Like humans, cats and dogs need a balanced gut microbiome. So what is the microbiome? This ecosystem, located in the pet’s digestive tract, contains billions of microbes and other microorganisms — including both desirable and undesirable bacteria unique to each pet. By using nutrition to balance the pet’s gut microbiome, you can influence the transition between acute or chronic disease and health.

Helping pet's health flourish through THE POWER OF THE GUT MICROBIOME

So what is the microbiome, in the simplest of terms? Think of the pet’s microbiome as a mini-ecosystem that plays a significant role in balancing not only a pets’ digestive health, but their overall well-being. Just like a lawn or a garden, if you want it to flourish, you must ensure you pick plants that thrive within that unique environment.

"With new insights into gut microbiome health and nutrition, we know that incorporating a dynamic blend of fibre rich ingredients, including prebiotics for dogs and cats, can both support and nourish this pre-existing gut “ecosystem” — the microbiome.

With more than a decade of research into microbiome health, Hill’s is among the pet food industry’s foremost leaders in the field of microbiome nutrition.

Looking beyond the traditional

Traditionally, pets with fibre-responsive digestive issues like chronic diarrhea or constipation have been treated in a few common ways —    fibre-based therapeutic foods, probiotics for cats and dogs, and homemade chicken & rice. Each comes with its own pros and cons:

Fiber-Based Therapeutic Foods

Fibre-Based Therapeutic Foods

POSITIVES:
Affects water balance within the pet's colon to address signs of digestive illness (dog diarrhea, cat constipation)

CHALLENGES:

  • May take longer to work
  • May not provide all digestive health benefits
Probiotics for Dogs and Cats

Probiotics for Dogs and Cats

POSITIVES:
Can help with acute dog diarrhea

CHALLENGES:

  • May fail to address the root cause
  • Non-host specific (doesn't work with pet's pre-existing gut microbiome)
Homemade Chicken & Rice

Homemade Chicken & Rice

POSITIVES:
Gentle on stomachs

CHALLENGES:

  • Nutrient balance 
  • Preparation issues

A new approach to GI care THE MICROBIOME

Research has long shown that a dog's or cat’s gut microbiome can have significant effects on their digestive health. But groundbreaking new science highlights the critical role a dog or cat’s gut microbiome can play in not only their response to digestive issues, but also in determining their overall well-being. Nourishing and supporting the gut microbiome, therefore, opens the door to new opportunities for digestive and cumulative health.

After more than a decade of analyzing the microbiome, Hill’s Pet Nutrition — a global leader in biology-based pet nutrition — has become a pioneer in the study of pet microbiome health. Hill’s uses advanced technology to understand the GI microbiome, including new methods such as next-generation sequencing technologies. Using these insights, Hill’s has found that a pet’s gastrointestinal health can be positively impacted by nutrition — without adding in new, non-host specific bacteria.

With this technology, Hill’s is putting microbiome health at the forefront of GI care and working to naturally promote regular healthy stools while restoring the balance of pet’s own unique gut microbiomes.

Please consult your veterinarian for further information and guidance on what is best for your dog’s or cat’s gut microbiome health.