Intestinal Microbiota and its Modulation through Diet in Dogs

Intestinal Microbiota and its Modulation through Diet in Dogs

The gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse microbiota, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa (Suchodolski, 2021). This microscopic community plays a crucial role in the host’s bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis.

The five main bacterial phyla in the microbiome of dogs and cats are:  Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.

Each phylum has specific substrate preferences for fermentation, producing various metabolites that can have either beneficial or adverse effects.

Beneficial metabolites from bacterial fermentation, like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and secondary bile acids, include trophic and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa.

Conversely, some compounds, such as certain biogenic amines, ammonia, and phenols, can be toxic to the mucosa, harming the intestinal environment and interfering with fecal quality (Garrigues et al., 2022).

The intestinal microbiota also contributes to the immune system by defending against non-resident intestinal pathogens (Suchodolski, 2011).

When the microbiota is in balance (eubiosis), it positively impacts bodily functions, supporting the immune system (Arpaia et al., 2013; Suchodolski, 2016). However, this balance can be disrupted by various factors, such as:

(Schmidt et al., 2018; Vilson et al., 2018; Pilla et al., 2020)

The following sections will discuss the main bacteria related to canine intestinal health and how diet can aid in their modulation.

Sentinel Bacteria of the Gastrointestinal Tract