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
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
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Diarrhea Symptoms | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Gut Health | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Gut Microbiota Balance | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Immune Function | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Immune Regulation | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Immune System Modulation | Beneficial | Small |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Metabolic Health | Beneficial | Small |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Nutrient Metabolism | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Increased Antioxidant Activity | Beneficial | Small |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Diarrhea | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Diarrhea Symptoms | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Intestinal Inflammation | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Obesity | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Viral Activity | Beneficial | Small |