Studies on How Dogs and Cats React Differently to Postbiotic Additions in Pet Food at Petfood Forum 2024

Two scientific studies presented at Petfood Forum 2024 delved into the fascinating world of pet nutrition, specifically focusing on how dogs and cats react differently to the same postbiotic additions in their food. As the popularity of cats continues to rise globally, the importance of understanding and meeting their unique nutritional needs has become increasingly crucial.

Mark Franklin Ph.D., global additives technical lead with Cargill, emphasized during his presentation at the event in Kansas City, Missouri that cats are not simply small dogs. He highlighted the necessity of conducting species-specific research to avoid potential dangers of extrapolation, as even trained scientists may be tempted to generalize data from one species to another.

The first study examined the effects of a postbiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP), on gut health outcomes in healthy adult cats. Postbiotics are the byproducts left behind after digestion by microbes, which can benefit the health of other species. The experiment involved 63 healthy adult cats over a 42-day test period, with results revealing both similarities and differences in cats’ and dogs’ responses to the postbiotic.

While similarities were found in areas such as palatability, white blood cell response, and microbiome shifts, differences were observed in inclusion amounts, immune parameters, microbiome makeup, fecal butyrate recovery, and GI transit times. These findings underscore the importance of species-specific research to avoid errors in extrapolation.

In a separate study presented by Holly H. Ganz Ph.D., chief science officer for AnimalBiome, the effects of postbiotics on cat dermatitis were explored. The study tested different doses of postbiotics and placebo controls to determine optimal dosages for reducing signs of atopic dermatitis in cats and dogs. The results indicated that cats responded better to a higher dosage, while dogs showed a strong placebo effect.

Overall, the research highlights the need for tailored approaches to pet nutrition, emphasizing the benefits of species-specific studies in understanding and addressing the unique needs of cats and dogs. Future steps include further studies with final product formulations and independent verification to ensure optimal outcomes for our beloved furry companions.