Anti-Aging
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p_Bacteroidetes) — Digestive helpers that protect intestinal balance
Bacteroidetes is one of the main symbiotic bacteria in the intestines of dogs and cats, and exists stably in the intestines of healthy animals for a long time. The most common genera in this phylum include Bacteroides and Prevotella, which have strong metabolic capabilities and can break down a variety of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and protein, and further produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionic acid and butyric acid. These metabolites not only provide energy for intestinal cells, but also have anti-inflammatory effects, can help maintain the intestinal mucosal barrier, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
In the intestinal flora of dogs, the proportion of Bacteroidetes is usually stable, accounting for about 30~35%. Studies have shown that this phylum and Firmicutes jointly dominate the intestinal structure of dogs. Its content is significantly affected by diet. For example, a high-fat, high-protein diet will promote the increase of Bacteroides. In elderly dogs, some Bacteroides even have an upward trend, indicating age-related intestinal metabolic changes.
When the content of Bacteroidetes is too low, it may lead to an imbalance of intestinal bacteria, causing problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation or abnormal immune response. On the other hand, some species such as B. tectum have also been detected in dog bites, indicating that potential pathogens exist in this phylum.
Pseudomonas plays a fundamental and critical role in the intestinal health of dogs and cats.
Proper diet and prebiotic supplementation can help maintain stable growth, promote overall intestinal balance, and provide your pet with a healthier digestive system and immune support.
Gut
Microbiota
Fusobacteria - key carnivorous commensal bacteria in the dog's gut
Fusobacteria is one of the most representative bacterial groups in the dog's intestines. In the fecal samples of healthy dogs, its average proportion can be as high as 24%, ranking as one of the three major bacterial phyla along with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The representative genus in this phylum is Fusobacterium, which is mainly characterized by its ability to effectively decompose amino acids and metabolic byproducts from meat protein and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which help maintain intestinal barrier function, inhibit bad bacteria, and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Studies have shown that the amount of Fusobacteria in dogs decreases significantly with age. (2020) A study of 29 companion dogs found that the proportion of Fusobacteria in older dogs was significantly lower (p = 0.010), suggesting that this phylum may be associated with age-related intestinal degeneration or weakened immune regulation. This is exactly the opposite of human research - Fusobacteria is considered a potential bad bacteria in humans and is associated with diseases such as intestinal inflammation and colon cancer; but in carnivorous animals such as dogs, Fusobacteria plays the role of an indicator of a healthy intestine.
In addition, the abundance of Fusobacteria is also related to behavioral characteristics. A behavioral experiment found that dogs with better memory test performance had lower levels of Actinobacteria in their intestines, but no increase in Fusobacteria, indicating that it may be involved in metabolic pathways related to learning and neural development. Other literature also pointed out that non-aggressive dogs or dogs with outdoor activities have relatively high levels of Fusobacteria, suggesting that it may be related to good quality of life or stable emotional state.
In summary, **Fusobacteria are not bad bacteria in the dog's intestines, but an important bacterial group that is closely related to diet structure, age changes and neurological health. **Through nutritional supplements or prebiotic feeding, there is a chance to support the stability of this bacterial phylum, delay aging, and improve intestinal function, which is especially important for older dogs and dogs with a high-protein diet.
Enterobacteriaceae - A key warning sign of intestinal immunity and health imbalance
Enterobacteriaceae is a group of facultative anaerobic bacteria widely found in the intestines of mammals, including common Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, etc. They may exist as neutral commensal bacteria in the intestines under healthy conditions, but they are prone to abnormal proliferation under stress, aging, infection or intestinal flora imbalance (dysbiosis), and then become an important factor in promoting enteritis, immune disorders and even systemic infection.
According to the latest study on 106 dogs of different ages, the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in the intestines of elderly dogs (>7 years old) increased significantly, especially potentially pathogenic species such as Escherichia coli. Although there was no significant difference between the elderly group and other age groups in the overall Dysbiosis Index, the changes in the proportion of these flora were synchronized with the decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in feces, such as the decrease in the concentration of butyrate and valeric acid, suggesting that the intestinal barrier function may be gradually weakened, further increasing the risk of inflammation and nutrient absorption disorders.
Enterobacteriaceae are also commonly found in dogs taking antibiotics, with nutritional imbalances or chronic disease states. Their rapid reproduction ability makes them an important factor in the difficulty of intestinal flora restoration. Therefore, when designing pet nutritional supplements and intestinal health programs, monitoring and inhibiting excessive growth of Enterobacteriaceae is an important strategy, which can be achieved by supplementing probiotics, postbiotics or adjusting the proportion of dietary fiber.
In summary, Enterobacteriaceae should be present at a low and stable ratio in the intestines of healthy dogs. Once abnormally elevated, it is often a signal of intestinal pressure, aging or imbalance of the flora. Especially for older dogs, controlling its ratio can help delay aging-related intestinal degeneration and inflammatory responses and maintain overall health quality.
Gut
Microbiota
Erysipelotrichaceae - sensitive bacteria associated with immune regulation, metabolism and inflammation
Erysipelotrichaceae is a group of intestinal flora belonging to the phylum Firmicutes. Although it is a minor group in the intestines of dogs and other mammals, its functions and changes are highly sensitive and closely related to the health status of the host. Recent studies have shown that Erysipelotrichaceae is not only involved in bile acid metabolism and lipid absorption, but may also affect intestinal inflammatory response, immune activity, and even has a potential association with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
In the study you provided, although the age changes of Erysipelotrichaceae were not specifically emphasized, other canine microbiome studies have shown that this flora is relatively high in puppies, tends to be stable in adulthood, and may show abnormal increases or decreases under high-fat diet or immune stress. In addition, the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae has also been found to be correlated with the production of short-chain fatty acids (such as propionic acid), suggesting that it plays a role in intestinal energy metabolism and intestinal barrier maintenance.
However, if the bacteria proliferate abnormally, it may also cause damage to the intestinal mucosa and increase inflammatory response, so some scholars classify them as "opportunistic pathogen-like commensals." Especially when the intestinal bacteria are unbalanced and the beneficial bacteria are reduced, the change in their proportion can be used as one of the warning indicators of intestinal health.
In summary, Erysipelotrichaceae is a sensitive bacterial species that is closely related to host metabolism, inflammation, and aging changes. Although it is not a major beneficial bacteria, it can reflect the stability of the intestine and is worthy of being included in the focus of observation in intestinal microbiome analysis and nutritional health care.