Good gut health is the cornerstone of optimal health for our dogs. We are only beginning to scratch the surface with our understanding on how the microbiome can influence all the body systems. So how can we take care of this powerhouse of health? For this we need to look at one of the most historical ways of food preservation, that has immense health benefits.
Fermentation
Humans have long utilised the benefits of fermented products, with “The earliest evidence of the use of fermented foods and beverages comes from Asia from around 8000 B.C” (Cuamatzin-Garcia, L et al. 2022) Fermentation is the process of breaking down food sources through chemical change. For instance with Karnlea Bone Broth, this is simmered over a long, slow cooking period of up to 48 hours. This process ensures that the beneficial components are within the broth and the bones are removed. The same thing happens in the gut, when digestion occurs so can fermentation.
Pre, Pro and more recently Postbiotics have become a talking point in human health. Let’s take a look at each of these and learn from this group of health boosting dietary additions!
Prebiotics
A class of nutrients that can be better recognised as insoluble fibre, plant based material known for keeping the digestive system healthy. Research very amply explains that “Although all prebiotics are fiber, not all fiber is prebiotic.” (Slavin, J. 2013) This group of nutraceuticals promote the growth of happy bacteria in your dogs ecosystem, also known as the microbiome. When insoluble fibre reaches the large intestine it begins to ferment and produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). It is these SCFA that research has found “could also be an effective choice to counter gut inflammation.” (Ahhtar, M et al. 2022) Karnlea’s Pumpkin Power is a natural Prebiotic and a great addition to any diet.
Probiotics
An amazing living food source for the microbiome, with research highlighting that, “probiotic bacteria have immunomodulating properties, regulate inflammation in a number of ways, and … prevent chronic inflammation in the gut” (Piqué, N et al. 2019) Any product that has been heat treated such as Karnlea’s Goat Milk Powder will not contain these probiotics, due to the necessary pasturisation process killing off all bacteria. This is where Karnlea’s Goat Milk Powder Plus comes to the rescue, with the addition of probiotics after pasturisation. Not just one but four additional Probiotics, tasty and packed to the brim with these healthy goodies.
Postbiotics
Pre and Probiotics, two peas in a pod but only now is research taking note of Postbiotics. They have always been there, an umbrella term for anything left over from pre and probiotic digestion. Research suggests that “postbiotics may have a role in the modulation of the gut microbiota… as well as inhibiting the growth and activity of potential pathogens.” (Wegh, C et al. 2019) A particular strain of postbiotic, Lactobacillus helveticus was found in one particular study to, “have changed the… microbiota in a healthy way, modulating the bacterial behavior” (Ribeiro, G et al. 2023) Subsequently this strain of postbioticcan befound in Karnlea Goat Milk Powder Plus, along with another postbiotic and two further probiotics!
What’s not to love, these tiny microscopic organisms can have a huge impact on our dogs overall health and with the Karnlea range it’s never been easier to add these superheroes to your dogs diet.
Akhtar, M. et al. (2022) ‘Gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids are potential mediators in gut inflammation’, Animal Nutrition, 8, pp. 350–360. doi:10.1016/j.aninu.2021.11.005.
Cuamatzin-García, L. et al. (2022) ‘Traditional fermented foods and beverages from around the world and their health benefits’, Microorganisms, 10(6), p. 1151. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10061151.
Piqué, N., Berlanga, M. and Miñana-Galbis, D. (2019) ‘Health benefits of heat-killed (tyndallized) probiotics: An overview’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(10), p. 2534. doi:10.3390/ijms20102534.
Ribeiro, G.C. et al. (2023) ‘Research note: The effects of a lactobacillus helveticus ATCC 15009-derived postbiotic mitigating salmonella gallinarum colonization in commercial layer chicks’, Poultry Science, 102(12), p. 103095. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2023.103095.
Slavin, J. (2013) ‘Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits’, Nutrients, 5(4), pp. 1417–1435. doi:10.3390/nu5041417.
Wegh, C.A. et al. (2019) ‘Postbiotics and their potential applications in early life nutrition and beyond’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(19), p. 4673. doi:10.3390/ijms20194673.
