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. 2025 May;15(5):1969-1981.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i5.11. Epub 2025 May 31.

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

Mamoru Onuma  1   2 , Kai Ataka  3 , Akiyoshi Murakami  1
Affiliations

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

Mamoru Onuma et al. Open Vet J. 2025 May.

Abstract

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 (n = 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 (p < 0.05 each). In the feline lymphocyte subset test, significant increases were observed in T and B cells (p < 0.05). A significant difference in fecal pH was observed in the test group (p < 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 (p = 0.055). Regarding analyses of intestinal flora from feces using a gene sequencer at the genus level, no changes were observed in cats. Conversely, Lachnospira and Anaeroplasma genera tended to be decreased in the control group but increased by 23.1% and 45%, respectively, in the test group. In addition, Escherichia-Shigella and Tyzzerella genera showed slight increases or changes in the control group but significant decreases in the test group. Regarding the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes 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.

Keywords: Cat; Dog; Postbiotic; Prebiotic; Probiotic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. Results of intestinal flora analysis in cats at the genus level: results for the top 10 bacterial species in the control and test groups (averages). c, control group; t, test group; pre, before test; post-test, after-test.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. Results of intestinal flora analysis in dogs at the genus level: results for the top 10 bacterial species in the control and test groups (averages). Control: control group. Treatment: test group.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.. Average F/B ratio in cats (n = 3). c, control group; t, test group; pre, before test; post-test, after-test.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.. Average F/B ratio in dogs (n = 10).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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