Recent advances in analytical techniques have made it possible to improve pet health using microbiome tools.
Microbiome tools
Microbiome science has broadly impacted pet nutrition and product design. The term ‘microbiome’ generally refers to bacteria, fungi, yeast and protozoa in the intestinal environment. Advanced analytical techniques now enable characterisation of many microorganisms in the microbiome. This has led to a better scientific understanding of how to improve pet health using dietary tools that can manipulate the microbiome.
Fibres
Dietary fibre is the oldest and most widely used microbiome tool. Examples of this include beet pulp, tomato pomace, wheat bran, rice bran and wood cellulose. In addition to this, fibres provide functional value to the intestine. They accommodate movement of gut contents, stool formation, bulk, normal bowel movements and nutrients from fermentation.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are similar to fibres in that they are indigestible and plant-derived. While many prebiotic sources have been described in the scientific literature, practical pet food formulations incorporate chicory root, inulin and fructooligosaccharides as prebiotic sources. Prebiotics in pet diets have mainly been used to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, but there are other benefits such as energy storage and nutrient absorption.
Probiotics
Probiotic science is a rapidly advancing field of study. Probiotics are live organisms – such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli – that are introduced into the intestinal environment for their ability to enhance the number of beneficial organisms at the expense of pathogens. Prebiotics and probiotics complement each other; probiotics are like ‘seeds’ in the gut, while prebiotics are ‘feed’ for the ‘seeds’. Health benefits in pets include anti-inflammation, boosting immunity, improving mood/anxiety and skin health, weight management and even addressing some forms of cancer.
Challenges
Dietary fibre and prebiotics are considered stable in many extruded and retorted products. However, the cooking process, while ridding food of pathogens, also deactivates many probiotics. Another challenge with probiotics is the regulatory environment. The sheer number of probiotic options, not to mention the myriad of health benefit-related claims resulting from ongoing research, is something that is difficult to regulate.
Opportunities
The challenge of keeping probiotics viable has created a market opportunity for probiotic-stable pet supplements. In addition, the advent of new analytical techniques has given consumers the ability to assess their pet’s microbiome. These insights will create more opportunities to provide products that are further tailored towards improving the microbiome. A survey of commonly marketed dog and cat food products indicates that there is room for improvement by incorporating dietary fibre and prebiotic sources.
The future is bright for innovative pet product manufacturers to improve the health and well-being of pets while creating competitive, differentiated products.
The latest articles
Industry responds to the need for voluntary copper claims in pet food
AAFCO sought opinion after the pet industry largely opposed any change in the current rules due to a lack of scientific evidence.
Analysis: The state of the pet hospitality sector
From investments to mergers and acquisitions, the field is generating interest within the industry.
VAFO acquires remaining stake in German pet food maker Allco Tiernahrung
The Czech group announced the acquired company will become Vafo.de by the end of 2024.
Weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date
Discover what’s happening in the pet industry. Get the must-read stories and insights in your inbox.