The gut microbiome is critical in human health, and various dietary factors
influence its composition and function. Among these factors, animal products,
such as meat, dairy, and eggs, represent crucial sources of essential nutrients
for the gut microbiome. However, the correlation and characteristics of
livestock consumption with the gut microbiome remain poorly understood. This
review aimed to delineate the distinct effects of meat, dairy, and egg products
on gut microbiome composition and function. Based on the previous reports, the
impact of red meat, white meat, and processed meat consumption on the gut
microbiome differs from that of milk, yogurt, cheese, or egg products. In
particular, we have focused on animal-originated proteins, a significant
nutrient in each livestock product, and revealed that the major proteins in each
food elicit diverse effects on the gut microbiome. Collectively, this review
highlights the need for further insights into the interactions and mechanisms
underlying the impact of animal products on the gut microbiome. A deeper
understanding of these interactions would be beneficial in elucidating the
development of dietary interventions to prevent and treat diseases linked to the
gut microbiome.