Prebiotics for enhanced pet health
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that selectively stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestine. Prebiotics have been shown to benefit intestinal function and to help decrease the growth of undesirable bacteria. Because pets have their own intestinal microflora, but show many similarities with humans, Nestlé innovators extended into pet nutrition the concept of adding prebiotics to foods.
Chicory – bitter and beneficial. A combination pets enjoy.
Inulin and fructo-oligosaacharides (FOS) are among the most frequently used prebiotics in human food products. Inulin is a carbohydrate found extensively in nature as a component of many plants and most of the commercially available inulin is in the form of chicory.
Chicory was added to pet foods as a prebiotic and studies proved that this addition did improve the intestinal flora of dogs and cats. And, contrary to humans, dogs like the bitter taste of chicory and show a clear preference for chicory-containing pet foods.
Prebiotics in pet foods was successfully launched in numerous Nestlé Purina brands around the world including Winalot, Vital Balance, Lucky Dog and ALPO. It has also been incorporated into the Pro Plan Indoor Cat Formula.