30 Approved Probiotics for Pet Food in China: Complete Guide to Dog and Cat Probiotic Strains
Probiotics have become one of the most important functional ingredients in modern pet nutrition. They help maintain gut microbiota balance, improve digestion, support immune function, and enhance overall health in dogs and cats.
According to China’s Feed Additive Catalogue issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), 39 microbial feed additives have been officially approved. Among them, 30 microbial species are permitted for use in pet food for dogs and cats, making them the primary probiotic resources available to the Chinese pet food industry.
This guide introduces all approved probiotic categories, explains their health benefits, and summarizes the latest regulatory developments.
Quick Answer: How Many Probiotic Strains Are Approved for Pet Food in China?
As of 2025:
- 39 microbial feed additive species have been approved
- 30 species are approved for use in dog and cat food
- 8 approved microorganisms are currently not authorized for pet food applications
These probiotics mainly belong to:
- Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Bacillus
- Yeasts
- Fungi
- Photosynthetic Bacteria
What Are Pet Food Probiotics?
Pet probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, provide health benefits to dogs and cats. They are commonly referred to as:
- Direct-fed microbials (DFM)
- Microbial feed additives
- Microecological preparations
- Live beneficial bacteria
Their primary role is to improve intestinal microbial balance and support digestive and immune health.
Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
Scientific studies have shown that probiotics may help:
Improve Gut Microbiota
Beneficial bacteria colonize the intestinal tract and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Support Digestive Health
Probiotics improve nutrient digestion and increase feed utilization efficiency.
Strengthen the Immune System
Healthy gut microbiota contribute to stronger immune responses and better resistance to disease.
Reduce Digestive Disorders
Regular supplementation may reduce diarrhea, constipation, stress-related digestive upset, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Improve Nutrient Absorption
Certain probiotic strains produce digestive enzymes and vitamins that enhance nutrient bioavailability.
Approved Probiotic Categories for Pet Food
The approved microorganisms mainly belong to five categories.
1. Bacillus Species (5 Approved for Pets)
Bacillus species are highly stable and heat-resistant, making them suitable for extrusion processing of dry pet food.
Approved strains include:
- Bacillus licheniformis
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bacillus lentus
- Bacillus pumilus
- Bacillus coagulans
These probiotics are widely used to improve digestion and intestinal health. Their spore-forming ability ensures survivability through high-temperature pet food manufacturing processes.
2. Lactic Acid Bacteria (24 Species)
Lactic acid bacteria represent the largest group of approved pet probiotics.
Enterococcus
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Enterococcus faecium
- Enterococcus lactis
Pediococcus
- Pediococcus acidilactici
- Pediococcus pentosaceus
Bifidobacterium
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis
- Bifidobacterium animalis
Lactobacillus
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus cellobiosus
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus hilgardii
Note: Several Lactobacillus species approved for livestock are not currently approved for dog and cat food.
Streptococcus
- Streptococcus thermophilus
3. Yeast Species
Approved yeast probiotics include:
- Candida utilis
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Yeast probiotics help support digestive function and improve feed palatability.
4. Mold/Fungi Species
Two fungal probiotics are approved:
- Aspergillus niger
- Aspergillus oryzae
These microorganisms are mainly used for enzyme production and feed fermentation.
5. Photosynthetic Bacteria
- Rhodopseudomonas palustris
This beneficial bacterium contributes to nutrient metabolism and environmental microbial balance.
Microorganisms Currently Not Approved for Dog and Cat Food
Although approved for certain livestock applications, the following microorganisms are not currently approved for use in pet food:
| Microorganism | Current Application |
|---|---|
| *Brevibacillus laterosporus* | Livestock only |
| *Bacillus velezensis* | Poultry |
| *Lactobacillus buchneri* | Livestock |
| *Lactobacillus paracasei* | Livestock |
| *Lactobacillus johnsonii* | Livestock |
| *Propionibacterium freudenreichii* | Livestock |
| *Clostridium butyricum* | Livestock |
| *Kluyveromyces marxianus* | Poultry |
Latest Regulatory Updates
China’s Feed Additive Catalogue is continuously updated to include newly evaluated microbial strains.
Recent additions include:
- **2023**: Kluyveromyces marxianus approved for broiler chickens
- **2024**: Bacillus velezensis approved for poultry production
- **2025**: Lactobacillus hilgardii approved as a microbial silage additive for livestock
These additions demonstrate the continued development of microbial feed additives, although not all newly approved strains are immediately applicable to pet food.
Why Are Probiotics Important in Modern Pet Nutrition?
Consumer demand for functional pet foods continues to increase worldwide. Pet owners increasingly seek products that support:
- Digestive health
- Immune function
- Stool quality
- Nutrient absorption
- Overall wellness
As a result, probiotics have become one of the fastest-growing categories in premium dog and cat nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all probiotics suitable for dogs and cats?
No. Only probiotic strains approved by the relevant regulatory authorities for pet food applications should be used in commercial dog and cat foods.
Which probiotic group is most commonly used in pet food?
Lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus, are the most widely used probiotic groups.
Why are Bacillus probiotics popular in dry pet food?
Because Bacillus species produce heat-resistant spores, they can survive the high temperatures used during pet food extrusion.
What should manufacturers consider when selecting probiotic strains?
Key considerations include:
- Regulatory approval
- Safety
- Stability during processing
- Viable cell count
- Scientific evidence of efficacy
- Compatibility with the product formulation
Conclusion
Probiotics have become an essential component of modern pet nutrition. Among the 39 microbial feed additives approved in China, 30 species are currently permitted for use in dog and cat food, covering Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, yeast, fungi, and photosynthetic bacteria.
As regulatory standards continue to evolve and scientific research advances, probiotics will play an increasingly important role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being in companion animals.
For pet food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and nutrition professionals, understanding the approved probiotic species and their applications is essential for developing safe, compliant, and effective pet nutrition products.
