Prebiotics are a special class of functional food ingredients that resist digestion in the stomach and are selectively fermented in the colon (large intestine). They are typically soluble fibers, however, other types of ingredients have been recently classified as prebiotic fibers; such as resistant starches and non-digestible sugars called oligosaccharides While most prebiotics are dietary fibers, many dietary fibers are not prebiotics. Not all dietary fibers are considered prebiotics, as some aren’t fermented by the gut at all, as is typical of non-soluble fiber, or aren’t selectively fermented, meaning they feed gut bacteria.

FAQs Archive

Q: How does P.B.F. Prebiotic Balanced Fiber work?

Our P.B.F. blend delivers prebiotic fibers to nourish the billions of bacteria. Our prebiotic ingredients are resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine but are totally or partially fermentable in the large bowel. Prebiotics provide nourishment for the bacteria and the gut. The P.B.F. prebiotics often results in a lower pH in the large bowel. The lower pH is the result of more short-chain fatty acid production. The major SCFA's are acetate, propionate, and butyrate, and each has an important role in the gut and in host animal metabolism.

Q: What is a healthy immune system?

A healthy immune system means that the immune system is able to respond appropriately when faced with different challenges. Every day your pet's immune system is challenged by viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins and other pathogens. In addition stress and poor nutrition can also affect immune health.

Q: What role does the immune system play in health?

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The immune system not only affects health, but energy levels, ability to deal wth stress and more.

Q: What is the microbiome?

The body contains trillions of microbes to form the microbiome, or gut flora. The microbiome is a key part of digestion, impacts immune strength and recent human health studies suggest plays a role in many more aspects including weight and mood. Prebiotics help support bacteria in the gut mircobiome which may lead to improved health.

Q: What is the goal of good gut health?

Gut Health is about achieving balance in the digestive system. Everything we eat or drink affects our gut bacteria diversity, and ultimately our overall health. Diets low in fiber may not create a thriving gut environment. Prebiotic fibers help to keep it flourishing, keeping the gut health on track. Consuming a wide variety of prebiotic fibers encourages gut bacteria diversity.

Q: What is miscanthus grass and why do you use it in your formulas?

Miscanthus grass is a non-GMO, perennial warm-season plant grown and harvested in the USA. It is one component of our exclusive P.B.F Prebiotic Balanced Fiber blend because it is an excellent source of fiber not commonly used in pet foods. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract, and we utilize miscanthus grass to compliment our variety of fibers to achieve prebiotics in the gut. Grass also contains some nutrients for pets. You may have observed your dog or cat eating grass when they are outdoors or when it is available, in part because they simply enjoy it. Some will instinctually eat grass as a natural remedy to help soothe their stomach or aid in digestion.

Q: Does your Duck or Chicken Meal contain antibiotics or growth-hormones?

No. Since we buy our duck and chicken meal only from a specific supplier, we can trace every ingredient lot back to the farm to be certain that are free of antibiotics and artificial growth hormones.

Q: Does your salmon or salmon meal contain Ethoxyquin?

We do not add any ethoxyquin to any of our ingredients and do not purchase any ingredients that have it added. We carefully source our salmon and salmon meal from the cold waters of Alaska and preserve it naturally with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.