Harnessing
the power ofThe Microbiome
Like humans, cats and dogs need a balanced gut microbiome. So what is the microbiome? This ecosystem, located in the pet’s digestive tract, contains billions of microbes and other microorganisms — including both desirable and undesirable bacteria unique to each pet. By using nutrition to balance the pet’s gut microbiome, you can influence the transition between acute or chronic disease and health.
Helping pets’ health flourish throughthe power of the gut microbiome
So what is the microbiome, in the simplest of terms? Think of the pet’s microbiome as a mini-ecosystem that plays a significant role in balancing not only a pets’ digestive health, but their overall well-being. Just like a lawn or a garden, if you want it to flourish, you must ensure you pick plants that thrive within that unique environment.
With new insights into gut microbiome health and nutrition, we know that incorporating a dynamic blend of fibre rich ingredients, including prebiotics for dogs and cats, can both support and nourish this pre-existing gut “ecosystem” — the microbiome.
With more than a decade of research into microbiome health, Hill’s is among the pet food industry’s foremost leaders in the field of microbiome nutrition.
Looking beyond the traditional
Traditionally, pets with fibre-responsive digestive issues like chronic diarrhea or constipation have been treated in a few common ways — fibre-based therapeutic foods, probiotics for cats and dogs, and homemade chicken & rice. Each comes with its own pros and cons:
Fibre-Based Therapeutic Foods
Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
Homemade Chicken & Rice
Research has long shown that a dog's or cat’s gut microbiome can have significant effects on their digestive health. But groundbreaking new science highlights the critical role a dog or cat’s gut microbiome can play in not only their response to digestive issues, but also in determining their overall well-being. Nourishing and supporting the gut microbiome, therefore, opens the door to new opportunities for digestive and cumulative health.
After more than a decade of analyzing the microbiome, Hill’s Pet Nutrition — a global leader in biology-based pet nutrition — has become a pioneer in the study of pet microbiome health. Hill’s uses advanced technology to understand the GI microbiome, including new methods such as next-generation sequencing technologies. Using these insights, Hill’s has found that a pet’s gastrointestinal health can be positively impacted by nutrition — without adding in new, non-host specific bacteria.
With this technology, Hill’s is putting microbiome health at the forefront of GI care and working to naturally promote regular healthy stool while restoring the balance of pet’s own unique gut microbiomes.
For more information about the gut microbiome, check out some of these educational resources.
The resources in this section are intended for licensed veterinary professionals only.
Welcome to the World of the Gut Microbiome
Author: Iveta Becvarova, DVM, MS, DACVN
The research is clear that a healthy gut microbiome offers many health benefits. What do we know about the gut microbiome, what are its benefits and why does it matter to our dogs and cats?
Dietary Influences on the GI Microbiome
Author: Dr. Jennifer Radosevich, PhD
In this video, you’ll get an introduction to gastrointestinal microbiome concepts, terminology and how various dietary ingredients and foods impact microbial biosystems and pet health.
Food Is Love… for the GI Microbiome
Author: Dr. Jen MacLeay, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM
Learn about practical applications for veterinarians and veterinary healthcare teams regarding how foods and feeding practices influence the gut microbiome in pets.
Please consult your veterinarian for further information and guidance on what is best for your dog’s or cat’s gut microbiome health
