Purina Institute Drives the Conversation on Microbiome Innovation in Veterinary Medicine

Emerging science highlights the essential role of gut-brain axis and antimicrobial stewardship in microbiome health.

ST. LOUIS, May 19, 2026 – The Purina Institute is leading the conversation on microbiome science in veterinary medicine by helping to translate cutting-edge research into evidence-based understanding. Through leading scientific dialogue on the microbiome and its real-world implications in practice, the Purina Institute is reinforcing the essential role the microbiome plays in keeping pets healthy through two key areas: the gut–brain axis and antimicrobial stewardship.

The Gut-Brain Axis: From Mechanism to Practice

Research is driving clarity on how the gut microbiome influences brain function, behavior and disease through well-defined biological pathways. The Purina Institute Microbiome Forum in November 2025 gathered leading global scientists and veterinary experts who shared emerging evidence demonstrating that the gut–brain axis operates through various mechanisms, including microbial metabolites, immune signaling, and neural pathways. 

For veterinarians in clinical practice, this research underscores a clear gut–brain connection, linking gastrointestinal (GI) health to neurologic and behavioral conditions such as epilepsy, paroxysmal dyskinesia, and mood regulation in dogs. It reframes certain neurologic and behavioral disorders as systemic conditions with GI contributors, highlighting the role of diet and precision nutrition. Diet is no longer passive support but an active influencer of brain function via the microbiome.