The canine gut microbiota is a complex microbial population that is potentially related to metabolism, immunologic activity and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Early studies revealed that the canine gut microbiota was dynamic, and bacterial populations in the adjacent gut segments were similar, with anaerobes predominating. Metagenomics analysis revealed that nutrient contents in the diet modulated bacterial populations and metabolites in the canine gut. Further research revealed significant correlations between dietary factors and canine gut core microbiomes. Canine GI diseases are closely correlated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. Probiotic-related therapies can effectively treat canine GI diseases. Recent studies have revealed that the canine gut microbiota is similar to the human gut microbiota, and dietary factors affect both. Studying canine intestinal microorganisms enables clarifying changes in the canine intestinal bacteria under different conditions, simulating human diseases in dog models, and conducting in-depth studies of the interactions between intestinal bacteria and disease.
Keywords: Gut microbiota; diets; dog; gastrointestinal disease; metagenomics; probiotic.