Effects of a nonviable Lactobacillus acidophilus on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristic, fecal fermentative end-products, and dysbiosis index in healthy and chronic diarrhea-affected dogs and cats
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Benefits of feeding postbiotics have been demonstrated in companion animals. Nonviable Lactobacillus acidophilus (NVL) has potential as a postbiotic and functional ingredient in both dog and cat diets. However, little research has been conducted on dogs and cats. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of NVL on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, dysbiosis index, fecal IgA, and fecal metabolites in healthy animals and in animals with chronic diarrhea. Twenty-four adult dogs (12 healthy, 12 diarrhetic; mean body weight [BW] = 14.6 kg; mean age = 7.8 yr) and 24 adult cats (12 healthy, 12 diarrhetic; mean BW = 5.4 kg; mean age = 9.6 yr) were utilized in 2 separate cross-over design studies with two 3-wk feeding periods and a 3-wk washout between feeding periods. Protocols were approved by the facility's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (Ontario Nutri Lab; Fergus, ON, Canada) before the study. Animals were randomly assigned to be first fed a control dry extruded diet or control diet + NVL. Fecal scores were evaluated daily during each period. Total feces were collected during days 14 to 18 for ATTD. Fresh feces were collected on days 17-18 for dysbiosis index, fecal immunoglobin A, and fecal metabolites measurements. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. For dogs, fecal score, dysbiosis index, and fecal immunoglobin A were not changed (P > 0.05) by NVL. Greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of dry matter, protein, and energy was noted in both healthy and diarrhetic dogs on NVL. In diarrhetic dogs, consumption of NVL resulted in a lower (P < 0.05) fecal valerate concentration. For cats, fecal scores and fecal metabolites were not altered (P > 0.05) by NVL. Consumption of NVL resulted in lower (P < 0.05) ATTD of dry matter and energy in both healthy and diarrhetic cats. Dysbiosis index was lower (P < 0.05; less dysbiotic gut microbiota) by NVL in healthy and diarrhetic cats. These results indicate that NVL may have potential as a postbiotic supplement for pets as indicted in dogs-especially diarrhetic dogs-by higher ATTD (DM, CP, and energy) and lower fecal protein catabolites (BCFA), and as indicated in cats by less gut microbiota dysbiosis despite slight lowering of ATTD (DM and energy).
Source: Journal of Animal Science
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skag220
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7170079350