how is this different than purina fortiflora?

There are actually a number of differences between the Proviable products (paste and capsules) and the Fortiflora products. 1. CAT/DOG FORMULATIONS. The Proviable products can be given to both dogs and cats, whereas Foritflora has different formulations for dogs and cats - because Fortiflora adds vitamins into their product whereas the Proviable is primarily prebiotics and probiotics.2. PRODUCT TYPE. Proviable has two products in this kit - paste, and capsules that contain a dry powder. The paste contains a variety of pre/probiotics, as well as kaolin to help firm up stools, and is meant to be given in the short term ("48-72 hours unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian, as potentially constipation could result with prolonged use at higher than recommended doses"). The paste can be added to food or given orally. The capsules contain a dry powder, can be given daily in the long term (or for a shorter duration), and contain the variety of pre/probiotics. The capsules can be purchased separately from the kit. The capsule can be opened and added to food, or given orally to the pet. Fortiflora is a dry powder, containing one pre/probiotic and multiple vitamins/nutrients. Fortiflora's dry powder comes in packets and is meant to added to food. 3. NUMBER OF PRE/PROBIOTICS, VITAMINS/NUTRIENTS. Fortiflora contains only _one_ probiotic, then includes a number of vitamins and nutrients that are often found in a pet's food. Proviable contains _multiple_ kinds of pre/probiotics, and does not add vitamins and nutrients. 4. ALLERGY CONCERNS. - Fortiflora's first ingredient is animal digest (see info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_digest). You cannot know the actual source of the protein (chicken, beef, pork, etc), which can be of great concern. *Do not use if there is a protein sensitivity. - The Proviable Paste has no proteins and instead uses a artificial beef flavoring - thus no protein. However, the paste does contain soybean oil, and some pets have an allergy to soy. *Do not use if there is a sensitivity to soy. - The outer casing of the Proviable Capsule (the gel capsule itself, _not_ the powdered ingredients inside) is made from gelatin. Gelatin is derived from collagen, obtained from a variety of animal-by-products - so this is also an allergy concern. However, since you can open the capsule and add the dry contents to food, your pet does not have to eat the gelatin capsule. The powder in the capsule does not contain soy. *The Proviable capsules are safer for a pet with food sensitivities - simple open the capsule and add only the powder to food. To compare Ingredient Lists for the products, see the following webpages:Fortiflora - Canine (click "Ingredients" tab)https://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/Product/FortiFloraCanineProbioticNutritionalSupplement.aspxFortiflora - Feline (click "Ingredients" tab)https://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/Product/FortiFloraFelineProbioticNutritionalSupplement.aspxProviable - Paste, Capsules (click "More Information" tab)http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21478

is it the same product that we buy from our vet? the packaging looks somehow different.

Not sure since I never got it from my vet but I totally recommend Proviable products over FortiFlora....I don't use this particular one though....I buy the capsules ONLY to mix with wet food. The box of capsules alone is available on Amazon also.

How can these caps be opened and sprinkled on pet's food? Won't stomach acid kill the beneficial bacteria before absorption?

If you eat yogurt, your stomach aced doesnt hurt the beneficial bacteria. I know they work, i have a cat with IBD, as long as she is on them she is good. Tried taking her off them, before we knew it was IBD and thought it was just an upset tummy, and she was sick again. They work and I am so grateful for them.

Is there an expiration date on the package? Curious as to how long it might keep if kept on hand for when needed.

Yes. I purchased the combination tube and capsules plus another package of capsules only. The date on the outer packaging on both is a little difficult to see as it's indented into the packaging rather than printed. The tube itself has a printed date on it. The capsules that I purchased separately have an indented date on each sheet containing the capsules.

Item Weight	2.88 ounces
Dog Breed Size	Small
Item Form	Paste, Capsule

Nutramax Proviable Probiotics for Small Dogs and Cats, Diarrhea Support Kit, Digestive Health Supplement with Multiple Strains of Bacteria, Plus Prebiotics, Kaolin and Pectin, 15 ml Paste and 10 Capsules

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