This study evaluated a probiotic combination containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in healthy adult dogs. Supplementation was associated with improved faecal consistency and reduced faecal odour, alongside reductions in several protein-fermentation compounds in the stool, including putrescine, spermidine, cadaverine, phenols, and quinoline. The findings suggest that this Bacillus combination may help support healthy stool quality and a more favourable intestinal fermentation environment in dogs.

This study evaluated a multi-strain probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Pediococcus acidilactici in healthy dogs. The probiotic combination was associated with a reduction in circulating endotoxin levels, particularly at the 12-hour measurement point following administration. The findings provide preliminary evidence that the probiotic combination may influence markers associated with intestinal barrier and gut health.

This study evaluated Bacillus subtilis C-3102 supplementation in healthy adult Beagle dogs over 33 days. Supplementation was associated with firmer stools, higher faecal dry-matter content, lower faecal ammonia, and reduced faecal odour. The researchers also observed changes in faecal bacterial diversity and in several bacterial groups, including Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Allobaculum. The findings suggest that Bacillus subtilis may support healthy stool quality and influence the intestinal microbial environment in dogs.

This study evaluated a probiotic combination containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in healthy adult dogs. Supplementation was associated with improved faecal consistency and reduced faecal odour, alongside reductions in several protein-fermentation compounds in the stool, including putrescine, spermidine, cadaverine, phenols, and quinoline. The findings suggest that this Bacillus combination may help support healthy stool quality and a more favourable intestinal fermentation environment in dogs.

This study investigated how different dietary fibre sources affected digestive function, faecal microbiota, and immune responses in adult dogs. The diet containing beet pulp, a fibre-rich by-product of beetroot processing, was associated with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids and changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, including increases in bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium.

These findings highlight the potential of beet-derived fibre to influence intestinal fermentation and the gut microbial environment in dogs. While the study used beet pulp rather than whole beetroot, it provides relevant canine evidence for the digestive and fibre-related properties of beet-derived ingredients.

This review examines the nutritional and biological properties of red beetroot, focusing on its naturally occurring dietary nitrates, betalains, and other bioactive compounds. The authors discuss research showing that beetroot-derived compounds have antioxidant activity and may influence pathways involved in oxidative stress and cardiovascular and metabolic function.

The review highlights beetroot as a nutrient-rich source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, while noting that the strength of evidence varies between different health outcomes. Although much of the research discussed is based on human studies, animal models, and laboratory research, the findings provide useful background on the nutritional and functional properties of beetroot.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary blueberries in healthy adult dogs, examining food preference, nutrient digestibility, and markers of oxidative balance. The dogs readily accepted the blueberry-containing diets, with no negative effects on food intake or the digestibility of major nutrients. Importantly, blueberry supplementation was associated with increased antioxidant capacity and changes in markers of oxidative stress. The findings suggest that blueberries can be a well-tolerated source of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that may help support antioxidant defences in dogs.

This study investigated the effects of blueberry supplementation in sled dogs during strenuous exercise. Dogs receiving blueberries showed a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity, suggesting that blueberry supplementation may help support antioxidant status during periods of increased oxidative stress. The findings provide additional canine evidence for the antioxidant potential of blueberries, particularly when the body is exposed to increased oxidative demands.

A 2024 study evaluated dog food containing 1% and 3% chia seeds using laboratory-based in-vitro digestibility testing. The 1% chia formulation showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and organic matter compared with the commercial food tested. The findings suggest that chia seeds can be incorporated into dog food while maintaining good nutrient digestibility. As this was an in-vitro study, further research in live dogs is needed to understand the effects of chia under feeding conditions.

This review examined chia as a potential feed ingredient for animals, highlighting its naturally high content of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, protein, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. The review supports chia's nutritional value as a plant-based feed ingredient, while noting that its specific effects can vary between animal species and feeding conditions.

A 2023 review examined the nutritional and functional properties of chia seeds, highlighting their naturally high levels of dietary fibre, ALA omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds. The review also discusses chia's mucilage-forming fibre and its role in the seed's distinctive functional properties. Together, these characteristics contribute to chia's value as a nutrient-dense plant ingredient.

Researchers examined fermentation characteristics including short-chain fatty acid production and changes in the microbial environment. The findings provide preliminary evidence that coconut-derived fibre can undergo fermentation by canine gut microbiota, supporting its potential as a functional source of dietary fibre for dogs.

A 2023 in-vitro study investigated how different fermentable oligosaccharides interact with the canine gut microbiota. The tested fibres influenced the abundance of several bacterial groups and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate and propionate, during fermentation. The findings demonstrate that fermentable fibres can influence the canine gut microbiota and the production of fermentation metabolites, supporting the importance of diverse dietary fibres in maintaining a healthy gut environment.

A 2019 study evaluated Weissella cibaria JW15, a bacterial strain isolated from a fermented Korean vegetable product, in healthy adult Beagle dogs. Supplementation was associated with changes in gut microbial populations and several immune-related measures. The study provides evidence that a microorganism originating from fermented vegetables can have measurable effects when supplemented in dogs.

A 2022 study analysed the bacterial communities present in traditional fermented mustard greens from Northern Thailand. Weissella and Lactobacillus were among the bacterial groups detected across different preparations, alongside other lactic-acid bacteria such as Pediococcus.

The findings demonstrate that traditionally fermented mustard greens can naturally harbour diverse communities of lactic-acid bacteria associated with vegetable fermentation, providing insight into the microbial diversity that can develop during the fermentation process.

A study in dogs found that dietary β-carotene was absorbed into the bloodstream and taken up by immune cells, including lymphocytes and neutrophils. This demonstrates that dietary β-carotene is biologically available to dogs and can reach cells involved in the body's natural immune response. As Gac aril is naturally rich in β-carotene, these findings provide relevant evidence for the biological availability of one of its key carotenoids in dogs.

A study in adult Beagle dogs investigated the effects of dietary β-carotene supplementation on immune function. Dogs receiving β-carotene showed changes in several measures of immune response, including CD4+ immune cells, IgG concentrations, and cell-mediated immune activity. The findings provide evidence that dietary β-carotene has biological activity in dogs and may contribute to normal immune function. These findings relate specifically to β-carotene supplementation rather than Gac fruit itself.

A 2019 review examined the nutritional and functional properties of Gac fruit, highlighting its particularly high concentrations of carotenoids, including lycopene and β-carotene. The review also discusses other naturally occurring compounds found in Gac, including vitamin E and polyphenols. The red aril is especially concentrated in carotenoids, making Gac a distinctive plant source of these naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.

A 2021 study evaluated increasing levels of dietary resistant starch in healthy adult dogs and examined nutrient digestibility, stool characteristics, fermentation products, and gut microbial populations. Higher resistant starch intake was associated with lower faecal pH and an increase in Faecalibacterium, while overall stool quality and most measures of the gut microbiota remained unchanged. The findings demonstrate that resistant starch can interact with the canine gut environment and influence specific microbial populations, although its effects depend on the type and amount consumed.

A 2019 study evaluated diets containing different levels of resistant starch in adult and older dogs. The higher-resistant-starch diet resulted in increased concentrations of faecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate - short-chain fatty acids produced during microbial fermentation. In older dogs, the higher-resistant-starch diet also reduced faecal ammonia and increased faecal lactate, while maintaining faecal scores within an acceptable range. The findings provide evidence that dietary resistant starch can influence the intestinal fermentation environment in dogs without negatively affecting stool consistency.

A 2024 clinical trial investigated the effects of green banana and pineapple fibre powder on the human gut microbiome. The fibre intervention was associated with changes in several gut bacterial populations, as well as improvements in bowel regularity and stool characteristics.

Because the intervention combined green banana with pineapple fibre and was conducted in humans, the findings provide supporting evidence for the relationship between green banana-derived fibre and the gut microbiome, rather than direct evidence in dogs.

This systematic review analysed 54 studies investigating the effects of okra and okra-derived products on various health outcomes. The review highlights okra's naturally occurring soluble fibre, polysaccharides, antioxidants and other bioactive plant compounds, which contribute to its functional nutritional properties.

Across the studies reviewed, okra was associated with a range of metabolic and physiological effects. However, much of the available evidence came from animal and preclinical models, highlighting the need for further research to determine how these findings translate to other species.

This study investigated a polysaccharide extracted from okra and explored its effects on the gut microbiota and inflammatory responses in mice. Researchers found that okra polysaccharide supplementation altered the composition of the gut microbiota and influenced microbial metabolites and markers associated with inflammation.

The findings suggest that okra-derived polysaccharides can interact with the gut microbiome and intestinal environment, supporting further research into okra as a functional, fibre-rich ingredient.

This randomized clinical trial investigated a papaya-based preparation (Caricol®) in adults experiencing chronic digestive discomfort. Participants who consumed the preparation for 40 days experienced improvements in constipation, bloating and overall digestive well-being compared with controls. The findings suggest that a papaya-based preparation may support digestive comfort and bowel regularity in adults.

This review examines the bioactive compounds found in Carica papaya, with particular focus on the proteolytic enzyme papain. It describes papain's ability to break down proteins and summarises research investigating papaya and its compounds across a range of experimental models.

The review also discusses the antioxidant and other biological properties of compounds found in papaya. Together, this research provides broader scientific context for papaya's nutritional and bioactive properties, while recognising that evidence varies depending on the specific compound, preparation and experimental model.

This study investigated Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06, a specific strain originally isolated from healthy dogs, in 24 adult Beagles. Supplementation was associated with changes in the gut microbiota, including increases in several bacterial groups and greater microbial diversity at certain supplementation levels.

The study also found increased concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate and butyrate, while higher supplementation levels were associated with improvements in selected antioxidant and immune markers. These findings provide canine-specific evidence that a particular P. acidilactici strain can influence the gut microbiome and its metabolic environment.

This study investigated Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06, a specific strain originally isolated from dogs, in Beagle dogs experiencing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Supplementation was associated with improved faecal scores and markers of intestinal barrier function, alongside reductions in markers associated with intestinal inflammation.

GLP06 was also associated with changes in the gut microbial community following antibiotic-induced disruption and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate and butyrate. The findings provide canine-specific evidence for the potential effects of this particular P. acidilactici strain during periods of gut disruption.

This prospective multicenter study investigated a fibre-supplemented diet in dogs with chronic large-bowel diarrhoea. Dogs receiving the fibre-supplemented diet showed improvements in stool consistency, defecation frequency and clinical signs. The findings highlight the role that appropriately selected dietary fibre can play in supporting gastrointestinal function and healthy stool quality in dogs.

This study used canine and feline faecal samples to investigate how pumpkin and inulin were fermented by intestinal microorganisms in an in-vitro model. Pumpkin-containing treatments increased total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, while the combination of pumpkin and inulin produced the greatest increase. The findings suggest that pumpkin can provide fermentable substrates that interact with gut microorganisms and contribute to the production of SCFAs.

This veterinary review examines how different types of dietary fibre can influence gastrointestinal function in dogs and cats. It discusses the roles of soluble, insoluble and fermentable fibres in stool consistency, intestinal motility and microbial activity. The review highlights that fibre type and quantity matter, and that appropriately selected fibres can be used to support normal gastrointestinal function and help manage conditions such as diarrhoea and constipation.

This study compared different dietary starch sources in dogs and assessed their effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, fermentation metabolites, and post-meal glucose responses. Sweet potato was one of the starch sources evaluated.

The findings demonstrate that the source of dietary starch can influence digestion, gut microbial activity, fermentation, and post-meal glucose responses in dogs. The study provides canine-specific evidence that different carbohydrate sources can interact differently with the digestive system and gut microbiota.

This review examines the anthocyanins naturally found in purple sweet potato, including their composition, stability, biological activity and metabolism. Anthocyanins are plant pigments with antioxidant properties that have been studied across a range of laboratory and animal models.

The review describes research investigating the biological activity of purple sweet potato anthocyanins, including their relationship with oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The evidence provides insight into the properties of these compounds, although the findings should not be interpreted as direct evidence of specific health outcomes in dogs.

This review examines the role of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. It discusses fruits and vegetables as sources of dietary fibre and naturally occurring plant compounds, including polyphenols and other antioxidants. The review highlights the potential contribution of plant ingredients to dietary diversity and discusses how dietary fibre and phytonutrients can interact with the gastrointestinal environment in dogs.

This review examines the biological activity of red raspberry and its anthocyanins, including research into their interactions with oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, metabolism and cellular signalling.

The review also explores how raspberry anthocyanins interact with the gut microbiome and can be metabolised into other compounds. Much of the evidence discussed comes from laboratory, animal and human research, providing insight into the biological properties of raspberry compounds rather than direct evidence of specific health outcomes in dogs.

This review examines the nutritional and bioactive properties of red dragonfruit, with a focus on its betacyanins, polyphenols, dietary fibre and micronutrients. It summarises research investigating the biological activity of compounds naturally found in the fruit, including their antioxidant properties.

The review also explores research into the potential interactions of dragonfruit compounds with oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolism and the gut-liver axis. The findings provide broader insight into the properties of red dragonfruit and its naturally occurring compounds.

This study investigated the effects of red dragonfruit extract on markers of oxidative stress in rats following strenuous exercise. Animals receiving the extract showed lower levels of malondialdehyde and higher levels of superoxide dismutase compared with the control group.

The findings provide animal-model evidence that compounds found in red dragonfruit may influence markers associated with oxidative stress. As the study was conducted in rats using dragonfruit extract, the results provide supporting evidence about the biological activity of the ingredient rather than direct evidence of specific effects in dogs.

This review examines the antimicrobial properties of rosemary extract and its potential application as a natural food preservative. It discusses naturally occurring compounds including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid and their contribution to rosemary's antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The review highlights the potential role of rosemary extract in helping maintain food quality and stability, supporting its use as a plant-derived preservative ingredient.

This study investigated rosemary extract as a natural antioxidant in an omega-3-rich lipid system. The researchers found that rosemary extract reduced markers of lipid oxidation and helped improve the stability of the product during storage. The findings demonstrate the ability of rosemary extract to help protect oxidation-sensitive fats, supporting its use as a plant-derived antioxidant in food formulations containing omega-3-rich ingredients.

This study evaluated hydrolyzed salmon protein in dogs, including its digestibility, effects on blood parameters and skin barrier function. The salmon protein was highly digestible, providing readily available amino acids for nutrient utilisation. The findings provide canine-specific evidence for the digestibility and nutritional utilisation of salmon-derived protein in dogs.

This review examines fish-derived ingredients as sources of protein and other nutrients in companion animal diets. It discusses their amino acid profiles, digestibility, palatability and nutritional value, including the use of fish protein hydrolysates. The review provides broader context for the role of fish-derived ingredients as high-quality protein sources in pet nutrition.

This study investigated an EPA- and DHA-containing omega-3 supplement in dogs with poor-quality coats. Supplemented dogs showed increased EPA and DHA concentrations in blood, hair and skin, alongside improvements in several measures of coat quality.

The study provides direct canine evidence for the role of dietary EPA and DHA in skin and coat health. Because the intervention used an omega-3 supplement rather than salmon meat, it provides supporting evidence for a nutrient naturally present in salmon rather than direct evidence for salmon itself.

This study investigated the effects of salmon oil supplementation in healthy dogs. Supplementation increased circulating levels of EPA and DHA, demonstrating that the fatty acids from salmon oil were absorbed and incorporated into the dogs' fatty acid profile. The findings provide direct canine evidence that salmon oil is an effective dietary source of EPA and DHA and can increase the availability of these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in dogs.

This review examines the biological effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, in dogs. It discusses their roles in inflammatory and immune processes and reviews evidence relating to their use in areas including skin and coat health and joint function. The review provides broader canine nutrition context for the role of EPA and DHA in maintaining normal physiological function and supporting conditions associated with inflammation.

This study investigated the effects of omega-3 supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and measures of pain, mobility and quality of life in dogs. Supplemented dogs showed a significant increase in their Omega-3 Index, demonstrating effective absorption and incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids.

The study also reported improvements in measures of pain, mobility and quality of life, particularly in dogs with osteoarthritis or chronic discomfort. The findings provide canine evidence supporting further investigation of omega-3 supplementation for joint health and physical wellbeing.

This study evaluated shrimp hydrolysate as a dietary ingredient in healthy adult Beagle dogs. The research investigated its effects on digestibility, gut microbial composition and other measures of canine health, providing evidence that shrimp-derived protein can be well utilised as part of a balanced canine diet. The findings support shrimp-derived ingredients as a promising source of digestible protein and provide evidence of their potential influence on the canine gut microbiome.

This study evaluated squid meal and shrimp hydrolysate as novel protein sources in dog food. The ingredients demonstrated good digestibility and tolerance, with favourable amino-acid availability and no significant adverse reactions observed during the study. The findings provide direct canine evidence supporting shrimp-derived protein as a digestible and well-tolerated alternative protein source.

While the study used processed shrimp hydrolysate rather than whole fresh shrimp, it provides relevant evidence for the nutritional and digestive characteristics of shrimp-derived protein. Our formula uses whole fresh shrimp, providing a minimally processed source of shrimp protein alongside its naturally occurring marine nutrients.

This review examines the nutritional composition of shrimp, highlighting its combination of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and other bioactive compounds. Shrimp is also naturally relatively low in fat and saturated fat, making it a nutrient-dense seafood ingredient.

The review provides broader nutritional context for shrimp as a source of protein and marine nutrients, although the health outcomes discussed are primarily based on human nutrition and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of the same effects in dogs.

This study investigated the effects of spirulina supplementation on immune and intestinal function in dogs. Spirulina supplementation was associated with changes in immune responses and measures related to intestinal health, including intestinal morphology and digestive function. The findings suggest that spirulina may have potential as a functional dietary ingredient for supporting healthy gastrointestinal and immune function in dogs.

This study evaluated the palatability and tolerability of increasing amounts of spirulina in healthy dogs and cats. The animals generally accepted the spirulina-containing diets well, including at higher inclusion levels, suggesting that spirulina can be incorporated into diets without negatively affecting palatability.

The study also collected owner observations about their pets' health and appearance. These observations were subjective and cannot establish cause and effect, but the study provides additional evidence that spirulina was well tolerated and readily accepted as a dietary ingredient.

This study investigated the effects of spirulina supplementation in overweight dogs following a weight-loss diet. Dogs receiving spirulina showed improvements in certain serum lipid measures and markers of antioxidant capacity compared with dogs receiving the weight-loss diet alone. The findings suggest that spirulina may provide additional support for antioxidant status and metabolic health when included as part of a weight-management diet.

This study evaluated squid meal and shrimp hydrolysate as novel protein sources in dog food and found both to be highly digestible and well-tolerated. The results demonstrated excellent amino-acid availability and no adverse reactions, supporting squid as a strong alternative protein for dogs with sensitivities to common meats like chicken or beef.

While the study used processed squid meal, its core finding that squid is a functional, nutrient-dense, and hypoallergenic marine protein supports the value of using fresh whole squid, which we use in our recipes to provide naturally rich amino acids, minerals, and a cleaner, minimally processed source of protein. Overall, the research highlights squid as a promising, highly digestible ingredient for modern canine diets.

This study compared different dietary starch sources in dogs and assessed their effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, fermentation metabolites, and post-meal glucose responses. Sweet potato was one of the starch sources evaluated.

The findings demonstrate that the source of dietary starch can influence digestion, gut microbial activity, fermentation, and post-meal glucose responses in dogs. The study provides canine-specific evidence that different carbohydrate sources can interact differently with the digestive system and gut microbiota.

This review examines the role of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition, including dietary fibre, starch, carotenoids, and other plant-derived compounds. Sweet potato is discussed as a source of carbohydrates, fibre, and plant-derived nutrients that can contribute to a balanced canine diet. The review also explores how plant ingredients can influence digestive health, gut microbial activity, and the overall nutritional quality of canine diets, providing broader context for the role of plant-based ingredients in canine nutrition.

This review examines the nutritional and biological properties of turmeric and curcumin in both humans and dogs, with a focus on their antioxidant and inflammatory effects. The review discusses research in dogs showing that dietary curcumin may influence markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory activity, providing context for its potential role as a functional dietary ingredient.

The authors also highlight an important consideration: curcumin has relatively low bioavailability, meaning that the amount consumed does not necessarily correspond to the amount absorbed by the body. This makes formulation and dietary context important when considering curcumin's potential effects. Overall, the review supports turmeric as a source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds while recognising that further research is needed to establish their effects in companion animals.

This study investigated the effects of yeast extract supplementation on diet digestibility, faecal characteristics, and intestinal fermentation in adult dogs. Dogs receiving yeast extract showed changes in intestinal fermentation metabolites, including increased faecal acetate, as well as changes in faecal consistency. The findings provide canine-specific evidence that yeast extract can influence the intestinal fermentation environment and faecal characteristics, supporting its potential as a functional ingredient in canine nutrition.

This study examined the effects of yeast extract on digestibility, palatability, and intestinal fermentation in adult dogs. The researchers found that yeast extract influenced intestinal fermentation, including increases in faecal short-chain fatty acids such as acetate. In palatability testing, dogs also showed a preference for diets containing yeast extract compared with the control diet.

The findings suggest that yeast extract can have a useful dual role in canine nutrition: enhancing palatability while influencing intestinal fermentation. However, the study also found that higher inclusion levels could affect the digestibility of some nutrients, highlighting the importance of appropriate formulation.