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 of those needs is keeping a healthy gut flora in balance. Our food contributes to this by adding prebiotics and easily digestible ingredients.

What are prebiotics and easily digestible ingredients? And how do they work?

Prebiotics in animal feed
Prebiotics are fibres that your pet cannot digest itself, but that the good bacteria in the intestines actually love. These bacteria are super important, as they ensure healthy digestion and a stronger immune system.

In many animal feeds, prebiotics are added, such as chicory inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). These fibres enter the colon undigested, where they help good bacteria grow and strengthen. This has many benefits, such as:

• A better-functioning digestive system.
• Less chance of unpleasant bowel problems, such as diarrhoea.
• Better absorption of nutrients from the feed.

Easily digestible ingredients
Easily digestible ingredients play an important role in supporting healthy digestion and maintaining balanced intestinal flora. These ingredients are absorbed quickly and easily, allowing the intestines to work effectively without undue stress.

Some examples of easily digestible ingredients in our pet food are:

• Rice: a gentle source of carbohydrates that provides energy without stressing the intestines.
• Chicken or turkey: high-quality proteins that are easy to digest and contribute to stable intestinal health.
• Salmon: A source of high-quality protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and support gut health.
• Potato: soft and easily digestible source of carbohydrates that is friendly to the gut and helps provide energy without disturbing the intestinal flora

 What does this do for gut flora?
By feeding food with prebiotics and easily digestible ingredients, you help rebalance your pet's gut flora. This has a number of important benefits:

1. Better intestinal health: Prebiotics provide more good bacteria, improving the balance in the gut.
2. Fewer stomach problems: Easily digestible food helps reduce symptoms such as diarrhoea or flatulence.
3. Stronger immune system: A healthy gut flora is crucial for your pet's resistance.
4. More energy and vitality: Good digestion ensures that your pet absorbs all the important nutrients.