Probiotics for Pooches: New Hope for Overweight Dogs
Researchers have identified 2 strains of probiotics that can be used to reduce weight in obese dogs. The research is published this week in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
In the latest research, the team delved into metabolic disorders affecting companion animals, aiming to pinpoint probiotics suitable for sustained and safe therapy. Dr. Younghoon Kim, the lead investigator of the study and a professor in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Seoul National University's College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) in Korea, highlighted the initial hurdle of selecting specific metabolic conditions to explore, ultimately focusing on the prevalent issue of 'pet obesity'.
Remarkably, obesity is more prevalent among older pets globally, affecting roughly 50% of the entire pet population across various age brackets. A considerable number of these pets are currently undergoing treatments, such as dietary interventions.
To pinpoint potential probiotic candidates for companion animals, Kim and his team examined the differences in intestinal microbiota composition between young and elderly dogs. Their analysis unveiled a decrease in lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium species, and Enterococcus species among older dogs, leading them to focus on these specific strains.
During the experimental phase, they administered these chosen strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, alongside a high-fat diet to a group of beagles. The outcomes were compelling, showcasing the strains' efficacy in reducing body fat and restoring the imbalances in gut microflora caused by obesity.
Kim noted that what is especially promising is that these changes are not temporary. Instead, they endure within the dog's system, ensuring that the observed positive alterations can be maintained over time. This lasting impact emphasizes the potential long-term advantages of integrating these probiotic strains into the health routine for companion animals.
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