ADM study examines effect of novel postbiotic on reducing dental plaque in dogs

Global human and animal nutrition supplier ADM recently announced that its double blind, placebo-controlled trial was published in the journal Animals¹. Published in May 2025, “Postbiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 Influences the Canine Oral Metagenome and Reduces Plaque Biofilm Formation,” examined the effect of a novel heat-treated postbiotic, PRIOME Oral Care, on oral health in dogs through the reduction of plaque build-up². Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are common in dogs and related to the composition of oral microbiota, the study’s abstract notes.

The 57-day trial involved 60 adult male and female dogs that had undergone a recent teeth cleaning. The dogs were given a low dose of the postbiotic (5 mg per day), a high dose (25 mg per day), or a placebo. The postbiotic was sprinkled on dry kibble. Oral exams were performed on the dogs at Days 1, 29, and 57.

Overall, the findings indicated the postbiotic supported the reduction of plaque by 10% in the high dose group in the middle and end of the study, and showed a tendency, though a non-significant one, toward a 17% reduction in plaque formation in the low dose group compared with placebo. “Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that the novel postbiotic HT Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 may support oral health in dogs by reducing plaque formation when applied on kibble,” the researchers concluded. Potentially beneficial changes in the oral microbiome were also demonstrated, specifically the increase of certain bacterium.

"This study marks the first canine clinical trial to suggest the effects of PRIOME® Oral Care and how it can reduce dental plaque formation in dogs and support their oral microbiome," stated Peter Jüsten, global vice president, research and development health and wellness at ADM, in an August 12 press release. "This scientific publication is the culmination of many years of research and development work, spanning multiple ADM teams, sites and countries, and details the full process of strain identification, pre-clinical characterization and clinical substantiation. In addition, it contributes to an expanding body of scientific evidence supporting the role of postbiotics in reinforcing pet wellness."

Future studies on this postbiotic should focus on a wider population of dogs – including diverse breeds, diets, and health conditions – and over a longer period, the researchers added. They also stated that studies on the postbiotic in different formats, including chewable tablets, dental chews, and wet food, could also be useful in testing the effect of different contact times of the postbiotic.

"Maintaining good oral hygiene in dogs is important to their overall wellness and it's a growing concern among pet owners, yet regular toothbrushing can be challenging," stated Dr. Sophie Nixon, head of research and development clinical research for pet and animal wellbeing at ADM. "Our research highlights the potential for innovative postbiotic solutions to help support canine oral care and represents a promising step forward in identifying more convenient approaches to supporting oral health."

In June 2025, ADM announced it had opened a new research and development facility dedicated to research innovations on animal microbiomes to support the health of both pets and farm animals (3). The new 1,600-square-meter center is located in Switzerland and focuses on pre-clinical initiatives around biotics and other fermentation-derived ingredients.

Other research from ADM involving heat-treated bacteria includes a 2024 study demonstrating the improvements of intestinal health in cats experiencing an abrupt change in their diets (4).

References

1. ADM. Animals Published ADM's Clinical Study of Postbiotic's Impact on Oral Health Markers in Adult Dogs https://www.adm.com/en-us/news/news-releases/2025/8/animals-published-adms-clinical-study-of-postbiotics-impact-on-oral-health-markers-in-adult-dogs/ (accessed 2025-08-29).
2. Florit-Ruiz, A.; Rago, L.; Rojas, A.; Guzelkhanova, B.; Pont-Beltran, A.; Lamelas, A.; Solaz-Fuster, MC; Martinez-Blanch, JF.; López, ME.; García-Lainez, G.; et al. Postbiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 Influences the Canine Oral Metagenome and Reduces Plaque Biofilm Formation. Animals 2025, 15(11), 1615. DOI: 10.3390/ani15111615
3. Colli, M. New R&D Center focused on animal health and wellness opened by ADM https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/new-r-d-center-focused-on-animal-health-and-wellness-opened-by-adm(accessed 2025-08-29).
4. Wang, F.; Gao, S.; Peng, Q.; Tan, L.; Chen, S.; Xia, Z. Effects of Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 Combined with Fibersol-2 on the Intestinal Health of Cats Submitted to an Abrupt Dietary Change: A Randomized Controlled Study. Animals 2024, 14(15), 2179. DOI: 10.3390/ani14152179