Gut Health in Practice: Prebiotics, Postbiotics & Veterinary Applications

Gut Health in Practice: Prebiotics, Postbiotics & Veterinary Applications

The intestinal microbiota is now recognised as a cornerstone of gastrointestinal and whole-body health in companion animals. Recent research has highlighted the limitations of traditional classifications of chronic enteropathies and placed a stronger emphasis on the role of microbiota modulation, dietary management, and careful use of supportive interventions. For veterinary professionals, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities.

Updating the Classification of Canine Enteropathies

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) in dogs remain a complex group of conditions influenced by genetic predisposition, immune response, and environmental factors. The classical approach categorises cases as food-responsive (FRE), antibiotic-responsive (ARE), immunosuppressant-responsive (IRE), or non-responsive (NRE).

However, overuse of antibiotics and the increasing focus on microbiota health have driven calls for updated frameworks. A recent proposal has suggested shifting from AREs to microbiota-related modulation-responsive enteropathies (MrMREs), recognising that dietary strategies, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and even faecal transplants may represent more sustainable approaches.

Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics: Clarifying the Concepts

With growing attention on the gut microbiome, precise terminology matters:

• Prebiotics: Selectively fermented substrates (e.g. FOS, GOS, inulin) that are utilised by host micro-organisms.
• Probiotics: Live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a benefit on the host.
• Postbiotics: Preparations of inanimate micro-organisms or their components that also confer a health benefit.
• Synbiotics: Combinations of live probiotics with prebiotic substrates, supporting synergistic effects.

The “Probiotic Paradox” and Clinical Relevance

The “probiotic paradox” describes the observation that both live and inactivated bacteria can exert beneficial effects. Inactivated strains, now termed postbiotics, retain structural components such as bacteriocins or surface proteins that can modulate immune responses, reduce pathogen adhesion, and influence the gut environment—without the risks associated with administering live bacteria.

Evidence is accumulating that heat-treated Lactobacillus strains can support local IgA production, mitigate antibiotic-associated dysbiosis, and contribute to improved stool quality. Beyond the digestive tract, postbiotics are under investigation for roles in skin health, osteoarthritis, and even stress modulation via the gut-brain axis.

Clinical Implications for Veterinary Practice

For practitioners, these developments underline the importance of considering microbiota-targeted strategies as part of multimodal digestive health management. While diet remains the cornerstone, incorporating pre- and postbiotics into management plans can provide an additional route to stabilising gut function and supporting patient outcomes.

Ultradiar®: Practical Digestive Support in Practice

For UK veterinary practices, Ultradiar® provides a practical option designed to support digestive balance in dogs and cats. Its unique formulation combines:

• Adsorbent and absorbent agents to bind toxins and gases.
• Prebiotics and postbiotics to contribute to microbiota balance.
• Flexible administration – given as a capsule, sprinkled on food, or mixed into a paste with a small amount of liquid.

This flexibility makes it easier for pet owners to comply with administration, while offering veterinary teams confidence in providing a multimodal digestive support option. Across Europe, Ultradiar® has become recognised for its adaptability and palatability in both cats and dogs.

Veterinary practices in the UK can order Ultradiar® today via their preferred wholesaler, or explore our veterinary product portfolio at the Samaxia Veterinary Portal.