Study of faecal parameters and body condition in dogs with a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529)

The aim of our case-control study is to evaluate the effects of a diet integrated with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional status and faecal consistency of healthy dogs belonging to the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) and Labrador Retriever (LR) breeds. A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in this study, and they were randomly assigned to a Control (CTR, n = 14) and a Treated group (LACTO, n = 16). The trial consisted in a 7-days adaptation period where all the animals received the same commercial food, followed by a 35-days of data collection period where the LACTO group received the food supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL. We evaluated Body weight (BW), Body Condition Score (BCS) and Skinfold thickness, Faecal Score (FS) and Faecal Moisture (FM). All dogs in the LACTO group maintained an ideal BCS score during the whole experimental period compared to the CTR group. A significant decrease in skin thickness was found throughout the trial in the LACTO group. A significant improvement of the FM was recorded in the LACTO compared to the CTR group in the overall period for both dog breeds, and the FS significantly decreased in the LACTO group. Our results showed good maintenance of the nutritional conditions in dogs that are prone to overweight and a significant improvement of faecal parameters, meaning that even in healthy dogs with no gastrointestinal disorder the addition of this supplement to the diet helps to maintain the optimal balance of their intestinal microbiota.HIGHLIGHTS Probiotics help to maintain and promote the optimal gastro-intestinal health and well-being. Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) improve faecal parameters and nutritional status of dogs.