Evaluating the safety and functionality of a novel compound containing prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in healthy cats and dogs.

BACKGROUND

Although various prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are available, their safety and efficacy in combination are unknown.

AIM

We investigated the safety and functionality of a newly developed supplement, previously unreported in pet animals, containing 26 types of biotic material bacteria (2 prebiotics, 1 probiotic, and 23 postbiotics) in cats and dogs. The biotic materials included were selected based on current evidence from cats and dogs.

METHODS

A new supplement developed using species tested in cats and dogs was administered. One-way analysis was used for data obtained from 3 cats (7 days of treatment and 7 days of nontreatment), and a parallel, controlled study was performed in 20 dogs ( = 10 each in control and test groups, for 27 days).

RESULTS

In cats, no abnormal values were observed in complete blood count or blood chemistry tests, whereas significant decreases in blood glucose and total cholesterol were confirmed ( < 0.05 each). In the feline lymphocyte subset test, significant increases were observed in T and B cells ( < 0.05). A significant difference in fecal pH was observed in the test group ( < 0.01). In addition, 60% (9/15) of the test group had an increase in total organic acids. In dogs, only indole showed a consistent decrease among putrefactive products ( = 0.055). Regarding analyses of intestinal flora from feces using a gene sequencer at the genus level, no changes were observed in cats. Conversely, and genera tended to be decreased in the control group but increased by 23.1% and 45%, respectively, in the test group. In addition, and genera showed slight increases or changes in the control group but significant decreases in the test group. Regarding the ratio, an increase in the control group and a decrease in the test group were observed in all cats, whereas no differences were observed in dogs.

CONCLUSION

The supplement is safe for both cats and dogs. Results of comprehensive analyses suggested that the supplement improved the intestinal environment by regulating the gastrointestinal microbiota.