A study on Enifer's PEKILO pet mycoprotein nutraceutical has found that the ingredient can support a dog's gut microbiome.
According to the results, the mushroom-based functional ingredient can increase the prevalence of probiotic bacterial strains, while diminishing the presence of 'bad' bacteria in the gut.
Not only can the nutraceutical benefit the gut microbiome, but it can also enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Enhancing protein digestibility
Researchers at Federal University of Parana also found that pets given food containing 20% PEKILOPet had a protein digestibility of 83.9%, highlighting the potential of this mycoprotein as an effective pet supplement.
The 42 day study was conducted in 16 beagle puppies, and found that the incorporation of PEKILOPet into their diet significantly increased gut microbiome diversity.
Even at 4% inclusion, the functional ingredient had gut microbiome modulatory capabilities.
Since a dog's microbiome is known to affect both the absorption and metabolism of nutrients, the results of this study highlight the potential benefits of the ingredient in improving pet health.
Enifer's Business Development Manager, Heikki Keskitalo, commented: “Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILOPet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs, from improved digestion to enhanced immune function,”
“These results are incredibly exciting for the future of sustainable pet food. Our PEKILOPet mycoprotein not only addresses the growing demand for natural and environmentally friendly ingredients but also significantly boosts the gut health in dogs and is well digested, making it a win-win for pet health and the planet.”