What are prebiotics and probiotics? Prebiotics are carbohydrates that provide a food source to probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestinal tract of both animals and humans.
Why are prebiotics and probiotics important? Your pet’s intestinal tract, contain both good and bad bacteria. In fact, there is always a battle going on to see which side can establish dominance. A good example would be when your pet has diarrhea, the bad bacteria simply outnumber the good bacteria and the result is the failure of the intestine to reabsorb water and thus you get watery feces. Probiotics, often referred to as the “good bacteria”, are added to the diet to promote and establish a positive intestinal bacterial balance. A balanced intestinal colony of these “good bacteria”, ensure good health in your pets.
They have many benefits. They fight harmful bacteria by producing natural antibiotics. They have a stimulating affect on the immune system. They regulate hormone levels and aid to lower intestinal pH. They synthesize essential vitamins required for good health. They reduce food intolerance and increase energy levels. They increase digestibility of certain nutrients and help to fight harmful bacteria that produce toxins and even carcinogenic agents.
Prebiotics are used to feed the probiotics. Prebiotics are found naturally in plants such as beets, soy hulls, psyllium, and hydrolyzed chicory root and are sugars called fructooligasaccrides or FOS. This particular type of sugar is non-digestible. It is not digested and used for energy like normal sugars, but rather passes on through the small intestine to the large intestine where it can be used by the probiotics for food. Together prebiotics and probiotics work hard to promote a healthy digestive system in your pet which simply pays huge dividends.