Many people have heard and understand the basic concept of pet probiotics, but few know the benefits of prebiotics. Intesto-Guard™‘s paste and powder products offer a comprehensive approach to your dog or cat’s gut health, utilizing three main ingredients: prebiotics, probiotics and antibodies (PPA). In this blog, we will explain more about the differences between pet probiotics and prebiotics and how they work together to keep your pet healthy and feeling its best.
What Are Prebiotics?
A prebiotic is defined as “a nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon thus improving host health.”
Prebiotics nourish and support the growth of probiotics and are key components for intestinal cells, which create a barrier in the intestinal tract. This lining is important because it helps to keep bacteria in the intestinal tract and doesn’t allow them to travel to other areas of the body.
Probiotics help keep bad bacteria under control in the dog’s gut, while prebiotics support the good bacteria, helping to prevent disease, improve digestion, nutrient absorption and enhance the immune system. Pets fed prebiotics are less likely to get diarrhea caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
In particular, studies have shown that prebiotics may be especially beneficial to pets who are:
- Pregnant or nursing (prebiotics provide enhanced immune protection to puppies through colostrum and milk as well as an enhanced response to vaccines)
- Immunosuppressed
- Prone to digestive disorders
- Undergoing antibiotic therapy
- Diabetic (studies show that prebiotics may help correct hyperlipidemia (high blood triglycerides or cholesterol) brought about by diabetes and other conditions)
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Prone to having diarrhea
- Prone to ingesting things that cause diarrhea
Specialized Yeast Derivatives
Intesto-Guard’s powerful triple protection formula uses specialized yeast-derived prebiotics, including Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS), Beta Glucans, D-Mannose and other compounds, that bind and expel harmful organisms from the gut.
MOS has the ability to bind to certain disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which are a constant risk for pets. These are then easily expelled from the gut.
Beta Glucans play two major roles. Their physical chemistry allow them to bind to many mycotoxins, preventing them from negatively impacting your pet’s health and performance. Secondly, these specific Beta Glucans play a crucial role in placing the immune system in a state of readiness.
D-Mannose is used to feed the indigenous population of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which are critical in maintaining good intestinal health, while it also has the ability to bind to pathogenic organisms, leading to their expulsion without their harmful effects.
Although prebiotics and probiotics are usually given together, they are often confused for one another or even thought of as one in the same. However, they each play a unique and significant role in maintaining your pet’s gut health.
Intesto-Guard™ — It Just Works!
Intesto-Guard’s prebiotic, probiotic and antibody (PPA) formula is 100% free of animal byproducts and has everything your pet needs to get well and stay well. Shop our products and provide the most comprehensive, natural protection against common diseases for your young and mature pets today! For more information, email us at info@intesto-guard.com or call via WhatsApp at 563-231-7999.