Postbiotic Technology Invigorates Pet Nutrition Solutions for Microbiome
and General Health

Both the scientific community and the average consumer are fascinated by the gut microbiome and its implications for overall well-being, with new discoveries further fuelling interest. While much attention has been directed to the human microbiome, emerging research provides exciting insights relevant to companion animals. Furthermore, the expanding humanization of pets trend has many pet owners transposing their purchasing values and preferences onto their furry companions. So as more people take a proactive approach to their health and wellness with microbiome-supporting products, many are also closely monitoring their pets’ gut health and general wellness.

Products with functional ingredients that support the microbiome are increasingly in demand, as they may help address key areas like immune function, digestion, metabolic health and skin and coat characteristics. Notably, 60% of pet owners say they would like the pet foods and treats they purchase to have a digestive health benefit¹.

The Power of Postbiotics

Probiotics are recognized as live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a benefit on the host². According to research, 58% of global consumers perceive a connection between the function of the bacteria in the gut to wider aspects of well-being3. However, certain processing conditions may compromise the viability and effectiveness of live microorganisms, which can limit the use of probiotics in processed pet foods and treats.

Postbiotics are a breakthrough in microbiome technology, as they are a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host4. Postbiotics can withstand harsh processing conditions and are shelf stable, enabling their inclusion in a wide variety of applications, including pet food, treats and supplements.

Scientific Discovery Drives Product Innovations

Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode that is being used as a cutting-edge in vivo research model to identify probiotic bacterial strains. The use of C. elegans offers many unique advantages, like its short, 21-day life span, ease of cultivation and a fully sequenced genome. ADM’s Biopolis laboratory has successfully demonstrated that C. elegans is particularly beneficial for the identification of potential probiotic and postbiotic strains that may be associated with various health benefits. Once a bacterial strain demonstrates its potential benefits in the C. elegans model, the probiotic or postbiotic is selected for additional research trials in murine models, humans, dogs and cats.

One strain to undergo rigorous testing is ADM’s proprietary probiotic, BPL1™* (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145) and its heat-treated counterpart, BPL1™ HT. In multiple animal models and a human clinical trial, the probiotic and postbiotic forms of BPL1™ have been shown to favourably affect markers associated with metabolic health5-10. Another example is ADM’s ES1** (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT7347). In preclinical models, ES1** has shown potential to modulate immune responses in animal models and have positive effects on the gut barrier integrity11,12. It also may affect skin and coat characteristics13. Both BPL1™ HT and ES1** HT are materials that can be used in feeds in the European Union and United Kingdom.

The Future in Focus

There remains much to learn about the potential of biotics to support the microbiome, in humans and other animals. For example, researchers are just beginning to understand the implications of the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Scientific evidence points towards an important link between the brain and the microorganisms found in the gut, with an increasing range of health aspects thought to be linked to this bi-directional communication system, including cognition and mental well-being. In an aquatic model of anxiety, zebrafish treated with ES1** and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 demonstrated significantly altered swimming patterns and mean swimming speed, and strongly reduced their bottom-dwelling behaviour12. In this model, these behaviours are thought to correlate with a lower state of anxiety, leading the research team to conclude that this particular combination of strains could have interesting applications12.

A deeper understanding of the microbiome-gut-brain axis is especially relevant as heightened stress from global uncertainties continues to plague people and their pets. According to ADM research, 41% of dog owners are concerned about separation anxiety as they spend more time at the office or travelling3. Half (50%) said that being away from home may exacerbate behavioural issues3.

Functional Nutrition Solutions for Microbiome Support

As more consumers accept pets as a part of the family, there is growing demand for premium pet nutrition products. Beyond the complete and balanced diet required of a dog or cat at various life stages, many pet food offerings now feature added functional ingredients to target specific concerns. For instance, fish oil and fish meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids support brain development in growing puppies. Natural antioxidants are linked to immune function support, and prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics promote gastrointestinal health for pets of all ages. Biotics can help balance the intestinal microbiota, increase nutrient absorption, and may positively impact digestive, immune and metabolic health.

Maintaining a pet’s ideal body weight and body condition is critical, as overweight pets may have a reduced quality of life. Besides portion control and regular exercise, pet owners can support general wellness with novel dietary ingredients.

Consumers typically make incremental changes to their pets’ diet by introducing supplements or treats with functional ingredients. Visual cues can indicate the inner health of a pet, from a shiny coat to clean teeth to log-shaped stool. Microbiome support through biotics and synbiotics – combinations of prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics – can go a long way to maintaining a pet’s quality of life.
Veterinarians, pet nutritionists and other industry thought leaders are key to expanding consumer awareness and understanding of functional and balanced diets. As demand grows for premium pet nutrition products with added functional ingredients, pet brands can gain consumers’ trust with a partner that delivers technical capabilities and science-backed solutions for healthier, happier pets.

*BPL1®(word and logo) is a trademark registered for Biopolis S.L. in the EU, and other countries.
**ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT7347) is used by ADM Biopolis under license from CSIC

References
1Mintel, Pet Food’s Take on Gut Health, June 2021
2FAO/WHO, 2002
3ADM Outside Voice℠
4ISAPP, 2021
5Wernimont; et al. (2020) Frontiers in Microbiology, 11(1266).
6Chenoll; et al. (2014) Genome Announcements, 2(2), e00183-14.
7Martorell; et al. (2016) Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 64(17), 3462-3472.
8Caimari; et al. (2017) Journal of Functional Foods, 38, 251-263.
9Carreras; et al. (2018) Beneficial Microbes, 9(4), 629-641.
10Pedret; et al. (2019) International Journal of Obesity, 43(9), 1863-1868.
9Laparra; et al. (2012) PloS one, 7.
11Martorell; et al. (2021) Antioxidants, 10, 536.
12Valcarce; et al. (2020) Heliyon, 6(5), e03973.
13Navarro-López; et al. (2018) JAMA Dermatology, 154(1), 37-43.