- Purina Institute is promoting evidence-based microbiome science in veterinary medicine.
- New research highlights links between gastrointestinal health, brain function, and behavior in dogs.
- Experts emphasized antimicrobial stewardship to reduce long-term microbiome disruption.
- The 2025 Purina Institute Microbiome Forum brought together global veterinary and scientific experts.
- Purina Institute says precision nutrition and microbiome-focused care are becoming increasingly important in practice.
Purina Institute is spotlighting the growing role of microbiome science in veterinary medicine, with a focus on the gut-brain axis and antimicrobial stewardship as emerging priorities in companion animal care. The organization says ongoing research is helping veterinarians better understand how the microbiome influences neurologic, behavioral, gastrointestinal, and systemic health.
The company highlighted discussions from the Purina Institute Microbiome Forum held in November 2025, where veterinary specialists and researchers reviewed evolving evidence surrounding microbiome-driven pathways and their practical implications in clinical settings.
Gut-Brain Axis Gains Clinical Relevance
According to Purina Institute, researchers presented evidence demonstrating that the gut-brain axis functions through microbial metabolites, immune signaling pathways, and neural communication mechanisms. The findings suggest gastrointestinal health may play a role in conditions such as epilepsy, paroxysmal dyskinesia, and mood regulation in dogs.
The organization said the evolving science is reframing certain neurologic and behavioral disorders as systemic conditions with gastrointestinal contributors, positioning nutrition as an active component in influencing brain function through microbiome interactions.
“The latest gut-brain axis science shows that the microbiome actively communicates with the brain through metabolites, immune and neural pathways—underscoring the axis as a clinically actionable pathway rather than a theoretical concept,” said Julia Albright, DVM, MA, DACVB, in the announcement.
Stewardship Focus Expands Beyond Antibiotic Resistance
The forum also emphasized antimicrobial stewardship and the potential long-term effects of antimicrobial use on microbiome health. Experts advocated for selective antimicrobial use supported by diagnostics and integrated with broader microbiome-centered strategies that may include nutrition, microbiome assessment, and restorative approaches.
Purina Institute noted that repeated or early-life antimicrobial exposure may alter microbial diversity, weaken gut barrier function, and contribute to chronic health risks later in life. The organization said these findings support more targeted antimicrobial decision-making intended to balance therapeutic efficacy with microbiome preservation.
“This groundbreaking science reframes antimicrobial use through the microbiome—empowering veterinarians to protect both immediate patient outcomes and long-term health,” said Jan Suchodolski, DVM, PhD, AGAF, DACVM. “By advancing microbiome science and antimicrobial stewardship together, the Purina Institute is helping to empower veterinarians in preserving the benefits of antibiotics while reducing unintended harm.”
Translating Research into Clinical Practice
Purina Institute said its ongoing scientific initiatives are designed to help veterinarians translate complex microbiome research into practical clinical applications. The organization continues to provide educational programs, scientific resources, and expert-led discussions aimed at integrating microbiome science into companion animal healthcare.
Information sourced from the Purina Institute press release.
