“Lactobacillus acidophilus” Probiotic for Cats and Dogs: benefits attested by the EC

What is stated in the European Commission Regulation authorising use of “Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529)” as a feed additive for cats and dogs? What are the benefits for the health of animals? In this article, we will explore them together.

On 17 October 2018, the European Commission authorised Centro Sperimentale del Latte (a company of the Sacco System group) to use Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529) as a probiotic feed additive for cats and dogs.

The authorisation, which is available to read in full here, is based on two previous authorisations issued by the European Commission for use of the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529) as a feed additive for laying hens (Implementing Regulation EU 2015/38) and chickens for fattening (Implementing Regulation EU 2017/2275).

On 19 April 2018, the European Food Safety Authority issued an opinion concluding that “under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529) does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health and the environment. The additive has the potential to improve the stool consistency of cats and dogs.”
 

What does the EC Regulation establish for the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529)?

The authority therefore considered all requirements to have been met for authorisation for use and has created a usage regulation, a kind of identity card for the probiotic, according to which Lactobacillus acidophilus (CECT 4529) is authorised as an animal feed additive under the following conditions:

• Identification number of additive: 4b1715 
• Category: zootechnical additives 
• Functional group: gut flora stabilisers
• Name of the holder of authorisation: Centro Sperimentale del Latte
• Additive: Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529
• Composition of the additive: preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 containing a minimum of: 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g of additive (solid form)
• Characterisation of the active substance: viable cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 
• Analytical method: enumeration: spread plate method using MRS agar (EN 15787). Identification: Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)
• Species or category of animal: cats and dogs
• Maximum age: /
• CFU/kg of complete feed with a moisture content of 12 %: minimum content 5 × 10⁹
• Other provisions: 1) In the directions for use of the additive and premixture, the storage conditions and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated. 2) For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including eyes, skin and breathing protection. 
• End of period of authorisation: 7 November 2028

Lactobacillus Acidophilus, the probiotic culture for the health of cats and dogs.

Visit the dedicated page to find out more.