Postbiotics: A Novel Approach to Enhancing Canine Health

In 2021, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defined "postbiotics" as preparations of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits to the host. While this field is still emerging, the potential health benefits of these metabolites have driven rapid advancements in their research and production. In recent years, interest in their veterinary use, particularly in dogs, has been growing, although available information remains limited. The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the state of the art regarding the use of postbiotics in dogs, examining the types postbiotics, their different mechanisms of action, their potential effects on canine health, and how they are produced and presented for their use. While the meta-analysis conducted with the initial available data in dogs does not show statistically significant effects of postbiotic supplementation in healthy dogs, existing evidence from other species suggests that postbiotics improve gut microbiota composition, modulate immune and inflammatory responses, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in the treatment of chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Taken together with their potential role as an alternative to antimicrobial use, these findings highlight the need for further research in canine health to support the use of postbiotics into the treatment of common canine diseases, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with existing therapeutic options.