dsm-firmenich teams up with NutriLeads to enhance pet gut and immune health

NETHERLANDS – dsm-firmenich has forged a strategic collaboration with NutriLeads to explore the potential of its precision prebiotic, Benicaros, to improve pet gut and immune health. 

This partnership is underpinned by ongoing microbiome studies in dogs and cats, with the goal of developing and marketing pet food products containing Benicaros if the results prove favorable.

Benicaros has already demonstrated its efficacy in human studies, where it consistently increased beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium species (mainly B. adolescentis and B. longum), which are also present in the gut microbiomes of dogs and cats. 

Dr. Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, CEO of NutriLeads, expressed optimism about extending these benefits 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,” she stated.

A key feature of Benicaros is its complex molecular structure, which ensures reliable and consistent gut health benefits despite variations in individual gut microbiome compositions. 

Unlike conventional prebiotic fibers, Benicaros is derived from upcycled carrot pomace, a sustainable and high-quality source. 

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.

The partnership between dsm-firmenich and NutriLeads anticipates increased demand for Benicaros-enhanced pet food products across various geographies.

They aim to leverage the growing trend in the pet food market for healthier, science-based, and sustainable ingredients, driven by the humanization of pets, where pet parents treat their pets like family members. 

Carneiro-Wakefield highlighted that these consumers seek premium ingredients that provide specific health benefits, including gut health, which has become a priority due to its link to overall health. 

There is also a growing preference for organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients without artificial additives.

Educating pet owners about the benefits of prebiotics is expected to follow a similar trajectory to human health. 

“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,” Carneiro-Wakefield noted. 

NutriLeads collaborates closely with its manufacturing customers to develop product claims and messaging that enhance scientific understanding among consumers.

Adapting a prebiotic developed for humans to pet food applications requires rigorous research to demonstrate health benefits in pets. 

Benicaros is supported by extensive clinical and preclinical research, including safety and toxicology studies. It is sustainably sourced, traceable, and manufactured per strict quality controls. 

Pending favorable results from ongoing studies, any Benicaros products for pets will adhere to these same high standards, ensuring they provide the intended health benefits while maintaining safety and sustainability.

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