ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 45 The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the overall health of dogs and cats. Learn how managing dysbiosis and targeted nutritional strategies, including multi-strain probiotics, can support digestive and immune wellbeing in pets of all ages. THE ROLE OF INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN PETS The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem within the digestive tract of dogs and cats. It consists of billions of beneficial bacteria that work together to maintain health. These microbes do much more than aid digestion. They play a vital role in developing and modulating local and systemic immune responses. The gut microbiota acts as a protective barrier against pathogens. It produces essential nutrients and metabolites that support intestinal cells. It also communicates with the immune system to maintain balance and tolerance. An imbalance in this delicate ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, can have serious consequences. It can lead to digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Beyond the gut, dysbiosis is linked to systemic issues including allergies, dermatitis, and even behavioural changes in pets. UNDERSTANDING DYSBIOSIS: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES Dysbiosis is increasingly common in companion animals. Several factors can trigger this microbial imbalance: • Unbalanced diets: Low-quality commercial feeds or nutritionally incomplete home-prepared diets, • Prolonged antibiotic treatments: While necessary for treating infections, antibiotics can disrupt beneficial bacteria, • Prebiotic fibre deficiencies: Lack of fermentable fibres reduces beneficial bacterial growth, • Stress and environmental changes: Moving homes, travel, or changes in routine, • Age-related changes: Young puppies and kittens, as well as senior pets, are more vulnerable. Clinically, dysbiosis often manifests subtly. Symptoms may include intermittent digestive upset, dull coat, skin problems, or reduced vitality. This makes early detection and intervention challenging. Left unaddressed, chronic dysbiosis can compromise immune function and overall quality of life. RESTORING BALANCE: NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES TO EUBIOSIS Combating dysbiosis requires comprehensive strategies that restore eubiosis—an optimal microbial balance. Nutritional interventions are fundamental to this approach. Probiotics play a key role in re-establishing healthy gut flora. Probiotics are INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA: KEY TO DOG AND CAT WELLBEING Alessandro Gramenzi Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo
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