Just like humans, our beloved pets’ gastrointestinal tract is made up of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which is collectively referred to as the intestinal microbiome. Some of the bacteria within the microbiome are bad and can contribute to health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea, but also many other chronic diseases, for example, obesity. Comparatively, good bacteria are extremely important for overall health. These good bacteria can aid in a variety of health aspects such as proper digestion, reducing bloating and inflammation, improving the immune system, and assisting in weight management.
This complex colony of bacteria is highly delicate and easily disturbed by a variety of factors such as environment, diet, stress and medical treatments. When the gut microbiome is disturbed, the bacterial populations may shift, causing more bad bacteria to be present in the gut, which can lead to a variety of health complications. If the balance between good and bad bacteria is in homeostasis (even), it will allow for the positive health benefits that the gut microbiome has to shine through.
As the health benefits of a balanced gut microbiome become more popular, the use of probiotics is a topic in both pet and human nutrition that is widely talked about. Often, people think that supplementation of probiotics (active living beneficial bacteria) is the only way they can support either their own or their pets’ gut health; however, this is not the only way. Along with supplementation of probiotics, there is a supplementation sidekick that, when used simultaneously, can be extremely beneficial in supporting good gastrointestinal health. This beneficial sidekick is the use of prebiotics.
What are prebiotics
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibre that supports the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria. Prebiotics are ingested, escape digestion in the small intestine, and travel to the large intestine where they are fermented and become the main food source for the healthy active bacteria within the gut as well as for supplemented probiotics.
In simpler terms, prebiotics function to promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria (and probiotics) that are in the digestive tract. Thus, resulting in probiotics and prebiotics having an interdependent relationship.
Without prebiotics as food, probiotics would starve; and without bacteria, prebiotics would serve little value to the gut. Although supplementation of pre- and probiotics is not essential, it can help restore the balance of the gut microbiome if it has become disrupted, helping to alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation or bloating.
How will they help?
Prebiotics are not as fragile as probiotics and are able to help in a variety of ways beyond just being food for probiotics. Some of the ways prebiotics can help include;
- Helping the body absorb nutrients
- Prebiotics can alter both the gut microbiome and the pH to make it the proper environment so that vitamins and mineral absorption can take place.
- Maintain digestive tract regularity
- Prebiotics help in keeping the digestive tract moving and reduce the chance of constipation or bloating.
- Managing intestinal integrity wall
- Prebiotics help to heal the lining of the gut and correct digestive issues, which can reduce inflammation and bloating while increasing nutrient absorption.
- Enhance immunity
- Approximately 80% of immune function happens in the gut. The use of prebiotics can help support immune function.
How can you provide prebiotics?
There are many ways to provide your pet with prebiotics through both food and supplements. Some common prebiotics that you might find in pet food, food and supplements are;
1. Oligosaccharides such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactoligosacharides (GOS), mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)
Oligosaccharides encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestines which aid in promoting good overall gastrointestinal health. The use of oligosaccharides is popular in dog foods due to their beneficial prebiotic effect, shown to influence the microbial population and aid in nutrient digestibility and utilization of nutrients.
2. Inulin
Inulin is a natural fiber from chicory root that helps support your pet’s digestive health. It isn’t digested in the stomach, so it reaches the intestines, where it feeds the “good” bacteria. As it’s broken down, inulin produces helpful substances that support the growth of these beneficial microbes. This helps keep your pet’s gut balanced and working well.
3. Psyllium seed husk
Psyllium seed husk is a natural source of mostly insoluble but highly viscous fiber that absorbs water in the intestine and helps regulate bowel movements. Derived from the outer coating of a plant seed, it is commonly used to manage gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation, flatulence, large bowel diarrhea, and colitis. While not a classical prebiotic, psyllium may still contribute to gut health through its effects on intestinal transit and partial fermentation by gut bacteria.
4. Gums
Gums are natural, water-soluble fibre sources derived from various plant seeds, that can influence the gut microbiota and may aid in amino acid digestion. Some gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, Arabic gum and locust bean gum, may have full or partial prebiotic effects depending on their fermentability and interaction with the gut microbiota. The use of gums has been increasingly investigated in both human and pet nutrition.
5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a functional fiber source that may exert prebiotic-like effects, particularly through its soluble polysaccharides and mucilage, which can be fermented by gut microbiota. Flaxseed is a natural prebiotic which also aids in boosting the immune system and adding omega-3 fatty acids into the diet.
Choosing the right prebiotics or probiotics for your pet
Check your pet’s food. Most pet foods include prebiotics on the ingredient list already, and too much of a good thing isn’t always better. Over-supplementation of prebiotics can sometimes lead to adverse effects such as gas, bloating or diarrhea, especially in pets with sensitive digestive systems. So, if you are looking to provide a supplement of prebiotics in addition to what is in your pet’s food already, it is important to discuss with your veterinarian about the best options available. Also, probiotics and prebiotics work simultaneously, and your veterinarian will advise the best combination to use to optimize the potential health benefits you are striving for.
Beneficial treats that can provide prebiotics
Although not classified as classic prebiotics, ingredients like apples, bananas, and canned pumpkin contain fermentable fibers and other compounds that may have prebiotic-like effects by supporting beneficial gut bacteria and digestive health. While these treats are natural and may offer health benefits for your pet, it’s important to remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
When it comes to your pet’s overall health, maintaining a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is critical. The use of both probiotics and prebiotics is a fantastic way to support and maintain the delicate balance of the gut bacteria to ensure your beloved pets are as healthy and happy as possible.
Written by: Brooklynn Liversidge, BScH, MSc, PhD Candidate
Reviewed by: Dr. Manuela Fischer, MV, MSc, PhD, DVSc Student, Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, DVM, PhD, Dip ECVCN, Associate Professor and Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition
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