Study Reveals How Dietary Supplements Can Improve Cat Gut Health

The study, published in Animals, demonstrated that cats supplemented with these ingredients showed better intestinal balance, enhanced immune function, and a healthier gut microbiome compared to a control group.

'We recognise the critical role gut health plays in the overall well-being of pets, especially during dietary transitions,' said Hongfeng Chen, ADM's General Manager of Pet Nutrition in China. 'Our study demonstrates that this combination significantly enhances gastrointestinal health in adult cats by fostering beneficial bacteria and promoting intestinal balance.'

The research, conducted over 28 days at the Pet Nutrition Research Center in Beijing, involved 24 cats split into two groups. One group was given a supplement containing the functional additives, while the other was not. Both groups transitioned from a low-protein diet to a high-protein diet midway through the study.

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The supplemented cats exhibited lower intestinal permeability, higher levels of beneficial bacteria like Blautia, and improved immune markers such as secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Additionally, they maintained a healthier gut pH, likely due to increased production of organic acids by beneficial bacteria.

'This collaborative study rigorously evaluated functional ingredients in cats,' said Dr Siyu Chen, a veterinarian at China Agricultural University. 'With these promising results, we look forward to advancing the nutritional quality and digestive health of pets.'

ADM plans to leverage these findings to drive innovation in pet nutrition, offering solutions aimed at improving digestive health and overall well-being.

By: Thomas Oakley-Newell

Source: Pet Industry News