Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes resulted the predominant phyla (51.5 ± 10.0% and 33.4 ± 8.5%, respectively) in all dogs. Moreover, for each dog, the daily intake of energy (kcal/d) and dietary macronutrients (g/d) were calculated according to an accurate feeding history collection. The faecal microbial communities of 15 lean (BCS 4–5/9 7 LRs and 8 BCs) and 14 overweight (BCS > 5/9 8 LRs and 6 BCs) family dogs were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Labrador Retriever (LR) and Border Collie (BC) were chosen as reference breeds and Body Condition Score (BCS) on a 9-point scale as reference method for evaluating body fat. All the enrolled companion dogs were young adults, intact, healthy, and fed commercial extruded pet food none had received antibiotics, probiotics or immunosuppressant drugs in the previous six months. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate whether composition of canine faecal microbiota may be influenced by overweight condition and breed. Previous works have shown obesity to be linked to significant changes in gut microbiota composition in humans and mice, but only limited information is available on the role played by canine gut microbiota. Its development is ascribed to several factors, including genetic predisposition and dietary management, and recent evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota may be involved as well. Obesity in dogs is an emerging issue that affects canine health and well-being.
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