As more and more pet owners grapple with the issue of obesity, it turns out that our furry companions may also be facing health risks. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society for Microbiology suggests a promising solution: probiotics, specifically found in bio yogurts and related foods, can aid in weight loss for obese dogs.
The researchers from the agricultural biotechnology department at South Korea’s Seoul National University focused on identifying probiotics that could effectively and safely promote weight loss in dogs over the long term. Their findings, titled “Dietary supplementation with probiotics promotes weight loss by reshaping the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in obese dogs,” have been published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum.
Professor Younghoon Kim, the principal investigator of the study, highlighted the increasing prevalence of obesity in pets globally, particularly in older animals. About half of the total pet population across all age groups is affected. Recognizing the evolving nature of the relationship between humans and their pets, the researchers aimed to address the specific problem of obesity in companion animals.
The team’s experiments focused on identifying probiotics capable of reducing body fat percentage in pets. Their goal was to raise awareness about the necessity for further research on probiotics tailored for pets and the diverse range of probiotic types with potential applications in pet health.
To pinpoint suitable probiotic candidates, the researchers compared the composition of intestinal microbiota in young and old dogs. They discovered a decline in lactic-acid bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus, in older dogs. The selected strains for their study were Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, which were fed to a group of beagles along with a high-fat diet.
The results were compelling, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strains in reducing body fat and restoring the imbalances in intestinal microflora induced by obesity. Unlike simply restricting dietary intake or enhancing excretion, these strains activated energy metabolism. Even when exposed to a high-calorie diet, the researchers observed a decrease in body weight, a reduction in subcutaneous fat accumulation, and an increase in energy metabolism.
Notably, the study indicated improvements in systemic inflammation and hormone metabolism associated with fat accumulation. The group that ingested the selected strains showed lower inflammation levels and enhanced essential metabolic activities, including insulin production. Overall, the researchers successfully increased the proportion of beneficial microbes in the body, contributing to the overall health of the animals.
