by Dr Agata Rybicka, Pet Microbiome R&D Manager, Research & Development, ADM, Switzerland
Diet has a considerable influence on feline digestive health. Abrupt dietary changes may cause inflammation and disrupt gastrointestinal balance, especially when cats transition to high-protein diets. Commercial cat foods often contain high levels of protein, and the prevalence of feline diarrhea resulting from dietary change persists. However, microbiome-supporting functional ingredients may help improve intestinal health in cats.
A recent clinical trial, conducted by ADM research and development in collaboration with China Agricultural University, has demonstrated significant results on intestinal health in adult cats supplemented with an innovative postbiotic and fibre blend before and after a diet change. The combined effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (Priome Gut Health) and Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol), a soluble dietary fibre, have been shown to support gastrointestinal health in cats by promoting a balanced microbiome and fostering beneficial bacteria.
ADM research and development team and researchers at China Agricultural University co-designed this study to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of both functional ingredients in adult cats. According to the literature, heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 has been shown to reduce acute inflammatory response, gut-barrier disruption and activate pathways related to innate immune function in Caenorhabditis elegans and cell culture models.
When administered to healthy adults with mild to moderate digestive symptoms, it has significantly increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Anaerobutyricum, a key source of bacterial short-chain fatty acids essential for maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. Fibersol-2 further supports digestive health by increasing beneficial bacteria levels while offering additional benefits such as a low glycaemic index.
Prior to this ADM-sponsored clinical trial, there were no studies reporting the effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum on the intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier in cats. This study also marked the first attempt to combine PRIOME Gut Health postbiotic with Pet Fibersol and assess their effects on the intestinal microbiota and immune function in cats.
A first-in-species study
The 28-day clinical trial involved 24 adult cats at the Pet Nutrition Research Center in Beijing, China. Two groups consisted of 12 cats each (six males and six females in each group). From day one to day 14, both groups were fed a lower protein diet (33 percent). The treated group received a supplement of 0.16 percent functional additives, including PRIOME Gut Health and Pet Fibersol, while the control group did not receive this supplement. From day 15 to day 28, both groups switched to a higher protein diet (40 percent), and the treated group continued to receive the same supplement.
Statistically significant results
Researchers found that cats in the supplemented group showed improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a marker of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change. This suggests a strengthened intestinal barrier, which is an important factor in maintaining gut integrity.
Following the dietary change, cats that received the supplement also had significantly increased secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) compared to the control group, indicating enhanced immune function. Supplemented cats also showed beneficial changes in the microbiome, including increased abundance of Blautia and increased microbial beta diversity, which are indicators of a more resilient and balanced gut microbiome.
Additionally, while both groups showed an increase in faecal pH, the supplemented group had a significantly lower pH compared to the control group. This difference may be explained by the higher levels of Blautia, a beneficial bacterium that produces organic acids like lactic acid, helping to regulate intestinal pH levels and maintain a stable digestive environment.
Applications for promising research
Historically, both clinical trials and product development have focused on dogs, with less innovation around cats. The research by ADM research and development team and China Agricultural University helps address a critical gap in collective knowledge.
For instance, the use of postbiotics is still relatively new to the pet nutrition industry. As a leader in the space, the company has worked with postbiotics for over a decade. Postbiotics are defined by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as ‘a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host.’ A fundamental differentiator between probiotics and postbiotics is that probiotics are live microorganisms, while postbiotics are no longer living due to heat treatment. Postbiotics therefore have excellent potential for maintaining stability and functionality across a wide variety of pet product formats.
One of the primary goals of conducting clinical studies in pets is to assess ingredient safety and tolerance. Both PRIOME Gut Health and Pet Fibersol were found to be safe and well-tolerated by cats when supplemented at the daily amount provided in the study, with no adverse events recorded as a result of feed supplementation. Additionally, the ingredients are permitted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and classified as a feed material in the UK and EU. They are also accepted by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for incorporation into petfood and feed supplements in North America.
Discoveries from this study will have lasting implications for the pet nutrition segment, driving future innovations and paving the way for improvements in the nutritional quality and digestive support of cat diets.
From concept to commercialisation
The company is invested in studying the potential benefits of functional ingredients for both canines and felines to support the development of species-specific solutions with scientifically substantiated health claims. The demonstrated synergistic effects of PRIOME Gut Health and Pet Fibersol on cat intestinal health are groundbreaking for the pet care market.
Critically, PRIOME Gut Health postbiotic and Pet Fibersol dietary fibre retain stability and functionality when subjected to harsh manufacturing conditions common within the petfood industry, such as hot extrusion and retort processing. This makes it possible to incorporate these ingredients into finished formats that cats find palatable. This is especially noteworthy when it comes to cat supplements and treats, as cats are notoriously picky eaters. The products can be incorporated into crunchy kibble and treats, as well as wet food, all of which are popular among cats.
Not only will brands that develop products with these functional ingredients have the confidence of scientifically backed claims that enhance the digestive health and well-being of cats, but they will also provide peace of mind for pet owners who purchase innovative dietary offerings.
Published in the April 2025 issue of International Petfood
