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.
Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo
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 live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They work through multiple mechanisms:
• Competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria,
• Production of antimicrobial substances,
• Strengthening the intestinal barrier,
• Modulating immune responses,
• Producing beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids.
THE POWER OF MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTICS
Multi-strain probiotic formulations offer significant advantages over single-strain products. By including selected bacterial species with complementary functions, these formulations broaden the therapeutic spectrum. Different strains target different aspects of gut health. Some excel at inhibiting pathogens. Others promote protective metabolite synthesis. Still others specialize in boosting immune defences or reducing inflammation. This synergistic approach provides more comprehensive support. It addresses multiple aspects of dysbiosis simultaneously. It also increases the likelihood that beneficial strains will successfully colonize the gut environment.
WHEN TO RECOMMEND PROBIOTICS FOR PETS
Probiotics are particularly beneficial in several clinical and nutritional contexts:
• After antibiotic therapies: Antibiotics disrupt the microbiota balance. Probiotic supplementation helps restore beneficial bacteria more quickly.
• During recurrent digestive issues: Chronic diarrhea, soft stools, or intermittent vomiting often signal dysbiosis requiring microbial support.
• For dietary transitions: Changing from one food to another, or introducing home-prepared diets, stresses the gut microbiota. Probiotics ease this transition.
• As immune support: In allergies, dermatitis, or inflammatory conditions, probiotics help modulate immune responses through the gut-immune axis.
• For behavioural disturbances: The gut-brain axis means intestinal health influences behaviour. Probiotics may support animals with anxiety or stress-related behaviours.
• During stressful periods: Travel, boarding, veterinary visits, or environmental changes can trigger dysbiosis. Preventive probiotic use helps maintain balance.
SPOTLIGHT ON LIMOSILACTOBACILLUS REUTERI
Among probiotic species, Limosilactobacillus reuteri has demonstrated particular promise for companion animals. This bacterium contributes to maintaining and restoring balanced intestinal microbiota.
L. reuteri is part of the complex gut ecosystem responsible for fermenting undigested food residues. It produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids that nourish intestinal epithelial cells. It also actively inhibits pathogenic bacteria through multiple mechanisms. From early life, L. reuteri supports gut immune response by influencing intestinal lymphoid tissue functions. This early colonization helps establish proper immune tolerance and reduces susceptibility to inflammatory conditions.
When dysbiosis occurs and harmful bacteria dominate, L. reuteri helps counteract the imbalance through:
• Pathogen inhibition: Preventing growth of inflammation-promoting bacteria
• Anti-inflammatory support: Promoting production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and metabolites
• Barrier enhancement: Strengthening the intestinal lining function
• Immune modulation: Restoring local immune tolerance and appropriate responses
In practical applications, L. reuteri contributes to improved gut health, reduced digestive functional disorders, and prevention of dysbiosis-related complications. These can include systemic effects like allergies, dermatitis, or behavioural problems. Its role is considered crucial in nutritional strategies aimed at rebalancing gut flora and supporting overall wellbeing.
CONCLUSION: A FOUNDATION FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH
Intestinal wellbeing is fundamental to the overall health of dogs and cats. The microbiota influences not just digestion, but immune function, skin health, behaviour, and overall vitality. Evidence-based nutraceutical strategies that support gut health provide lasting benefits. Modern multi-strain probiotic formulations offer targeted support backed by scientific research. Innovations in strain selection, ease of administration, and formulation adaptability make these products valuable tools. For professionals in animal nutrition and pet owners alike, prioritizing gut health through strategic probiotic use represents a proactive approach to companion animal care. Products like Reuteral Pet demonstrate how scientific advancement translates into practical daily support for pet wellbeing.
About Alessandro Gramenzi
As an Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Italy, Alessandro Gramenzi’s research focuses on pet nutrition and nutraceutical innovation for dog and cat wellbeing. He specializes in dietary management of companion animals, with particular emphasis on how feed additives and probiotics affect intestinal microbiota and overall health.
