Randomised controlled trial finds no evidence that a synbiotic improves health in assistance dog puppies

Prebiotics and probiotics ('synbiotics' when combined) are purported to be effective in the treatment of diarrhoea and potentially other diseases. However, it is unclear whether preventive use early in life can affect health outcomes for puppies.

A triple-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a synbiotic in reducing the occurrence and severity of diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disease and atopy. The synbiotic contained Enterococcus faecium, fructo-oligosaccharides and gum arabic. Puppies were randomly allocated to one of two groups, one receiving the synbiotic and the other receiving a placebo from five to approximately 10 weeks of age. A further 116 puppies from 15 litters served as a non-operative control group. Faecal scores were recorded during supplementation, and the incidence of gastrointestinal disease and atopy later in life was assessed.

Fifty-seven litters (419 puppies) were given the synbiotic and 57 litters (412 puppies) were given a placebo. Attrition was minimal. The diarrhoea status did not differ significantly among the groups, nor did groups differ in incidence of gastrointestinal disease or atopy.

The non-operative control group was not randomly allocated. The effectiveness of only one type of synbiotic was investigated, and the effects were predominantly assessed for a relatively short period early in life.

No benefits of administering this synbiotic early in life were observed.