The research by A. Kang and colleagues (2024) tested two probiotic strains—Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301—on dogs with high-fat diet–induced obesity. Both strains helped prevent weight gain and lipid accumulation, while also reducing systemic inflammation and hormone imbalances associated with obesity.
Mechanistically, the probiotics enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and S24-7. This shift in microbial composition supported greater production of short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites that boosted glycolysis, ATP synthesis, and overall energy utilization. Notably, IDCC 2102 promoted acetic and butyric acid production, which was linked to improved dopamine synthesis and better glucose and insulin tolerance. IDCC 4301, meanwhile, facilitated SCFA and carboxylic acid production, further enhancing metabolic stability.
The findings suggest that probiotic supplementation could be an effective therapeutic strategy for managing canine obesity. By altering the gut microbiome and activating key metabolic pathways, these probiotics may reduce inflammation, support healthy eating behavior, and prevent long-term metabolic disease in companion animals.
Source: Kang, A., Kwak, M.-J., Lee, D. J., Lee, J. J., Kim, M. K., Song, M., Lee, M., Yang, J., Oh, S., & Kim, Y.-H. (2024). Dietary supplementation with probiotics promotes weight loss by reshaping the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in obese dogs. Microbiology Spectrum, 12. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00452-24
