Understanding Biotics, Antibiotics and Probiotics
In the world of microbes, biotic simply means living. When we talk about antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics, we are talking about how each one interacts with living bacterial organisms and the different roles they play.
What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are substances designed to kill or inhibit living bacteria. They do not target just one species, they target whichever bacteria fall within the drug’s spectrum of action.
Antibiotics come in different classes, and each class works in its own way. For example, different classes can:
- Disrupt the bacterial cell wall
- Block protein production inside the bacteria
- Interfere with DNA replication
- Stop bacteria from multiplying and spreading
Because each class attacks bacteria differently, a particular strain may be sensitive to one class but resistant to another. This is where your vet is essential. They can help you understand which antibiotic class is most likely to kill the biotic bacteria causing the problem.
Culture and Sensitivity Testing
Sometimes, your vet may recommend a culture and sensitivity test. This is a more detailed way to identify which antibiotic is likely to work best. The process usually involves:
- Collecting a sample from the infected area.
- Incubating the bacteria in a lab to grow the biotic organisms.
- Testing different antibiotics against the grown bacteria.
- Identifying which antibiotic class the bacteria are most sensitive to.
Running cultures is not always necessary for simple or common infections, but it is very useful for stubborn, recurrent or unusual cases where first line treatments are not working.
How Antibiotics Affect Good and Bad Bacteria
Unfortunately, antibiotics do not distinguish between good and bad bacteria. They are designed to kill bacteria, so they often affect both types.
This can lead to:
- Short term digestive upsets
- Reduced nutrient absorption
- An imbalanced gut environment
Because the beneficial bacteria are partly or completely removed along with the harmful ones, a common complication after antibiotics is nutritional and gut health issues. The gut can be “out of balance” until the good bacteria are restored.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria. When we talk about probiotics, we are talking about adding and supporting good bacteria in the gut to help them grow and thrive.
There are both good and bad bacteria:
- Bad bacteria often cause illness and infection.
- Good bacteria help animals stay healthy and are a key part of digestion and nutrient extraction.
In fact, good bacteria play an incredibly important role in the gut and are central to animal nutrition. They help:
- Break down feed
- Produce certain vitamins
- Support the immune system
- Maintain a stable, healthy gut environment
When we refer to probiotics, we are investing in rebuilding and supporting the good bacteria, especially after stress, illness or antibiotic use.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are the food for good bacteria. They are usually specific fibres or compounds that the animal cannot digest, but the beneficial bacteria can.
Prebiotics pass through the digestive system until they reach the bacteria that ferment them. By feeding these beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help:
- Increase the number of good bacteria
- Improve gut balance
- Support better digestion over time
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced by good bacteria once they ferment and break down nutrients. These may include enzymes, short chain fatty acids and other metabolites that help maintain gut lining health and support immune function.
Putting It All Together
- Antibiotics kill bacteria (both good and bad).
- Probiotics add beneficial bacteria.
- Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria.
- Postbiotics are what beneficial bacteria produce to support gut and immune health.
When antibiotics are used, the gut often loses a large portion of its healthy bacterial population. This is why digestive and nutritional issues are common after a course of antibiotics. Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics help restore balance by rebuilding and feeding the good bacteria that animals rely on for efficient digestion and nutrient use.
