01 Feb 2024 — Researchers have identified two probiotic strains that help reduce weight in obese dogs by inducing changes to the gut microbiota. The selected strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, were effective in reducing body fat and rectifying the imbalances in gut microbiota induced by obesity.
Along with a high-fat diet, the team administered the probiotics to obese beagles for nine weeks. The probiotics used enhanced systemic energy utilization, prevented fat build-up and reduced inflammation caused by the diet.