Application of Probiotics in Cats and Dogs: Benefits and Mechanisms.

2025-10-17
Veterinary sciences 12(10)
- Jintao Sun
- Xinshu Gu
- Huaiyu Zhang
- Lihong Zhao
- Jinquan Wang
- Xiumin Wang
- Hui Tao
- Zhenlong Wang
- Bing Han

PubMed: 41150148
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12101008

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: dogs and cats

Probiotics have grown increasingly pivotal for the health of pets, particularly dogs and cats. Emerging research demonstrates that probiotics exert a significant positive impact on gut health, including alleviating intestinal inflammation, regulating gut microbiota balance, and relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets. Regarding nutrient metabolism, probiotics aid in prevention and management of obesity and associated metabolic diseases, primarily by enhancing nutrient digestibility and regulating energy utilization and fat metabolism. Furthermore, probiotics exhibit positive effects, including antiviral activity, immune regulation, and antioxidation. Specific probiotic strains exert their functions via mechanisms such as increasing immunoglobulin levels, suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors, and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. The underlying mechanisms primarily involve regulating metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, SCFAs), strengthening the intestinal barrier function, modulating immune responses, and optimizing the gut microbial composition. While existing studies highlight the broad potential of probiotics in preventing and managing various chronic diseases in dogs and cats, their utility in addressing acute illnesses and severe organ damage remains limited. Future research should prioritize investigating species-specific mechanisms of actions and extend to exploring potential applications in the neurological health and behavior of pets.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Diarrhea Symptoms
relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Gut Health
probiotics exert a significant positive impact on gut health, including alleviating intestinal inflammation, regulating gut microbiota balance, and relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Gut Microbiota Balance
regulating gut microbiota balance
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Immune Function
Specific probiotic strains exert their functions via mechanisms such as increasing immunoglobulin levels, suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors, and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Immune Regulation
probiotics exhibit positive effects, including antiviral activity, immune regulation, and antioxidation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Immune System Modulation
Specific probiotic strains exert their functions via mechanisms such as increasing immunoglobulin levels, suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Metabolic Health
probiotics aid in prevention and management of obesity and associated metabolic diseases, primarily by enhancing nutrient digestibility and regulating energy utilization and fat metabolism.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Improved Nutrient Metabolism
probiotics aid in prevention and management of obesity and associated metabolic diseases, primarily by enhancing nutrient digestibility and regulating energy utilization and fat metabolism.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Increased Antioxidant Activity
Specific probiotic strains exert their functions via mechanisms such as increasing immunoglobulin levels, suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors, and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Diarrhea
relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Diarrhea Symptoms
probiotics exert a significant positive impact on gut health, including alleviating intestinal inflammation, regulating gut microbiota balance, and relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Intestinal Inflammation
probiotics exert a significant positive impact on gut health, including alleviating intestinal inflammation, regulating gut microbiota balance, and relieving diarrhea symptoms for pets.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Obesity
probiotics aid in prevention and management of obesity and associated metabolic diseases
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92→Reduced Viral Activity
probiotics exhibit positive effects, including antiviral activity
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small