The collaboration hinges on ongoing microbiome studies in dogs and cats, with plans for an exclusive global partnership to develop and market pet food products containing Benicaros if results are favorable.
Human studies have shown that Benicaros consistently increases beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium species (mainly B. adolescentis and B. longum), which are also found in the gut microbiomes of dogs and cats.
Dr Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, NutriLeads CEO, told FeedNavigator early indications suggest these benefits could extend to pets:
"Our human clinical studies demonstrate that Benicaros selectively increases beneficial gut microorganisms and their metabolites, also known as short chain fatty acids, crucial to resilient gut and overall health.
"Critical to targeting these beneficial microbes is the complex molecular structure of Benicaros, which unlike conventional prebiotic fibers, ensures reliable and consistent gut health benefits despite variation in individual gut microbiome composition."
Benicaros is derived from upcycled carrot pomace, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality supply chain. NutriLeads captures fresh carrot pomace from local juice producers in Europe and extracts rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I), a pectin-derived polysaccharide, from the carrot cell wall. This process supports a verifiable supply chain from field to production, reported the chief executive.
Humanization trend
The partners anticipate increased demand for Benicaros-enhanced pet food products across various geographies and they are hoping to leverage the growing demand in the pet food market for healthier, science-based, and sustainable ingredients, driven by the trend of humanization, where pet parents treat pets like family members, said Carneiro-Wakefield.
"They seek premium ingredients that provide specific health benefits, including gut health, which has become a priority due to its link to overall health. Additionally, there is a growing preference for organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients without artificial additives."
The education of pet owners about prebiotic benefits will likely follow a similar trajectory to that of human health, she continued. "While many consumers understand the importance of gut health to overall well-being, they may not fully grasp the specific workings of the gut microbiome. As more prebiotic products become available, recognition of their importance to pet health will continue to grow. NutriLeads collaborates closely with its manufacturing customers to develop product claims and messaging that enhance scientific understanding among consumers."
Research data
However, adapting a prebiotic developed for humans to pet food applications requires rigorous research to demonstrate health benefits in pets.
"Consumers expect pet nutrition to have strong scientific support. Even though products like Benicaros are clinically proven in humans, there needs to be compelling data showing health benefits in pets. Both NutriLeads and dsm-firmenich are science-based companies. Together we will determine the applicability of Benicaros for enhanced pet health.
"Benicaros is supported by clinical and preclinical research, including safety and toxicology studies. It is sustainably sourced, completely traceable, and manufactured in accordance with strict quality controls. Pending favorable results from ongoing studies, any Benicaros products for pets will adhere to these same high standards," outlined Carneiro-Wakefield.
