Dogs and cats on a special diet often need some extra support, as their ailments usually demand quite a lot from their bodies. Even if it doesn't seem immediately necessary, that extra support can give a good boost to their health preventively.

One such need is to strengthen the immune system. Our food contributes to this through the addition of MOS and FOS.

What are MOS and FOS? And how do they help the immune system 

MOS (Mannan-Oligosaccharides)
MOS is a substance that comes from the cell wall of yeast. It does not nourish anything itself, but is very important for healthy intestines and a strong immune system.

What does it do in the gut?
MOS binds to bad bacteria such as  E. coli or Salmonella. This prevents those bacteria from attaching themselves to the intestinal wall and simply gets rid of them through the faeces. This results in less bad bacteria, which means the immune system does not have to work as hard and the intestinal environment stays healthier.

FOS (Fructo-Oligosaccharides)
FOS comes from plants such as chicory and acts as nutrition for the good bacteria in the intestines, for example Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

• What does it do in the gut?
  The good bacteria use FOS as fuel and produce short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help keep gut cells healthy and reduce inflammation. This contributes to strong gut health and improved immunity.

How do MOS and FOS help the immune system?
About 70% of the immune system is located in the intestinal system. MOS and FOS work together to enhance this:

1. Protection against bad bacteria (MOS):
   MOS removes harmful bacteria by binding them and working them out of the body. This reduces the risk of infections and makes the immune system less burdened.
   Moreover, MOS helps certain immune cells, such as "clearance cells" (macrophages), to recognise and fight pathogens faster.
2. Support of good bacteria (FOS):
   FOS allows the beneficial bacteria in the intestines to grow properly. These bacteria are indispensable for a strong immune system, as they help keep bad bacteria under control and boost resistance.
3. Strengthening the intestinal wall:
   The fatty acids created from FOS create a stronger intestinal wall. This prevents harmful substances or bacteria from entering the body, reducing the risk of inflammation and relieving the immune system.
4. Less inflammation:
   FOS lowers intestinal acidity, which is bad for harmful bacteria but good for intestinal health. Its anti-inflammatory effect ensures a stable and efficient immune system.

Benefits in animal feed
When MOS and FOS are used together in food, they reinforce each other:

• Immediate immune support: They reduce the burden of bad bacteria on the immune system.
• Indirect resistance: They improve gut health and enhance nutrient absorption.
• Prevention of problems: By preventing infections and inflammation, they contribute to a healthier and stronger animal.