Effect of a Supplement Containing Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Yeast Extract on Gut Inflammation, Microbiota, and Cytokines in Healthy Dogs
A 31-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined whether a chew containing probiotics, prebiotics, and a postbiotic yeast extract could improve gut health and immune markers in 24 healthy adult beagle dogs. Dogs were split into two groups: one received the active supplement chew (PPYC; n = 12), while the other received a matched control chew (n = 12).
Researchers tracked gut inflammation markers, blood-based inflammation and immune signals, and changes in the gut microbiome, using fecal and blood samples alongside DNA-based microbiome analysis.
The study found that dogs receiving the PPYC supplement had lower levels of fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation, compared with controls (p < 0.05). Blood C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, showed a downward trend in the supplemented group. Despite being healthy at baseline, dogs in the PPYC group also showed a significant increase in IL-17A, suggesting a measurable immune response.
Gut microbiome analysis showed modest but meaningful improvements, including increases in beneficial bacteria such as Blautia and Clostridium hiranonis, reduced levels of Turicibacter, and a ~10% increase in microbial diversitywithin the PPYC group over the study period. Dogs receiving the supplement also maintained body weight without increasing food intake, pointing to improved feed efficiency.
Together, these results suggest that a combined probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic supplement can reduce gut inflammation, support a healthier gut microbiome, and modestly influence immune activity, even in dogs that are already healthy. The study is limited by its small sample size, short duration, and use of unchallenged animals, which likely reduced the magnitude of observable effects.
Future research should examine longer-term use and clinical populations, such as dogs with digestive or immune-related conditions. Overall, this study reinforces the idea that targeted gut supplements can support intestinal health and resilience, even before obvious symptoms appear.
