Comparative insights into gut microbiota, diet, and inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and canine enteropathy

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) in humans and Canine Chronic Enteropathies (CCE) are chronic conditions marked by intestinal inflammation. Despite different clinical management, both share genetic predisposition, microbiota dysbiosis, and environmental triggers. Objective: To compare IBD and CCE, focusing on diet, gut microbiota, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as emerging therapies. Materials and methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, emphasizing studies from the past 10 years. Evidence on pathogenesis, treatments, dietary strategies, and FMT in both species was analyzed. Results: In humans, pharmacological therapy is standard, while in dogs, diet is the first-line treatment. Dysbiosis plays a significant role in both, affecting inflammation and disease progression. Nutritional strategies impact microbiota composition; fiber promotes beneficial taxa and short-chain fatty acids, while high-protein or high-fat diets may worsen dysbiosis. FMT is effective for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in humans and is increasingly explored in IBD, especially ulcerative colitis. In dogs, preliminary studies suggest FMT can improve clinical signs and microbiota balance, though responses vary. Discussion: IBD and CCE share fundamental mechanisms but exhibit species-specific differences. Diet and FMT are promising, non-invasive, and sustainable options. Conclusions: Comparative research and the One Health approach, which highlights shared environmental and biological determinants between humans and animals, could facilitate the development of precision therapies for chronic intestinal inflammation. Therefore, the proper planning of translational studies is crucial.