All fibers are not created equal: The microbiome, postbiotics, and pet health

In: Open access government, Volume 37, Issue 1, p. 484-485

Abstract

The gastrointestinal microbiome comprises trillions of bacteria, and is a vitally important organ with wide ranging effects on pet health
Food impacts the composition and metabolism of the microbiome, as well as the production of postbiotics, which are bioactive end products of microbial consumption of prebiotics. Postbiotics include metabolites of nutrients like fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and polysaccharides. Also gut bacteria can produce postbiotics from plant antioxidants like polyphenols. A growing body of evidence has shown that influencing postbiotic production may have beneficial effects on pet health. Soluble and insoluble fibers are commonly used sources of prebiotics in the pet food industry, some of these fibers have polyphenols bound to them. Understanding the impact of each fiber type on the microbiome composition, metabolism and postbiotic production provides insights into formulating foods that are optimal for pet health.