Impact of Combined Botanical Functional Ingredients on the Canine Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Simple Summary The gut microbiome is closely related to overall health and well-being. Plant-based functional ingredients are gaining attention as a natural strategy to support intestinal health. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of a daily combination of Aloe vera, Artemisia annua, and Curcuma longa in healthy dogs. Dogs in the Experimental Group which received this combination showed higher levels of several bacterial groups associated with the production of beneficial compounds that support intestinal health, together with lower levels of some microorganisms linked to intestinal imbalance or opportunistic behavior. Changes were also observed in microbial functions related to bacterial metabolism and potential virulence mechanisms. These preliminary findings suggest that supplementation with these botanical ingredients may help promote a more balanced and potentially beneficial gut microbiome in healthy dogs.