Groundbreaking new research from the University of Illinois, conducted in collaboration with APC, shows that plasma supplementation in extruded dog kibble supports a healthier gut microbiome and key immune and inflammatory indicators in adult dogs.
APC announced the publication of the peer-reviewed study, which looked at how spray-dried plasma affects canine intestinal health under controlled dietary conditions. The findings lend significant scientific weight to the functional importance of plasma in pet nutrition, since gut health is widely acknowledged as a cornerstone of whole-body wellness, impacting systems including immunology and the gut-brain axis.
Dogs fed diets containing plasma showed significant changes in faecal metabolite profiles, indicating a positive effect on gut microbiota and general gastrointestinal health, according to the study. Additionally, researchers saw improvements in inflammatory and immunological indicators, supporting the connection between plasma inclusion and systemic health support.
The research on dogs adds to an increasing amount of data from other species. Previous peer-reviewed research on mice has linked plasma supplementation to improvements in gut microbiota, neuroprotective benefits, and decreased systemic inflammation. Similar advantages, which frequently increase with the amount of plasma included in the diet, have been documented in other species
“Across species we continue to see a consistent, positive effect on gut health,” said Joy Campbell, Senior Director of Global Pet Food Technical Service at APC. “In this canine study we observed linear effects tied to inclusion level that demonstrate commercial potential in pet foods, functional treats and supplements. We’re excited to see such positive and impactful results from this in-species study.”
A thorough examination of nutrient digestibility, faecal metabolites, microbiome composition, and immune biomarkers pertinent to adult dogs, as well as an assessment of linear inclusion effects in canine diets, are among the research’s main highlights.
The Journal of Animal Science published the complete study, “Effects of spray-dried plasma on nutrient digestibility, faecal metabolites, microbiota, and immune and inflammatory biomarkers in adult dogs,” which highlights plasma’s potential as a useful component in contemporary pet food formulations.
