Nutrileads and dsm-firmenich have partnered to evaluate potential pet health applications of Benicaros, Nutrileads’ prebiotic fiber rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-1), sourced from upcycled carrot pomace.

Pending the results from ongoing microbiome studies on dogs and cats slated for completion this year, the companies plan to enter into an exclusive global partnership to develop and market products containing a pet food version of Benicaros.

Human clinical studies suggest that Benicaros can improve immune response, while selectively increasing beneficial gut microbes associated with gut and overall health.

“We see tremendous potential for Benicaros to optimize pet health and longevity by enhancing digestive and immune health,” said Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, PhD, NutriLeads CEO. “Based on our previous research, we believe that Benicaros can be a ‘game-changing’ ingredient for pet parents as well as pet food and nutrition manufacturers.”

“The global pet food market is expected to reach $175 billion in annual sales by 2027,” said  Pierre-Alain Ceralli, senior vice president of dsm-firmenich’s pet food business. “A key growth driver is an increased demand for healthier ingredients that are science-based, human-grade, vegetarian and sustainable. Benicaros aligns perfectly with this industry trend and complements perfectly dsm-firmenich’s science-based and consumer-focused microbiome offering for the pet food industry.”

Benicaros is upcycled from carrot pomace, a byproduct of carrot juicing. Human clinical studies suggest that it increases beneficial Bifidobacterium species in the gut which are also common in the gut microbiota of cats and dogs. The ingredient is also associated with increased production of the short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which support gut barrier function, immune health, and energy. Benicaros is also associated with improvements in innate immune function.