Hillsboro Prebiotics

Prebiotics - What in the world are they?

The stuff of life!

Definition: A prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiotia, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health. (Gibson et al. 2010. Food Science and Technology Bulletin: Functional foods 7 (1) 1-19

Wow, with a definition like that most people still have no idea what a prebiotic is. In simple terms, Prebiotics are a type of insoluble fiber that acts as food for good bacteria in the digestive tract. What is insoluble fiber? Just common food items generally, like popcorn, beans, rye bread, green leafy vegetables - nothing mysterious or scary!

Prebiotics occur naturally in many foods: Chicory, garlic, asparagus, leeks, artichokes, onions, and soybeans to name a few. However, you would need to consume very large quantities of these foods to get significant health benefits.

How important is beneficial bacteria balance? Life or Death.

Yes, that seems pretty dramatic but very much the truth. 70% of an animal's immune defense is effected by the digestive system. How well your pets defend against pathogens will largely be determined by correct digestive function.

So by adding easily administered, safe, prebiotics to your pets diet you will be putting a safety cape on their health.

Why do most people know so little about prebiotics?

Though there have been ongoing studies for 20 years, prebiotics still remain an obscure concept. Most people understand PRObiotics. Here are the differences:

Pro biotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host.

PRE biotics are not live bacteria, and because of this have several advantages over using just probiotics to increase beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Comparison

Issues	Probiotics	Prebiotics
Live Bacterial Cultures	Yes	No
Destroyed by Heat	Yes	No
Refrigeration Needed	Yes, in most cases	No
Destroyed by digestive tract	Yes, in some cases	No
Must be fed and consumed immediately	Yes, in most cases	No
Food can be pretreated effectively	Limited Shelf Life	Yes
Taste issues	Sometimes	No

The net result is that Probiotics can have reduced effectiveness because the cultures do not survive in large enough quantities. Millions or billions of the live cultures are necessary to create the desired effect. PREbiotics are able to flourish under adverse conditions. They also promote the growth of the probiotic cultures creating a powerful synergistic effect. PREbiotics are able to traverse the digestive system into the large colon, which contains the highest bacterial content.

Agressive marketing campaigns have gradually helped the general public to understand PRObiotics.Though they've been researched for years, PREbiotics are just now being introduced to the general public. But you will notice that mainstream brands are beginning to add prebiotics to food and treats- sometimes just referred to as fiber.

How Do Prebiotics Work?

The digestive tract is host to trillions of beneficial (good) and bad bacterial and microflora. The good bacteria are responsible for vital functions and maintaining the right balance is the job of prebiotics. Many factors upset the balance in intestinal flora: Change in diet or modern diet, illness, antibiotics, travel and stress. It doesn’t take much for the delicate balance to start to get out of order.

PREbiotic Actions:

Nutrient absorption - When nutrients are digested they provide the building blocks for every cell in the body. Without good protein and nutrient absorption, body systems can break down causing immediate and long-term ill effects. Short-term problems are as simple as diarrhea, heartburn and gas. Long-term consequences are more chilling - chronic disease, cancer, heart disease, etc.
Immune defense - 70% of an animal’s immune function is from the digestive tract. The immune system only functions well when beneficial bacteria thrive. Back to Top

TOP 25 BENEFITS Can there really be 25?

Yes! And more. Because prebiotics support the system that prevents disease, defends against pathogens and provides optimal nutrient absorption, the whole body is supported and an entire host of benefits can be obtained. Digestive support is THE best way to achieve good health.

Natural, Organic What every pet owner wants for their pet!
Better Immune System The digestive tract is responsible for a full 70% of the immune system.With prebiotic supplementation the digestive system can better tackle pathogens and fight disease.
Diarrhea Whether diarrhea is a complication of antibiotic use, illness or simple life-style stress, prebiotics stabilize the gut and alleviate most diarrhea challenges.
Waste Odor - No more stinky poo - Strangely enough, alot of fecal odor from pets is because of undigested protein. The pet does not absorb enough of the protein and it end up in the waste - and stinks! Improved digestion means the pet gets more of the vital protein absorbed, and less comes out in the waste. The difference can be dramatic in odor reduction!
Healthier Mama and baby pets: Because of the great digestive support, mother animals actually pass healthier milk to their babies.
Nutrient Absorption The building blocks of health are vitamins, protein and minerals but many factors inhibit proper uptake from food. Prebiotics increase absorption of these vital elements to help foster a longer, healthier life.
Optimal Weight Better digestion and nutrient absorption helps regulate weight to healthier levels.
Performance Active animals that compete or work need extra support for vitality, strength and endurance. Prebiotics provide core support for energy and better recovery.
Appearance Exceptional coat, skin, hooves, nails, muscle and bone structure all result from optimal health and prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining prime condition in animals.
Recovery Illness, injury and surgery upset the balance of crucial digestive beneficial flora. Prebiotics reestablish the good bacteria and help speed recovery.
Easy and Economical Just spray on food or water. Our prebiotic formulas cost as little as two cents per day!
Allergies Allergies are often a symptom of improper digestive function. Heal the gut and help naturally prevent allergies.
Surgery Support Surgery often has a negative effect on gastroentrological function. Prebiotics can help to quickly stabalize the gut for quicker recovery.
Antibiotic therapy Antibiotics work by stripping the body of bacteria, which is a great thing if your pet has an infection. However, antibiotics don't distinguish between good and bad bacteria, so the gut is left stripped of good bacteria that can fight disease. Some pets can get into a cycle of bad health because antiobiotics leave their system open to new pathogens. Prebiotics help to quickly restore the balance.
No Contradindications - may be used in conjunction with any medication, food or supplement.
No Refrigeration Needed So many supplements need to be carefully managed to maintain effectiveness. Not prebiotics, they can endure all of the normal temperature fluctuations and still remain effective.
Performance Support Working and performing animals need more nutrition support. Prebiotics increase nutrient absorption - and protein. Extra protein is always helpful to build better muscle and provide more energy. It's the natural performance enhancer that's good for pets!
Non-Toxic It is surprising to see how many medications and supplements come with cautionary statements about over dosing, or care needed to take during contact. Not prebiotics, they are absolutely nontoxic and will not harm your pet.
Weaning Support Young animals often get into trouble when they begin to eat solid food. Some refuse food, others have digesive upset. All of these factors can seriously threaten young pet health. Prebiotics aid in two ways - they ease digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and make it easier to young animals to absorb nutrients correctly.
Travel-Ease Pets and travel don't always mix. Many animals experience "travel stress" and begin to have digestive symptoms such as diarrhea. Also pets are exposed to more germs and communicable diseases when on the move. By having their digestive system fortified and immune system working well, animals are more protected and travel with a lot fewer digestive symptoms.
Easy Cleanup Having good digestive functions often leads to firmer stools and fewer stools! Instead of having food and nutrients pass through the animal's system, it is absorbed and less comes out as waste. Simple, huh? And oh so nice if you have kennels, large dogs or animals that are confined to small spaces.
Breath and Body Odor - Really bad breath often signals a digestive problem. Body odor too, and prebiotics can stabilize the system and correct overly odorous pets.
Gas - Yikes! Everyone has been assaulted by flatulent pets. Prebiotics can greatly lessen the "green fog".
Senior Support Aging digestive systems can break down and hasten age related illnesses. Prebiotic digestive support keeps the digestive system working for longer, stronger pet lives.
Coprophagia Yucky but a problem. Some animals eat their own feces. Having less protein and nutrients in the waste discourages this behavior. Top of Page

And we could go on...... but the important point to remember is that every pet needs digestive support. Modern animal food rarely duplicates a natural diet, and animals live in a less natural setting creating more stress that leads to digestive issues. Prebiotics are a very simply way to keep animals protected.