Effects of Bacillus pumilus SG154 or a Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 327 Postbiotic on the Fecal Characteristics and Microbiota of Healthy Adult Dogs Subjected to an Abrupt Diet Change
Abrupt dietary changes disrupt gut health and lead to gastrointestinal issues. This study aimed to determine the effects of live Bacillus pumilus SG-154 or a Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 327 postbiotic on fecal characteristics and microbiota populations of dogs following an abrupt diet change. Twelve healthy adult English pointer dogs were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design to test the following treatments: 1) placebo (control; 250 mg maltodextrin/d); 2) live B. pumilus [5x109 colony-forming units 21 (CFU)/d]; 3) L. paracasei postbiotic (100 mg; derived from 2x109 CFU). Each period lasted 42 days, with the diet change on day 28. Fecal samples were scored and analyzed for pH, DM content, and microbiota before (D0) and 2, 6, 10, and 14 days after the diet change. The abrupt diet change increased (P<0.01) fecal pH and the dysbiosis index and decreased (P<0.0001) fecal dry matter. Fecal scores were lower (P<0.05) in the B. pumilus group. Beta diversity showed microbiota shifts post-diet change. B. pumilus reduced (P<0.05) abundance of Prevotella and Muribaculaceae, while both treatments increased (P<0.05) Holdemanella. These results suggest probiotics and postbiotics may influence microbial responses to dietary stress, with B. pumilus being more notable.