Digestive Balance + Prebiotics Supplement

Bifidobacterium Spp., Bifidobacteria, Bifidobacterium Genus, Bifidobacterium Culture

Summary

Bifidobacterium species are beneficial bacteria of animal origin, commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals. They are included in pet food as probiotics to support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Rather than being used in their natural, live state from the gut, these bacteria are cultivated and added in a stabilised, viable form to ensure efficacy and safety.

Manufacturer Benefits

Bifidobacterium species are included as a functional probiotic to support digestive health and optimise gut microbiota balance in pets. Their presence also allows manufacturers to market the product as promoting gastrointestinal wellbeing, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

L. Acidophilus, ATCC 4356, NCFM, DSM 20079

Summary

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of microbial origin, commonly included in pet foods to support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Its primary function is to promote optimal digestion and enhance immune function. Rather than being used in its natural, live-culture state, it is typically added as a stabilised, dried culture to ensure viability and efficacy in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Lactobacillus acidophilus is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-oriented pet food formulations.

ATCC 53103, DSM 20021, NCIMB 30121, JCM 1136

Summary

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of microbial origin, commonly sourced from dairy or plant-based fermentations. Its primary purpose in pet food is to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome. Rather than being used in its natural, live-culture form, it is typically incorporated as a stabilised, dried culture to ensure viability and efficacy during processing and storage.

Manufacturer Benefits

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-oriented pet food options.

Chicory Root Fibre, Fructan, EINECS 232-684-3, Fructooligosaccharide

Summary

Inulin is a naturally occurring dietary fibre sourced primarily from plants such as chicory root. It serves as a prebiotic, supporting digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. In pet food, inulin is utilised in its extracted, purified form rather than as a whole plant, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy for optimal digestive function and overall wellbeing in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Inulin is included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria in pets. It also serves as a cost-effective bulking agent that can improve product texture and moisture retention.

Oligofructose, FOS, Oligofructan, E968

Summary

Fructooligosaccharides are short-chain carbohydrates derived from plant sources such as chicory root. They serve primarily as prebiotics, supporting digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fructooligosaccharides are not used in their whole plant form but are extracted and purified for inclusion in pet food, ensuring optimal efficacy and digestibility for companion animals.

Manufacturer Benefits

Fructooligosaccharides are included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. They also serve as a label-friendly functional ingredient that can enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product.

Silica, E551, Silicon(IV) Oxide, Quartz

Summary

Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral compound derived from the element silicon, commonly found in sand and quartz. In pet food, it serves primarily as an anti-caking agent, helping to prevent clumping and maintain product consistency. Silicon dioxide is not used in its raw mineral form; instead, it is utilised as a purified, food-grade compound to ensure safety and effective functionality.

Manufacturer Benefits

Silicon dioxide is included as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping and ensure consistent texture during manufacturing and storage. Its use helps maintain product flowability and stability without affecting palatability or nutritional value.

Octadecanoic Acid Magnesium Salt, Magnesium Octadecanoate, E470b, Stearic Acid Magnesium Salt

Summary

Magnesium stearate is a compound derived from the mineral magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty acid typically sourced from plant or animal origins. It is primarily used as a flow agent in pet food manufacturing, ensuring even mixing and preventing clumping. Magnesium stearate is not used in its natural metallic form; instead, it is utilised as a safe, bioavailable compound to optimise processing.

Manufacturer Benefits

Magnesium stearate is included as a flow agent to prevent ingredients from clumping and to optimise the manufacturing process by ensuring consistent mixing and tablet formation. Its use supports production efficiency and product uniformity rather than providing direct nutritional benefits.

Glucose Monohydrate, D-Glucose Monohydrate, E420(i), Corn Sugar Monohydrate

Summary

Dextrose monohydrate is a simple carbohydrate derived from plant sources, typically corn or wheat. It serves primarily as a readily digestible energy source for pets, supporting metabolic processes and palatability. Dextrose is not used in its natural crystalline form but is incorporated as dextrose monohydrate, a purified compound, to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Dextrose monohydrate is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides readily available energy and can enhance palatability for pets. It may also serve functional roles in processing, such as aiding in ingredient blending and improving product texture.

Arthrospira Platensis, Arthrospira Maxima, Blue-Green Algae Powder, Cyanobacteria Powder

Summary

Spirulina powder is a nutrient-dense supplement derived from blue-green algae, a type of aquatic plant. It is primarily included in pet food for its high protein content and rich supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and immune function. Spirulina is used in its natural, dried powder form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Spirulina powder is included as a nutrient-dense ingredient to enhance the product’s nutritional profile with natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also serves as a label-friendly addition that appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking superfood ingredients in pet food.

Perna Canaliculus Extract, New Zealand Green Mussel Extract, Greenshell Mussel Extract, Perna Extract

Summary

Green Lipped Mussel Extract is derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, a marine animal source. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support joint health and reduce inflammation. This ingredient is not used in its whole form but as a concentrated extract to optimise bioavailability and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Green Lipped Mussel Extract is included as a functional ingredient to provide a source of omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting nutrients, supporting marketing claims related to mobility and overall health. Its presence also enhances the product’s appeal to consumers seeking premium or holistic pet food options.

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Powdered Cellulose, E460, Cellulosum

Summary

Cellulose powder is a plant-derived ingredient sourced primarily from wood pulp. It serves as an insoluble dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and stool quality in pets. Rather than being used in its raw, fibrous state, cellulose is processed into a fine powder to optimise its functional benefits and ensure safe, consistent inclusion in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cellulose powder is included as a cost-effective fibre source to aid stool quality and promote digestive health. It also functions as a bulk-adding agent, helping to control calorie density in pet food formulations.