Influence of Dietary Supplementation With a Powder Containing A.N. ProDen™ (Ascophyllum nodosum) Algae on Dog Saliva Metabolome

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether a 30-day supplementation with Ascophyllum nodosum could influence the saliva metabolome in dogs and provide insights into its mechanism for improving oral health. Sixty dogs underwent professional dental cleaning and were then assigned to receive either a seaweed supplement or placebo. At the end of the study, significant changes in saliva metabolites were observed in the supplemented group, with patterns clearly distinct from the placebo. Notably, several metabolites were reduced or absent after supplementation, suggesting the suppression of biochemical pathways associated with plaque and calculus formation. These findings align with previous clinical observations that A. nodosum reduces dental deposits, but add evidence that its effects may be mediated systemically through saliva composition rather than only local oral activity. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, the study supports a metabolic mode of action influencing oral health at the biochemical level.