ADM study backs microbiome-boosting and dental plaque-fighting postbiotic for dogs

ADM’s new research finds that its Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 strain, Priome Oral Care, supports the microbiome and reduces dental plaque formation in adult dogs. The company offers this strain in a heat-treated postbiotic form. The findings support the potential to create new products for canine oral care.

“Maintaining good oral hygiene in dogs is important to their overall wellness and it’s a growing concern among pet owners, yet regular toothbrushing can be challenging,” says Dr. Sophie Nixon, head of R&D Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Wellbeing at ADM. 

“Our research highlights the potential for innovative postbiotic solutions to help support canine oral care and represents a promising step forward in identifying more convenient approaches to supporting oral health.”

Key findings 

ADM’s R&D team carried out a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 60 healthy adult dogs, who received dental cleaning.

In all three group divisions, the dogs were fed dry kibble daily for 57 days with either a placebo, a low dose of Priome Oral Care, or a high dose of Priome Oral Care.

The study, published in Animals, shows a significant 10% reduction in dental plaque between days 29 and 57 when dogs received a high dose of the postbiotic.

Researchers saw plaque formation decline even in the low-dose group, compared to the placebo. Furthermore, the strain supported overall oral health based on a microbiome analysis.

When dogs received a high dose of the postbiotic between days 29 and 57, dental plaque was reduced by 10%.The study revealed that heat-treated L. plantarum CECT 9161 may be associated with reduced plaque formation and the modulation of the microbiome of supragingival plaque (above the gums) following plaque removal in dogs.

The facilitators also checked dental plaque, gum health, bad breath, and tartar at various intervals throughout the trial.

Landmark study

Peter Jüsten, Global VP, R&D Health & Wellness at ADM, notes that the study is the first canine clinical trial showing that Priome Oral Care can reduce dental plaque formation and thereby support the oral microbiome.

“This scientific publication is the culmination of many years of research and development work, spanning multiple ADM teams, sites, and countries, and details the full process of strain identification, preclinical characterization, and clinical substantiation. In addition, it contributes to an expanding body of scientific evidence supporting the role of postbiotics in reinforcing pet wellness.”

Nutrition Insight recently spoke with ADM’s Colton Clason, senior marketing manager of Pet Nutrition, and Dr. Lindsay Sumners, director of Creation, Design & Development, Health & Wellness, and Pet & Animal Wellbeing. They discussed how the company evaluates nutritional quality, navigates consumer trends, and develops targeted solutions for pet well-being. Highlighted topics were biotics, lifecycle sustainability, and the fine line between “humanization” and species-specific pet nutrition.

Guillaume Maio, ADM’s marketing manager for EMEA Pet Nutrition, previously told us about the humanization trend and wellness opportunities in pet nutrition, as adopters today have a stronger bond with their companion animals.