Just as we care for our digestive systems and gut microbiomes, we should extend that same concern to our furry companions – our pets.
Research indicates that the canine gut microbiome is more like the human gut microbiome compared to other animals. Studies show a 63% similarity in microbiota between dogs and humans, compared to just 33% for pigs and 20% for mice.1
Furthermore, shifts in diet produce similar effects on the gut microbiome for both dogs and humans.2 This might suggest a shared evolutionary path, further emphasizing the importance of pet gut health. Notably, pet owners often share some of the same microbiota as their dogs, highlighting the interconnectedness of these household ecosystems.
The gut microbiome of dogs can also be significantly influenced by various health conditions, including obesity, congestive heart failure, and even arthritis.3-5 However, a healthy digestive system enables pets to absorb and utilize nutrients effectively, producing energy and repairing gastrointestinal tissue.
Ultimately, the health of a pet's digestive system and microbiome can profoundly impact its overall wellbeing. Thus, nurturing our pets' microbiomes is crucial.
The rise of ‘biotics’ for animal health
Enter ‘biotics’. Probiotics are familiar to those well-versed in health or nutrition. Still, more science is being discovered, and now prebiotics and postbiotics are proving to help promote a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Prebiotics beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of intestinal microorganisms, thus improving host health.6 Postbiotics are defined as a preparation of inactivated microorganisms or their components that confer a health benefit on the host.7
From the makers of world-renowned Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda, WELLMAX™ Postbiotic and WELLMAX™ Plus prebiotic + postbiotic represent a significant advancement in the pet health space.
No strangers to gut health innovation, these products deliver targeted gut health benefits to companion animals through naturally occurring yeast which has substantial research, including over 35 peer-reviewed journal publications and more than 50 peer-reviewed abstracts in scientific journals. These formulations offer added nutrition aimed at enhancing the health of pets while being backed by a 180-year legacy brand.
Pet nutrition specialists are increasingly challenged to identify ingredients that support digestive health while appealing to consumers who are seeking evidence-based solutions. WELLMAX maximizes the benefits of yeast through proprietary technology, resulting in a healthier gut microbiome, increased immune support, and reduced inflammation and stress. WELLMAX Plus goes one step further, binding certain pathogenic bacteria, which supports the commensal gut microbiota.
"As the demand for pet foods with digestive health benefits continues to rise, the industry must provide effective, evidence-based solutions to support animal wellness," explains Sangita Jalukar, Ph.D., Senior Technical Services Manager, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.
"The science underpinning WELLMAX and WELLMAX Plus is a game changer in pet nutrition. Research shows that our postbiotics and prebiotics support pets’ health from the inside out, leading to a healthier gut microbiome and enhanced immune support."
With pet owners interested in their pet’s overall health, it is no wonder that sales of pet products making gut health claims have skyrocketed, increasing by 213% year-over-year.8
Growing demand and competitive market
Pet food and supplement manufacturers must stay ahead of the increasing demand for digestive health solutions, and in today's competitive landscape, differentiation is paramount. Recent market research indicates that 88% of US pet owners prioritize preventative measures for their pets' health , and 56% seek products that help aid digestive health, demonstrating a clear shift toward more proactive care.9,10
There is ample opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and integrate scientifically backed solutions into their product offerings, capitalizing on this trend. By aligning ingredients with the evolving demands for health and wellness, companies can distinguish themselves in a crowded market. Furthermore, heat-stable ingredients suitable for pelleting and extrusion help companies achieve differentiation.
As our understanding of this complex system grows, it will undoubtedly lead to new insights into how pet health can be managed and how manufacturers can cater to this market. Manufacturers that embrace these advancements will meet consumer demand and contribute to companion animals' overall health.
Learn more about how your company can lead the way in pet nutrition by integrating WELLMAX or WELLMAX Plus into product offerings or to request a sample.
References
1. Coelho, LP.; et al. NG-meta-profiler: fast processing of metagenomes using NGLess, a domain-specific language. Microbiome. 2019 Jun 3;7(1):84.
2. Davani-Davari, D.; et al. Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. 2019 Mar 9;8(3):92.
3. Song, S.J.; et al. Cohabiting family members share microbiota with one another and with their dogs. Elife. 2013 Apr 16;2:e00458.
4. Ma, X.; et al. Whole-Genome Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Reveals Distinct Gut Microbiome Signatures of Obese Cats. Veterinary Microbiology. 2022.
5. Seo, J.; et al. The gut microbiome in dogs with congestive heart failure: a pilot study. Sci Rep 10, 13777. 2020.
6. Cintio, M.; et al. Gut Microbiome of Healthy and Arthritic Dogs. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7(3):92.
7. Salminen, S.; et al. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Sep;18(9):649-667.
8. Nielsen IQ. Week ending August 13 2022.
9. State of the Gut. Animal Biome. 2022
10. FMCG Gurus. The Humanization of Pets. 2023.
