14/04/2026

Probiotics vs. prebiotics vs. synbiotics  

Acute diarrhea, chronic enteropathies, and gastroenteritis are common conditions in small animal clinical practice. Because they affect the gastrointestinal system, they often require the use of products that can help restore the intestinal microbiota. 
  Among these, the prescription of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics is common, but there are still many doubts regarding the difference between these three alternatives, which have a similar purpose but are not the same. 
According to Larissa Nonato, a veterinary doctor specializing in Gastroenterology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, a member of the FeroGastro Team and director of the Brazilian Association of Animal Gastroenterology (ABRAGA), these products have various indications. 
  'They are recommended for maintaining the animal's well-being. They can be used as adjuvant therapies in cases of diarrhea (gastroenteritis), dietary changes (intestinal adaptation), and other immune system stimulation in any chronic disease. Furthermore, there is recent evidence of probiotics having a positive effect in the treatment of oral disease, pruritus, seizures, and other conditions that, at first glance, are far removed from the intestines,' he reports. 
  Furthermore, Larissa comments that in recent years studies of the gut microbiota have improved considerably. Therefore, it is now possible to understand the particularities of the microbiota of dogs and cats, as well as the differences between puppies and adults. As a result, products designed to support its proper functioning are being improved.   The differences in practice  
It's not difficult to understand the function of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. The expert clarifies that probiotics contain bacteria considered desirable for the gut microbiota, and these microorganisms are responsible for regulating immunity and the overall health of the intestines.
  Probiotics began to be given to animals in the early 1970s with Lactobacillus acidophilus. They are most commonly and efficiently used during stressful times, such as the weaning period, during changes in diet, in cases of colostrum intake failure, and after antibiotic treatments, for example. 
  "Prebiotics, on the other hand, are elements that nourish and feed the microbiota. In other words, they provide substrate for the microbiota present in the intestines. They are generally composed of low-calorie sugars," he says.
  Basically, prebiotics exert an osmotic effect in the gastrointestinal tract, while not being fermented. The most commonly used in animals are mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). 
  On the other hand, synbiotics are products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics in the same formulation, and are considered more complete.
  'Generally, the same patient can receive a prebiotic, a probiotic, or a synbiotic. Which alternative to choose depends on the animal's needs and the ease of handling,' says Nonato.  
  Furthermore, the use of prebiotics in combination with probiotics presents superior beneficial effects compared to antibiotic growth promoters. Among the main reasons for this are the fact that they are not metabolized or absorbed during passage through the upper digestive tract, they serve as a substrate for one or more beneficial intestinal bacteria, and they have the ability to alter the intestinal microbiota in a favorable way.   How to prescribe
According to the expert, a major advantage of these solutions is that they can be used from the weaning stage of dogs and cats, as after this period the animals will have a more defined intestinal microbiota.
  Regarding contraindications, to date there is no scientific evidence that advises against their use. However, there is greater confirmation of the therapeutic efficacy of prebiotics compared to probiotics.
  Regarding the presentations, since there are now options in powder, paste, and tablet form, Larissa says there are no recommendations as to which is best. 
  "The most traditional and studied products in human health are those in powder or capsule form. However, in veterinary medicine, the most popular presentation is oral paste, which facilitates administration at home due to its greater palatability," he says. 
  Another important point is that there is no evidence indicating a best time or the need for fasting for probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to be more effective.
  "The studies are heterogeneous and the results vary. Therefore, it is up to the veterinarian to determine the time to administer the product. However, it is believed that the nighttime period, especially after a meal, is the most suitable time for the probiotics to remain longer in the gastrointestinal tract (oro-fecal). However, all of this is just a theory," he concludes. Source: Cães e Gatos 

01/04/2026

Innovation, Technology, and Nutrition: The Use of Functional Snacks in the Management of Canine Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative joint disease frequently diagnosed in large-breed, obese, and geriatric dogs, as well as in those with genetic predisposition, such as Labrador retrievers and German shepherds. Joint pain, reduced range of motion, crepitus, and inflammation are the most common clinical signs, resulting in barriers to physical activity and reluctance to perform routine tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs. These limitations significantly compromise animal well-being and quality of life.

Conventional therapeutic options include surgical interventions on affected joints and pain management through the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whose benefits in analgesia and functional improvement are well established. However, long-term use of these drugs may be associated with relevant adverse effects, including renal and hepatic toxicity, as well as gastrointestinal complications. In addition, therapeutic efficacy depends not only on the pharmacodynamics of the active compound but also on treatment adherence, which is directly influenced by palatability and ease of administration. In light of these limitations, interest in complementary and less invasive therapies has continued to grow, e.g., nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, are widely used in the management of canine OA. Among the most extensively studied agents are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, undenatured type II collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds modulate inflammatory processes, stimulating cartilage regeneration and maintenance, reducing pain, and improving mobility.

Within this context, functional snacks have emerged as an effective vehicle for delivering these compounds, particularly due to their high acceptance by dogs and ease of use for pet owners, as they are commonly offered as training rewards or expressions of affection. Studies such as that by Costa et al. (2025), which evaluated owner-perceived acceptance of different pharmaceutical forms for continuous use in dogs, have demonstrated high acceptance of functional snacks (95%) and palatable pastes (90%), followed by powdered sachets (75%), oral suspensions (60%), and capsules (35%). Delivery formats directly associated with feeding showed superior adherence, while capsules had the lowest acceptability, especially in smaller dogs. The high palatability characteristic of snacks promotes better therapeutic compliance compared with traditional supplementation in capsules or powders, which are often rejected by animals or forgotten by owners. Another important advantage is dose standardization: each snack unit can contain precise quantities of bioactives, ensuring accurate intake and facilitating therapeutic monitoring.

Despite these advantages, the development and processing of functional snacks present challenges and require careful attention to technological and nutritional aspects, as the bioactive efficacy largely depends on ingredient selection and the processing conditions applied during manufacturing.

The food matrix of the snack can positively or negatively influence nutrient bioavailability. Formulations with adequate lipid levels enhance the absorption of lipophilic compounds (EPA and DHA). Likewise, additional functional ingredients—such as fermentable fibers, prebiotics, and antioxidants—may have complementary effects on joint function and inflammatory modulation.

Many of the compounds used in OA management are sensitive to heat, oxidation, and moisture, making production methods a critical factor in preserving their integrity, stability, and bioavailability.

Extrusion, the primary processing method used in the pet food industry, exposes ingredients to high temperatures and pressures, which may degrade compounds essential to therapeutic efficacy. On one hand, prolonged baking intensifies the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation, reducing the functionality of sensitive actives. On the other hand, cold forming has emerged as an interesting alternative, although it presents limitations related to shelf life, microbiological safety, and operational costs. The key challenge, therefore, lies in adapting conventional technologies to minimize bioactive degradation without compromising texture, palatability, or product safety.

To mitigate functional losses, the industry employs technologies like microencapsulation, post-processing coating, and rigorous control of water activity and oxidation. Modern facilities incorporate low-temperature extruders, hybrid production lines, continuous NIR monitoring, and intelligent packaging solutions capable of extending the shelf life of nutraceuticals. Computational modeling also contributes to the optimization of industrial parameters, ensuring improved preservation of active compounds.

Industrial innovations have significantly contributed to the feasibility of therapeutic snacks, which manage osteoarthritis in pet food manufacturing. Integrating advanced technology, optimized industrial processes, and animal health ensures not only the stability of bioactive compounds but also their efficacy, representing a safe, practical, and highly compliant nutritional strategy for pet owners and veterinary professionals. The management of disease progression, the reduction of inflammation, and pain control are all significantly influenced by these technologies.

This movement aligns with the accelerated growth of the premium pet market, driven by owners seeking preventive health solutions and products with higher added value.

In this way, functional snacks turn their role as simple palatable treats into a strategic position as part of complementary therapeutic protocols. Meanwhile, manufacturers benefit from technologies that promote operational efficiency, loss reduction, and continuous innovation. As well, they position themselves as key players in the development of more sustainable, traceable, and personalized nutritional solutions. By Flávia Lavach
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
ALEXANDRU, C. B.; SORANA, D.; ADRIAN, M. The science of snacks: a review of dog treats. Frontiers in Animal Science, v. 5, 2024.
COSTA, M. B. F.; CHAMELETE, M. O.; MARTINEZ, M. S. de S. S.; ANDRADE, T. U. de. Palatability test of different pharmaceutical forms for administration of continuous-use medications in dogs: evaluation by owners. Observatório de la Economia Latinoamericana, [S. l.], v. 23, n. 9, p. e11390, 2025.
DE GODOY, M. R. C. et al. In vitro disappearance characteristics of selected categories of commercially available dog treats. Journal of Nutritional Science, v. 3, p, 47, 2014. 
GAMBLE, L. J. et al. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers Veterinary Science, v. 23, p. 5-16, 2023.
KHAN, S. A. e MCLEAN, M. K. 2012. Toxicology of frequently encountered nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics North America Small Animal Practice , v. 42(2), p. 289-306, 2012.
KIM, J. et al. Effect of microencapsulation on viability of probiotic in functional dog treats. Veterinary Research Communications, v. 43, n. 2, p. 91-101, 2019.
MATA, F. e DORMER, L. The efficacy of neutraceuticals to alleviate dog osteoarthritis symptoms, a meta analysis of case-control trials. Veterinary Archive Science, v. 93, p. 351-360, 2023.
OBA, P. et al. Nutrient and Maillard reaction product concentrations of commercially available pet foods and treats. Journal of Animal Science, v. 100, p. 11, 2022.

26/03/2026

Guide to Probiotics for Dogs: What They Do & How to Choose  

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that naturally live in your dog's gastrointestinal tract, working to maintain balance by introducing 'good' bacteria. Many modern probiotic formulas for dogs also include prebiotics (which nourish beneficial bacteria) and postbiotics (helpful compounds that support gut health). Together, they work harmoniously to help maintain a healthy gut environment.
  In this article, we'll explore how probiotics support your dog's well-being, what to look for in a quality supplement, and how PetLabCo.'s Probiotic Chews stand out among the options available.   How Do Probiotics Support My Dog's Well-being?
Your dog's gut is home to a vast ecosystem of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome, which influences much more than just digestion. In fact, a balanced gut is closely connected to your dog's immune response, nutrient absorption, and even energy levels.
  When your dog's gut bacteria are balanced, they may help to:
  Support the breakdown of food and nutrient absorption Help support natural immune defenses May help maintain healthy stool consistency
  External factors like changes to your dog's daily routine or diet can disrupt this balance. Probiotics may help maintain harmony by introducing beneficial bacteria, supporting a healthy gut environment over time.   What Kinds of Probiotic Products Are Available for Dogs?
Probiotics for dogs come in a few convenient forms. What matters most is consistency of use rather than format. Common options include:
  Soft chews – A tasty, convenient form that's easy to give daily. Powders – Sprinkled over food for a mess-free supplement option. Capsules or tablets – Typically given with food for precise dosing.
  Soft chews, such as PetLabCo.'s Probiotic Chews, are often favored by pet parents because they combine palatability with function, making daily gut health support effortless.   Ingredients Typically In Dog Probiotics
A high-quality probiotic for dogs may gently support your pup's digestive health, immune system, and overall gut balance. Certain beneficial bacteria are often included in dog probiotics, because they naturally live in your pup's gut and may help maintain regularity and overall well-being. Some of the most commonly used strains include:
  Lactobacillus species (such as L. acidophilusand L. rhamnosus) – These friendly bacteria may help break down food, support nutrient absorption, and promote a balanced gut environment.
  Bifidobacterium species (such as B. animalis) – Known for supporting healthy stool consistency and helping to maintain a calm, comfortable digestive system.
  Enterococcus faecium – A hardy strain that may help balance intestinal microflora and support immune function, especially during times of stress.
  Bacillus coagulans – A spore-forming probiotic prized for its ability to survive harsh stomach conditions and reach the gut where it may support digestion and microbial balance.
Together, these strains are thoughtfully selected to help keep your dog's gut in good shape, supporting them from the inside out.
  In addition, many products include prebiotics (like inulin or fructooligosaccharides) that feed the good bacteria, and postbiotics that can help support gut barrier integrity.
  When selecting a probiotic, look for products that list specific bacterial strains and guaranteed CFU (colony-forming unit) counts — this helps ensure that the required amount is present to see the desired benefits.   Potential Benefits of Adding A Probiotic To Your Dog's Daily Routine
When used consistently, probiotics may help support multiple aspects of your dog's well-being. Some of the most common benefits reported by pet parents include:
  Digestive health – Probiotics can help maintain stool quality and digestive comfort. Immune function – Since much of the immune system resides in the gut, supporting gut health can help support natural defenses. Skin and Coat – A balanced gut microbiome can have positive downstream effects on other systems. Overall well-being – Dogs with balanced digestive function often appear more energetic and comfortable.
  While probiotics are not intended to treat or cure any condition, they're a great proactive support tool for maintaining balance and long-term health.   Probiotic Chews: PetLabCo.'s Premium-Quality Probiotic For Dogs
Looking for an easy way to help support your dog's digestive health? PetLab Co.'s Probiotic Chews were made with you, and your pup, in mind. These tasty pork-flavored soft chews are loved by dogs and designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
  Each soft chew includes a carefully selected blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics that may help support gut balance, digestive comfort, and immune health over time.
  Key highlights include:
  3 strains of beneficial bacteria to help maintain healthy gut flora Prebiotics to nourish good bacteria, plus postbiotics to help support gut health Soft texture and delicious flavor make them feel like a treat (but they're not!) Developed with input from a nutritionist for gentle, consistent support
  The soft chews are suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes, aged 12 weeks and older. With daily use, they help support digestive comfort, nutrient absorption, and immune health, all while being simple to add to mealtime.   Frequently Asked Questions: Probiotics For Dogs
Are probiotics suitable for my dog?
Probiotics specially formulated for dogs can be a gentle way to support digestive health and overall well-being. It's always best to follow the serving guidelines on the label and check with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your dog has specific health concerns.
  Can I give human probiotics to my dog?
It's best to use probiotics formulated for dogs. The bacterial strains and dosages in human products aren't always suitable for canine digestion.
  When will I notice results?
Every dog is different, but pet parents often report seeing positive changes, such as healthy digestive function or stool consistency, within three months of consistent use.
  Can puppies take probiotics?
Yes, many probiotics are suitable for puppies over 12 weeks old, but always check the label and serving instructions.
Can probiotics be used year-round?
Yes — consistent use helps maintain gut balance. Even when your dog isn't showing signs of digestive discomfort, daily probiotics can provide proactive support for long-term health.   Conclusion: Are Probiotics Worth Adding to Your Dog's Routine?
Probiotics can be a simple, beneficial addition to your dog's routine, supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. By maintaining balance in the gut microbiome, they provide foundational support for comfort and vitality.
  For pet parents looking for a convenient, high-quality option, PetLabCo.'s Probiotic Chews make it easy to give your dog the consistent gut health support they need – all in a delicious, daily reward they'll look forward to. Source: Dogster

12/03/2026

Crowded Labels, Compromised Doses: A Look at Pet Supplement Design

As these products become more common in veterinary conversations, retail aisles, and pet households, a reasonable question is bound to arise: How can so many active ingredients realistically fit into one small supplement chew and still work? Thanks to real-world limits of formulation and dosing, the answer might make you think twice the next time you're supplement shopping. 
  A soft supplement chew may look simple, but it is actually a carefully engineered product with finite space. Before any active ingredients are added, the chew must already contain a base matrix: ingredients that provide structure, moisture control, palatability, shelf stability, and manufacturability. These typically include proteins or starches, fats, binders, humectants, natural flavors, and processing aids. These components are what makethe chew hold together, stay fresh on the shelf, and appeal to pets' tastes. However, these ingredients typically takes up 60% to 75% of the chew. Only after this base is built does a formulator have room to add active ingredients, and that remaining space (25% to 40%) is often much smaller than most labels imply. 
  This is where the distinction between the number of ingredients and how those ingredients are dosed becomes critical. Many supplement labels highlight all the many functional ingredients that are included, but they don't always communicate how much of each ingredient is present in a way that's meaningful to pet owners.  
  From a nutritional and physiological standpoint, dose matters far more than the length of an ingredient list. For an active ingredient to have a meaningful effect, it must be included at a biologically relevant level, physically fit into the chew, remain stable over the product's shelf life, and avoid interfering with the absorption or function of other ingredients. When a product attempts to include too many actives in a small chew, something almost always has to give, and that compromise shows up in dosing. 
  This is how supplements can end up looking impressive on the label while delivering active ingredients in amounts that may be too low to produce the desired benefit. The ingredients are technically present, but they could be included at symbolic levels instead of functional ones. This isn't always intentional or deceptive as one might think at first glance. It is often the result of trying to satisfy market demand for 'everything in one chew' or being competitive with other products in the market while working within the physical limits of the product form itself. 
  There is a natural assumption that more ingredients automatically means more support. In reality, the most effective supplements are usually built around transparency and restraint. They focus on a specific physiological goal, rely on a small number of well-studied active ingredients, and include those ingredients at levels supported by evidence rather than trends or buzzwords. Trying to support joints, digestion, skin, mood, immunity, and cognition all at once often leads to compromise rather than synergy. A supplement designed to do one job well will almost always outperform a crowded product that attempts to do everything at once.  
  Now, don't get me wrong—there are some formulations that can successfully include multiple active ingredients when they are designed thoughtfully. This typically involves choosing ingredients that are effective at relatively low inclusion rates and combining actives with complementary mechanisms, rather than overlapping. In some cases, it also means designing the chew size and feeding directions to support appropriate dosing, such as allowing multiple chews per day for larger dogs. This is why two supplements with similar-looking ingredient lists can perform very differently in real-world use. It's not the label that is different; it's the philosophy behind the formulation. 
  For veterinarians, retailers, and pet parents alike, this shifts the conversation in a meaningful way. Instead of focusing on all the amazing ingredients a supplement contains, more useful questions might include what the product's primary goal is, whether the key ingredients are included at meaningful doses, and whether the chew size and feeding directions support those doses. Supplements are most effective when they complement a complete-and-balanced diet and appropriate medical care, not when they attempt to replace them. 
  A small supplement chew can absolutely deliver meaningful health support, but only when the formulation respects biology, physics, and evidence. In the pet supplement space, restraint is often a sign of expertise. Fewer ingredients, thoughtfully chosen and properly dosed, always outperform a long list squeezed into too little space with ineffective dosing.  
  For brands, retailers, and pet parents who want to move beyond crowded labels and toward supplements that actually work, formulation philosophy matters. Working with BSM Partners and choosing BSM-formulated or BSM-veterinary-formulated supplements means navigating these real-world constraints with intention, prioritizing evidence-based dosing, functional synergy, and product forms that support meaningful inclusion levels. When every gram counts, expert formulation is what ensures that what you want in a supplement is also what pets can truly benefit from.  Source: BSM Partners

10/03/2026

Sensitive Nutrients Connection for Precision Nutrition

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The impact of digitalization on the micronutrient nutritional profile of pet food is a significant and often overlooked subject, even when technology is not considered. By precisely controlling extrusion parameters (temperature, moisture, precision and baking time), the quality of sensitive nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, is maintained, avoiding degradation from heat or excessive humidity. Controlling the process allows manufacturers to verify the density, moisture, size, and shape of kibbles, which impact digestibility, texture, nutrient absorption, and palatability. When we refer to specific diets (high digestibility, weight control, and digestive health), these factors are essential. Traceability and digital registration facilitate not only nutritional auditing and formula controls but also regulatory compliance and micronutrient management per batch, which is especially important in the presence of transparency, quality, animal health, or special diets. With historical data and analytical support, manufacturers can upgrade their recipes to achieve efficiency in nutrition and costs. For example, optimizing ingredient mixes, protein sources, additives, vitamins, and minerals to achieve better nutritional balance without compromising economy or scalability.
  Moreover, vitamins and trace minerals, such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, and iodine, among others, are essential for energy metabolism, immune health, bone and muscle development, and skin and coat integrity as they regulate cellular oxidation, reproduction, and growth.
  Micronutrients, instead, face technological challenges in food manufacturing:
  Heat, moisture, and oxygen sensitivity: Heat, moisture, and oxygen sensitivity: Vitamins are highly thermolabile, and they break down during extrusion and drying. It is fundamental to use products with microencapsulation technologies to protect them against high temperatures and reduce oxidation and chemical interactions with minerals.
  Chemical interactions: If trace minerals (e.g., iron and copper) are not properly protected, they oxidize or inactivate vitamins. Chelated or organic minerals not only offer better bioavailability and stability of trace elements in the thermal process but also reduce negative interactions with nutrients.
  Dosage difficulties in small quantities: Premixes are applied to microdosing, so with a minimal deviation, the nutritional value of the batch is compromised. Nowadays, we refer to intelligent mixing in which control software manages optimal times, mixing speed, additional period, and final homogeneity to ensure the uniform distribution of vitamins and minerals.
  Distribution problems in mixing: To ensure the same nutrient proportion in kibbles, homogeneity must be high. Premix manufacturers produce precise, homogeneous mixes that minimize dosage mistakes, ensure uniformity between batches, and facilitate registration and nutritional auditing.
  These challenges are boosting a strong demand for advanced formulation technologies, intelligent automation, and digital monitoring systems. The precise incorporation of vitamins and trace elements no longer depends on understanding nutrition. Today, they require automated processes, intelligent sensors, digital control, and predictive maintenance. Pet food plants become an atmosphere where innovation in ingredients combines with technological transformation to guarantee safer, stable, nutritious, and reliable products.
  Conclusion
  Digitalization in pet food facilities is not a future trend; it is a reality that shows concrete achievements. Technologies for automation, sensors, digital control, AI, and data analysis are already transforming the way pet food is produced, enhancing efficiency, quality, consistency, traceability, sustainability, and flexibility. By MVZ Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet
Source: All Pet Food Magazine