Methods and compositions are provided for a broad-spectrum, bactericidal or bacteriostatic treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals with a non-toxic agent. The teachings include bactericidal or bacteriostatic treatment of spore-forming, anaerobic antibiotic-resistant bacteria. And, the compositions and methods provided herein can at least inhibit the onset of, inhibit the growth of, inhibit the germination of, or kill the antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Such antibiotic-resistant bacteria include, but are not limited to, Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
