The market for animal health, particularly pets and companion animals, is rapidly evolving whilst mirroring trends observed in human health and wellness.
As pet owners become increasingly aware of their pets’ wellbeing, the focus on gut health and its relationship to overall wellbeing has taken centre stage. This shift has catalysed growth in the pet prebiotics market, with the market for prebiotic supplements for pets expected to reach USD $774.3 million by 2034 according to Grand View Research. For formulators and brands in the pet health sector, this presents an unmissable opportunity to innovate and meet the needs of an accelerating pet owner base that’s health conscious, capturing market share.
Understanding the role of prebiotics in pet health
Prebiotics, non-digestible fibres that nourish or feed beneficial health-promoting gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lachnospiraceae, are not new to the world of nutrition. However, their application in pet health is gaining significant traction.
Unlike probiotics, live bacteria in the gut that are used as functional ingredients, prebiotics serve as food for the existing gut bacteria in the microbiome, promoting a balanced and diverse gut microbiome ecosystem. This distinction is crucial for formulators looking to develop products with specific benefits and application stability.
The science behind prebiotics in pet health is compelling. Research has shown that a well-supported gut microbiome can influence everything from digestive health and nutrient absorption, to immune function and even cognition and behaviour. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), in particular, have emerged as a great option for prebiotic fibre in pet nutrition, offering benefits that align with the dietary needs of cats and dogs in particular.
Research indicates that galactooligosaccharides play a crucial role in supporting gastrointestinal wellbeing by fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in cats and dogs. This proliferation of good bacteria not only aids in digestion but also contributes to improved bowel health , as evidenced by enhanced faecal quality and optimised intestinal pH levels in animals.
Furthermore, the impact of prebiotics extends beyond digestive health, showing promising effects on pets’ immune systems. GOS has been observed to modulate immune function by boosting immune cell production and increasing levels of lactate and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are vital for maintaining robust immune defences.
Additionally, studies suggest that GOS may strengthen the intestinal barrier, potentially assisting in the reduction of pathogenic activity and fostering a thriving, diverse gut microbiome in pets.
Introducing Bimuno Pet
A new functional ingredient solution pet health formulation is Bimuno Pet, a prebiotic GOS ingredient developed by Clasado. Bimuno Pet leverages the extensive research and proven efficacy of Bimuno GOS, adapting it specifically for companion animal nutrition. With its unique and patented compositional structure, Bimuno Pet offers a targeted approach to supporting pet gut health.
Bimuno Pet stands out for its ability to selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria, crucial for gastrointestinal and immune health in pets. By introducing Bimuno Pet into next generation products, formulators can tap into a prebiotic ingredient that not only addresses the growing demand for gut health solutions in the pet market but also brings with it the scientific rigour and proven benefits that have made Bimuno a leader in human prebiotic nutrition.
Market drivers: Understanding pet owner priorities
The growth in prebiotic pet product demand is driven by several interconnected factors:
- Health-conscious pet parenting: Today’s pet owners are more educated about nutrition than ever before. They’re actively carrying out online research, and seeking high-quality, science-backed functional ingredients that mirror human nutrition needs.
- Rising pet ownership: The global increase in pet ownership has expanded the market for specialised nutrition products, including prebiotic supplements for pets. Pet food industry body FEDIAF reports that cats and dogs are the most numerous companion animals in Europe, numbering 127 million and 104 million respectively. This is mirrored in the growing pet food market, at a reported 5.1% growth rate.
- Focus on digestive and immune health: Pet owners are proactively looking for natural prebiotics to support good gut health for cats and dogs, recognising the fundamental role of gut health in overall wellbeing. Beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome are shown to influence other non-digestive areas of health, such as immune function.
- Species-appropriate solutions: Unlike plant-based prebiotics, dairy-derived GOS may be seen as naturally suited for cats and dogs due to their carnivore-type diets, providing a solution that aligns with their nutritional needs.
Formulation challenges and opportunities
For pet health brands and their formulators, incorporating prebiotics presents both considerations and opportunities. One key consideration is dose efficacy; the dosage for pets must be carefully calibrated based on species, size, and specific health goals.
Stability and palatability are also crucial factors, as some prebiotics could cause digestive discomfort if introduced too quickly or in high doses. Formulators must balance efficacy with gentleness, perhaps considering a gradual introduction or combining different prebiotic types for synergistic effects.
The format of delivery is another area of innovation. While prebiotic-enriched daily feed and treats are becoming more common, there’s growing interest in more targeted supplements. Chewable tablets, powders, and even liquid formulations offer pet owners flexibility in administration and the ability to adjust dosage more precisely.
Emerging trends and future directions
As the pet prebiotic market matures, several trends are emerging that savvy formulators will be watching out for:
Synbiotics: The combination of prebiotics and probiotics in a single product is gaining traction. Whether synergistic or complementary, this approach offers a comprehensive gut health solution and can potentially enhance the efficacy of both individual components.
Targeted formulations: Products addressing specific health concerns for pet owners, such as skin or coat health, joint support, or anxiety reduction, through prebiotic supplementation, are likely to see increased demand.
Age-specific solutions: Recognising that nutritional needs change throughout an animal’s life, age-tailored prebiotic formulations for puppies/kittens, adult pets, and seniors represent a significant market opportunity.
Tech-enabled personalisation: The integration of microbiome testing, similar to that seen in human health, could lead to highly personalised prebiotic recommendations based on an individual pet’s gut microbiome profile.
An emerging market with key opportunities
The pet prebiotic market stands at the foot of a potentially very strong market trajectory, with science, consumer demand, and product innovation converging to create tremendous opportunities. By centring on the power of prebiotics, the pet nutrition industry is poised to enter a new era of health-focused, scientifically backed products that meet the evolving needs of pets and their owners alike.
As the industry continues to evolve, partnering with experienced prebiotic developer, like Clasado, can provide invaluable insights and support. Click here to learn more about prebiotic and pet health via Bimuno® Pet or click here to get in touch with our experienced team.
