While attending this spring’s conference with Dr. Judy Morgan, leading voices in pet nutrition discussed one of the most exciting advances for pets: Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT). Already well-established in human medicine, FMT is now showing great promise for dogs and cats.
Read on to learn how this transformative treatment could help your pet, and keep scrolling to see what’s in store for Neighborhood Pet Store Day from Astro and both your favorite The Holistic Pet Nutrition Center locations on Saturday, September 27!
The gut is home to trillions of microbes that help digest food, make vitamins, train the immune system, and block harmful bacteria. Just like with people, when pets’ gut bacteria are disrupted by antibiotics, illness, stress, or poor diet, pets may experience diarrhea or constipation, skin issues, allergies, and reduced vitality. Restoring balance through FMT can support both gut and whole-body health.
What it is: FMT transfers healthy gut bacteria from a screened donor into pets with digestive imbalance. Many pet parents are familiar with probiotics, which introduce specific beneficial bacteria to support gut health. FMT, on the other hand, provides a complete, diverse community of microbes from a healthy donor, essentially “resetting” the gut. You can think of probiotics as adding a few talented musicians to the orchestra, while FMT brings in the entire symphony to restore harmony in the gut. This “reset” can be given through veterinary procedures or easy-to-use frozen capsules—which we now carry in-store from AnimalBiome!
Overall wellness: FMT is being studied for many ailments including chronic infections, autoimmune tendencies, metabolic issues like weight or insulin resistance, and maintaining vitality in senior pets.
Allergies & skin: Up to 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. A healthier microbiome may help reduce inappropriate immune reactions that contribute to itching, ear infections, and food/environmental allergies. Early research suggests that restoring balance in the gut may help calm the overactive immune responses that underlie allergic symptoms.
Digestive disorders: acute or chronic diarrhea, post-antibiotic stool changes, or recurrent bacterial overgrowth.
Human and veterinary research suggests that microbiome restoration may resolve both acute and chronic digestive issues, reduce allergic inflammation, influence skin health, and support the body’s ability to fight or recover from chronic illness. While more pet-specific studies are needed, the connection between gut microbes and whole-body health is undeniable. Here are results from two studies:
Dogs with acute diarrhea recovered just as quickly with FMT as with antibiotics, but their microbiomes looked healthier weeks later.
Dogs (acute diarrhea): Chaitman et al. “Fecal Microbial and Metabolic Profiles in Dogs With Acute Diarrhea Receiving Either Fecal Microbiota Transplantation or Oral Metronidazole.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2020). Frontiers
Cats with chronic GI problems improved after oral FMT capsules, with donor bacteria successfully taking hold for long-term health.
Cats (chronic digestive issues): Rojas et al. “Microbiome Responses to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Cats with Chronic Digestive Issues.” Veterinary Sciences (2023). PubMed
Testing: Testing is optional but can help narrow down information on which bacteria are more or less prevalent. There is no harm in starting the AnimalBiome treatment prior to any testing, but if problems persist, this might be suggested to have a more clear picture of the best next steps.
Methods: FMT can be given by veterinarians via enema/colonoscopy or through frozen oral capsules, which we have available in store, no prescription needed.
Timing: Many pets start showing positive results within days, while others may take up to two months and need repeated treatments. It may take longer to see improvement in cats and dogs with severe gut microbiome imbalances, or those with underlying health conditions.
Safety: Very safe when donor stool is carefully screened. Please never attempt “DIY” FMT, as unscreened stool can transmit parasites or pathogens. Most medications and supplements are fine to use with FMT. Call or stop by to ask any of our friendly associates for more info.
While FMT isn’t a cure-all, it can be used in a safe, natural way to restore gut balance, helping pets not only with digestive issues but also with allergies, immune challenges, and overall vitality.
Would you like to learn more about your pet’s gut health? State of the Gut 2024 by Animal Biome is based on the survey data of over 2000 pet parents, packed with actionable insights about how to leverage the gut microbiome to influence the overall health of companion animals
Come in to your local store to ask about our microbiome tests and FMT products available now!
Bring your pet for a fun day of specials, raffle PRIZES and FREE frozen goat milk treats! 10am-5pm
