Pet nutrition update: Probiotics linked to reduced weight in obese dogs, new research flags

01 Feb 2024 --- Researchers have identified two probiotic strains that help reduce weight in obese dogs by inducing changes to the gut microbiota. The selected strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, were effective in reducing body fat and rectifying the imbalances in gut microbiota induced by obesity. 

Along with a high-fat diet, the team administered the probiotics to obese beagles for nine weeks. The probiotics used enhanced systemic energy utilization, prevented fat build-up and reduced inflammation caused by the diet. 

“The strains we carefully selected demonstrated remarkable success in reducing the body fat percentage in dogs,” underscores the study’s lead investigator Younghoon Kim, professor in the department of agricultural biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, in Korea. 

“What set these strains apart was their ability to not only limit dietary intake or enhance excretion to reduce body weight but, more importantly, activate energy metabolism. Even when exposed to a high-calorie diet, we observed a decrease in body weight, alleviation of subcutaneous fat accumulation and increased energy metabolism. This confirmed a shift in the body’s metabolic orientation toward fat consumption, rather than fat accumulation.”

Metabolic health 
Fat accumulation often leads to systemic inflammation and a disruption of hormone metabolism, explains Kim. 

In the group of dogs ingesting the selected probiotics, the team observed lower inflammation levels and increased in metabolic activities such as insulin production. Moreover, the probiotics helped increase the proportion of commensal bacteria — microbes that do not harm health. These bacteria boost immunity by defending against harmful bacteria. 

Kim emphasizes that the changes identified through the probiotics persist in the dogs’ bodies. He stresses that such an enduring impact underscores the potential long-term benefits of incorporating these strains into health regimens for pets. 

Probiotic selection 
The researchers note that the global prevalence of obesity is higher in older pets. To determine which strains to test, the research team examined the variations of gut microbiota composition in young and old dogs, finding a decline of lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium species and Enterococcus species in older dogs. 

“Given this context, our team initiated experiments with the primary goal of identifying probiotics capable of reducing the body fat percentage in pets,” explains Kim. 

In addition to the selected probiotics, the researchers used a roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans) to evaluate the probiotic capability of the strains used. Both E. faecium IDCC 2102 and B. lactis IDCC 4301 extended the longevity of C. elegans even more than one of the most clinically renowned probiotics worldwide — Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. 

The research team administered the probiotics to obese beagles for nine weeks, in addition to a high-fat diet.The study, published in Veterinary Microbiology, further reveals that B. lactis IDCC 4301 generated bacterial short-chain fatty acids and carboxylic acids, facilitating glycolysis and contributing to ATP synthesis. 

E. faecium IDCC 2102, the other strain used, produced bacterial metabolites that helped restore eating behavior and improve glucose and insulin tolerance. 

Kim calls for broader recognition of the therapeutic possibilities of probiotics, noting that they can address a wide range of diseases in pets. Moreover, he sees a pressing need for further research on probiotics tailored for pets. 

“By promoting this awareness, my aspiration is to catalyze increased attention, funding and collaborative efforts in the scientific community to explore the expansive landscape of probiotic applications in pet health.” 

Pet nutrition 
A growing population with companion animals is leading to an increased awareness of healthy functional pet foods. At the same time, research on tailored probiotics is limited compared to humans. 

“While types of probiotics suitable for human consumption or commercial livestock have been identified and established, the absence of standardized guidelines for companion animals is a glaring gap,” highlights Kim. “Our study aimed to address this deficiency by striving to broaden the spectrum of probiotics applicable to pets across various environments.”

Industry experts predict pet nutrition as a crucial trend for 2024 as people realize their pets have many of the same needs as their owners, such as gut and joint health. 

Earlier this year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched innovations and enhancements to its prescription diet line, veterinarian-recommended therapeutic pet food. The new range includes low-fat, hydrolyzed soy canine product for dogs with food and fat sensitivities, which includes the company’s Activ-Biome+ ingredient to activate the gut microbiome and support digestive health and well-being. 

Last year, we talked to the founder of US-based dog nutrition brand Yumwoof to examine how discoveries in the gut-brain axis are taking pet nutrition to the next level. He told us that research suggests that “super fats” in dogs’ diets can help prolong the length and quality of the animal’s life. 

By Jolanda van Hal