This study evaluates the effect of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the modulation of the immune system in dogs using two groups of puppies receiving a control diet or a diet with a probiotic Enterococcus faecium (SF68) supplement from weaning to 1 year-old. They evaluate different parameters such as fecal and circulating immunoglobulins and lymphoid cell subsets after the vaccination against canine distemper virus. While there were no differences in the percentage of T-cell subsets, mature B cells were in higher proportion in the puppies that received the probiotic. Therefore, they conclude that specific immune functions in young puppies can be enhanced with dietary probiotic LAB.
Supplementation of food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions in young dogs. .
Benyacoub, J. et al.