ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 59 normalized more rapidly in supplemented dogs, indicating quicker resolution of dietary stress. • Enhanced gut barrier support: Measurements of fecal calprotectin and secretory IgA revealed beneficial trends, suggesting the postbiotic helped reinforce intestinal defenses during periods of stress. • Better tolerance of dietary changes: During food transitions, dogs receiving supplementation demonstrated smoother adaptation and more stable fecal consistency. • Improved skin and coat health: Dogs showed measurable enhancements in skin condition and in microbiota composition and diversity, supporting the gut–skin axis hypothesis. WHY THESE FINDINGS MATTER These weren't artificial scenarios with abstract endpoints. The studies tested real challenges—antibiotic treatment and diet changes—that companion animals routinely face. Heat-treated L. helveticus HA-122 consistently supported digestive stability during these predictable stressors. For veterinarians and pet owners seeking evidence-based approaches to immune support and gut health, these findings offer practical validation: a scientifically substantiated way to support overall health and well-being when dogs encounter unavoidable challenges. THE NEXT GENERATION OF GUT HEALTH SUPPORT As more people look for ways to support their pets' health naturally, nutraceuticals—foods with functional health benefits—are gaining momentum. Among them, postbiotics emerge as a practical and effective addition to premium pet food and supplements. Postbiotics offer distinct advantages: they don't require refrigeration, remain stable throughout the pet food manufacturing process, and their shelf stability makes them easy to incorporate into daily feeding. Equally important, robust research demonstrates their ability to promote gut integrity, support immune balance, and help restore microbial equilibrium after antibiotic use or dietary changes. When we feed our pets, we're nourishing more than just our companions—we're also supporting a complex microscopic ecosystem that plays a vital role in their overall well-being. Thanks to science-backed innovations like postbiotics, we're better equipped than ever to care for that hidden world inside them. References 1Rawling, et al. 2023. “Modulation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Fed Different Postbiotics and a Probiotic from Lactobacilli.” Microorganisms 11(12): 2900. https://doi. org/10.3390/microorganisms11122900 2Apper, et al. 2023. “The Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model: An Accurate Model to Screen the Effect of Heat-Inactivated Lactobacillus Strain on Immune Responses.” Paper presented at the 27th Congress of the European Society of Veterinary & Comparative Nutrition (ESVCN), Vila Real, Portugal, September 7–9, 2023. 3Deschamps, C. 2023. “Impact of Body Weight and Antibiotic Disturbance on Canine Gut Microbiota: In Vitro Simulation and Restoration Strategies.” Microbiology and Parasitology. Université Clermont Auvergne. About Dr. Francesca Susca As the Global Category Manager for Pet at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Dr. Francesca Susca is dedicated to advancing the company’s mission of optimizing animal health and well-being through carefully selected natural microbial solutions. Prior to this, Susca spent 10 years at Nestlé Purina, where she held various roles in Product Development, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance within the PetCare and Pet Food sectors. She earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Milan, followed by a PhD in Animal Feed and Food Safety. Her doctoral research focused on the effects of dietary nutrient supplementation on the metabolism and performance of dairy ruminants, though her professional career has been dedicated to pets.
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