Effects of probiotic D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional and health status of boxer dogs.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain on nutritional status and faecal and microbiological parameters in a group of purebred boxers.

METHODS

Forty healthy adult boxer dogs were randomly assigned to a treated (LACTO) group receiving a commercial diet supplemented with D2/CSL (CECT 4529) to a final concentration of 5.0 x 10 colony-forming unit/kg of food, and a control (CTR) group receiving the same diet but without the probiotic (placebo). Nutritional status (body weight, skinfold thickness, body condition score) and faecal quality parameters were analysed.

RESULTS

No differences in body weight and skin thickness were found during the whole experimental period. Dogs in the LACTO group showed a significantly higher body condition score than those in the CTR group (4.86±0.55 v 4.65±0.65), and no significant differences were recorded in body weight and skinfold thickness. The LACTO group showed a significantly lower faecal moisture (in per cent) compared with the CTR group (0.67±0.007 v 0.69±0.007). Faecal hardness (in kg) was higher in the LACTO group than in the CTR group (0.86±0.047 v 0.70±0.051), and faecal score also improved in the LACTO group (3.78±0.95 v 4.25±0.91). A significant difference in total counts as well as in lactobacilli counts between the CTR and LACTO groups was only detected at 28 days.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of D2/CSL (CECT 4529) significantly improved the nutritional status and faecal parameters of dogs.