What is Gut Bacterial Diversity?
Definition and Importance:
Gut bacterial diversity refers to the variety of bacterial species present within the gastrointestinal tract. A diverse gut microbiome is considered beneficial because it offers resilience against pathogens, supports efficient digestion, and promotes a balanced immune response. A wide range of bacterial species provides functional redundancy, meaning that even if some bacterial groups are suppressed, others can fulfill similar roles, maintaining gut stability.
Expected Species Variety in Canine Gut Microbiomes:
A healthy canine gut typically hosts dozens of bacterial species across different genera, although the exact composition can vary based on diet, age, breed, and environmental factors. Ideally, a dog’s gut microbiome includes a balance of beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, as well as a moderate presence of other commensal bacteria that support gut health. The more diverse a dog's gut microbiome is, then the better health they will have. Normal range for the number of species in the gut is 300-500 different bacteria. Anything lower and a dog's health is compromised, anything higher and a dog has a better chance of longterm wellness.
Common Bacterial Groups in the Canine Gut
Dominant Genera:
Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes: These two phyla make up the majority of bacteria in the canine gut. Firmicutes, which includes genera like Lactobacillus and Clostridium, are involved in nutrient absorption and energy regulation. Bacteroidetes, on the other hand, aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, contributing to efficient digestion and nutrient availability.
Bifidobacterium:
Part of the Actinobacteria phylum, bifidobacterium is known for its beneficial roles in digestion and immune modulation. It is often found in high numbers in dogs with balanced diets and is commonly associated with gut health and resilience.
Lactobacillus:
Another beneficial genus within Firmicutes, lactobacillus supports gut integrity and aids in maintaining an acidic environment that inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth.
Less Influential Bacteria:
Proteobacteria:
While small amounts of Proteobacteria (e.g., Escherichia and Helicobacter) are typically present in healthy dogs, an overabundance can signal gut dysbiosis or imbalance. These bacteria are less influential in a healthy gut due to their limited beneficial functions, with high levels often linked to gastrointestinal disturbances.
Fusobacterium:
Though sometimes present in low numbers, Fusobacterium generally has a minor functional role in the canine gut compared to more dominant genera like Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
Diversity Change Overview in This Study:
Increase in Bacterial Diversity:
Following the bone broth supplementation, approximately 96.88% of the dogs in the study exhibited an increase in bacterial diversity. This enhancement in diversity suggests that bone broth, as a supplementary addition to the regular diet, may positively influence microbial variety and gut ecosystem stability.
Correlation with Diet:
Diet Type with Bone Broth Supplementation:
Dogs consuming bone broth as a dietary supplement to their normal diet showed marked increases in bacterial diversity, with the most notable effects observed in dogs already on balanced or varied diets. These findings suggest that bone broth may support microbial diversity, particularly when paired with a diet that provides a range of nutrients.