Fuente: PubMed "essential oil" J Anim Sci. 2026 Jul 29:skag229. doi: 10.1093/jas/skag229. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPine-derived terpenoids have been documented to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that might benefit canine health. This study evaluated the effects of including ArgaT, a commercial pine extract product, in extruded dog food on palatability, and systemic and gut health in healthy adult dogs. Three diets were formulated to meet the nutritional recommendations for adult dogs at maintenance: a control diet (0% ArgaT) and two diets containing ArgaT at 0.05% (ArgaT1) and 0.15% (ArgaT2). A two-bowl preference test was performed with twenty Beagles. A subsequent study was conducted with twenty-four adult Labrador Retrievers in a randomized complete block design. Following a 10-day baseline period on the control diet, dogs were fed one of three diets for 28 days, and blood and fecal samples were before and at the end of the experimental period. In the two-bowl test, dogs preferred (P < 0.05) the control diet over diets containing ArgaT, but no refusals (P < 0.05) were observed during the 28-d feeding trial. No effect of diet (P > 0.05) was observed for complete blood count and biochemical parameters. However, dogs fed ArgaT2 required a greater food intake (avg. 12%; P < 0.05) to maintain body weight than those fed the other diets. No effects (P > 0.05) were observed for 12 evaluated serum immunological biomarkers, except for C-reactive protein, which was lower for control compared to ArgaT diets. While ArgaT inclusion did not (P > 0.05) alter fecal dry matter, pH, calprotectin, IgA, or the dysbiosis index, the higher inclusion level resulted in a linear or quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the abundance of five bacterial genera (Faecalibacterium, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium and unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae). Alpha and beta diversity, however, remained stable (P > 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics identified 14 fecal metabolites modulated dietary treatment (q < 0.05), including several carbohydrates (lactose, fructose, xylose) and organic acids. Notably, 11 of these metabolites were uniquely altered in the ArgaT1 group, suggesting that lower inclusion levels may have a greater impact on modulating microbial fermentation pathways. In conclusion, ArgaT caused dose-dependent changes in the fecal metabolome and microbiota without causing gastrointestinal issues and was well tolerated in healthy dogs.PMID:42523181 | DOI:10.1093/jas/skag229