Source: Pet Food Industry
Research presented at Petfood Forum 2026 suggests postbiotics may help calm dogs indirectly by supporting gut health through the gut-brain axis. Erik Eckhardt, Ph.D., principal scientist for dsm-firmenich, discussed studies involving LB Fermentate HF, a heat-treated postbiotic ingredient that remains stable during pet food processing. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics contain non-living microorganisms, improving shelf stability. Eckhardt explained that the gut-brain axis creates a direct biological connection between intestinal health and neurological responses, meaning stronger gut barrier function may reduce stress-related inflammation and reactions.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 24 adult Beagles exposed to simulated thunderstorms, dogs receiving the postbiotic showed significantly reduced heart rate reactivity and improved gastrointestinal health during diet transitions. Researchers also observed greater microbiome stability and less decline in stress-related amino acids. Although behavioral differences were not statistically significant, the findings suggest postbiotics may support canine calming through improved gut health and metabolic resilience rather than direct behavioral modification.