The market for pet food and pet supplements is growing at speed, projected to reach a global value of USD $200.39Bn by 2034, according to Precedence Research, at a robust 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
As the sector expands, the gut microbiome is becoming a central focus in product innovation, and ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics are increasingly shaping new product development.
While easy to get confused, these terms are not interchangeable, with prebiotics and probiotics referring to very different mechanisms of action. Each delivers distinct benefits to companion animal health, and each presents formulation considerations, particularly in relation to intended health benefits and suitable formats.
Below, we outline the essential differences and highlight how formulators can leverage the science behind each category to develop more targeted, functional products for pets.
Prebiotics for pet nutrition
A prebiotic is defined by ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) as a substrate that is selectively utilised by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. In simpler terms, prebiotics are fuel for beneficial microbes that are already present in the gut microbiome. In pets, this can include nourishing bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which can translate to various health benefits such as supporting healthy digestion and immune function, and improving stool quality.
Importantly, not all fibres are prebiotics. A prebiotic must demonstrate selectivity; it must be shown to feed beneficial microbes and trigger a measurable health effect.
Bimuno® Pet is a prebiotic galactooligosaccharide ingredient of unique composition. Backed by over 125 publications across human and animal nutrition, including 20+ clinical trials, it’s one of the most studied GOS ingredients on the market. For pet nutrition formulation, it offers clear advantages:
Prebiotics like Bimuno GOS are especially beneficial for formats where probiotics may not survive, such as dry food or baked chews. They’re also a smart way to support pet gut health without relying on live microorganisms.
Probiotics for pet nutrition
Where prebiotics nourish good bacteria already inhabiting the gut microbiome, probiotics are defined by ISAPP as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are typically used to support gastrointestinal health, especially in pets recovering from antibiotics, under stress, or prone to digestive sensitivity.
Probiotics require careful formulation. Since they are living organisms, they must remain viable through manufacturing, processing, packaging, and storage. According to ISAPP, they must also be fully characterised, including strain-level identification, and proven safe and effective in the target species.
Probiotics may be suitable for:
However, since the probiotic strains must survive intact until they reach the gut microbiome in order to exert the intended effect, they may be less appropriate for formats that undergo high heat, such as extruded dry food or oven-baked treats. In these cases, a stable prebiotic may be a more viable alternative.
Synbiotics for pet nutrition
Synbiotics, a fairly new addition to the biotics category, combine a substrate (e.g. a prebiotic) and live micoroorganisms (e.g. a probiotic) in a single formulation, but not all synbiotics function in the same way.
ISAPP distinguishes between two distinct categories of synbiotic:
The latter requires a precise pairing of ingredients, with evidence that the substrate is utilised by the specific microbes to provide a benefit for the host. This synergy supports the colonisation and/or activity of the beneficial microbes in the gut. Thanks to its targeted mechanism of action, Bimuno GOS is highly suited to synbiotic formulations. Its selectivity can support the performance of specific strains of beneficial bacteria, making it a reliable foundation for formulations seeking more precise, evidence-led gut health outcomes.
Asking the right questions
Each of these approaches – prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic – offers different benefits, challenges and applications. Selecting the right strategy begins with asking the right questions:
Bringing clarity and confidence to pet nutrition formulation
Prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic ingredients each offer distinct benefits and limitations. For brands and formulators developing gut health solutions in the companion animal space, choosing the right approach means balancing scientific credibility with formulation feasibility.
Bimuno® Pet provides a reliable, evidence-informed prebiotic foundation for pet nutrition products targeting digestive wellness, immune support and stool quality.
Whether used on its own or within a synbiotic blend, Bimuno Pet enables brand owners and their formulators to create differentiated, microbiome-targeted products with confidence.
Looking for a highly researched human-grade prebiotic for your next gut health-focused product? Contact our team today to discuss how Bimuno Pet can help.
