Use of Different Synbiotic Strategies to Improve Gut Health in Dogs.

This study evaluated the effects of two synbiotic strategies on the intestinal microbiota and immune response in Beagle dogs. Twelve dogs were subjected to a crossover design with three diets: a control diet (CON), a diet supplemented with fiber and DSM 15544 (SYN), and the SYN diet with added porcine plasma (SYN+). Over three periods of seven weeks, fecal samples were analyzed for digestibility, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fecal markers, and microbiome composition, while blood samples were assessed for biochemical parameters, leucocytic counts including CD4/CD8 lymphocyte populations, and phagocytic activity.

Supplementing infant milk formula with a multi-strain synbiotic and osteopontin enhances colonic microbial colonization and modifies jejunal gene expression in lactating piglets.

A total of ninety-six weaned piglets were assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 design. The treatments included: a standard milk formula (CTR); CTR + probiotics (6.4 × 10 cfu L CECT 7210 and 1.

The Impact of Fiber Source on Digestive Function, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Response in Adult Dogs.

This study evaluated the impact of different fiber sources on intestinal function, fecal microbiota, and overall health in dogs. Twelve dogs were used in a crossover design, involving three periods of 6 weeks and three diets: a low-fiber diet (CTR), a cereal-fiber and beet-pulp-supplemented diet (BRA), and a fruit-fiber-supplemented diet (FRU). Each period included a digestibility trial and fecal and blood sampling in the last week.

Potential benefits of yeast and their derivatives in dogs and cats: a review.

Yeast and its derivatives have been largely used in livestock and poultry nutrition for their potential positive impact on growth, performance, and general health. Originally included in animal diets as a source of protein, yeasts can also offer a wide range of by-products with interesting bioactive compounds that would confer uses beyond nutrition. Although its supplementation in livestock, poultry and even in humans is well documented, the available body of literature on the use of yeast and its derivatives in companion animals' food, mainly dogs and cats' diets, is still developing.

Effects of dietary crude protein level and sodium butyrate protected by medium-chain fatty acid salts on performance and gut health in weaned piglets.

To reduce the use of antibiotics, research into nutritional strategies designed to improve the gut health of weaned pigs is underway. This study sought to examine the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) and/or supplementing the feed with sodium butyrate protected by the sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets. Ninety-six weaned piglets (Landrace × large white, 21 days of age) were allotted to four experimental treatments for 14 d.