The Role of Gut Bacteria in Dogs – and How CaniNectar Supports Canine Health

In recent years, the spotlight has turned toward the gut microbiome—not just in humans, but in our four-legged companions as well. From firm stools to shiny coats and even emotional balance, the trillions of microbes residing in a dog's gut play a critical role in their overall wellbeing. Among these microbes, both beneficial bacteria and potentially harmful pathogens jostle for space. A particularly interesting group of bacteria that has drawn attention in veterinary science is the spirochaetes—spiral-shaped microorganisms with potential links to digestive disturbances and subclinical infections in dogs.

In this blog, we'll explore the fascinating interplay between gut bacteria, pathogens like spirochaetes, and the gut-brain-skin axis. We'll take a close look at CaniNectar, a natural supplement designed to restore and support gut health in dogs, highlighting how it helps reduce harmful bacteria, improve digestion, and enhance quality of life.

The Canine Gut Microbiome: A Balancing Act

Dogs, like humans, host a complex community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms within their digestive tracts. Collectively known as the gut microbiome, this ecosystem helps regulate digestion, produce vitamins, defend against pathogens, and even influence brain function.

A healthy gut microbiome is balanced—beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Blautia keep the peace by aiding digestion and regulating inflammation (3). In contrast, overgrowth of "bad" bacteria—such as Escherichia/Shigella, Streptococcus, or Treponema—can contribute to diarrhoea, bloating, poor nutrient absorption, and even behavioural issues.

Spirochaetes

One of the lesser-known groups in this bacterial tug-of-war is the spirochaetes, a distinctive phylum of bacteria that includes several genera known to colonise the canine gut. Notably, studies such as one conducted in Thailand have found Brachyspira pilosicoli, "B. pulli", "B. canis", and even Treponema in both healthy and diarrhoeic dogs (1).

Although these spiral-shaped microbes may not always cause overt disease, experimental infection models in chicks have shown that they can lead to:

• Weight loss
• Mild intestinal inflammation
• Disruption of nutrient absorption

More interestingly, Treponema, identified in that study (1), was also found in a recent CaniNectar (2) study to be associated with poorer stool quality and classed as a "bad genus." It's not just an academic observation—these bacteria may be undermining your dog's gut health without you realising.

The Role of CaniNectar: How CaniNectar Supports Canine Health

CaniNectar is a groundbreaking supplement crafted from ancient, malted barley varieties, fermented using a patented process that retains the natural enzymes and nutrients dogs need to thrive. Unlike many synthetic supplements, CaniNectar taps into centuries of traditional European barley cultivation, offering a natural, comprehensive approach to digestive support.

Enzymes That Power Digestion

Each drop contains a spectrum of natural digestive enzymes, including:

• Protease (breaks down proteins),
• Lipase (digests fats),
• Amylase (starch digestion),
• Cellulase & Xylanase (fibre digestion),
• Phytase (enhances mineral uptake)

These enzymes help dogs fully break down and absorb their food, reducing the risk of undigested material fermenting and feeding harmful gut microbes.

B Vitamins & Minerals

CaniNectar also includes B-complex vitamins (B1–B12) for metabolism, energy, and nerve health, plus minerals like:

• Zinc for skin and immunity,
• Iron for oxygen transport,
• Magnesium and potassium for muscle and nerve function

This nutrient support improves cellular health, contributing to everything from better behaviour to coat shine.

Antioxidants for Cellular Protection

With naturally occurring antioxidants like ferulic acid, catechins, and phenolic acids, CaniNectar helps combat oxidative stress and supports immune resilience—especially important for dogs exposed to environmental pathogens or with existing inflammation.

Evidence from the Lab: The CaniNectar Study

In a 2023 exploratory study of working dogs, including a consistent group of UK Border Force dogs, CaniNectar showed promising results (2):

Reduced Harmful Bacteria

• Nearly all dogs showed a decrease in harmful bacteria, including Treponema, Streptococcus, and Campylobacter
• These bacteria are associated with intestinal inflammation, diarrhoea, and poor digestion

Improved Stool Quality

• Over half the dogs had improved faecal scores, shifting from loose or inconsistent stools to firm, well-formed droppings
• A key indicator of improved nutrient absorption and reduced gut irritation

Less Bloating & Flatulence

By promoting better digestion and discouraging gas-producing microbes, dogs experienced less discomfort.

Better Behaviour via the Gut-Brain Axis

• Dogs with improved gut health also showed enhanced mood and focus
• This supports the idea that a healthy gut fosters a calm, more trainable temperament

Shinier Coat & Healthier Skin

With better absorption of nutrients and less gut-driven inflammation, many dogs saw shinier coats and less itching or irritation.

Perhaps most intriguingly, older dogs (5+ years) saw the greatest benefits—likely because the microbiome naturally becomes less diverse with age, and CaniNectar helps to restore microbial diversity and stability.

Gut Health Is Whole-Body Health

It's easy to overlook the importance of the gut—but in dogs, a balanced microbiome is foundational to health. Digestive problems, behavioural issues, skin conditions, and even susceptibility to infections can all trace back to dysbiosis—an imbalance of gut flora (3).

While traditional dewormers and antibiotics are critical for treating parasites and serious infections, they can also disturb beneficial bacteria, paving the way for opportunistic pathogens like spirochaetes. That's where nutritional supplementation like CaniNectar comes in—it helps restore and maintain balance.

What About Spirochaetes Specifically?

Although CaniNectar hasn't been trialled directly against Brachyspira pilosicoli or "B. canis", the inclusion of Treponema in the bad genera—and its near-universal reduction in post-supplement samples—strongly suggests CaniNectar may reduce spirochaete prevalence or activity.

Given that spirochaetes were linked with:

• Poorer weight gain (in experimental chicks),
• Mild gut inflammation,
• And co-presence in dogs with diarrhoea,

…minimising their levels could represent a meaningful step toward better gut health and resilience.

Conclusion: Is CaniNectar Right for Your Dog?

If your dog struggles with:

• Loose stools or inconsistent poops,
• Excess gas or bloating,
• Itchy skin or a dull coat,
• Hyperactivity, anxiety, or difficulty focusing

…then supporting their gut microbiome might be a powerful first step, and CaniNectar offers a safe, natural, and scientifically informed way to do just that.

Whether you're managing a working dog's performance, supporting a senior pet's digestion, or just trying to make clean-up time a bit easier, CaniNectar could be the key to unlocking better gut health.