Scientists discovered that dogs naturally have helpful bacteria in their bodies that could be used to improve their health, similar to probiotics people take. Researchers collected bacteria samples from puppy milk and dog poop, then tested 100 different types to see which ones had the best health-boosting properties. They found that certain bacteria strains were especially good at sticking to the body and surviving digestion. These findings could help create special probiotic supplements designed just for dogs to support their digestive health and overall wellness.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can scientists find helpful bacteria living in dogs’ bodies that could be turned into probiotic supplements to keep dogs healthy?
  • Who participated: Researchers collected bacteria samples from mother dogs’ milk and from puppies and adult dogs’ digestive systems. They tested 100 different bacterial samples in the laboratory.
  • Key finding: Scientists identified 30 different types of beneficial bacteria in dogs, with 10 strains showing excellent ability to stick to the digestive system (about 70% adhesion rate), which is important for probiotics to work effectively.
  • What it means for you: Dog owners may eventually have access to probiotic supplements made from bacteria naturally found in dogs’ bodies, which could support digestive health. However, these are still in early research stages and not yet available as consumer products.

The Research Details

Scientists used a step-by-step laboratory process to find and test helpful bacteria. First, they collected 100 bacterial samples from puppy milk and dog waste. Then they tested each sample for important properties like how well the bacteria could stick to surfaces, break down plant materials, and survive in the digestive system. In the second phase, they narrowed down to 60 promising samples and tested their ability to form protective layers (biofilms) and produce sticky substances that help them survive. Finally, they identified exactly which types of bacteria they had found using genetic testing and selected the 10 best performers.

This approach is like a talent scout finding the best athletes: first you watch many candidates, then you test specific skills, and finally you pick the champions. The researchers were looking for bacteria that could survive the harsh stomach environment and stick to the intestinal walls where they could do the most good.

The study focused on finding bacteria that naturally live in dogs rather than using bacteria from other animals or humans, which is important because dog-specific bacteria may work better in a dog’s body.

Using bacteria that naturally belong in a dog’s body is safer and more likely to work than using bacteria from humans or farm animals. This research helps scientists understand which dog bacteria have the best chance of surviving digestion and actually helping the dog’s health. The step-by-step testing process ensures that only the most promising bacteria are selected for future probiotic products.

This is a laboratory research study that identifies and tests bacteria in controlled conditions. The researchers used established scientific methods to identify bacteria and measure their properties. However, this is early-stage research—the bacteria haven’t been tested in actual dogs yet to see if they truly improve health. The study doesn’t include information about how many samples were tested or complete details about all methods, which would strengthen the findings.

What the Results Show

Scientists found 30 different types of beneficial bacteria living in dogs’ bodies. The most common types were E. canintestini (7 strains), E. faecium (6 strains), L. johnsonii (4 strains), and E. faecalis (4 strains). These bacteria showed several helpful properties: 40% could stick well to surfaces, 20% could break down plant fiber, and 19% could break down certain plant compounds that might be hard to digest.

When researchers tested the bacteria’s ability to survive and thrive, they found that 60% could grow without added folate (a B vitamin) and 53% could grow without riboflavin (another B vitamin). This is important because it means these bacteria might not need extra vitamins to survive in a dog’s digestive system.

Most importantly, 10 of the selected bacterial strains showed excellent adhesion ability—meaning they could stick to intestinal cells at about 70% efficiency. This is crucial because probiotics need to stick to the intestinal walls to provide health benefits. Without this sticking ability, the bacteria would just pass through the digestive system without helping.

The research found that different bacterial strains had different strengths. Some were better at forming protective biofilms (layers that help bacteria survive), while others were better at producing sticky substances (called EPS) that help them stick around. The bacteria showed different abilities depending on what type of sugar (glucose, sucrose, or lactose) was available, suggesting they might work differently depending on a dog’s diet. These variations mean that combining multiple bacterial strains together might provide better benefits than using just one type.

This research builds on the success of probiotics in humans and farm animals by focusing specifically on dogs. Previous studies showed that probiotics help people and livestock, but dogs have different digestive systems and naturally different bacteria. This study is one of the first to systematically search for and test dog-specific bacteria, which is a more targeted approach than simply using human or farm animal probiotics in dogs.

This study only tested bacteria in laboratory conditions, not in actual dogs. The researchers didn’t measure whether these bacteria actually improve dog health, reduce illness, or improve digestion—they only tested the bacteria’s properties in test tubes and petri dishes. The study doesn’t provide complete details about sample sizes or all testing methods. Additionally, the research doesn’t tell us how long these bacteria survive in a dog’s stomach acid or whether they work better for some dogs than others. Future studies will need to test these bacteria in real dogs to confirm they’re actually beneficial.

The Bottom Line

This research suggests that dog-specific probiotics may be a promising future option for supporting canine digestive health, but they are not yet ready for consumer use. Current evidence is moderate—the bacteria show good laboratory properties, but real-world effectiveness hasn’t been proven. Dog owners should continue following their veterinarian’s recommendations for their pet’s health. If and when dog-specific probiotics become available, consult your vet before using them.

This research is most relevant to dog owners interested in natural health products, veterinarians developing new treatments, and pet food companies creating functional foods. Dogs with digestive issues might eventually benefit most from these products, but that’s not yet proven. Healthy dogs may also benefit from preventive probiotics, but more research is needed. This research is less relevant to cat owners or people with other pets, as the bacteria are specific to dogs.

If these bacteria are developed into actual probiotic products, it will likely take 3-5 years of additional testing in real dogs before they’re available to consumers. Even after products are available, it may take 2-4 weeks of consistent use to notice any digestive improvements. Long-term benefits would require ongoing use, similar to how probiotics work in humans.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once dog-specific probiotics become available, track your dog’s digestive health weekly by noting stool quality (firmness, consistency), energy levels, and any digestive discomfort. Use a simple 1-5 scale for each measure to monitor changes over 8-12 weeks.
  • When probiotic products become available, establish a daily routine of giving the supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast) to ensure consistency. Pair it with a specific daily activity so it becomes a habit, like brushing teeth or taking a walk.
  • Create a simple monthly health log noting your dog’s digestion, coat quality, energy level, and any health issues. Compare notes every 3 months to identify patterns. Share this information with your veterinarian at annual checkups to track long-term health trends and determine if the probiotic is making a real difference.

This research describes laboratory testing of bacteria and has not yet been tested in living dogs. The health benefits described are theoretical and based on laboratory properties, not proven clinical outcomes. These bacteria have not been developed into commercial products and are not available for consumer use. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements or making changes to their diet. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Individual dogs may respond differently to probiotics, and some dogs with certain health conditions should not use probiotics without veterinary supervision.