June 2026: Bamberger, Muller, Algavi and Borenstein: New study maps the canine gut microbiome, revealing links to age, diet, and lifestyle

A groundbreaking international study published in Nature Communications has shed new light on the complex microbial ecosystem that inhabits the digestive tract of companion dogs. By analyzing the gut microbiomes of more than 900 dogs, the researchers have created one of the most detailed reference maps to date of the canine gut microbiome and identified key factors associated with its composition.

The study was led by Prof. Elhanan Borenstein, Edmond J. Safra member (Medical & Health Sciences and Computer Science & AI) and conducted as part of the "Dog aging project", a large-scale international initiative investigating the biology of aging in companion dogs. The research was carried out by three PhD students from Prof. Borenstein's lab, Tal Bamberger, Edmond J. Safra MD-PhD fellow (Medical & Health Sciences), Efrat Muller, former Edmond J. Safra PhD fellow (Computer Science & AI), and Yadid Algavi, MD-PhD student fellow (Medical & Health Sciences).

The findings show that a dog's gut microbiome is closely linked to a range of characteristics, including age, dietary habits, health status, and lifestyle. The team also developed a microbiome-based predictive model capable of estimating a dog's age and examined how microbiome changes across the canine lifespan compare with aging-related patterns previously observed in humans.

While the study cannot establish a causal relationship between the microbiome and health outcomes or longevity, it highlights significant associations that may help guide future research. In particular, the results may pave the way for studies exploring whether dietary strategies or microbiome-targeted interventions could promote healthier aging in dogs. Moreover, the study provides a valuable scientific resource for the veterinary and microbiome research communities. The researchers hope that this extensive dataset will support future efforts to understand how the gut microbiome changes over time, how it relates to health and aging, and what it may reveal about the biological mechanisms of aging in both dogs and humans.