NutriLeads and dsm-firmenich collaborate to formulate pet prebiotic applications

10 Jul 2024 --- NutriLeads and dsm-firmenich have entered a strategic collaboration to evaluate the potential applications of its Benicaros precision prebiotic that enhances the gut and immune health of pets.

Pending the results of ongoing microbiome studies in dogs and cats, the companies have entered an exclusive global partnership to develop products containing a pet food version of Benicaros. They believe clinically proven Benicaros has strong potential to benefit pets’ health and vitality.

“The global pet food market is expected to reach US$175 billion in annual sales by 2027. A key growth driver is an increased demand for healthier ingredients that are science-based, human-grade, vegetarian and sustainable,” says Pierre-Alain Ceralli, SVP, pet food business, dsm-firmenich.

“Benicaros aligns perfectly with this industry trend and complements dsm-firmenich’s science-based and consumer-focused microbiome offering for the pet food industry.”

Upcycled prebiotic fiber
Benicaros is a natural prebiotic fiber from upcycled carrot pomace, a byproduct of carrot juicing. Various human studies demonstrate that Benicaros consistently increases beneficial gut bacteria such as the Bifidobacterium species, mainly B. adolescentis and B. longum, which are also common in the gut microbiome of dogs and cats.

Benicaros significantly increases the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. These SCFAs support gut barrier function, immune health and energy metabolism. Benicaros also enhances the responses of innate immune cells when presented with a challenge.

The animal studies with Benicaros conducted by NutriLeads and dsm-firmenich are expected to be completed later this year. The results will guide the companies’ following steps.

“We see tremendous potential for Benicaros to optimize pet health and longevity by enhancing digestive and immune health. Based on our previous research, we believe that Benicaros can be a ‘game-changing’ ingredient for pet parents and pet food and nutrition manufacturers,” says Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D. and CEO of NutriLeads.

Immune system response
NutriLeads has conducted several peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that Benicaros trains the human immune system to respond faster and smarter. The ingredient selectively increases beneficial gut microorganisms crucial to resilient gut and overall health.

Meanwhile, a new study suggests that NutriLeads’ fermentation mechanisms enable BeniCaros to increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Moreover, the prebiotic can accomplish this regardless of individual differences in the composition.