With mounting evidence supporting the benefits of biotics, the pet food industry is witnessing a monumental shift toward incorporating these types of ingredients to enhance pet health and well-being. Jeff Alix, global head of business development, palatability and microbiome, and Brian Klein, Ph.D., principal scientist, microbiome, DSM-Firmenich, will address the topic of biotics during their educational session on Tuesday, April 29, at Petfood Forum 2025 in Kansas City. This session aims to provide pet food manufacturers and processors with insights into the evolving biotics market and the potential health benefits of new postbiotic ingredients for pets.
Alix and Klein will review the current state of the pet industry biotics market and how new postbiotic ingredients can improve the health and wellness of dogs and cats. A highlight of the session will be a review of an in vivo trial evaluating the impact of a dual strain Lactobacillus postbiotic on the gut microbiome of healthy cats. This study demonstrated that a dietary switch significantly impacts the gut microbiome of healthy cats, and a Lactobacillus-based postbiotic helps mitigate this challenge.
During the trial, it was observed that feeding cats low-moisture (dry) food resulted in lactobacillus and bifido enrichment in the lower GI tract. Specifically, the LBiome formulation â a unique blend of two lactobacillus strains â helps reduce the microbial and physiological effects associated with switching between wet and dry food formats. One notable benefit was the reduction in the growth of Clostridium perfringens, a known veterinary pathogen, when switching from low-moisture to high-moisture (wet) diets.
The key takeaway for this session is that biotic interventions can have both direct microbial and host physiological benefits that are measurable in the blood, noted Alix. This highlights the potential for developing new postbiotic ingredients that address digestive health challenges in pets. “Having natural and trusted biotic solutions to address the stress of dietary switches can help maintain the health and wellness of our pets,” he said.
Looking ahead, the speakers foresee significant advancements in biotics, particularly process-stable postbiotics, which could lead to a reduction in vet visits for common ailments in cats and dogs.
Jeff Alix, global head of business development, palatability and microbiome in the Pet Business Group under the Taste, Texture and Health Business Unit, and Brian Klein, principal scientist, microbiome in the Global Science & Research organization within DSM-Firmenich, will present their educational session, Biotics in pet food and modulation of feline gut microbiome by diet and biotic supplementation, on Tuesday, April 29, at 1:30 p.m. during Petfood Forum 2025. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go toâ¯PetfoodForumEvents.com.â¯