Probiotics, live microorganisms, postbiotics, metabolites of probiotics, or the components that result from probiotic activity, help to maintain a healthy gut environment and are beneficial for general health and well-being. Minimal research has been conducted on the effects of probiotics and postbiotics on canine health. This study evaluated the effects of daily supplementation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 strain, in both live probiotic (PRO) and heat-treated postbiotic (POST) forms. For this study, 36 adult dogs were split into 3 groups: control (CON), PRO, and POST (12 dogs per group). This study examined whether PRO and POST supplements were safe for dogs, improved gut health and energy homeostasis, induced changes in the gut microbiome, or boosted immune health. The results confirm that this strain is safe for dogs, and we also found evidence of positive changes to gut health, such as the increase in fecal propionate concentration after supplementation with both the PRO and POST. Propionate is an important component in overall gut health, with multiple known positive physiological effects. As such these results provide a starting point for future research into the role of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 in canine health.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.