Gut microbiota composition may relate to weight loss rate in obese pet dogs

Ida Nordang Kieler, Shamrulazhar Bin Shamzir Kamal, Anne Désiré Vitger, Dennis Sandris Nielsen, Charlotte Lauridsen, Charlotte Reinhard Bjørnvad

20 Citations (Scopus)
96 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Obese dogs seem to have a different gut microbiome (GM) composition compared to lean dogs, and in humans, GM composition may negatively impact the ability to lose weight in some individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between exercise, weight-loss and the composition of GM in dogs. Eighteen obese pet dogs were recruited for a 12-week weight-loss intervention. All dogs were fed restrictively with a commercial high-protein/high-fibre dry diet, and eight of these dogs were enrolled in an exercise program in addition to the diet intervention. Faecal samples were collected and the dogs were weighed at week 0, week 6 and week 12. GM composition was determined using MiSeq-based tag-encoded 16S rRNA gene highthroughput amplicon sequencing, and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by gas-liquid chromatography. Total weight loss, food allowance and GM were not changed by exercise inclusion. However, Megamonas abundance negatively correlated with weight loss rate and Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was lower at 12 weeks in dogs with a faster weight loss rate (≥1% per week) compared with slower weight loss rate (<1% per week) independent of exercise. Acetic and propionic acid concentrations decreased in the dogs with a faster weight loss rate. Members of Megamonas and Ruminococcaceae produce acetic and propionic acids and we therefore interpret that having a GM that favour SCFA production may negatively affect weight loss rate in dogs. Weight loss rate in dogs may be related to the composition of the GM and its production of metabolites.

Original languageEnglish
JournalVeterinary Medicine and Science
Volume3
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)252-262
Number of pages11
ISSN2053-1095
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017

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