Postbiotic May Support Dogs’ Metabolic Health: Study

A postbiotic manufactured by ADM called Priome MH (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145) was found to support significant reductions in postprandial blood glucose levels compared to placebo, during a phase of weight loss. The findings, which are not yet published, build upon a prior study suggesting that the postbiotic may improve overall gut health. Measures were also taken to observe changes in hormones like GLP-1 and glucagon, with differences observed between the sexes.

The present results “mark an important step in advancing our understanding of the potential for postbiotics in metabolic health for pets, a health area that historically has been underserved by biotic ingredients,” said Sophie Nixon, PhD, head of R&D clinical research for pet and animal wellbeing at ADM, who oversaw the trial. “With growing interest in functional ingredients for companion animals, our strain Priome MH in its postbiotic form offers exciting capabilities as a dietary supplement to help maintain metabolic health in adult dogs.”

“While postbiotics have long been recognized for their role in gut health, postbiotics like our strain Priome MH are emerging as innovative tools to support metabolic function and overall well-being in companion animals,” said Peter Jüsten, global vice president of R&D for ADM’s health and wellness unit. “These findings add to a growing body of research showing that postbiotics can have targeted physiological effects.”

45 healthy dogs were recruited into the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, which evaluated the impact of daily pro- or postbiotic supplementation on markers of metabolic health during periods of induced weight gain or weight loss. Dogs either received the probiotic or postbiotic version of the ingredient, or a placebo, alongside a kibble diet. The study consisted of independent phases in which the dogs were fed 200% of their maintenance energy requirement, and a weight loss phase in which they were fed 100% of the maintenance requirements for their ideal weight.

In addition to beneficial changes to blood sugar and certain hormones, the researchers also noted that supplementation with Priome MH resulted in lower blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a biochemical marker of liver function that has been found to be increased in obese dogs, compared to placebo during the weight gain phase.