{"id":36896,"date":"2024-11-17T17:53:12","date_gmt":"2024-11-17T08:53:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/?p=36896"},"modified":"2026-03-26T10:48:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T03:48:58","slug":"about-prebiotics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/contents\/about-prebiotics\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Prebiotic-Rich Ingredients to Use in Dog and Cat Food Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to pet health, digestive care is essential. For both dogs and cats, maintaining a balanced gut environment can have a major impact on immune function and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the key factors is prebiotics<\/strong>. These are compounds that help beneficial gut bacteria thrive while suppressing harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we introduce seven natural ingredients rich in prebiotics<\/strong> that can be useful in pet food development. Incorporating these ingredients may help you create high-quality formulas that support digestion and overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Prebiotics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prebiotics are soluble, non-digestible dietary fibers<\/strong> found in certain foods. These fibers are fermented in the colon, where they produce short-chain fatty acids<\/strong>. Short-chain fatty acids help reduce inflammation, support gut health, and may lower the risk of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, not all dietary fiber functions as a prebiotic. That is because there are two main types of fiber:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insoluble Fiber<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Passes through the digestive tract without being fermented<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Soluble Fiber<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Is fermented by gut bacteria once it reaches the colon<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
In other words, prebiotics refer to soluble dietary fiber<\/strong>. Common prebiotics found in supplements include the following, often combined with probiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Prebiotics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Name<\/th>Characteristics<\/th>Main Benefits<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)<\/td>A type of oligosaccharide found in fruits and vegetables; slightly sweet<\/td>Promotes bifidobacteria growth, supports bowel regularity, improves stool quality, enhances mineral absorption<\/td><\/tr>
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)<\/td>Derived from milk; commonly used in infant nutrition<\/td>Increases bifidobacteria, supports immunity, may help prevent allergies<\/td><\/tr>
Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)<\/td>Derived from yeast cell walls; often used together with beta-glucans<\/td>Helps block pathogen attachment, supports immunity, indirectly supports gut health<\/td><\/tr>
Inulin<\/td>A soluble fiber found in burdock root and chicory root; mildly viscous<\/td>Feeds beneficial bacteria, promotes short-chain fatty acid production, helps regulate blood sugar and lipids<\/td><\/tr>
Resistant Dextrin<\/td>A processed soluble fiber derived from corn; easily dissolves in water<\/td>Supports bowel health, may improve blood sugar and lipid metabolism, low in calories<\/td><\/tr>
Arabinoxylan<\/td>A cell wall component of grains (a type of hemicellulose)<\/td>Supports immune regulation, helps reduce inflammation, promotes beneficial bacteria<\/td><\/tr>
Pectin<\/td>A gelling fiber found in apples and citrus peels<\/td>Supports bowel health, may help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, improves stool consistency<\/td><\/tr>
Soy Oligosaccharides<\/td>Naturally derived from soybeans; slightly sweet<\/td>Promotes bifidobacteria growth, helps improve gut microbiota balance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Why Dextrin-Based Prebiotics May Be Best Avoided<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some products use dextrin-based ingredients as prebiotics, but these may not be the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dextrin is typically a sugar derived from corn. While it may have prebiotic effects when combined with certain probiotics, especially Lactobacillus plantarum<\/em>, it is often considered less suitable for dogs and cats for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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