A Novel Prebiotic Fibre Blend Supports the Gastrointestinal Health of Senior Dogs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Senior pets can suffer from a wide range of age-related diseases that cause distress to the pet and their owner. Diet is one of the easiest ways for improving pet health that can be accessed by pet owners. Fibre is one of the most important ingredients for maintaining gut health. This study aimed to understand whether a novel blend of prebiotic fibres added to a nutritionally complete commercial diet could improve the health of senior dogs. Results show that the prebiotic-blend could improve the gut health of senior dogs as measured by improved faecal quality and beneficial changes to the microbiome. The developed prebiotic fibre blend could have a range of future dietary applications. ABSTRACT: Senior pets can suffer from a wide range of age-related diseases that can impact the quality of life for the pet and the relationship between a pet and their owner. Dietary fibre plays a key role in shaping the gastrointestinal health in mammalian species. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose on the health of senior dogs when fed on top of a background commercial dry diet. Thirty-two dogs aged >8 years received the prebiotic fibre blend as a dietary topper for 21 days on top of a nutritionally complete diet using a cross-over study design. The prebiotic fibre blend improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs as measured through improved faecal quality scores, a reduction in faecal pH, changes to the taxonomic composition of the gut, and a reduction in faecal branched-chain fatty acids, which are markers for proteolytic degradation. Broader systemic measures, such as changes to serum cytokines, were not impacted by the prebiotic fibre blend. In conclusion, a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs and could have a range of potential future dietary applications.