Writing in the journal Animals, researchers from Four Rivers Kennel LLC,US, and ADM R&D Health & Wellness, UK, investigated the metabolic health effects of PRIOME Metabolic Health (PRIOME MH) Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 strain in both probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic form in adult dogs during weight gain and loss.
A key finding from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 45 healthy adult dogs was that dogs receiving the postbiotic showed a significant reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels compared to those in the placebo group during the weight-loss phase.
Additional positive findings included a reduction in blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a biochemical marker of liver function commonly elevated in obese dogs, as well as beneficial alterations in gut hormone levels, which play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.
“These findings are particularly interesting because, although biotic ingredients are well known for supporting gut health, their role in metabolic health—particularly in dogs—has been relatively underexplored,” Sophie Nixon, ADM’s head of clinical research, pet and animal well-being, told NutraIngredients.
Although healthy dogs typically regulate blood sugar well, repeated glucose spikes—particularly in overweight or aging animals—can contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic challenges.
“There is a growing need for research to better understand how these functional ingredients can help proactively support canine metabolic health, including blood sugar management, through safe, evidence-based nutritional interventions, before health concerns develop,” Nixon added.
Study details
The study consisted of two, seven-week phases. The first was a weight gain (200% maintenance energy intake)phase and the second a weight loss (100% maintenance energy requirement) phase, separated by a two-week washout period.
In each phase, 45 adult labrador retrievers (1.6–12.5 years) were randomly assigned to daily supplementation with live B. animalis CECT 8145 probiotic (PRO, n = 15), heat-treated B. animalis CECT 8145 postbiotic (POST, n = 15) or placebo control (CON, n = 15).
Body weight, body condition score, fecal quality and food consumption were monitored throughout the study, and body composition, fecal and blood samples were analyzed at the beginning and end of each phase.
While the probiotic and postbiotic supplements did not significantly alter body weight or composition, they did influence gut hormone levels, nutrient digestibility and fecal SCFA profiles, particularly during the weight gain phase.
During the weight loss phase, dogs in the postbiotic group experienced a significant reduction in postprandial glucose.
The authors noted that the absence of baseline measurements likely reduced the statistical power of the models, as inter-individual variability could not be included as a covariate; however, this was partially mitigated by inclusion of two time points per phase.
They further noted that the dosage used was half that employed in previous studies with the same strain so stronger effects on metabolic markers may have been observed at higher doses.
Exploratory analyses also indicated sex-specific responses to supplementation, suggesting that future studies should be designed to formally assess sex-dependent metabolic effects and associated microbiome changes.
Nixon noted further unique challenges in studying dogs.
“Dogs can’t self-report symptoms, mood or quality of life, so researchers must rely on owner observations and behavioral measures, which can introduce subjectivity,” she said. “There are also different levels of variation in breed, genetics, diet and living environment, which can make it harder to isolate the effect of a specific intervention.”
Aiming to lead in pet postbiotics
ADM’s recent consumer research indicates a global shift towards pet humanization, according to Nixon.
“This trend elevates pets to beloved family members and has more consumers purchasing functional pet products and supplements to support the well-being of their dogs and cats,” she said, noting results from the 2025 ADM outside Voice survey. “80% of European dog owners and 77% of cat owners are interested in products that could help extend their pets’ lifespan.”
At the same time, she said over half of pet dogs in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese, and a similar pattern is seen across Europe in both cats and dogs (ranging from 20% to 60%), resulting in pet parents seeking products to manage this trend.
Speaking to NutraIngredients in 2025, ADM said it was planning to position itself as a leader in postbiotics for pet health after a decade of providing these biotics for people.
Nixon said ADM is leveraging its global network of R&D teams and facilities to advance scientific understanding of pet health.
“Tailored solutions have significant potential to proactively enhance health span and quality of life,” she said. “Studies are ongoing to explore and evaluate microbiome-supporting solutions for companion animals, ensuring they deliver measurable benefits in areas such as oral care, balanced behavior, skin health, gut health and mobility.”
Source: Animals 2026, 16(2), 259. doi: 10.3390/ani16020259. “Bifidobacterium animalis Subspecies lactis CECT 8145 Affects Markers of Metabolic Health in Dogs During Weight Gain and Weight Loss”. Authors: Dickerson, S.M. et al.
