Prebiotics
In recent years, there has been increased focus on the relationship between diet and health for ourselves and for our pets. As a result, informed consumers are now looking for pet food that supports health above and beyond providing basic nutrition. The beneficial food ingredient called prebiotics can be found in natural foods and a wide selection of Bosley’s premium pet foods.
So, what exactly are prebiotics? They are, by definition, non-digestible food ingredients that promote health in the host by selectively stimulating the growth of one of a limited number of beneficial bacterial species in the colon. Clearly put, prebiotics are "health food" for “good” bacteria.
Commonly available prebiotic oligosaccharides (oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of varying numbers of sugar molecules) include Fructo-oligosaccharides – also referred to as "FOS" or "neosugars". They are composed of units of fructose (the sugar commonly found in many fruits and honey) that are resistant to digestion in the upper digestive tract. FOS act by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the large intestine while inhibiting bad bacteria thereby promoting better health for your pet.
Cranberries
This colorful “super fruit” of berries offers wonderful health-promoting benefits for both humans and our companion animals!
Athough there is much more research that has been conducted to substantiate the beneficial effects for humans, there is growing evidence that the same benefits can be passed on to dogs and cats as well.
Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, minerals and important antioxidants and nutrients called proantocyanidins that serve to strengthen and enhance a healthy immune system, protect us from toxins and encourage a healthy heart.
Cranberry has long been recommended as a treatment and preventative measure in maintaining urinary tract health. The antioxidants contained in cranberries work to inhibit bacteria from adhering to an animal’s urinary tract system, which can be a leading cause of infections. Cranberries also makes urine more acidic therefore suggesting a less likely environment for creation of bladder stones in dogs and crystals in cats which are known to thrive in an alkaline environment.
Athough more research is needed to support benefits for animals, most recent studies now suggest that cranberries may also work to promote oral health by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth therefore reducing build up of plaque and incidence of gum disease.
Bosley’s carries a wide selection of carefully selected premium brand name nutrition. Speak to one of our Pet Specialists to learn more about healthy nutritional choices for your pet.