proviable Forte seems ideal for cases of acute or antibiotic-related diarrhea, while Proviable DC offers broader preventative care. But consult your vet for a personalized recommendation.
Also Read: Comparison Between Purina Urinary Tract Cat Food And Prescription.
Safety And Side Effects
Both products have excellent safety records, with minimal risk of side effects when used as directed:
- Generally regarded as safe by veterinarians and regulatory agencies like the FDA
- Rare side effects may include mild GI distress (gas, bloating)
- Safety in puppies varies – Proviable Forte can be used under 9 weeks, while Proviable DC is not recommended under 12 weeks
- Avoid use in immunocompromised dogs without veterinary guidance
Probiotics are very well tolerated in most dogs. But it’s still important to follow dosage guidelines and consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Usage And Dosage
Proper dosing is important to get the probiotic benefits. Here are the recommended guidelines:
Proviable Forte
- Up to 25 lbs – 1 capsule daily
- 26-50 lbs – 2 capsules daily
- 51-100 lbs – 3 capsules daily
- Over 100 lbs – 4 capsules daily
For acute diarrhea, double the above doses for 5-7 days. Give on an empty stomach.
Proviable DC
- Under 10 lbs – 1/4 scoop daily
- 11-20 lbs – 1/2 scoop daily
- 21-50 lbs – 1 scoop daily
- Over 50 lbs – 2 scoops daily
For acute diarrhea, can increase to 2x daily dosing short-term. Mix with food.
Follow package instructions closely and consult your vet to confirm appropriate dosing for your dog.
Also Read: Choose Between Lumabone And Nylabone.
Cost Comparison
When comparing cost, Proviable Forte tends to be more affordable, while Proviable DC has a higher cost per dose. However, Proviable DC packages contain more total doses.
Proviable Forte
- 60 capsules: $25-35
- 1 capsule: ~$0.40
Proviable DC
- 1.5 oz powder: $45-55
- 1 scoop: ~$1.25
Proviable Forte capsules are the cheaper option per dose. But Proviable DC tubs contain up to 120 scoops, so may last longer. Shop around for the best deals or veterinary pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is that Proviable Forte contains one extensively researched probiotic strain, while Proviable DC has a proprietary blend of 5 complementary strains. Proviable Forte is often used for acute diarrhea, while Proviable DC has broader preventative uses.
Proviable Forte is most commonly used for treating acute or chronic cases of diarrhea. It’s also used for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, IBS, IBD, nutrient absorption, and general gut health.
Yes, Proviable Forte is highly effective at relieving diarrhea in dogs. Its probiotic strain quickly restores healthy gut flora to regulate stool consistency. It provides faster relief than many other probiotics, often working in 1-3 days.
Proviable Forte treats the following conditions in dogs:
Acute diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by diet change, boarding stress, antibiotics, etc.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Poor nutrient absorption
Overall gastrointestinal/digestive issues
By repopulating with beneficial bacteria, it restores proper gut function and digestive health.
Also Read: Is Zesty Paws Salmon Bites Better Than Omega Bites?
The Bottom Line
In the battle of Proviable Forte Vs. Proviable DC, both offer proven probiotic benefits. Proviable Forte provides targeted relief for diarrhea with its researched single strain. But Proviable DC’s multi-strain formula offers broader spectrum coverage for both treatment and prevention.
There is no definitively “better” option – it depends on your dog’s needs. For acute diarrhea, Proviable Forte often works more quickly. But Proviable DC is often a better choice for maintenance and prevention. Speak with your veterinarian to decide which probiotic is right for your dog.
The most important thing is choosing a high-quality supplement from a reputable company with a history of safety and efficacy. Both Proviable Forte and Proviable DC fit these criteria. With the proper probiotic support, you can help get your pup’s gut back on track and keep their digestive system functioning happily.