3 defensive dividend stocks guaranteed to protect you from recession

Because of the high probability that the economy will fall into recession early next year, a focus on stocks that are not subject to the economic cycle is in order. The following trio of dividend stocks could form the foundation of a portfolio and make it more recession-proof.

Procter & Gamble $PG

Since its founding in 1837, Procter & Gamble has become one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, with annual sales in excess of $80 billion. It operates a number of leading brands, including more than 20 that each generate north of $1 billion in annual global sales, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Pantene shampoo and Pampers diapers. P&G sold its last remaining food brand, Pringles, to Kellogg in calendar year 2012. Sales outside the U.S. represent approximately 55% of the company's consolidated total, with approximately one-third coming from emerging markets.

Procter & Gamble has been paying dividends…