ADM's pet nutrition supplement Priome, which contains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT 8145, has demonstrated benefits for metabolic health in a study involving pet dogs. The trial revealed a reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels, an enhancement in digestibility, and improved gut hormone levels. The study underscores the necessity of addressing metabolic health, especially considering that 59% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese, raising their risk for chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders.
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The firm states that metabolic health is crucial for longevity and quality of life in dogs, encompassing factors like weight management, blood glucose regulation, and hormonal balance. It is noted that while healthy dogs typically manage their blood sugar effectively, frequent glucose spikes, particularly in overweight or older dogs, may lead to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.
The study, published in the journal Animals, involved 45 healthy adult Labrador retrievers and was structured into two phases: a weight-gain phase with overfeeding and a weight-loss phase where dogs were fed to maintain their weight. Dogs were assigned to one of three groups: those receiving the probiotic, those receiving a heat-treated version (postbiotic), or a placebo. Throughout the study, researchers tracked weight, fecal biomarkers, body fat, and overall health.
During the weight-gain phase, dogs given the probiotic or postbiotic displayed specific biomarkers linked to enhanced digestion and metabolism. In the weight-loss phase, the postbiotic group exhibited lower blood sugar levels after consuming kibble, suggesting that both probiotics and postbiotics may positively influence metabolic health during weight fluctuations.
ADM emphasized that this study enhances the understanding of postbiotic applications for canine metabolic health, an area underrepresented in research involving biotic ingredients. In the weight-gain phase, the postbiotics also improved digestibility and hinted at increased protein digestibility, while in the weight-loss phase, they delayed the digestibility of protein and nitrogen-free extracts compared to the placebo group.
Supplementation affected gut hormone levels, particularly during weight gain. Females in the study saw a decrease in glucagon, while males showed increased levels of GLP-1. The postbiotic group also experienced a reduction in blood sugar after meals during the weight-loss phase, prompting researchers to suggest its potential role in moderating glycemic response.
Overall, supplementation did not affect body weight, composition, or condition score. ADM representatives have noted a growing interest in prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for pets. A company-supported survey indicated that most pet owners have purchased biotic products for their pets at least once. Previous research highlighted that many homemade dog diets lack essential nutrients, potentially jeopardizing pet health, as noted by scientists in the Dog Aging Project. ADM indicated that the safest options for dog meals and treats are those specifically formulated for pets, rather than human food.