Work

Cats on dry kibble diet have significantly different microbiome than those on canned wet food

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Domestic cats ( Felis catus ) are understudied regarding how commercial diets impact their gut microbiomes. Here, we reanalyzed the 16S rRNA gene (V4) amplicon sequencing Kittybiome dataset, using new tools and techniques. Results demonstrated significant microbial composition differences between cats eating commercial dry kibble diets and those eating canned wet food. Kibble-fed cats showed enriched Prevotella , Bifidobacterium , and Megamonas amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs), linked to carbohydrate metabolism and metabolic disease.

Source: npj Veterinary Sciences

DOI: 10.1038/s44433-025-00001-6

Authors: Celeste Allaband, Holly H. Ganz, Connie A. Rojas, Rob Knight

Institutions: University of California San Diego, University of California System

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,790

Funder: National Institutes of Health