Probiotics May Help Dogs Lose Weight, Study Suggests
If your dog has packed on a few too many pounds, they may benefit from taking daily probiotics. New research has identified two strains of probiotics that can promote weight loss in dogs: Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium lactis (1).
The study found that these two strains can activate a dog’s energy metabolism, even when the dog is consuming a high-calorie diet. “The researchers reported decreased body weight, lower body fat, and increased metabolism,” says Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a veterinarian in Overland Park, Kansas, who is not associated with the study. “They also noted that dogs receiving these probiotics had reduced systemic inflammation and hormonal disruptions that are characteristic of obesity.”
Obesity alters the microflora in an animal’s gastrointestinal tract, which affects their digestion and metabolism, Dr. Koehler explains. “A shift toward a balanced gut that favors efficient digestion and metabolism could aid an animal’s weight loss,” she says.
The study’s findings specifically apply to the two probiotic strains mentioned. And while the data is promising, further research is needed to verify the results and to investigate the potential usefulness of other probiotic strains.
Probiotics for Dogs: Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Studies show that pet probiotics may help to strengthen the amount of good gut bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (2). In addition to improving digestion and stool quality, probiotics have been found to ward off urinary tract infections and may even help with anxiety (3).
Probiotic supplements for dogs are available as chews, powders, and capsules, and there are also dog food with probiotics. Make sure to look for a product from a reputable brand. If you want your pet to reap any potential weight loss benefits, prioritize brands that contain the two strains from the study. For example, Purina Pro Plan Fortiflora contains Enterococcus faecium and Rx Vitamins Rx Biotic contains Bifidobacterium lactis.
Before starting your pet on any new supplement, ask your veterinarian first, as dogs with certain health conditions may have adverse reactions to probiotics.
Other Tips to Promote Weight Loss in Dogs
To help a dog lose weight, avoid overfeeding your pet. Your veterinarian will specify how many calories to feed your dog each day to meet a weight loss goal or they may recommend switching to a weight management dog food. “Pet parents should feed measured amounts of a healthy, vet-approved diet,” Dr. Koehler recommends. And while it may be tempting to toss your pet a treat every time they do something cute, experts warn that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.
You can also keep your pet moving with daily low-impact exercise. Even a brisk 30-minute walk can help a dog burn calories. “I encourage speaking with your veterinarian to develop a healthy nutrition and exercise plan for your pet,” Dr. Koehler says.
Again, before using a probiotic for dogs or trying out a weight management pet food, ask your veterinarian for their official recommendation so you can find out what will work best for your individual pet.
References
- Kang, Anna et al. “Dietary supplementation with probiotics promotes weight loss by reshaping the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in obese dogs.” Microbiology spectrum vol. 12,3 (2024): e0255223. doi:10.1128/spectrum.02552-23
- Yang, Qing, and Zhenlong Wu. “Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms.” Microorganisms vol. 11,10 2452. 29 Sep. 2023, doi:10.3390/microorganisms11102452
- “The power of probiotics.” Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/power-probiotics
