PSVI-27 Novel dietary blends improve stool quality and alter fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers of healthy adult cats

Abstract

Abstract Functional ingredients may support gastrointestinal and immune health, but little is known in cats. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of diets containing a blend of fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and/or immune mediators on stool quality and fecal microbiota, metabolites and immune markers of cats. Twelve healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (age = 9.6±4.0 yr; BW = 3.9±1.0 kg) were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design to test diets containing 1) no prebiotics or probiotics (Control), 2) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend-containing formula (Test1), and 3) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend + immuno-modulating ingredient-containing formula (Test2). In each 28-d period, 22d of diet adaptation was followed by fecal and blood sample collection. All procedures were approved by the Kennelwood, Inc. IACUC prior to experimentation. All data were analyzed using Mixed model procedures of SAS 9.4, with significance set at P< 0.05. Fecal pH and SCFA, phenol + indole, and ammonia concentrations were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Fecal score was higher (looser stools) and fecal DM was lower in cats fed Control vs. Test2 diet. Fecal butyrate was lowest in cats fed Test2 and highest in cats fed Control. Fecal total BCFA and 7-methylindole were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 diet. Fecal IgA concentration was lower in cats fed Test2 vs. Control or Test1 diets. Fecal bacterial alpha-diversity measures of species richness were higher in cats fed Test1 or Test2 vs. Control diet. Fecal Actinobacteria and Megasphaera were higher, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Prevotella were lower, in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Our results suggest that dietary fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics affect fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers that may impact gastrointestinal health of cats.